Support Special Olympics Athletes at the 2026 Open House

LEBANON, OH -- The spotlight will shine on local athletes this year at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual Open House on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The annual Open House event, which celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, is a free showcase that highlights the many achievements of individuals who receive services from the agency. The event also shares information about the services and supports the agency provides to individuals with disabilities.

Featured Speakers

This year’s Open House theme will be “The All-Stars Playbook” and will focus on local people involved in sports and the Warren County Special Olympics.

Our first speaker will be Rick Nunamaker, a longtime fan of the Cincinnati Reds who has been volunteering with the Cincinnati Reds since 1994. Nunamaker said he loves the game of baseball, as well as the community it inspires.

Some may know our second speaker, Jensen Roedl, as the toddler featured on ESPN and NHL’s social media for his hockey skills. Kelcie Roedl knows him as her 2-year-old toddler. However you know Jensen, you will get a deeper look into his story at Open House.

Kelcie will be sharing her family’s experiences with Jensen’s surgery for a tethered spinal cord, cerebral palsy, speech delay, and how hockey has supported their family through it all.

Finally, Kelly Crabtree will be sharing her experiences as an athlete participating in the Warren County Special Olympics. Notably, she will be representing Ohio at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games!

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states to Minnesota to watch 19 different sports.

All three speakers will speak at the afternoon Open House session at 1 p.m. and the evening session at 6 p.m. The evening session will also include performances by the Warren County Wildcat Cheerleaders and the Voices of Warren County Choir.

The Agency Showcase

At 5 p.m., join the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities for an Agency Showcase. Taking place in the gymnasium, the showcase will invite visitors to explore some of the amazing things our agency has to offer, including:

• Our SMART Technology Studio, a space resembling a studio apartment designed to introduce individuals to different types of assistive technology that could help them live independently.
• Staff members from across the agency to share more about the services and supports offered by the agency, including our driving program.
• Michael Yeamans, who will share his experience as the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors and the recently elected president of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group.

The Open House Awards Ceremony

The second annual Open House Awards Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. and will serve as a meaningful occasion to honor the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of Warren County residents. Award recipients are nominated for awards that highlight personal growth and community building.

Award winners will be featured in the Open House Awards Ceremony and receive an award from the Cincinnati Reds' mascot Mr. Redlegs.

Available awards include:

• The Technology Empowerment Award
• The Team Player Award
• The Employment First Award
• The Community Builder Award
• The Independent Living Award
• The Jamie Miles Make It So Award
• The Breaking Barriers Award
• The Ambassador of Kindness Award
• The Goal Crusher Award
• The Academic Achievement Award

Click here to nominate an individual served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities for an Open House Award. Please submit all nominations by Friday, February 20, 2026.

Raffle Baskets

Open House starts and ends with raffle baskets. Over a dozen raffle baskets will be available, with themes like Kings Island, FC Cincinnati, Dive into Summer, the Lottery Basket, and more. Tickets are available for $1 each, or $5 for six tickets.

Proceeds from the Kings Island raffle basket will support the agency’s Kings Island DD Day, which distributes free park tickets to individuals served by the agency. Remaining raffle ticket proceeds will benefit the Warren County Special Olympics.

The raffle basket winners will be announced after the Open House Awards Ceremony at 8:30 p.m.

Open House Schedule

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual Open House on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Road in Lebanon, Ohio. This event is free and open to the public.

• Noon to 8:30 p.m.: Raffle tickets available in the lobby.
• 1 p.m.: The first Open House speaking session begins.
• 5 p.m.: The Agency Showcase begins in the gymnasium.
• 6 p.m.: The second Open House session, opening with a performance by the Warren County Wildcat Cheerleaders.
• 7 p.m.: The second Open House session ends with a performance by the Voices of Warren County Choir.
• 7 p.m.: The Cincinnati Reds mascot, Mr. Redlegs, will be available for a photo opportunity.
• 7:30 p.m.: The Open House Awards Ceremony begins.
• 8:30 p.m.: The winners of raffle baskets will be announced.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

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