To recognize and value the work of DSPs is to recognize and value the people they support.” – Director Hauck in budget testimony
The state operating budget makes significant progress in addressing our system's most pressing issue: wages for DSPs. Thanks to focused and powerful advocacy, the legislature built upon Governor DeWine’s historic investment in DSP wages. It is our goal that this momentous investment will increase rates that pay DSPs in the DD system to an average of $18 per hour by the second year of the budget. Home and Community-Based Services (HBCS) rates that support DSPs will receive an additional $1 per hour starting in January of 2024 by transitioning the local county board retention payment into a permanent rate increase. The final DSP retention payments will be processed on November 1, 2023.
Agency and ICF DSPs should work with their employer to understand what the increases will mean for them.
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Information and Resources |
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Celebrate, learn, and share about the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 26, 1990, this historic civil rights law was signed to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Celebrate this special day by sharing how the ADA has benefited you with #ThanksToTheADA.
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Starting in 2021, as part of the celebration of the anniversary of the ADA, July was recognized as Disability Pride Month. Share your #DisabilityPride this month as you celebrate the ADA anniversary.
Look for events in your area! Here are two happening this month:
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Register for the NADSP 6th Annual Conference |
Register for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Annual Conference, September 8-10, 2023. The goal of the NADSP Annual Conference is to provide national recognition and celebration to DSPs while offering the chance to learn, network, and collaborate. This conference provides the opportunity for DSPs to celebrate the kickoff of National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Visit https://nadsp.org/ for up-to-date information.
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Date Correction: Provider Resources and Support Team Information Session |
The Provider Resources and Support Team will present the following information sessions. Click on the link to sign up!
July 24: 11 AM - 12 PM - I'm Certified, Now What? - Did you recently become a certified waiver provider? Are you in the process of getting certified, but you are not sure what the next step is after you complete your certification? We will explain the concept of "free choice of provider," being a "willing and able" provider, and ways to make sure that people looking for services can find you!
August 28: 11 AM – 12 PM - The DSP Voice - As part of the Person-Centered planning process, the voice of the person receiving supports leads the development of the plan. But some people are unable to speak for themselves or want others who know them well to help them share their thoughts on what is important to and for them. DSPs have close relationships with those they support and often have a unique insight that other professionals don’t have. This presentation will discuss how the DSP can ensure that what they know about the person is shared with the team to help ensure that the person’s needs and wants are accurately identified and addressed in the plan.
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Appendix K Update: Proposed Waiver Amendments Posted for Public Comment |
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) shared the following information:
The Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services Policy Section is seeking public comment on the proposed amendments to the MyCare Ohio, Ohio Home Care, Assisted Living, PASSPORT, Level 1, Individual Options (IO), and SELF waivers, prior to submission to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for review. A 30-day public comment period on the proposed amendments will run from July 14, 2023, through August 13, 2023.
Thank you in advance for your review. ODM looks forward to receiving your feedback on the following proposed amendments.
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Part of the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals' mission is to educate, elevate, and empower DSPs. Part of Scene75’s mission is to entertain them!
Registered DSPs can visit Scene75 on the first Thursday of every month for FREE FUN!
Head to your local Scene75 and enjoy rides, games, and attractions with family and friends from 3-9 PM. Learn more.
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Did you know DODD has more email newsletters tailored to specific audiences!? Get the information you need by subscribing here.
Here is a list of some of our key publications and who they are for:
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Director's Corner, updates from DODD Director Kim Hauck
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Disability Connection, news and resources for people with developmental disabilities (NEW)
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DODD Pipeline, department news and resources
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DSP Connection, news for direct support professionals
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Family Connection, news and resources for families
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Memo Monday, DODD guidance and training
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How long has this person been a DSP?
"One year - she has worked for county dd for many years."
How does this DSP go above and beyond?
"Like some people with autism, my son can have difficulty with anxiety and complex needs. My son struggles to communicate and she has the patience to wait, support and include Marcus in everything! How awesome that a DSP can support someone fully with their vision of an amazing life. Marcus loves community and Pam is one of those people that seems to get everyone around her focused on seeing Marcus as an individual. He really opens up when you are excited to work with him. He trusts Pam and that doesn’t come easily. It was earned through listening to him and giving him choices."
What agency does the DSP work for?
Independent Provider
Anything else you'd like to share about the DSP?
"She is part of our support team and is always willing to work with others on the team. She gets updates on other areas of his week, like therapy, and helps work on goals during her fun outing with Marcus."
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DSP Highlight: Regenia Chambliss |
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How long has this person been a DSP?
"20 years"
How does this DSP go above and beyond?
"She has made the statement: "It’s more than a job. It’s a lifestyle." The love and compassion Regenia brings to the table is what makes her special. Regenia always takes extra time with her friends; always included them in family gatherings and outings."
What agency does the DSP work for?
Creative Foundations
Anything else you'd like to share about the DSP?
"Regenia Chambliss is one of the most caring and thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Always giving; helping."
Nominate a DSP to be highlighted here!
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