Abilities at Bat

Abilities at Bat Celebrates Lives and Stories

Abilities at Bat Night was held on Friday, July 26^th at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati Ohio and is hosted by the Cincinnati Reds. For the past three years, the Reds have partnered with the community to offer an opportunity to celebrate different abilities at a game. Community groups can attend and sell tickets to benefit their group.

It started under LADD and the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities partnering with the Cincinnati Reds organization to raise awareness and celebrate the lives and stories of those living with varying abilities, along with their families.

This year they had the most community groups ever participate. Not only did they have the opportunity to attend the game, but members from each group were also recognized in pre-game activities on the field. Teddy Kremer was also there once again serving as the Reds batboy. In addition, a Community Advocate Award was announced that evening. Congratulation to Dr. Kara Ayers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for being honored as the Reds Community Advocate Award for her longtime advocacy of LADD and people with disabilities.

Here is a listing of all the partners who participated in this amazing event:

Clovernook Center for Blind and Visually Impaired

Creative Connections, LLC

The Center for Independent Living Options)

Melodic Connections

Autism Society Greater Cincinnati

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Therapeutic Recreation – Butler County

School Aid

Ken Anderson Alliance

LADD, Inc.

People for DD Services

Jason’s Connection

UCCEDD   Amy Turner

Spina Bifida Coalition of Cincinnati

Redwood School and Rehabilitation

Ted Mehlman from GO Concepts and his family joined in the fun with their friends from Therapeutic Recreation of Butler County. Ted’s family is involved within the developmental disabilities community; his wife Connie Mehlman is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, their son Colton Mehlman is Site Director of the newest day program for the St. Joseph Home, and Ted is the Business Development Coordinator for GO Concepts Inc., a southwest Ohio based company focused on providing information technology solutions and support to Agencies, Independent Providers, and County Boards of DD throughout Ohio.

According to Ted, “It was a wonderful evening, sharing time with family and great friends!”