MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD) is partnering with the Marion Victims Assistance Program and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to offer a situational awareness class for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the general public.
The class will be held on Tuesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Marion County Board of DD, located at [Insert Address if known, otherwise omit]. Lunch will be provided.
According to Nikki Workman of the Marion County Board of DD, the idea for the class stemmed from a need identified by Jill Cowell of Marion Victims Assistance, who is also a parent of someone served by the board. Cowell noted the potential for decreased awareness of surroundings when focusing on an individual with developmental disabilities.
Cowell stated that Marion Victims Assistance typically offers self-defense classes for women but wanted to reach more vulnerable populations. Previous outreach included programs with the Marion Public Library, River Valley High School graduates, and Ridgedale High School’s varsity girls basketball team.
The upcoming event will feature three segments. Lieutenant Mark Elliott from the Sheriff’s Office will discuss general situational awareness, emphasizing the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, such as avoiding phone use while walking in parking lots. Deputy Jesse Allen, also from the Sheriff’s Office, will cover online security and awareness, addressing the vulnerability of individuals with developmental disabilities on social media. Cowell will also speak on awareness specifically for individuals who use wheelchairs.
“They’re on social media a lot because they’re looking for friendships and connections just like the rest of us, and they have a tendency to be taken advantage of,” Workman said regarding the need for online safety education.
Pre-registration is required for the free event and can be done online at marioncountydd.org. Space is limited to 50 participants.