Gallia County Board of Developmental Disabilities

08/05/2026

While summer is still in full swing, our incredible teachers and classroom aides are already hard at work.

From organizing classrooms and creating engaging learning spaces to preparing materials and making sure every detail is ready, many of our team members are dedicating their own time to ensure students are welcomed into an environment where they can feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Their commitment goes far beyond the school day and reflects the care, compassion, and dedication they bring to our students and families all year long.

We are so grateful for this amazing team and can’t wait to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, laughter, and meaningful milestones. The excitement for the new school year is definitely building! 💙🍎✏️

08/03/2026

GCBDD hosted SOAG Southern Ohio Advocacy Group for their July meeting! We were excited to share our building and provide a local opportunity for our self-advocates.

08/02/2026

Come check out our mobile changing station at the Gallia County Junior Fair! We will have it open and staffed daily from 6-9:00 PM.
Station is large enough to accommodate adults, clean, private and equipped with a height adjustable electric table. We are located right outside of the activity building.
Looking forward to seeing you at the fair!
Huge thanks to Donald Pearce for getting it to the grounds and set up. We appreciate your continued support!

07/31/2026

A day in the ring!
8/5/26 at 11:00 AM

Open to youth and adults with special needs. Day in the Ring offers a supportive, inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, demonstrate their abilities, and enjoy the show experience with accommodations tailored to their needs.

Register here:
https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etcLIaGiMzxrylM?fbclid=IwcGRvZgNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80Mzc2MjYzMTY5NzM3ODgAAR7LojgD4vhsnm9WFvH72vTiXWI8RN2pEP2dZ16ttRkvTAo1CV-5z-2ZPyahvw_aem_dL1pCfBSTkkti2XTVJhJxw

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07/31/2026

🌟Celebrating Serenity 🌟

When Serenity began Early Intervention, she faced significant medical and developmental challenges. Because of a cleft palate and complex feeding needs, she relied primarily on tube feedings and experienced delays in communication and mobility.

With the support of her family, therapists, and medical team, Serenity has made incredible progress. Following cleft palate repair and ongoing therapy, she transitioned from tube feeding to eating a variety of foods by mouth, giving her greater independence in everyday life.

She also reached the exciting milestone of independent walking, opening the door to new opportunities for play, exploration, and learning. Her communication has blossomed as well growing from limited vocalizations to using words and short phrases to express her wants, needs, and ideas.

Because of her early challenges, Serenity's team initially expected she would need a highly specialized educational setting. Instead, through her determination, consistent therapy, and unwavering family support, she exceeded expectations. This fall, she will transition to her local public preschool with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), where she will continue building on her amazing accomplishments.

Serenity's journey is a powerful reminder of what early intervention, teamwork, and perseverance can achieve. We are so proud of all she has accomplished and can't wait to see all she does next! 💙

07/29/2026

07/27/2026

Heading to the fair??? You can download these premade communication boards to help make communication easier during the chaotic fun!
This and others can be downloaded from DODD at: https://dodd.ohio.gov/communication/communication-boards

07/24/2026

💙 Happy Parent Appreciation Day! 💙

Today, we celebrate the incredible parents and caregivers who pour their hearts into raising children every single day.

To the parents of children with developmental disabilities and other special needs, we recognize that your journey is often filled with unique challenges and extraordinary victories. You are advocates, teachers, therapists, cheerleaders, and unwavering sources of love and support—all wrapped into one.

You celebrate milestones that others may overlook, find joy in every step forward, and face obstacles with courage and determination. You navigate appointments, meetings, therapies, and countless decisions while never losing sight of your child's incredible potential. Your resilience, patience, and unconditional love help your children grow, thrive, and discover what is possible.

At the Gallia County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we are honored to partner with families throughout every stage of life's journey. Thank you for trusting us, working alongside us, and allowing us to be part of your child's story.

Today, and every day, we celebrate **you**—the parents and caregivers whose love, dedication, and advocacy make all the difference.

Happy Parent Appreciation Day! ❤️

07/23/2026

End of summer splash pad party sponsored by the Guiding Hand Family Committee!!
All Guiding Hand and Gallia County Early Intervention families are welcome to attend.
BYOSnacks and drinks

07/22/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Amanda Lovejoy on her new role as a full-time Classroom Educational Aide at Guiding Hand School! 💙🤍

Amanda's journey with GCBDD began in 2022 as a Substitute Educational Aide before transitioning into a Student Educational Aide later that fall. Over the past several years, she has become an invaluable member of our Guiding Hand family, serving in the very classroom where she will now continue as the classroom educational aide.

Throughout her time with GCBDD, Amanda has consistently gone above and beyond not only supporting the student she was assigned to but also stepping in to help any child who needed encouragement or assistance. Her willingness to serve, participation on various committees, and genuine care for our students have made a lasting impact on our school community.

"I'm excited to start a new position in this classroom and grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our amazing students," Amanda shared.

We are thrilled to have Amanda continue her journey with us in this new role and know she will continue making a positive difference in the lives of our students every day. Congratulations, Amanda! 🌟