March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

TIFFIN — With March recognized as Developmental Disabilities Month across the country, the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Seneca County Opportunity Center are celebrating with a variety of events and activities. The center's 2026 theme is "Stronger Together — Your Support Matters," highlighting the role of services, providers and the community in supporting people with developmental disabilities. "As we recognize Disability Awareness Month, we are proud to join individuals, families, advocates, providers and community partners in celebrating the abilities, contributions and diverse experiences of people with developmental disabilities," said SCOC Superintendent Lewis Hurst. Several programs and events are scheduled throughout March. First to be celebrated is Aktion Club Awareness Week, from March 2-6. Members will read books about inclusion to students at Lincoln Pre-Kindergarten and the School of Opportunity. Then comes Awareness and Advocacy Day kickoff on March 4. The event allows a team of self-advocates to attend and discuss policies affecting people with disabilities and their families with state legislators. A virtual link for the event will be shared on the opportunity centers website as it draws closer. Bakery Bingo will be held March 12 in the SCOC gym. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 5:30 p.m. Bingo cards are $5, with baked goods awarded as prizes. Proceeds will support the 2026 Unity Conference organized by the Unity Council self-advocacy group. World Down Syndrome Day will be recognized March 21 with the "Rock Your Socks" campaign, which encourages participants to wear colorful or unique socks to raise awareness. A Celebrity Basketball game is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 26 at Heidelberg University's Seiberling Gymnasium. Teams of community members and Seneca Arrows Special Olympics athletes will participate. The ACT Council will hold its 68th annual Palm Sunday Drive-Thru Dinner and Raffle March 29 at the Opportunity Center. The dinner is pre-order only by March 13. Proceeds will support services for people with disabilities and their families in Seneca County. For information about the Palm Sunday dinner, contact Joan Fredritz at 419-447-7521, ext. 1101. For general information about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month activities, contact the Opportunity Center at 419-447-7521, ext. 1133.