By Jon Umphress
Kristy Gillfillan, new staff member of the Hardin County Board of Develomental Disabilities, shared some of the board's projects with Ada Kiwanis members on Nov. 29.

Her talk focused on including social inclusion for the agency’s clients.

What do we mean by social inclusion?

The term, while appearing frequently over the last few years, has yet to be well defined. Although attempts have been made to define social inclusion in ways that can be measured, most efforts have fallen short primarily because of the highly personal, individualized nature of it.

She noted that the effort is being made to make those with disabilities can, as much as possible, live their lives the same as others, without disability do.

She then spoke about Bridges of Transition.

Bridges to Transition is a Vocational Rehabilitation Public Private Partnership grant program, funded by County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and coordinated by the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Agency.

This partnership began in 2009, and is now the largest in the state.

The goal of Bridges is to expand career exploration and employment options for transition youth (ages 14-22) with developmental disabilities. The Ohio Association of County Boards is providing statewide project management and support for this VRP3.  

Bridges seeks to enhance career exploration options and increase employment outcomes by developing a collaborative network of services that will assist students in achieving their employment goals.

Gillfillan concluded her remarks by noting her desire to explore the possibility of forming a Kiwanis-sponsored Key Club in Hardin County, which would be available to those with disabilities.

Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Club assists Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world.

High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.

Key Club International brings together all Key Club's members' efforts and energies into an area that makes an international impact through the Major Emphasis, "Children: Their Future, Our Focus.” The Major Emphasis unites Key Clubs under the banner of service that deals with the most important part of our community, our youth.

The club agreed to assist Gillfillan in exploring the possibility of forming the new club.