[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6699]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING STEPPING STONES CENTER

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Stepping Stones Center, which serves the needs of people 
with disabilities in Greater Cincinnati and inspires independence and 
pathways to helping people achieve their potential. I have visited 
Stepping Stones on several occasions and have always been impressed by 
their work.
  Stepping Stones Center was founded in 1963 when a handful of parents 
and friends of children with disabilities established Cincinnati's 
first day camp for children with disabilities. These passionate and 
loving parents wanted their children to have opportunities like those 
of their siblings, friends and neighbors.
  Over the years, Stepping Stones has continued to expand, broadening 
the scope of services and the ability to reach more families. In the 
early years, Stepping Stones' services focused on traditional day camp 
opportunities, which were enhanced to provide therapeutic benefits 
including outdoor activities, arts and crafts, swimming and games.
  In 1971, the region's first on-site infant stimulation program was 
developed and Stepping Stones helped launch Cincinnati Mothers of 
Special Children in 1974.
  Partnering with the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, programming for a 
second campus was developed for Camp Allyn in Batavia, augmenting 
summer programs with year-round educational programs, overnight camps 
and initiating services for adults.
  In response to the growing needs of children with autism, Stepping 
Stones launched its innovative Step-Up program as Greater Cincinnati's 
first alternative education program for students with severe autism and 
extreme behaviors in 2004. Today, Step-Up serves students from 14 
school districts in the region. In 2013, Stepping Stones launched the 
region's first sensory needs respite and support program for children 
with autism and other sensory needs and extreme behaviors, filling a 
critical need for ongoing overnight recreational respites.
  Since its founding, thousands of high school students in Greater 
Cincinnati have been trained and have served as volunteer camp 
counselors, learning the benefits of giving back to their communities 
and gaining an understanding of occupations that serve those with 
special needs. Many special education teachers, therapists and 
disabilities professionals in Greater Cincinnati can trace their 
vocations to summers volunteering at Stepping Stones.
  On this occasion I would like to recognize Stepping Stones Center and 
honor the founders, Margaret--Peggy--Geier, Minor LeBlond and Mary T. 
Schloss, the trailblazers who identified a need, envisioned a solution, 
and then worked tirelessly to make Stepping Stones happen. I salute the 
volunteers, staff members, donors and parents who carry on their sprit 
every day, continuing to build pathways to independence for people with 
disabilities. It is a privilege to recognize this 50 year anniversary, 
and I wish Stepping Stones all the best for the future.

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