An Ohio state law has already made a positive impact locally, on the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Martins Ferry resident Hannah Patterson was named to the board, becoming the first person with a lived experience to be a member of the board. Ohio law now requires that appointing authorities include at least one person with a developmental disability when making initial appointments or filling vacancies on county boards.

Patterson, who has cerebral palsy, said her place on the county board of developmental disabilities is an important move.

“I feel it is vital to have the opinion and perspective of individuals who know what it’s like to truly live with a disability,” she said, adding that her presence will allow her to continue advancing her passion for educating others on disability-related issues.

Patterson is absolutely right. Even those with the best of intentions who have not lived with a developmental disability may not fully understand what it’s like. There are some things they might miss or some angles they might not consider. Having someone on the board living with a developmental disability brings that crucial real-life experience directly to the table.

It’s a concept that shouldn’t be sequestered just to this board. Other local boards should follow the same road map. When looking for people to fill seats for organizations that help different groups within the community, it would make those boards much stronger if they found someone who has that lived experience to join. And boards in West Virginia should consider that as well, without waiting for a state law to guide them.

Congratulations to Hannah Patterson. Her contributions to the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities will make that organization stronger and better by her presence.