Board President Thanked for her Service

Kathy McMahon-Klosterman has worked tirelessly to ensure that people with developmental disabilities belong in their community. For the last 12 years, Kathy served on the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. At her last meeting with the Board of DD, Kathy was praised by the Butler County Commissioners for her service. Her third and final term on the Board of DD ends Dec. 31.

During Kathy’s years on the Board of DD, she was an integral part of many notable changes, including the organization’s determination to use Person-Centered Planning, a method of planning for services that puts the person receiving the service at the forefront of decision making for those services. She was also part of the planning and creation of InsideOut Studio as a retail store located in Hamilton, which opened up opportunities for artists to be creative and to have more integration and exposure in their community.

“Kathy’s leadership has been instrumental to our Board’s progress in supporting people with disabilities to live, work and learn in their community. Her vision of true integration for all people is unwavering and we appreciate the insight, support and guidance she has provided to our Board over the past twelve years,” said Lisa Guliano, Superintendent of the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Kathy lives in Oxford. As an Associate Professor at Miami University for four decades, she has taught students majoring in special education and has instilled in them her mission and vision that all people should have opportunities to participate in community life with fellow citizens.

“I have been educated by many people with disabilities who have helped me to acknowledge my unearned privileges and consequently, my responsibility to act where I have the opportunity to effect positive change,” Kathy said.

On the Miami University campus, Kathy has fought tirelessly for better accessibility for people with disabilities. She introduced the minor in Disability Studies at the university and she serves as an ally to students on campus with disabilities, making sure their rights are being upheld.

“During my terms on the Board of DD and my tenure at Miami University, have been able to see people with disabilities gain greater control over their lives and consequently have greater dignity,” she said. “I see a bright future for people with disabilities. They want their full civil rights, nothing more nothing less, and the Butler County Board of DD supports that happening. People with disabilities want the same things non-disabled people want – a life with meaningful work, friends, and joy.”

Jacquelyn Phillips of Middletown will be replacing Kathy on the Board of DD in January. Phillips serves as the Health Commissioner of the City of Middletown. She will be sworn in to the Butler County Board of DD at their January 11 meeting.

PICTURED ABOVE: Kathy McMahon-Klosterman (right) received a proclamation from the Butler County Commissioners, presented by Shawna Noble Smith. Kathy was praised for her 12 years of service to the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities.