The County Board will update this strategic plan annually. Community input and public feedback regarding strongly encouraged. Feedback should be direct to the Board’s Superintendent.
MISSION
Through respect and support, the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities partners with people, families, and communities to foster independence and pathways to individual success.
VISION
People are valued, respected, and supported as they live, learn, work and participate in their communities.
VALUES
• Community Membership
• Financial Responsibility
• Respect
• Personal Accountability
• Partnering
• Communication
• Self Determination
FOCUS AREAS
• Self-Advocacy
• Person-Centered Planning
• Providing Services in the most Integrated Appropriate Setting
• Medicaid Waiver Waiting List “Fixes”
• Awareness
• Provider Development and Support
• Supports for Children
• Community Membership
• Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
• Employment
Goals and Action Planning – Updated for 2019
Goal #1: Enhance communication and services to families with children needing the services of the board
• Establish board/family connection at time of transition from Early Intervention to preschool
• Follow up annually with families
• Develop Developmental Disabilities navigation tools for families
• Continue efforts to engage schools in partnership activities
• Continue vocational outreach through Job Club activities
• Begin working earlier with schools and families on transition from school to adult
Goal #2: Strengthen self-advocacy efforts – enhance opportunities for inclusion
• Continue to develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) that clearly state who the person is and what is important to him or her
• Continue to support development of organized self-advocacy activities based on interests of individual
• Continue to encourage self-advocacy by finding opportunities for personal growth and development through seminars, workshops, and trainings
• Work with partners (providers) to develop more consistent and meaningful opportunities in the community
• Reduce waiting list by identifying shared family living and other community-based options and create sustainable long term housing stock in partnership with the housing board, residential providers, and others
• Enhance the quality of life for individuals by establishing life outside of work opportunities for adults by partnering with other people and organizations in the community
Goal #3: Build opportunities for individuals to be involved in community employment
• Increase the number of people employed in the community by supporting providers in building their job development and vocational skills training
• Increase referrals to Job Club through communication with schools
• Develop an Employer Recognition Program to endorse businesses that hire individuals with developmental disabilities.
Goal #4: Continue working to ascertain the board is fiscally responsible (also, see appendix)
• Continue to work 3-year plan
• Develop creative ways to fund supports through grants, shared services, and partnerships
• Preserve local dollars by maximizing drawdown of federal funds
Goal #5: Increase awareness
• Contract for services of Community Education Specialist
• Develop e-newsletter
• Enhance website
• Explore and use social media outlets
• Enhance the use of traditional media through board reports, events, and programs