FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LANCASTER, OHIO, June 15, 2026 -- In 2024, Fairfield DD engaged the people we support, family members, team members, elected officials, community leaders, and Fairfield County property taxpayers to develop a three-year strategic plan. Guided by that input, we spent 2025 working toward the plan's first-year priorities and are proud to share the progress made across our organization.
Our strategic plan is all about our commitment to working together as one team, with one mission, to build one community. To reach our goals, we are focusing on four areas: Independence, Collaboration, Belonging, and Engaged Workforce. The following highlights represent just a portion of the work completed in 2025 to move these priorities forward and create more opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive in Fairfield County.
Independence
We planned and hosted events for teens and young adults with disabilities and their families. Staff from all departments worked together to organize, promote, and support these events so more people could participate. We also expanded opportunities for young children and school-age students through hands-on activities including family events, visits to a therapeutic farm, and community outings. These experiences help children develop communication, social-emotional, and motor skills.
Collaboration
Working together is a big part of everything we do. Our teams work closely with each other and with partners in the community. We continued our relationship with the Fairfield County ESC and our commitment to students. This partnership helped open more classroom space in Fairfield County for students who need additional support. This collaboration has already had a positive impact for students and has been renewed for 2026–2027. Staff surveyed families, worked with community groups, and secured grant funding through the Keeping Families Together initiative to develop additional respite options in Fairfield County. Fairfield DD staff worked to make positive change across the Developmental Disabilities Field, as many serve on statewide and regional committees, and our Superintendent meets with local and state lawmakers to advocate for services and funding.
Belonging
To promote connection in the community, we invested in assistive technology. Scholarships were created so individuals could access technology even after other funding ran out. We also formed work groups and offered training to help staff and providers learn to better support people’s interests, talents, and community involvement. Our online resource hub is under development, with more than 200 documents sorted into clear categories.
Engaged Workforce
Within our agency, we improved how we use internal computer programs. Leadership reviewed staff feedback to improve our merit-based pay system for the 2026–2027 cycle. Across all departments, we updated materials to ensure they are clear and consistent for new staff. We also strengthened our financial responsibility by talking with staff about making balanced decisions that use community resources and natural support before using waiver services.
As we celebrate the progress made in 2025, we are also looking ahead. Fairfield DD has identified its 2026 strategic priorities and the actions that will continue moving our mission forward. These priorities build upon the strong foundation established during the first year of the strategic plan and reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting people on their journey toward greater independence, strengthening partnerships, fostering belonging, and maintaining an engaged workforce.
We invite you to read the full 2025 Strategic Plan Progress Report and learn more about our 2026 priorities. None of this work would be possible without the support of our community. Thank you for helping us move our mission and strategic plan forward.
We welcome your input. Send an email through July 15, 2026 to communications@fairfielddd.com to share your thoughts.