Clermont County proclaims March 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

BATAVIA, Ohio — The Clermont County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on Feb. 12 and recognized the county Board of Developmental Disabilities’ local activities and outreach.

Commissioner David L. Painter read a proclamation noting the county’s role in promoting programs that support independence and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. The proclamation—signed by Painter, Vice President Bonnie Bachelor and Commissioner Claire Corcoran—encouraged public support for education, housing, employment and recreation for people with disabilities.

Austin Porter, a member of the county’s Board of Developmental Disabilities Action Club and a Special Olympics power lifter, accepted the proclamation. “I have cerebral palsy…I was the former president [of the Action Club],” Porter said. “I am now doing power lifting for the Special Olympics, and that's been fun.”

Lisa Davis, the county’s community relations director, told commissioners the county focuses on early intervention and outreach. Davis encouraged residents who have concerns about developmental delays in young children to contact county services for assessment and help, and she provided a contact line: (513) 732-7000. Davis also described community events planned for March, including a food drive and after-school snack packs organized by the Action Club in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of the East Fork.

Why it matters: The proclamation highlights the county’s coordination with partner agencies and aims to raise public awareness about services and early-intervention resources for families and individuals with developmental disabilities.

What’s next: County staff and partner groups plan additional community events and outreach during March; the proclamation will remain on file with the county.