BVC announces Developmental Disabilities Month events

FINDLAY — March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the Blanchard Valley Center and Hancock Board of Developmental Disabilities has several events planned to help raise awareness through the month. Hancock County activities in March include: • More than 1,000 area students in grades kindergarten through three will hear the book "Everyone Belongs" read to them by individuals with disabilities. The annual program has been popular with students, teachers and volunteer readers. • Blanchard Valley Center will be giving out free popcorn at 10 locations in the county. • Findlay City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this week. Molly Dible, who receives supports from Blanchard Valley Center, accepted the proclamation. • Hancock County commissioners will issue a proclamation at 9:30 a.m. today. Interns participating in Project LIFE will be on hand. • Representatives from Blanchard Valley Center will attend the Kiwanis Pancake Day on Saturday, March 7, at Findlay High School. • A Blanchard Valley Center display board will be featured for two weeks at the Findlay-Hancock County Library, through March 15. • The annual Celebrity Basketball Game featuring Hancock County Special Olympics athletes and local celebrities will take place at Findlay High School on March 31. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the game beginning at 7 p.m. • That same evening, Culver's will host a Share Night from 4-7 p.m. from which a portion of sales will be donated to Hancock County Special Olympics. "In all candor, when you see the incredible accomplishments and strides made by people with disabilities in Hancock County, one month simply isn't enough time to recognize them all," said Blanchard Valley Center Superintendent Kelli Grisham. "That's why we celebrate their achievements every day. "With that said, it's also a month when we recognize the amazing Blanchard Valley Center staff. Their top priority is the people we support."