Dear Friends,
People
I recently read an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer, dated June 30, 2015, entitled, “Boy with Down Syndrome
Center of Lawsuit.”
The article reported on one mother’s struggle to integrate her seven year old son, Steven, into camp. “He
blossomed when given the freedom to be around other kids his age.” Yet, the camp struggled to provide the
necessary accommodations and did not allow him to participate.
The times have clearly changed since LADD’s opening in 1975. Today people who experience a disability
pursue opportunities to live, work, and have an active lifestyle, just like anyone else. And as LADD has grown
to be one of the best service providers of its kind in our region, the values which LADD was founded on—trust,
commitment and empowerment—have never faltered.
2014 was a banner year for LADD. We raised over $1 million for the Center of Community Engagement, which
is Phase I of our Community by Design Campaign, and we launched education and advocacy programming
through our ReelAbilities Film Festival. The programming reached thousands of people, both children and adults
across our community, and broke down barriers for those we serve. Additionally, our services remain exceptional,
with an international accreditation surveyor stating, “LADD is the best I’ve seen in community inclusion.”
COVER:
Matt Chaffin, 2014
Spirit of Independence
Winner at LADD’s
Taking Flight Awards
LADD is at the forefront of building a more inclusive and accepting community that values all people
and abilities. So, the question that lingers, on the eve of our 40th Anniversary, “Will LADD be
ready for Steven?” With your continued support, the answer will be an emphatic yes.
38
Community
Connections
36
Supported
Employment
Victory
Parkway
Find-A-Way
& Geier
Apartments
Community
Supported
Living
1
Total
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: David Robinson, Emmy Hobson, Vallie Geier, Sis Geier.
people served
25
people served
80
59
people served
people served
178
SOAR
Program/
Housing
Assistance
HLADD
Program
people served
45
people served
461
people served
3
staff
1.5
staff
33
staff
18
staff
56
staff
1.5
staff
39
staff/service providers
152
2