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John's usual--
I'd like to start this week by expressing gratitude to the Huron County Board of DD (HCBDD), the Ohio Department of DD (DODD), and the Ohio Provider's Resource Association (OPRA). Services for adults with developmental disabilities has changed more in the last 10 years than they have in the previous 40. Ohio was progressive when it created County Boards of DD in the late 1960's and even now I think Ohio might be in the top 3 states in terms of per person spending for its DD system. In some ways that robust funding and long legacy of broad services is what's making the shift we're in right now so hard. We can't just unravel & retie just one thread. I have really appreciated DODD's leadership over the past 5 years-- and OPRA's advocacy role on behalf of providers like CLI. But I'm also grateful to HCBDD for all of their efforts to support individuals and providers. Theirs is a difficult role, balancing fiscal limitations against the new mandates and a very typical desire by individuals for the same traditional day services we've all known for the past 40 years. Change is not easy for any of us. I know that's been most true for people with DD and their families.
I had the chance to meet with DODD, OPRA & HCBDD last week and discuss community-integration and outcome-driven services mandates. DODD asked that CLI do a better job story-telling, showing instances where we think what we are helping our clients do demonstrates real community membership and/or shows meaningful progress toward one of our clients personal goals (aka outcomes). CLI needs your help with this. It's hard to remember to take pictures, especially when staff's focus is on the people served in an integrated setting. But, the next best thing would be video interviews where we can talk to individuals and others about a particular experience. Please contact me either by email or phone if you have any ideas for a quick story that we could share with DODD, who will in turn share it with other providers as an example of something that worked and was worth doing. Together we can reshape Ohio's DD system that keeps some of its legacy strengths, while building in the newer Medicaid mandates about integration, true person-centered services & independence.
If you know any kids with developmental disabilities still in High School-- CLI is hosting free pizza & bowling on Friday evening, September 30th. In my tenure here with CLI, I've seen how jarring the transition from school programs to adult programs has been for families-- even back when the original workshop model was an option. We need to help parents understand the resources they will have to work with in the adult services world-- and how to advocate for the wrap-around services that their child will need to be successful. OOD services are great for kids ready to begin working right out of high school, but there are many kids that need additional vocational training. Even for the kids who are ready & able to start working right out of high school, they will need services to maintain that job, to plan for the future, and to have a social life outside of work. So, if you know any parents of high school kids with DD, please share the 9/30 flyer with them. I believe that we will have at least one HCBDD SSA there to answer questions-- and I'll have the contact info for the Erie County Board of DD SSA Department to share as well.
I'm sorry to report that CLI is losing long-time staff member Paula Case after this week. Paula has accepted a position with another local company. While we're disappointed to see her go, we definitely wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.
Have a great week. COVID is flaring up again locally. CLI is starting this week with at least 4 people out. I know that the CDC is backing way off on their recommendations-- but I'm still a believer in social distance & clean hands.
This Friday is our 3rd cornhole tournament. Stop by and just say hello, even if you don't want to play. It's a fun hang. Oh-- I still have about 150 reverse raffle tickets left to sell, so please hit me up if you'd like to get in on a 1/300 chance to win $1000!
John
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