• #ThrowbackThursday from when Behavior Supports could meet together in person for the Human Rights Committee. Twice a month we would gather with the committee to review restrictive measures with the team and discuss how to best support people moving forward. Currently the committee still meets twice a month but instead of being in the same room we meet from our homes, offices, and kitchen tables to connect through our computers; still providing great discussion and coordination of services to those we serve. Even during the chaos of COVID-19, Behavior Supports and the Human Rights Committee adjusted quickly and will continue to adapt to meet the needs of those we serve. #HumanRights #HCDDS #takeover #HCDDSBehaviorSupports #WorkingFromHome #PeopleFirst #DisabilityRights
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    #ThrowbackThursday from when Behavior Supports could meet together in person for the Human Rights Committee. Twice a month we would gather with the committee to review restrictive measures with the team and discuss how to best support people moving forward. Currently the committee still meets twice a month but instead of being in the same room we meet from our homes, offices, and kitchen tables to connect through our computers; still providing great discussion and coordination of services to those we serve. Even during the chaos of COVID-19, Behavior Supports and the Human Rights Committee adjusted quickly and will continue to adapt to meet the needs of those we serve. #HumanRights #HCDDS #takeover #HCDDSBehaviorSupports #WorkingFromHome #PeopleFirst #DisabilityRights
  • 🔊 sound on! 🔊 Did you know there are many resources available on the @doddohio website, including podcasts? While we all practice social distancing, take time to learn new things, and don’t forget self care! #hcdds #takeover #learning #selfcare #resources #iloveicedcoffee
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    🔊 sound on! 🔊 Did you know there are many resources available on the @doddohio website, including podcasts? While we all practice social distancing, take time to learn new things, and don’t forget self care! #hcdds #takeover #learning #selfcare #resources #iloveicedcoffee
  • One of the social stories we recently read was about masks, and how they’re important to keeping us all safe. Check it out on the @hamiltondds IGTV page! #socialstories #staysafe #wearamask #hcdds #takeover
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    One of the social stories we recently read was about masks, and how they’re important to keeping us all safe. Check it out on the @hamiltondds IGTV page! #socialstories #staysafe #wearamask #hcdds #takeover
  • Like many HCDDS employees, we’re adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a short video on how the behavior support team is still supporting the people we serve, providers and families during these times. #hcdds #takeover #behaviorsupport #developmentaldisabilities #ohio #supportingpeople #inthistogether
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    Like many HCDDS employees, we’re adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a short video on how the behavior support team is still supporting the people we serve, providers and families during these times. #hcdds #takeover #behaviorsupport #developmentaldisabilities #ohio #supportingpeople #inthistogether
  • Good morning, I’m Joshua Needler, Behavior Support Specialist. I've been with HCDDS for 5.5 years. I was a service & support administrator (SSA) for 4.5 years and have been in my current position for almost a year. Previously I worked for a provider working with ADA and mental health services and served as a middle school teacher right out of college. I earned my undergrad in Special Education Mild/Moderate from Cleveland State University and recently completed my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling. I feel my schooling and experiences help me to be more empathetic to understanding the actions of those I work with and am able to educate the team as a whole to be more empowered to improve the services we provide. I have lived in Cincinnati for over 9 years and currently have two dogs who keep me company while I work from home. Binx (5 year old pug) Oliver (2 year old corgi) I get to take over Instagram for the next couple days and look forward to sharing what I do, my space and who I am with all of you. #hcdds #developmentaldisabilities #cincinnati #ohio #takeover #advocate #inclusion #developmentaldisabilities #takeover #workingfromhome #dogdad #pug #corgi #sendcoffee
