Alice Davis
It was November 1948 in Ashland and the doctor could not bring himself to tell Alice and Joe Davis that their newborn son J.R., who was not eating, had Down's Syndrome. He referred them to a specialist where the diagnosis was presented and the very first chapter of the Dale Roy Story began.
Today Alice Davis is 90 years young and J.R. is 60 and still live together in Ashland. March is National MRDD month and it is only appropriate to share how this courageous, inspirational story began as a result of Alice and her friend Margaret Reeve refusing to believe that those with disabilities should have any less opportunities, that those referred to as retarded can learn, and that these individuals belong in society, not excluded by placement in an institution.
Challenge evolved into opportunity in 1950 when the first organizational meeting to develop a school for the mentally retarded was held in what is now the AAA building on Claremont Avenue. Alice and Margaret had visited schools in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Mansfield and other parts of the country while on vacation to learn about design, programs, and building supplies. They ignored the advice of people who could have helped, but instead chose to tell them to keep J.R. and Margaret's daughter at home or place them in an institution. Present at that first meeting was the Editor of the Times-Gazette who explained that he did not have a retarded child, but that he had children and one of the means for garnering public support was in place.
One of the first obstacles was determining an accurate number and names of those with disabilities, such had been the cloak of reclusiveness. The State of Ohio told Alice and Margaret that they would need to collect $3,000 before they would be recognized by the state. Door-to-door campaigns, bake sales, and other community fund raising events began to sprout. Alice was given a job by the Ashland Rubber Company to test-inflate balloons in their basement. She had to work at home to help care for J.R. and all income went towards financing and equipping the first school. Cots, crayons, pencils, construction paper and other supplies were all needed. The value and enjoyment of music was appreciated at that time and record players were in high demand. Round-end safety scissors had not yet been invented so an Ashland factory contributed by grinding regular scissors so that they were safe. Margaret was the first transportation department as she used her station wagon to transport students.
With the $3,000 goal met, the state now knew that a teacher and aide could be funded for at least six months, and what would become Dale-Roy School was now officially recognized by the State Department of Education. With the approval of Columbus the whopping total of $18 per student was now available for funding assistance.
What about the human side of these early first years for those with loved ones with disabilities? Alice stated that the most painful moment was when J.R. was born and they knew that something was different, and Joe struggled with acceptance of his condition. This difficult time passed and was replaced by the reality that "life with a Down's child is a wonderful blessing, not a burden, not a source of guilt" as Alice expressed when interviewed.
Turning to God in difficult times is not uncommon (i.e. today's recession) but staying with your faith is an act of faith in itself, most eloquently expressed by Alice Davis when she stated that "God trusted me to take care of him." In our contemporary world so many do not realize the infinite simple pleasures and blessings, but when asked what was her most special moment with J.R. Alice replied, "There are so many but probably when he spoke for the first time. He asked me what happened to my hair after I had received a permanent."
Alice Davis makes it very clear about how much she appreciates the kindness and generosity of the Ashland community. "They have been wonderful." One of the many blessings from those with disabilities is that they bring out from most people a special kindness and patience that is too often missing or not expressed. J.R. has done that many times over.
J.R. recently "retired" from working at DR Services. He has been with the Ashland County Board of MRDD for fifty-three years in all possible capacities. The first chapter of "The Dale Roy Story" continues.