Agency History     
  
From Humble Beginnings   
In an effort to meet the educational needs of disabled children 
living in Medina County, a small group of parents and friends 
met during the Spring of 1953 and formed the Society of Handicapped 
Children (SHC).  After overcoming several financial and logistical 
hurdles, the first classes were held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church 
and in a storage room at Garfield Elementary School in Medina. 
Traveling from all corners of the county, students were transported 
to school in used funeral limousines, fully equipped with safety lights 
and school bus signs.   
   
  
By 1956, class enrollment had increased and the current class rooms at 
the church and school were no longer able to accommodate the students.  
Coincidently, it was at this time that Weymouth School on Reimer Rd. 
was being closed as a a result of a merger with the Medina City Schools.  
Once again, the SHC pooled their resources, talents and energies. The 
organization successfully convinced the school board to allow them 
occupancy of this old school building. After much remodeling, redecorating 
and refurnishing, the newly named, St. Nicholas School was dedicated on 
December 8, 1956. 

As the years passed and the children grew into adults, it became apparent 
that Medina County needed a facility that would provide constructive 
activities for individuals with disabilities. Not surprisingly, the SHC was 
able to gain financial support from the citizens of Medina County.  
Community members successfully voted to approve a bond issue and a tax levy 
for the building and operation of a workshop facility. With plans poised 
for action, dreams came to a sudden halt with the news that the parcel of 
land originally promised by the county was no longer available. Months passed, 
offers were made and finally, the SHC purchased St. Nicholas School and its 
adjoining land.  Once papers were signed and legalities were cleared, SHC 
deeded the building and property to the county commissioners for use as the 
site for the Medina County Training Center.  After nearly two years of problems 
and obstacles, construction began. In November of 1962, 4 classes and 7 workshop 
clients moved into the newly renovated building. 

In 1967, Ohio passed state wide law instituting county boards of mental 
retardation and developmental disabilities. The administrative and financial 
responsibility of the training center and school would now be assumed by the 
newly created Medina County Board of MRDD. Governed by a body of seven community 
members appointed by county officials, the Board continued to offer quality programs 
and services to individuals with special needs. 

The board opened the doors to a new, state of the art facility in January 1992.  
Known today as the Medina County Achievement Center, the building houses a school, 
a workshop and  administrative offices. The Board of MRDD also provides services 
through the operation our Service & Support Administration located in Seville, 
and our Community Services and Transportation Departments, both located in Medina. 

We have seen tremendous growth and change over the past fifty years, yet we continue 
to provide the very best educational, occupational and social opportunities to the 
individuals we serve. 
 
Medina County Board of MRDD 
4691 Windfall Road • Medina, Ohio 44256 
Phone: 330.725.7751 • Fax: 330.722.4854 • Email: mcac@mcbmrdd.org