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    Good morning, I’m Joshua Needler, Behavior Support Specialist. I've been with HCDDS for 5.5 years. I was a service & support administrator (SSA) for 4.5 years and have been in my current position for almost a year. Previously I worked for a provider working with ADA and mental health services and served as a middle school teacher right out of college. I earned my undergrad in Special Education Mild/Moderate from Cleveland State University and recently completed my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling. I feel my schooling and experiences help me to be more empathetic to understanding the actions of those I work with and am able to educate the team as a whole to be more empowered to improve the services we provide. I have lived in Cincinnati for over 9 years and currently have two dogs who keep me company while I work from home. Binx (5 year old pug) Oliver (2 year old corgi) I get to take over Instagram for the next couple days and look forward to sharing what I do, my space and who I am with all of you. #hcdds #developmentaldisabilities #cincinnati #ohio #takeover #advocate #inclusion #developmentaldisabilities #takeover #workingfromhome #dogdad #pug #corgi #sendcoffee
  • Congratulations to Max Pierson, who celebrated his one-year anniversary working at Christian Village in Mt. Healthy last week! Max loves to help people, and beforeCOVID-19, Max worked about nine hours a week. Now, he’s increased his schedule to 35-50 hours per week. “My team works very hard doing extra cleaning,” he said. ⠀ ⠀ He always wears a mask and gloves when delivering meals. “I feel that when I deliver meals to the people at the Christian Village, I am helping them get the food that they need,” Max said. ⠀ ⠀ Max also has an internship with Project Life, a program to help build life and employment skills, and he’s saving up to buy a used car. “My goal is to be able to live independently and get my driver’s license.”⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #employmentworks #inclusion #helpingothers #partnership #seniors #goals #congrats #oneyearanniversary
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    Congratulations to Max Pierson, who celebrated his one-year anniversary working at Christian Village in Mt. Healthy last week! Max loves to help people, and beforeCOVID-19, Max worked about nine hours a week. Now, he’s increased his schedule to 35-50 hours per week. “My team works very hard doing extra cleaning,” he said. ⠀ ⠀ He always wears a mask and gloves when delivering meals. “I feel that when I deliver meals to the people at the Christian Village, I am helping them get the food that they need,” Max said. ⠀ ⠀ Max also has an internship with Project Life, a program to help build life and employment skills, and he’s saving up to buy a used car. “My goal is to be able to live independently and get my driver’s license.”⠀ ⠀ #hcdds #employmentworks #inclusion #helpingothers #partnership #seniors #goals #congrats #oneyearanniversary
  • I really enjoyed my takeover and wanted to end my time with information about COVID-19.  COVID-19 cases in Southwest Ohio, including Hamilton County, are growing at an alarming rate.  Please remember the importance of the following at all times: ·Avoid close contact with people who are sick. ·Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. ·Stay home when you are sick. ·Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. ·Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. ·Maintain appropriate social distancing at all times. ·Wear a face covering while in open and/or public areas. For those who know me, I have not worn an African skirt since March, I switched to African fabric masks 😷 Please be safe everyone and I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! #thankyou #hcdds #takeover #funtakeover #africanmasks #Cincinnati #happyweekend #covid19 #besafe #peace
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    I really enjoyed my takeover and wanted to end my time with information about COVID-19.  COVID-19 cases in Southwest Ohio, including Hamilton County, are growing at an alarming rate.  Please remember the importance of the following at all times: ·Avoid close contact with people who are sick. ·Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. ·Stay home when you are sick. ·Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. ·Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. ·Maintain appropriate social distancing at all times. ·Wear a face covering while in open and/or public areas. For those who know me, I have not worn an African skirt since March, I switched to African fabric masks 😷 Please be safe everyone and I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! #thankyou #hcdds #takeover #funtakeover #africanmasks #Cincinnati #happyweekend #covid19 #besafe #peace
  • Hello Friday, and Happy Juneteenth! Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the end of the Civil War was announced, however, the Emancipation Proclamation came 2.5 years earlier on January 1, 1863. Many enslavers continued to hold enslaved peoples captive even after the announcement. Juneteenth has become a symbolic date representing African American freedom. I have celebrated Juneteenth for years and enjoy learning about my history, embracing my culture as an African American woman, entertainment, and of course, eating good food. It is encouraging that more will be celebrating Juneteenth this year and hope this celebration continues. All people should check out Cincinnati’s 33rd Juneteenth Festival Virtual Experience from June 19-21, 2020. For more information, check out @cincinnati_juneteenth_festival As an SSA, I will follow Superintendent Alice Pavey’s recommendation, “As strong advocates for equality, we actively encourage people to call for change, participate in their communities, and exercise their right to vote. We support each other and help people make their voices heard at all levels. We will continue to ensure that our advocacy for people with disabilities includes calls to end systemic injustice and build racial equality.” Today, do some research on Juneteenth and continue to fight to end systemic injustice and build racial equality to assist ALL people. #hcdds #takeover #Cincinnati #Juneteenth #celebrate #educate #africanamericans #juneteenthcincinnati #advocates #vote #callforchange #racialequality
