A community of possibility

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with a developmental disability, you are stepping into unfamiliar territory—one filled with questions, uncertainty and a future that may suddenly look different than expected. But no family should have to navigate that journey alone. At the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD)/Deepwood, guidance, resources and support help turn uncertainty into possibility, and open doors to a fulfilling life.

For children and young adults, many of those doors begin opening at Broadmoor School, the educational component of the LCBDD. Serving students from birth through age 21, Broadmoor offers early intervention, preschool and instruction for school-age students, as well as the Lake Education and Employment Program. From classroom instruction to adaptive physical education, swimming, cooking, art and music therapy, the programs help children develop academic and life skills to their fullest potential.

“One of the things I am proud of at Broadmoor is that we aren’t just a school. We create a community,” says Liz Miller, Broadmoor School principal and LCBDD children’s services director. 

“There is something special when parents can talk with others going through similar challenges, as it helps family build resilience,” she says. “For families in our early intervention and preschool groups, we have started Silly Fun Saturdays, where once a month we host activities for both the children and parents. We have a Broadmoor Family Network, our version of a PTO, where parents connect with other families and build friendships.”

When it comes to helping children reach their full potential, that sense of community can make all the difference. For Melissa Davis, whose daughter Evy moved from public school special education classes to Broadmoor’s Lake Education and Employment Program (LEEP) in 2023, the benefits have extended well beyond the classroom.

At age 17, Evy is learning life and social skills to help her transition into adulthood. “My daughter is participating in cooking classes, learning job skills, working with budgets and developing other life skills,” Melissa says. “There also are lots of opportunities for extracurriculars. She was a cheerleader for Broadmoor's basketball team, and last year she decided to actually play on the team.”

Melissa has found comfort in connecting with other parents navigating similar challenges.

 “It’s helpful to talk to other parents who say, ‘Me too’ and ‘I’ve been there,’ when we talk about different experiences we face,” she says. Through the Broadmoor Family Network, both children and parents can connect with their peers. “Students are learning alongside others with disabilities, including students who use wheelchairs and others who use adaptive communication devices,” Melissa says.

“But, just as importantly, parents connect with their peers whose children have commonalities.”Whether attending special events—often joined by local high school students for Bobcats basketball, police and fire departments at Hero Day, and other community organizations—or simply talking with other parents at drop-off and pickup, those connections help families feel supported and understood.

Because sometimes it really does take a village to help a child thrive.

Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Broadmoor School

8090 Broadmoor Road, Mentor

440-602-1000 

@DeepwoodLakeDD

LakeBDD.org/childrens-services