Stepping Stones Annual Meeting
Date posted: May 12, 2014
Stepping Stones’ Annual Meeting celebrated the agency’s achievements in 2013 at the UCP Campus in late April.
Jeremy Vaughan of Indian Hill was named president. His family has seen the challenges that disability brings and the value of programming that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. “My wife’s aunt had Down syndrome at a time when there was not the understanding or support that we see today,” he told the crowd.
Vaughan also shared his experience as a parent. One of his twin sons was born extremely premature and weighed only 1lb 8 oz. His initial progress was great, but he passed away after nine days. “We will never know, of course, but had he survived, I often wonder about the physical or mental challenges he may have faced. So I know how important Stepping Stones’ mission is.”
A panel of disabilities leaders discussed some 21st century challenges in the field, including the growing state and national focus on employment goals for adults with disabilities and the need for increased autism supports. The panel included Dr. Craig Erickson, director of research at the Kelly O’Leary Center for autism spectrum disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Kristen Helling, employment goals project manager for Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Judy Bertsch, transition coordinator for Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services.
Dr. Craig Erickson said early diagnoses and transition support for teens with autism are key needs. “Early interventions before age 3 are showing improved outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD),” Erickson said. “But only one in five children with ASD is diagnosed before age 3.”
The meeting also showcased Stepping Stones’ staff and volunteers. Nursing Coordinator Linda Apel received the Catherine Clark Borchers Award, recognizing commitment to Stepping Stones mission. The Annual Volunteer Award went to a trio of energetic volunteers of an ongoing work team at Stepping Stones’ Allyn Campus, including Fred Neilheiser, past maintenance supervisor of 20 years at Stepping Stones, former facilities director of Forest Hills Schools Craig Thomas and Al Meisman, former operations engineer of Encor Co.
