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“She was part of the determination to use Person-Centered Planning, a method of planning for services that puts the person receiving the service at the forefront of decision making for those services,” Planicka said. “She was also part of the planning and creation of InsideOut Studio as a retail store located in Hamilton, which opened up opportunities for artists to be creative and to have more integration and exposure in their community.”
Lisa Guliano, superintendent of the Board of DD, said McMahon-Klosterman’s leadership and vision were critical in helping people with disabilities.
“Kathy’s leadership has been instrumental to our Board’s progress in supporting people with disabilities to live, work and learn in their community,” Guliano said. “Her vision of true integration for all people is unwavering, and we appreciate the insight, support and guidance she has provided to our board over the past 12 years.”
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McMahon-Klosterman lives in Oxford and has been teaching special education at Miami University for four decades.
“During my terms on the Board of DD and my tenure at Miami University, I have been able to see people with disabilities gain greater control over their lives and consequently have greater dignity,” McMahon-Klosterman said. “I see a bright future for people with disabilities. They want their full civil rights, nothing more nothing less, and the Butler County Board of DD supports that happening. People with disabilities want the same things non-disabled people want: a life with meaningful work, friends, and joy.”
McMahon-Klosterman’s third and final term on the Board of DD ends Dec. 31. She will be replaced by Middletown Health Commissioner Jackie Phillips.
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