Pioneer Center / Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities

10/15/2026

We're continuing our National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrations by shining the spotlight on Jaki Cousins!

Jaki has been a valued member of the team at Paper City Coffee since 2023, where he works as a dishwasher. Known for his fun personality, positive attitude, and strong work ethic, Jaki takes pride in his job and gives his best effort every day.

Jaki is a great example of the talent, dedication, and unique perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. We're proud to celebrate his employment success and the contributions he makes to his team!

10/15/2026

Thank you, Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, for sharing this awesome event!

For anyone interested, the Columbus Crew is hosting a Developmental Disability Awareness Day on Saturday, October 31.

Join us for Developmental Disability Awareness Day with the Columbus Crew!

On Saturday, October 31, the Crew will host a match celebrating inclusion and creating a welcoming experience for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. The match kicks off at 2 p.m. at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

The day will include accessibility-focused features, including sensory-friendly spaces, sensory rooms, and universal changing tables.

We’re excited to see our community come together, enjoy the match and celebrate the importance of accessibility and inclusion!

Learn more about accessibility at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field: https://scottsmiraclegrofield.com/accessibility/
https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-open-third-sensory-room-at-lower-com-field

Purchase tickets: https://pa.exchange/marketplace/9c18d99e-6593-11f1-89d0-337e75aa6a71/storefront/9c18daca-6593-11f1-83f1-b1a337d8e4f5/event/29ed03a0-c6e6-11f0-a8a0-69f3b043b9f0/tickets

10/15/2026

We had a great time participating in the Trunk or Treat sponsored by Chillicothe Pediatrics 🎃

10/14/2026

This evening at 6 P.M., We Thrive Together Ohio will be hosting its new game Song Association. Check it out and join in on the fun! https://wethrivetogether.org/bulldogs/

10/14/2026

Molly Toth had her sights set on independence long before she graduated from Pioneer School and School Services !

While she was still a student, Molly shared some big goals with her SSA: graduate, find a job, earn her driver's license, and move into her own apartment. Through hard work, determination, and perseverance, Molly has accomplished every single one of those goals!

Today, Molly is a valued employee at National Church Residences, where she works in dietary services. She takes great pride in her work and continues to demonstrate the drive and confidence that have helped her achieve so much.

Molly's independence is something she has worked hard to build for herself, and her story is a wonderful example of what National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is all about. Meaningful employment is more than a paycheck; it's an opportunity to build independence, pursue personal goals, and create the life you envision for yourself.

We're proud to celebrate Molly and all she has accomplished, not just during , but all year long!

10/13/2026

Reminder: This month's Chillicothe Autism Parent to Parent Support Group is meeting virtually on Thursday. For the link to join, please email Kristen Smith at [email protected].

10/13/2026

A big thank you to First Capital Enterprises, INC and KNECT for hosting today's Fall Fest.

Local providers brought their A-game (and some fantastic costumes!) to today's kickball game, but our SSAs came out victorious!

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and enjoy a day of friendly competition, laughter, and fun with our local developmental disabilities community.

10/13/2026

When we talk about National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we can't leave Shawn Matson out of the conversation!

For the past six years, Shawn has been a valued member of the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities team. As a custodian at our administrative offices, Shawn takes pride in his work, brings fresh ideas to the table, and makes it his business to connect with everyone he meets. His hard work, sense of humor, and unique perspectives make him an important part of our team!

For Shawn, employment is about more than just a paycheck. His job provides him with independence, a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to serve his community. It also gives him the flexibility to attend Capital City Crusaders meetings, where he uses his voice to advocate for himself and others.

As Shawn looks forward to retirement in the next few years, we're grateful for everything he brings to Team Pioneer!

Shawn's story is a great reminder of what is all about: meaningful employment, independence, and opportunities for everyone to contribute their talents to their community.

10/12/2026

A huge thank-you to everyone who supported Team Pioneer- Kaitlyn and Amy- at Dance for Kids’ Sake, benefiting BBBS of South Central Ohio !

Kaitlyn and Amy danced their hearts out and took home both the Children’s Choice AND Audience Choice awards! What an incredible night for a great cause! The energy, support, and community spirit made this event such a special experience, and we’re so proud of Kaitlyn and Amy for representing Team Pioneer so well!

In the words of Superintendent Amy Beeler, “Every dancer showed up for the kids and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

What a memorable night celebrating an amazing cause!

10/12/2026

A huge thank-you to everyone who supported Team Pioneer- Kaitlyn and Amy- at Dance for Kids’ Sake, benefitingBig Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio!

Kaitlyn and Amy danced their hearts out and took home both the Children’s Choice AND Audience Choice awards! What an incredible night for a great cause! The energy, support, and community spirit made this event such a special experience, and we’re so proud of Kaitlyn and Amy for representing Team Pioneer so well!

In the words of Superintendent Amy Beeler, “Every dancer showed up for the kids and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

What a memorable night celebrating an amazing cause!