The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Portage DD) mission is to assist and support individuals in developing their abilities through advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment. According to Tim Torch, Communications and HR Manager at the local non-profit agency, Portage DD has helped implement several inclusion projects around the county.
For example, several projects have been implemented at Brady Lake Park in Ravenna. Improvements at the baseball field and in the parking lot, as well as adapted playground equipment help provide accessibility for all. This is fitting, since the park hosts the Portage County Special Olympics for the bocce tournament, softball, and flag football events. Plans are currently underway to create an accessible path around the park as well, like the Garrettsville Rotary Club’s Tom Collins Memorial Trail.
So far this year, Portage DD has helped fund 12 of the 13 projects the taxpayer-funded organization has received. From helping defray transportation costs for a special education class, to helping provide adaptive playground equipment or enhancing walking paths to accommodate wheelchairs, there’s no shortage of needs around the county.
According to Torch, Portage DD grant funding is available to local schools, clubs, and organizations across the county to improve accessibility through projects of all sizes. Torch noted that since these groups typically have limited funds, the “extra push” may help groups and organizations make Portage County more accessible for all.
For example, universal changing tables are a costly item for communities or organizations to implement. But with the help of Portage DD, these valuable adult-sized resources can be installed, ensuring that schools, parks, and even big community events can accommodate the needs of attendees of all abilities. Portage DD grants can even be used to help defray the cost of things like providing accessible portable restrooms at local events and festivals.
For grant application and instructions, visit portagedd.org/grant or contact Portage DD at (330)297-6209.
