There is no hiding that in the past, people with disabilities and/or developmental disabilities were treated differently. There has been a stigma that if you’re different from what society expects, then you’re not good enough to participate. I have been on both sides of the equation. At the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, a family or/person will feel a sigh of relief at being understood and heard. I had the pleasure of interviewing Claire Griffith, who is a Recreation Program Specialist at the Board.
I asked her to explain her job description. She answered “to run recreation-based programs for individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages, but primarily youth under 14. I am a Special Olympics coach, coaching swimming,
bowling, and Young Athletes. Lastly, I work on outreach with community organizations, particularly schools, to get more youth involved in our recreation programs and Special Olympics.”
A little background on Griffith is that she originally was going to medical school, but had an experience that pushed her to work with people with developmental disabilities. She wants to help them make the people’s dreams happen to the best of their ability because they deserve a great life, too.
Griffith primarily works with children aged 5 to 14, but does run a program that is for 0-5-year-olds called Playgroup Pals. I asked her to elaborate on what the Playgroup Pals program is entitled, and she further explained that it’s just a bunch of toys fit for a whole bunch of developmental stages to let kids ages 0-5 of all abilities within the Wood County-area. This is a place to play and meet friends in a controlled and safe environment, and parents can meet each other who may have a similar experience.
I have witnessed many parents connecting while their children played at Playgroup Pals. The children are allowed to run free and explore their world without having someone judge them. For the programs that are for ages 14+, they often go out into the community and explore.
The recreation specialists have taken groups to musicals, WWE wrestling, zip lining, yoga, crafts, and greenhouse activities. They do a little bit of everything. No two days look the same, but each has an experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone. The programs provide a safe space for the individuals and the families that bring them.
The time that the individual is at the activity gives the caregiver a quick breather to recharge. Griffith states, “Individuals with disabilities deserve dignity and opportunity, and a community only gets stronger when those things are provided to all people.”
She couldn’t be more correct on the matter. Everyone on this Earth deserves equality.
I had to give this question a place to shine. When asked how this does better the community, Griffith responds, “How a community treats ‘the least of us’ shows who we are. I think in this capacity, Wood County can hold its head up high and be proud of how we treat all the members of our community.”
This comment shows just how much she cares for the individuals that she serves. I have met many people at the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and they all share his inclusive attitude that makes the Board run so smoothly. If you’re in the Wood County-area, this place can be a great resource to use for someone who needs it.