Richie Maytas and Alex “Cookie” West, a community specialist with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, discuss artwork. (Photo Provided)

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is showcasing local individuals who are living their dream as part of the OhioISP Spotlight Series.

State DODD officials visited Steubenville on Sept. 22 to record interviews with artists Danielle Tressler and Richie Matyas and sports commentator Johnny Abshire to show how the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and community have assisted in realizing their goals. The series, which is now in its third year, highlights individuals with intellectual and developmental needs and is posted on DODD’s social media.

The latest installment was formed after Lynette Ekey, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities service and support administration supervisor, met with Leslie Powell, a state DODD regional support facilitator, to discuss individualized support plans, and Ekey shared how Tressler, Matyas and Abshire were reaching their goals.

Tressler said that drawing was literally in her blood and she hoped to sell her original designs to the public.

“My mom started me on art,” she said. “It’s a family thing.”

Tressler had asked Thomas about finding a way to sell her art to more people and make money.

“Danielle’s a strong advocate and is open to ideas about what it could look like,” Thomas said. “She had known (West) for a long time and Alex has many connections in the community. Danielle opened that door and was good with connecting with Alex, and it took on a life of its own.”

Like Tressler, Matyas said he enjoyed art and also wanted to sell his works to fulfill his pastime. His SSA contacted Ekey and got JCBDD Community Relations Specialist Alex “Cookie” West involved. Since then, they have hosted Open Art Night on the third Tuesday of each month at PLSJ and sold their wares at art shows and during summer concerts at Historic Fort Steuben.

“Someday, I want to go to art college,” Matyas said.

West also praised PLSJ for its partnership, which led to the recent “Color Our World” traveling canvas project that included all of the library system’s branches.

Meanwhile, Abshire discussed how he was slowly building his “Football Fever” Facebook page and “Football Fever with Johnny A.” YouTube channel with help from West and local content creator Dawud Abdullah.

“It’s about NFL and high school content,” Abshire explained. “(I cover) Big Red, Martins Ferry, Indian Creek, Toronto and other football teams. I’ve got livestreams, and I make them every day. Sometimes, I ask for permission to come on the field and interview the coaches.”

DODD officials said the OhioISP series has gained as many as 150,000 views, which will give the local talents an opportunity to share their stories on a wider scale.

Allison O’Neil, DODD communications director in the office of external relations, said Powell has been an integral part of the development process and coordinated many of the videos.

“Her connections have introduced us to some amazing people,” O’Neil continued. “The OhioISP Spotlight Series was created to highlight the great, person-centered work happening across the state of Ohio. It’s a way to recognize and celebrate the unique, creative, and meaningful ways teams are using the OhioISP to support people in following their dreams and accomplishing their goals. At DODD, our mission is to partner with people and communities to support Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families in realizing their version of a good life. We have completed several spotlights across the state, and they can be found on our website and YouTube channel.”

The OhioISP Spotlight Series has included individuals from around the state, including Monroe, Ross, Lake and other counties. Information can be found online at dodd.ohio.gov.