Stone County Developmental Disability Board
grows to impact more people,
appoints two new board members
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Brittany Brosseau and Jim Holt are the newest members of the Stone County Developmental Disabilities board
Kadee Brosseau DeCourley
People with developmental disabilities who live in Stone County now have more access to support and services than ever before, and even more, help is on the way.
Since taxpayers started funding the Stone County Developmental Disability Board (SCDDB) about three years ago, the entity has grown to serve nearly 100 persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
“Our philosophy is that we are not here to dictate what someone should be doing in their life. We want to support them in living the life they choose, what they look at as their best life,” Executive Director of the Stone County Developmental Disability Board LaDella Thomas said.
The SCDDB provides services like transportation, art and music therapy, respite care, and camp scholarships.
“It’s an average of about $20 per property owner, per year, which is a very, very nominal amount. [That funding helps provide services that] Medicaid and other state and federal agencies don’t pay for, like certain therapies or life skills classes. We also do Project Lifesaver tracking bracelets.”
However, Thomas said more is in store for the SCDDB and the community it serves in the coming months.
“Some of the things that we will be able to do will allow for more independence, will allow them to grow so that they can become more independent,” Thomas said.
One of the new services the board plans to implement is day habilitation. Unlike programs in other counties, Stone County’s program will not be held in a designated facility. The staff will tailor daily activities specific to the person with whom they work.
“Our program is 100 percent in the community,” Thomas explained. “So, our staff would maybe go pick them up at 9 a.m., help them cook breakfast or maybe do some budgeting or make shopping lists, start a load of laundry, help them learn how to do that. Then, take them out and meet some friends for coffee.”
However, the future growth of the Stone County Developmental Disability Board goes beyond new services. The organization also plans to build new office space in Branson West and hire eight new staff members.
“[The staff] are people who are in the community and that care about the population that we serve,” Thomas said.
The SCDDB also has two new members of its leadership team, Jim Holt and Brittany Brosseau.
“We deal with taxpayer dollars. We take it very seriously,” Thomas said.
Holt was a teacher and administrator in the Reeds Spring R-IV School District for 38 years. He said it was during his time in education that he got to see programs become available for individuals with special needs.
“I received so much joy from watching students overcome some of the challenges they faced and be not only accepted but respected members of the student community. These opportunities frequently end at graduation. I believe one of the most important things we can do is to offer programs which will continue to help beyond the high school years and provide meaningful training into adulthood,” Holt said.
Holt said he enjoys giving back to the community and looks forward to helping expand the board’s services and educating the public about those opportunities.
“The opportunity to receive training and learn certain skills to serve successfully in a working environment is something that I think will be beneficial. There are already successful programs focusing on art and music therapy, but I look forward to the availability of job coaches and individuals who can provide skills training for those who are able to take advantage of it. I believe we have an obligation to give all of our citizens the opportunity to feel important and feel connected to others,” Holt said.
Brittany Brosseau is the newest member of the board. She has been a music therapist with the special needs population for nearly eight years. She said people with developmental disabilities hold a very special place in her heart.
“I believe every human being should be given the same opportunities to not only survive but to thrive in their community. Serving on this board, for me, was a natural next step to aiding and giving back to this population that I love so much!” Brosseau said.
She said she’s excited to help all individuals get a sense of purpose as they engage in the community’s many meaningful activities.
“Any opportunity for persons with developmental disabilities to engage in their community, whether it be attending a day program or participating in music therapy or art program, can drastically change their lives,” Brosseau said.
Thomas said Holt brings well-established connections with the community and essential experience to the board.
“Jim was part of the Reeds Spring Middle School construction project, so the background that we really needed,” Thomas said.
She said Brosseau is an asset to the team as a passionate person who currently works directly with people with developmental disabilities.
“One of the things we were looking for which led us to Brittany Brosseau was her energy and her having been a direct support person as a music therapist, just that fresh energy and someone who has actually worked one-on-one hands-on,” Thomas said.
As the board embarks on new growth and change in 2021, Thomas encourages people with developmental disabilities and their families to find out how services and support through the SCDDB can help them.
“This is kind of a game-changer for us as an organization as well as the community that we serve and their families,” Thomas said.
