(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – The past 3 school years The Tuscarawas Board of Development Disabilities (TuscBDD) and the FANS Network have partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio in our site based programs.

The TuscBDD shares and plays interactive games with Bigs and Littles to help them understand disabilities and inclusion. They have dressed up as a full-size Mr. Potato Head for interactive learning. They have brought games for students to see what it would be like to have a certain disability. They have also discussed their own disabilities and let students ask questions.

Bigs and Littles learn that all people are similar regardless of the disability and that no one should be excluded for any reason. Important themes from these lessons include being kind, making sure we say hello, and making sure no one has to eat or play alone.

This addition to our school-based curriculum has been incredibly valuable to instilling inclusion and kindness into our programs. The TuscBDD also was an advocate and partner in the planning of our Sensory Friendly Bowl for Kids’ Sake in 2020 and assist with our agency committees and provide vital training to keep our program staff informed.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio is proud to partner with the TuscBDD as we work together to #DefendPotential and #CultivateConnections