Members of the Press
If you have questions regarding the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities or wish to set up an interview within any program (including Early Childhood Services, School Age, Adult Services, Community Employment, or with our Supterintendent), please contact:
Lisa Davis, Director of Community Relations
(513) 732-4921 (office)
(513) 658-7500 (cell)
ldavis@clermontdd.org
The press is invited to attend Clermont DD Board meetings, which take place the 4th Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Thomas A. Wildey Center, located at 2040 US Highway 50, Batavia, OH 45103 (one mile west of Owensville). Always check the “Current News” section of this website, to check the time/location of meetings. Periodically, special meetings are planned, or dates/times are changed to meet the needs of our Board members. Please contact Lisa Davis at the number/email address listed above, for additional information.
Agency Informational Video
Background information about the Clermont DD program
- The program began with state legislation in 1967. Prior to that, classes were held in rural school buildings and church basements through Clermont County. It was originally called the Clermont County Board of Mental Retardation, but changed to Clermont County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) in the 1980’s. On July 7, 2009, MRDD became the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, dropping the “mental retardation” words from its name.
- The Special Education Training Center opened in 1974. It was renamed the Thomas A. Wildey School in the late 1990’s after Thomas A. Wildey, Jr., one of the first Board members and a supporter of the agency. It is now referred to as the Thomas A. Wildey Center, because there are three age groups that are based there (babies, chlidren, and adults), in addition to administrative offices and support services.
- The Donald A. Collins Habilitation Center was named after Don Collins, a former Superintendent for the Developmental Disabilities agency. Mr. Collins remains a volunteer for the agency, as a member of the Clerco, Inc. nonprofit board.
- The agency opened the Grissom Building in 1995. This building is now primarily a workshop setting.
- The Krenning Center opened in 1997 and was named for Edgar and Elizabeth Krenning, two parents who advocated for services for those with developmental disabilities during the 60’s. For ten years, work programs were held in this building including intensive training. In 2008, the DD Board decided to vacate the Krenning Center when the Wildey Center was renovated. The Krenning Center is currently for sale.
- The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities participates in countless fairs and community exhibits each year.
- There are up to 50 students enrolled in the School Age Program each year. These students are enrolled by their local school districts to attend the Wildey School.
- The Early Childhood Program consists of the DD Early Intervention Department, Help Me Grow, and the Regional Infant Hearing Program.
