Richland County proclaims March 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Richland County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 27 read a proclamation declaring March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, recognizing Richland New Hope clients and staff and urging community support for inclusion and access.

The proclamation, read aloud at the commissioners' meeting, said more than 1,200 individuals served by Richland New Hope and their families contribute to the community and encouraged “policies must be developed, attitude shaped, and opportunities offered that allow citizens with developmental disabilities to live as independently and productively as possible.”

Troy Smith of Richland New Hope thanked the board for hosting the group and said the proclamation is an annual kickoff to the organization’s awareness work. “Thank you again, commissioners, for welcoming us to kick off March awareness,” Smith said.

Michelle Heath, superintendent at Raintree, which provides residential services, told commissioners she and staff appreciate the county’s support. “We always appreciate you allowing us to come up and your ongoing support and what we do,” Heath said.

Jeff Calatrulio, life enrichment and events coordinator at Raintree, described taking residents into the community and said Raintree has worked to make its facility more accessible since it opened in the early 1980s.

Speakers highlighted upcoming community events tied to the awareness month, including a bowling fundraiser and a planned ribbon cutting this spring for Circle Park (an inclusive playground project referenced by presenters). The commissioners affixed the county seal and all three commissioners signed the proclamation.

The group left the meeting after brief remarks and a thank-you from commissioners; the proclamation was recorded in the meeting minutes.