Organizational Structure
The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities employs a “Flat Organizational Structure.” With that structure, all employees report directly to the Superintendent. Learn more about our structure.
Privatization of Direct Services
On July 1, 2015, the Board divested itself from the provision of direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Services since then have been provided by a variety of private providers including the Thomas Edison Center, Inc. Learn more about our privatization.
Services in Integrated Settings
The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities DD will continue to be the principal funder of services for individuals with developmental disabilities living in the county. Local levies will support integrated options to empower people and explore possibilities. Services will be based on what individuals need and want as the focus on services in the community increases.
Person-centered planning identifies the needs and wants of participants and focuses on supports needed to accomplish goals. Funding is considered as part of this process. Historically, the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities has ensured quality services are available and it and we will continue that commitment for the future. Learn more.
Fix the List: Medicaid Waiver Waiting List
The Medicaid Waiver Waiting List for people with developmental disabilities became inefficient and outdated. So, individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates worked with the state to create a new system. Starting September 1, 2018, The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities changed how the Waiting List works. Moving forward, it is only used for people with IMMEDIATE or CURRENT needs.
To be on the Waiting List, a person must NOW have:
• An IMMEDIATE need: A pressing or emergency need for care, shelter, etc. that must be addressed within 30 days
• A CURRENT need: An important need that should be addressed within the next 12 months
Providers Needed
Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities partners with numerous local agencies and independent providers that deliver high-quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities living in the County. Independent providers and agencies that are currently certified to work in Van Wert County are listed on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website.
Individuals interested in becoming a direct support professional and are encouraged to contact the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities through their web site. Interested individuals may also contact Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities for assistance. Learn more about certification qualifications.
Commitment to Person Centered Planning
Person-Centered Planning utilizes a number of techniques, with the central premise that any methods used must be reflective of the individual’s personal communication mechanisms and assist them to outline their needs, wishes and goals. It pursues social inclusion through means such as community participation, employment and recreation, seeing people first, rather than diagnostic labels.
Techniques include:
- using ordinary language and images, rather than professional jargon
- actively searching for a person’s talents and capacities in the context of community life
- strengthening the voice of the person and those who know the person best in accounting for their history, evaluating their present conditions in terms of valued experiences and defining desirable changes in their life.
Focus on Community Employment/Employment First
Every person has abilities, skills and talents to enrich the community and people around them. We envision a time when every working-age adult with developmental disabilities has the opportunity to explore their career options and seek jobs that fit their skills and interests. Learn more.
Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy seeks to reduce the isolation of people with disabilities and give them the tools and experience to take greater control over their own lives. The Board embraces a variety of initiatives focused on empowering the individuals it serves. It is also committed to training its staff to help guide individuals with disabilities toward greater independence and meaningful, appropriate roles in their communities. Learn more.
Financials
The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides a vital link between individuals with disabilities and the services they receive. Without the efforts of the County Board, services to developmentally disabled individuals would be virtually non-existent. Learn more.