Who We Are
Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is a levy-funded government organization that provides and coordinates essential services for more than 1,000 people with developmental disabilities of all ages throughout Miami County. Whether it's Early Intervention services for a newborn child or retirement services for a senior citizen, MCBDD provides a lifetime of support for those eligible for our services.
MCBDD is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors (OAC 5126.021). 5 members are appointed by the County Commissioners and 2 members are appointed by the Probate Court. Approximately 70 percent of MCBDD’s operating budget is funded by local tax dollars. Additional funding is provided by state and federal dollars.
Regardless of age, ability or diagnosis, we work with each person and their family to help them navigate life and achieve their goals. There are no cookie cutter approaches. Our direct services include Early Intervention from birth through 2 years old, housing coordination, recreation and Special Olympics programs, advocacy training, family education and training for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
We also coordinate and provide funding for many people to receive the following services through our network of service provider partners:
- adult day services
- in-home care
- job training
- support and transportation
To ensure our agency and staff continue to provide these quality services to the people we serve, we abide by our Mission, Vision and Values in our everyday work.
Our Strategic Plan
Every 3 years, MCBDD completes a Strategic Plan that will guide us through the coming years.
Our History
There are two distinct characteristics that have been a part of our agency's journey: change and consistent support. Throughout the years, the needs of the people we serve and their families, as well as federal and state mandates, have determined our path of growth and change. We have evolved from our early days as a school to a vibrant, all-encompassing agency that touches all facets of a person's life--from birth through the end of life.
What has remained the same, however, is the consistent support of our community and the families we serve. Without their trust, courage and willingness to try new things, we would not be what we are today. Our agency prides itself on being on the cutting edge of support for people with developmental disabilities. We encourage everyone to ask, "What is possible?" and see equal value and potential in every human being.
As we have many times in the past, today we stand on the edge of a new frontier. Our work of supporting individuals as they define what it means for them to have a "good life" is full of exciting choices and endless opportunities. We hope you enjoy reading about our journey and that you might consider being a part of our journey ahead, in whatever way you choose.
Timeline
1952Classes Begin in Miami County
Through the efforts of the Council for Retarded Children of Miami County and interested parents, a program began to provide training classes for children with mental retardation who resided in the county.
A summer class for eight children was held in Forest Elementary School in Troy.
In October, a larger class was started in the Spring Street School in Piqua. The children were transported in a council-owned station wagon.1953-1961Program Grows
Through these years, the class at Riverside grew to serve 34 children.1962Miami County Child Welfare Board Assumes Operation
HB 778 places the legal authority for the operation and administration of the program under the Miami County Child Welfare Board.1962Riverside School Erected in Troy
Through grants from the Miami County Commissioners and the Miami County Council for Retarded Children, the original Riverside School was constructed at 1625 Troy Sidney Road in Troy.1963A Sheltered Workshop
A sheltered workshop starts for adults over 21 years of age.1964The Workshop
The workshop is placed under the administration of the Miami County Welfare Board.1966-1967Riverside Adult Training Center
An addition is constructed, including the newly named Riverside Adult Training Center.1967Senate Bill Establishes Seven-Member Board
Seven member county boards of mental retardation were created by Ohio law through the passage of Senate Bill 169. Even though citizens know us as Riverside School & Riverside Adult Training Center, we officially become the Miami County Board of Mental Retardation.
Ohio law also says the seven members of the Miami County Board of Mental Retardation would be appointed. Five members are appointed by the County Commissioners and two members are appointed by the County Probate Judge. The same system remains throughout Ohio still today.1976Addition to the Riverside facility
Crews began constructing an addition to the Riverside facility on 1625 Troy Sidney Road.1982A Bus Garage
A bus garage is added to the facility.1991Developmental Disabilities
“Developmental Disabilities” Added to County Board Names By State law, the term "developmental disabilities" is added to all County Board names. We become the Miami County Board of the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities--known to most citizens as Riverside of Miami County.2005Riverside School graduates
Riverside School graduates its last class from the K-12 program2009Advocates Lead Statewide Initiative to Remove “MR” Term
Advocates successfully lead a statewide initiative asking the state of Ohio to remove the term, "Mental Retardation" from all County Board names. We officially become the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities.2015Riverside Preschool graduates
Riverside Preschool graduates its last class. From this point on, all Miami County school-aged children are educated completely through their local school districts and/or the Miami County Educational Service Center.2024Updates Name & Adopts New Logo
Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities Retires Use of “Riverside” name and adopts a new logo.