STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities has a plethora of activities slated leading up to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week at the School of Bright Promise.

All of the fun ties into National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month for March and School of Bright Promise Education Director Sara Wright said even the community can get involved. It begins with the Jefferson County Accessibility Scavenger Hunt, which runs now through March 19. Scavenger hunt forms can be picked up at the school or JCBDD building at 256 John Scott Highway in Steubenville or via QR code that can be scanned with cell phones, and JCBDD officials are also providing the QR code on social media for access.

“We’re asking local students and adults to go into their communities and check off developmentally disabled accessibility tools in the community,” Wright said.

Accessibility tools include wheelchair ramps and Braille, and points will be awarded for items found and their corresponding locations with opportunities to earn bonus points for responses and photos. Photo submissions are also encouraged and can be emailed to ddawareness26@outlook.com along with the participant’s name. All entries are due no later than March 19 and the physical forms may be returned to the students’ home school office, the School of Bright Promise or the JCBDD building. Winners will be announced on Facebook Live on Friday, March 27.

“There are prizes for 7 Ranges Entertainment gift cards with $75 for first place, $50 for second, and $25 for third,” Wright added.

Meanwhile, DD Awareness Week officially commences on March 23-27 with Barrier Breaker Relay 2026 that Monday. Wright said local high school students will visit Bright Promise and take part in sessions from 9-11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m., and the events are similar to Simulation Day activities held at the site prior to COVID. Students will tour the facility, meet for a brief informational session with staff members, and then are separated into teams where they will complete tasks and also engage with Bright Promise pupils. Registration is available via a QR code or by informing the home school district administration by the March 18 deadline. There is also a limit of 25 students per session and prizes will be given to the winning team.

“There are five or six stations that mimic barriers of developmental disabilities,” she commented. “Each team will also go into a classroom and do a craft with students.”

It continues with “Celebrate DD Staff” on March 24, which will include a staff appreciation breakfast, staff spotlight posts to showcase employees and celebrate milestones, and a dunk tank in the school gym.

On March 25, it’s the loved ones’ turn for “Family Appreciation” featuring a pancake “bruncheon” for the 36 students and their parents, guardians, and special guests, along with gifts of appreciation and a slideshow depicting students’ accomplishments and milestones. Wright said the younger students will enjoy their brunch at 11 a.m. while the older pupils and their loved ones will dine at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 26 is all about “Community Engagement,” and first responder volunteers will join Bright Promise staff and students for a field trip to 7 Ranges Entertainment for a day of fun, plus a small award ceremony will be held for the community spotlight winners.

The week concludes on March 27 with “Celebrate Students,” and Bright Promise pupils will have a full day of fun with bounce houses, inflatable games, and a dance party at the Jeffco Center. Wright organized activities with DD Awareness Week Committee members Lori Brandon, Jennifer Kellar, Janie Bodo, Jenna Joyce, Lori Trikones, Michelle Moore, Nicole Herman, and said school staff have also provided valuable input for the effort.

“We’re really excited. Our staff has done a great job putting effort forward and students have done a great job. I wanted to do something to showcase the School of Bright Promise and take our talents and expand them into the community.”

For information about the scavenger hunt or other activities, contact Wright at swright@jcbdd.com or call the School of Bright Promise at (740) 264-7176, Ext. 2504. More details can be found at www.jcbdd.com or the Jefferson County Board of DD Facebook page.