MOUNT VERNON — The Knox Board of Developmental Disabilities kicked off DD Awareness Month with its annual luncheon on Wednesday.
Held in Foster Hall on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the luncheon recognized seven individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to support and inspire those with disabilities.
“The community is an asset for the Board of DD. That is not the case everywhere,” DD Superintendent Steve Oster said. “Thank you as a community for helping people with disabilities make a difference in our community.”
Individual Spotlight Award: Darian Decamp and Tarynn Ball
The Individual Spotlight Award recognizes a person with a developmental disability who has overcome adversity to achieve or go beyond their goal. The person who receives this award demonstrates a drive to be better, more independent, and make a difference in their life and the lives of others.
Darian Decamp has worked at Knox Community Hospital since 2016. She is committed to excellence and carrying out her job duties. She pushes herself to exceed the standards of her job and is a role model for her peers.
“She is one of our longest-serving employees in the porter position and is a great asset to our team. When we see her name on the schedule, we can relax because we know that she will be here on time and ready to work,” said a supervisor.
“She very rarely misses work and is always in a good mood. Her laugh and big smile really light up our kitchen when she is here. Over the course of the last seven years, she has been a dependable, hard-working ray of light in our department. We don’t know what we would do without her!”
Tarynn Ball graduated high school and went through the summer youth career exploration and youth work experience programs to learn valuable skills. In September 2021 she landed her job at Half Baked Café, where she uses her attention to detail, incredible creativity, passion, and diligence to perform her job duties beautifully.
Her supervisor said, “We are all equal team members. Tarynn more than lifts her load. She runs our dish pit – and when I say she runs it, she runs the dish pit! She’s always on time and has an amazing personality. We lucked out with Tarynn because she’s just as goofy as we are!”
Employer Award: Knox County Engineer’s Office
This award recognizes a community employer who employs an individual with a developmental disability. The employer goes above and beyond expectations to help the employee not only be successful in the workplace but also thrive.
The engineer’s office employed David Chopson for 31 years. The office modified job duties to ensure he could complete the work and spent countless hours over the years helping him with paperwork.
“Everyone at the engineer’s office embraced him, loved him, and gave him a hand when he needed it. His ability to retain his employment for 31 years is a direct reflection of the love and support his coworkers gave him. We appreciate everything they have done.”
Local Hero Award: Tanner Cooper-Risser, Knox County OSU Extension
The Local Hero Award recognizes a community member whose basic nature is to give without expecting anything in return. This person is a visionary who promotes healthy ideas, office support, and guidance to improve the lives of people with different developmental disabilities.
“Tanner is a great advocate for making community programs accessible to all residents of our county and truly values feedback to continue growing their program and making it as inclusive as possible. We appreciate that he is always willing to explore new ways to support people with disabilities throughout their lifespan.”
Dedication Award: Colleen Frazee
The Dedication Award recognizes someone who is extraordinary in giving their time to help others with developmental disabilities. These individuals are selfless leaders who always work toward promoting independence and making positive changes. Recipients showcase a passion for making advances in individuals’ lives.
Frazee is an independent provider who supports a woman in Knox County.
“She is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and continues to go above and beyond. She finds creative ways to support people and help them understand what is happening around them. She celebrates accomplishments, throws birthday parties, and helps with day-to-day living.”
Community Partner Award: Kenyon College Athletics and Centerburg Church of Christ
The community partner award recognizes someone who has worked diligently to create partnerships and alliances within Knox County. The organization helps with creating an inclusive culture and environment for everyone to live, work, and grow.
The Kenyon Student Athlete Advisory Council has partnered with Special Olympics for over five years, providing volunteers and support to athletes who use the Lowry Center to practice and compete. The council hosts practices, swim meets, regional basketball skills championships, and more.
“The students go above and beyond to teach skills and reach these athletes where they are. The relationships the athletes have built with the student-athlete volunteers are pivotal. They have gained confidence, mentors, and most importantly, friends, because of this partnership.”
The Centerburg Church of Christ hosted the Tim Tebow “Night to Shine” event for the last two years.
“We are so thankful that they have taken this on so people in our county are able to get dressed up and have a wonderful time dancing with their friends. Thank you Centerburg Church of Christ for your unwavering partnership.”
DD Awareness essay winners
Knox DD’s annual essay contest drew hundreds of entries. Members of the audience read the winning essays at the luncheon. Essay winners are:
•Keely, third grade, Wiggin Street Elementary
•Maria, fifth grade, Dan Emmett Elementary
•Lily, fifth grade, Twin Oak Elementary
•Zayden, third grade, Danville Elementary
Panelists: Journey through Life
To promote DD awareness, four panelists shared a glimpse into their journey with family members who have developmental disabilities.
One couple has a daughter who was diagnosed before birth with AMC (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, essentially an underdevelopment of the arms and legs). Their daughter underwent casting, a lot of therapy, and multiple surgeries, including hip realignment.
The 5-year-old now walks and climbs and wears braces to support her legs.
“Being strong-willed really helps her push through the challenges she has,” said mom Sarah Maners.
DD’s early intervention program helped the couple.
Amber Lavin is a mother of three whose youngest son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Initially reluctant to ask for help, she said she’s glad she did because friends and early education and youth services from Knox DD helped her.
“I really appreciate early intervention because I had two professionals helping me,” she said. “I was juggling doctor appointments and two other children; it was a crazy time.
“It showed me so many people are out there who are willing to help. I’m also thankful to the other kids in school who made my son feel welcome in school and easily integrated him.”
Long-term, Maners looks forward to her son participating in MVNU’s IGNITE program.
After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, Tarynn Ball worked at Rural King for the summer. A former coach suggested she try for a position at Half Baked Cafe.
Starting there in in September 2021, she received a promotion in December 2022.
Tarynn’s ultimate goal is maybe to write a book.
“I’ve always wanted to be a fiction writer, but I am not good at writing grammar,” she confessed with a chuckle.
Dave Chopson gave a video testimony of his journey. Responding to a question as to what his advice is for someone wanting to get a job, he said, “It’s hard, but you can do it. I know you can do it.”
