The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is working with the Federal Department of Justice to design a transition process to move toward more integrated services. The catalyst for this direction is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires services in the most integrated (least segregated) setting. A federal lawsuit, Olmstead, requires opportunities for individuals…
The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities connects children and adults with developmental disabilities to the services they need to live a great life. Since its origin, Ohio’s developmental disabilities system was designed to create opportunities for people based on personal choices. Today, the system has grown to encompass a network of paid and…
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities strives to provide comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In doing this services are most often coordinated through community resources. All of the Board’s administrative functions are under the direct supervision of their Superintendent. EARLY INTERVENTION The Board directly operates an Early Intervention program….
Terry’s Story….. Terry lived in an 80-bed Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in southern Ohio for 43 years. Four hours away from his family, they would visit as often as possible, but ultimately they didn’t get as much time with him as they wanted. Susie, his sister and guardian, said, “we would drive 4 hours to…
Noah’s Story….. Noah is a junior at Vantage Career Center where he is in the Ag and Industrial Power Technology program. He has been enjoying learning how to fix tractors. He has always enjoyed taking things apart to figure out how they work. Noah’s favorite recent project was when he got to help his dad…
Sustainability Plan – Executive Summary James E. Stripe, Superintendent Stephen D. Mercer, Business Manager Shannon Timmerman, SSA Manager Background Our board privatized July 1, 2005. Before this event, we had been experiencing an annual increase in our “year-end cash balance.” We have been in deficit spending since that time. We have (1) a three-year plan…
Brandon began receiving County Board services in 1997. The County Board was able to fund waiver services for him that began in 2002. These supports over the years have allowed him the opportunity to move into an apartment on his own which is exactly what he needed. He has an incredible support system that includes…
Kathy has received County Board services since 1993. The County Board was able to fund her waiver services in 2001. The support she has received from her friends, family, MRSI staff and the County Board has given her the opportunity to develop continued independence. She went from attending Thomas Edison 5 days a week to…