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    Hello Friday, and Happy Juneteenth! Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the end of the Civil War was announced, however, the Emancipation Proclamation came 2.5 years earlier on January 1, 1863. Many enslavers continued to hold enslaved peoples captive even after the announcement. Juneteenth has become a symbolic date representing African American freedom. I have celebrated Juneteenth for years and enjoy learning about my history, embracing my culture as an African American woman, entertainment, and of course, eating good food. It is encouraging that more will be celebrating Juneteenth this year and hope this celebration continues. All people should check out Cincinnati’s 33rd Juneteenth Festival Virtual Experience from June 19-21, 2020. For more information, check out @cincinnati_juneteenth_festival As an SSA, I will follow Superintendent Alice Pavey’s recommendation, “As strong advocates for equality, we actively encourage people to call for change, participate in their communities, and exercise their right to vote. We support each other and help people make their voices heard at all levels. We will continue to ensure that our advocacy for people with disabilities includes calls to end systemic injustice and build racial equality.” Today, do some research on Juneteenth and continue to fight to end systemic injustice and build racial equality to assist ALL people. #hcdds #takeover #Cincinnati #Juneteenth #celebrate #educate #africanamericans #juneteenthcincinnati #advocates #vote #callforchange #racialequality
  • Happy #ThrowbackThursday! These pictures represent my foundation, passion, and reason I work with individuals with disabilities. My village includes my late Uncle Tony Gilbert (Hydrocephalus), Auntie Toni (Autism and nonverbal), and myself (Bilateral Microtia and Atresia with a Hearing Loss). Three different individuals, with three different needs, but have three big hearts. Uncle Tony was the observer who knew everything from events in his neighborhood to politics. Uncle Tony taught me the importance of treating everyone the same and have conversations with those who are different from you. Auntie Toni introduced me to the world of Autism and nonverbal communication. I witnessed her frustration of not being understood when she wanted or needed something. I also observed her compulsive behaviors that made strangers uncomfortable. However, she was the happiest when she watched her favorite TV shows in her favorite chair. She loves to dance at weddings and other parties with family. Music and entertainment give her joy. My bond with my family through disability has created me to be great, no matter my differences. They have taught me the importance of patience, active listening, and empathy. Working with HCDDS, I can use these skills to empower individuals in their communities, home, and community jobs. #hcdds #takeover #autism #nonverbal #Hydrocephalus #microtia #microtiaatresia #cincinnati #music #community #inclusion #disabilityculture #family #hearingloss
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    Happy #ThrowbackThursday! These pictures represent my foundation, passion, and reason I work with individuals with disabilities. My village includes my late Uncle Tony Gilbert (Hydrocephalus), Auntie Toni (Autism and nonverbal), and myself (Bilateral Microtia and Atresia with a Hearing Loss). Three different individuals, with three different needs, but have three big hearts. Uncle Tony was the observer who knew everything from events in his neighborhood to politics. Uncle Tony taught me the importance of treating everyone the same and have conversations with those who are different from you. Auntie Toni introduced me to the world of Autism and nonverbal communication. I witnessed her frustration of not being understood when she wanted or needed something. I also observed her compulsive behaviors that made strangers uncomfortable. However, she was the happiest when she watched her favorite TV shows in her favorite chair. She loves to dance at weddings and other parties with family. Music and entertainment give her joy. My bond with my family through disability has created me to be great, no matter my differences. They have taught me the importance of patience, active listening, and empathy. Working with HCDDS, I can use these skills to empower individuals in their communities, home, and community jobs. #hcdds #takeover #autism #nonverbal #Hydrocephalus #microtia #microtiaatresia #cincinnati #music #community #inclusion #disabilityculture #family #hearingloss