John's usual--
I apologize for not sending the one-call alert out earlier last week to remind everyone about CLI's long Easter weekend break. In my defense, it snuck on me too.
A big thanks to the Dorn Foundaton and to the Huron County Community Fund for granting CLI a combined $20,000 toward our Kenilee Wheelchair Accessibility Project. I'm still worried about the prices of materials, but we should definitely have enough money to commit to make the interior renovations as scheduled this July & August. However, we don't yet have enough for the entranceway & facade-- so the fundraising continues!
Not too much CLI-specific to catch people up on, so I figured I'd use this space to share some of the trending DD state wide discussion points among providers:
- OPRA (which represents provider companies across Ohio) is working with advocacy efforts in other states to lobby the federal government to invest more in the DD field. This is largely in response to the failure of the "Build Back Better" initiative. I'm a bit conflicted on this one because I 100% agree that we need to invest a larger portion of existing dollars into industries like DD, and nursing homes, and home health, so that we can pay sustainable wages to people who devote their careers to caring for people. However, I'm worried about the amount of total spending. However, if you are willing to write a letter to your favorite flavor of US politician advocating for the need for more money in our system-- whatever that means for you-- I do think that would be meaningful.
- COVID cases are way down across Ohio, but people are watching the new varients.
- Ohio's new "Tech-First" rule is the law now. and requires county boards to develop a policy to ensure that "technology is explored through the person centered planning process and used to the greatest extent possible to
- support the outcomes in the plan". Incidentally, I believe that there is money available to help people get internet service if that's a problem for anyone.
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There is a bit of consternation about Ohio Senate Bill 215 which which allows people 21 years and older to carry concealed firearms without a license or training. You can find more information about that here. This seems significant, but not a particular issue for CLI as an agency because we are so decentralized.
That's all I have for this week. Hopefully, CLI's 2 day shut-down wasn't too disruptive for anyone. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday.
John
