Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled hosted its fifth annual Taking Flight Awards Event to celebrate the accomplishments of adults with developmental disabilities and those who have supported them on their journeys to independence.
“Day in and day out, we ask ourselves, ‘How do we build an inclusive community where all people are valued for their contributions and abilities?’” said Susan Brownknight, LADD executive director. “We are inspired by the actions of those we support who are strengthening their own lives and the lives of others. These awards celebrate all of them.”
Honorees included Dale Jackson, Spirit of Independence Award; Jennifer Crowe, So Others May Fly Award; the family of Patrick Ryan, Courage to Fly Award; Shannice Clark, Above and Beyond Award; George H Rohde & Son Funeral Home, Employer Excellence Award; and the Kroger Co., Legacy Award.
The Taking Flight Awards are sponsored by the Edwards Foundation and by Crew.
WCPO news anchor Carol Williams emceed the event.
Click on thumbnail below to view photo gallery from the event.
- Holly Dorna, CILO executive director Lin Laing and development director Debbie Moorehous
- Emcee Carol Williams and Eddie Gregory
- David Conroy, honoree Dale Jackson, Vicky Love and LADD board member Rob Jung
- Kush Kotecha; honoree Steve Rohde, president of George H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home; and John Roach
- Karen O’Maley and LADD board member Alison Zimmerman
- 2015 Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival co-chairs Sara Bitter and Dr. Kara Ayers
- From Kroger: Reuben Schaffer, Chris Merkle, Rachel Lawson, Traci Stewart and Janet Ausdenmoore
- Ramona Jones and Jerry Herman
- Matt Chaffin and Ben Brown