You can find out more about The Stone County Developmental Disabilities Board at www.stoneddboard.com or by emailing LaDella Thomas at lthomas@stoneddboard.com.
People with developmental disabilities who live in Stone County now have more access to support and services than ever before, and even more, help is on the way.
Since taxpayers started funding the Stone County Developmental Disability Board (SCDDB) about three years ago, the entity has grown to serve nearly 100 persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
“Our philosophy is that we are not here to dictate what someone should be doing in their life. We want to support them in living the life they choose, what they look at as their best life,” Executive Director of the Stone County Developmental Disability Board LaDella Thomas said.
The SCDDB provides services like transportation, art and music therapy, respite care, and camp scholarships.
“It’s an average of about $20 per property owner, per year, which is a very, very nominal amount. [That funding helps provide services that] Medicaid and other state and federal agencies don’t pay for, like certain therapies or life skills classes. We also do Project Lifesaver tracking bracelets.”
However, Thomas said more is in store for the SCDDB and the community it serves in the coming months.
“Some of the things that we will be able to do will allow for more independence, will allow them to grow so that they can become more independent,” Thomas said.
One of the new services the board plans to implement is day habilitation. Unlike programs in other counties, Stone County’s program will not be held in a designated facility. The staff will tailor daily activities specific to the person with whom they work.
“Our program is 100 percent in the community,” Thomas explained. “So, our staff would maybe go pick them up at 9 a.m., help them cook breakfast or maybe do some budgeting or make shopping lists, start a load of laundry, help them learn how to do that. Then, take them out and meet some friends for coffee.”
However, the future growth of the Stone County Developmental Disability Board goes beyond new services. The organization also plans to build new office space in Branson West and hire eight new staff members.
“[The staff] are people who are in the community and that care about the population that we serve,” Thomas said.
The SCDDB also has two new members of its leadership team, Jim Holt and Brittany Brosseau.
“We deal with taxpayer dollars. We take it very seriously,” Thomas said.
Holt was a teacher and administrator in the Reeds Spring R-IV School District for 38 years. He said it was during his time in education that he got to see programs become available for individuals with special needs.
“I received so much joy from watching students overcome some of the challenges they faced and be not only accepted but respected members of the student community. These opportunities frequently end at graduation. I believe one of the most important things we can do is to offer programs which will continue to help beyond the high school years and provide meaningful training into adulthood,” Holt said.
Holt said he enjoys giving back to the community and looks forward to helping expand the board’s services and educating the public about those opportunities.
“The opportunity to receive training and learn certain skills to serve successfully in a working environment is something that I think will be beneficial. There are already successful programs focusing on art and music therapy, but I look forward to the availability of job coaches and individuals who can provide skills training for those who are able to take advantage of it. I believe we have an obligation to give all of our citizens the opportunity to feel important and feel connected to others,” Holt said.
Brittany Brosseau is the newest member of the board. She has been a music therapist with the special needs population for nearly eight years. She said people with developmental disabilities hold a very special place in her heart.
“I believe every human being should be given the same opportunities to not only survive but to thrive in their community. Serving on this board, for me, was a natural next step to aiding and giving back to this population that I love so much!” Brosseau said.
She said she’s excited to help all individuals get a sense of purpose as they engage in the community’s many meaningful activities.
“Any opportunity for persons with developmental disabilities to engage in their community, whether it be attending a day program or participating in music therapy or art program, can drastically change their lives,” Brosseau said.
Thomas said Holt brings well-established connections with the community and essential experience to the board.
“Jim was part of the Reeds Spring Middle School construction project, so the background that we really needed,” Thomas said.
She said Brosseau is an asset to the team as a passionate person who currently works directly with people with developmental disabilities.
“One of the things we were looking for which led us to Brittany Brosseau was her energy and her having been a direct support person as a music therapist, just that fresh energy and someone who has actually worked one-on-one hands-on,” Thomas said.
As the board embarks on new growth and change in 2021, Thomas encourages people with developmental disabilities and their families to find out how services and support through the SCDDB can help them.
“This is kind of a game-changer for us as an organization as well as the community that we serve and their families,” Thomas said.
You can find out more about The Stone County Developmental Disabilities Board at www.stoneddboard.com or by emailing LaDella Thomas at lthomas@stoneddboard.com.
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