To the Editor:
By now you’ve probably noticed the yellow, black and white signs that are in people’s yards and on road edges asking for your support to continue the levy for Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD). This support is necessary for assisting children and adults with developmental needs in the county. Knox DoDD has found the very best of people to help serve the community by supporting families with programming, advice and guidance on their journey in life. You might think of the word “disabilities” and then transfer that to thinking of the word “abilities.” People with special needs are given the confidence to be active members of the community, and the providers (of assistance) are trained by the Knox DoDD to be empathetic yet at the same time, they encourage striving.
As a former NCAA Collegiate Athletic Director and the parent of a young man with special needs, I’ve come into contact with some true champions. Many of these champions in our community are employed by Knox DoDD and they work with our special needs families. They are truly remarkable personalities, often working odd hours when we are all sleeping or vacationing, to provide services and support to those in need.
I ask that you continue this much-needed work by voting YES on the Knox County DoDD levy to continue the great work and transitioning the word ‘disabilities’ to ‘abilities’ in the community. As stated on the yard signs, this will not raise your taxes.
Peter T.C. Smith
Mount Vernon
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