On March 22, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine issued a stay-at-home order requiring all non-essential businesses to close until April 6 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The order makes exceptions for essential human services agencies, however, which means the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities will continue working for you and your loved…
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…
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…
The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities is in the business of serving the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. From birth throughout life, individuals with disabilities may need supports to help them function as active and engaged members of their communities. We believe that a developmentally disabled individual receiving supports and…
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…
The Medicaid Waiver Waiting List for people with developmental disabilities became inefficient and outdated.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…
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….
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…
VWDD recently partnered with Brand It Marketing Communications in Rockford, Ohio to design a new logo, website and social media presence to meet the current needs and demands of the community it serves. As part of VWDD’s growing brand identity and commitment to their community, they are looking to you, community members, for your stories…