We Are Morrow DD

Morrow County acknowledged and accepted the responsibility of providing the services and programs needed by its citizens with disabilities many years ago. In 1958, seven dedicated parents and interested individuals established the Council for Retarded Citizens of Morrow County, a non-profit organization. Local industries, churches and other interested groups conducted a public education program for individuals with disabilities. The program outgrew its first location in a church annex. With the passage of an operating levy in 1964 and Senate Bill 169 in 1967, the transformation to the Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities began. The need for services beyond school-age educational programs led to the creation of an adult activity center in 1971, providing continuing education focused on vocational training.

The Board of DD has experienced many changes over the past 60 years. Expansion to serve the growing demands of an advancing population led to separate buildings for children, adults and seniors. In 1999, the Board of DD took advantage of a state grant to renovate and expand its current children’s building. Just a few years later, school-age services transitioned to pre-school and early intervention programs for infants and toddlers began as families chose the inclusion opportunities public education provided. This transition led to the Board losing support, connection and awareness within the community. As a result, the Board of DD made significant budget and staffing cuts to its programming, closing two buildings and suspending early intervention, community support and job coaching services.

Today, the staff and board members remain untiringly committed to maintaining the support for the core services that individuals with disabilities desperately seek.  We are dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and promise to do all that is possible to provide them with opportunities to lead fulfilling, productive, engaging and happy lives! Morrow County is a very caring community and while it is important to understand and learn from the past, we look forward to an even brighter future. The growing relationships between individuals served by the Board and our surrounding community has provided momentum for us to proudly say, “We Are Morrow DD!”