To inspire, empower, and support people to achieve their full potential.
From the Superintendent
Kristine Hodge
For me, November is a time for giving thanks. While I look forward to the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, November is my time to look back on the past year's accomplishments with an attitude of gratitude.

First and foremost, I am grateful for the people and families we serve who offer us the privilege of being a part of their lives. I am thankful that as the population we serve increases, so does the number of dedicated staff at DCBDD. I am continuously appreciative of those who provide direct services, employ, coach, and support those whom we serve. And finally, thank you to those who have supported county boards of developmental disabilities who made it possible for us to celebrate 50 years of service last month.

So, from my table to yours, let me be the first to say thank you for all that you do and to wish you a happy Thanksgiving.
50th Anniversary Celebration - Ohio State House
Event Recap
On October 24, 2017, representatives from all 88 counties gathered at the Ohio State House to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. As a part of this celebration, each county created a micro-time capsule filled with items that represent the past, present, and future of the county board.

In addition, the Ohio Association of County Boards surprised attendees with a resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives recognizing the 50th Anniversary of County Boards. A delegate from each county was at the presentation of the resolution while all other guests were able to watch a live feed of the presentation.
Noah's Story
It's all about the fun!
Noah is a seventh grader at Oakstone Academy. An avid Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) fan and hockey player, Noah had the surprise of a lifetime when Boone Jenner & Sam Gagner made an unexpected visit to his hockey practice! The team had the opportunity to run drills, pass the puck and even take pictures with Jenner and Gagner. In Noah's words, "It was awesome!"

Noah is an enthusiastic member of the Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association (CCYHA) Special Columbus Blue Jackets traveling team. As explained by the CBJ, "CCYHA partners with the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) and USA Hockey to provide children and adults who have developmental disabilities with the opportunity to play ice hockey in an environment adapted to each athlete's level of physical and mental ability."

Noah has been playing hockey for 6 years. When asked why he likes to play, he said, "It's really all about the fun!" On and off the ice, Noah is a caring kid. He says he always helps the other players up when they fall on the ice. Taking his hockey seriously, Noah practices at home on the hockey rink his dad built for their basement.

Noah had the incredible opportunity to travel to Lake Placid and play a game at Olympic Center, "Home of the Miracle on Ice." "It was an honor to be on the ice," Noah explained, reliving his memorable experience.

While hockey is certainly an important part of Noah's life, he is your typical 7th grader who enjoys playing Mind Craft, Terraria, soccer and baseball. His favorite subjects are math and science. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Noah said he has narrowed it down to three things, "an author, a video game creator, or an inventor."

We look forward to watching Noah grow and cannot wait to see what he does next!
Strategic Plan
We have almost made it through year one of our 2017-2019 Strategic Plan. In preparation for the coming years, we would appreciate your feedback by reviewing our Progress Report and completing our quick 3-question survey!
Important Reminders
  • Election Day - 11/7/2017
Know your rights! Election day is next Tuesday, November 7th. People of all abilities have the right to vote and make choices on decisions that will impact their lives.

A few important voting reminders:
  • You must be 18 years or older to vote
  • You can still vote even if you have a guardian
  • You must bring an ID or information that shows your name and current address to vote
  • You are allowed to have someone in the polling booth to assist you in completing your ballot
  • To find out where to vote click here
  • For more information about the voting rights of people with disabilities, visit Disability Rights Ohio's website.

  • DCBDD Closed - 11/10/2017
We will be closed Friday, November 10, 2017 in observance of Veteran's Day. In case of emergency, please contact 740-369-3316.

  • Medicaid Open Enrollment Letters
Individuals enrolled in a Level One waiver, Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waiver, or Individual Options (IO) waiver will receive a standard annual open-enrollment letter from the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) informing all eligible individuals that they must enroll in a managed care plan. However, the letter also indicates that, for individuals receiving waiver services from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, enrollment in a managed care plan remains voluntary . This standard letter is confusing and parts of the letter are somewhat misleading. Please contact your Support Administrator if you have any questions. Download FAQs.

  • Lifetime of Giving Awards
We are now accepting nominations for our 2018 Lifetime of Giving Awards! Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their support or advocacy for those with developmental disabilities? We have many award categories to choose from. Visit our website to submit a nominatio n!

  • Holiday Gifts
As a reminder, DCBDD is a public agency and therefore, employees are not permitted to accept gifts with monetary value (food, gift cards, etc.). If you would like to express your appreciation to a member of the DCBDD team, please consider writing a card or sending a letter of appreciation to our Superintendent and/or our Board members. We appreciate your gratitude. It is our privilege to be a part of your journey.   
 
  • Early Intervention Parent Pages
To read the November Parent Pages, click here.
Upcoming Events
Sensitive Santa
December 2, 2017
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
DCBDD
7991 Columbus Pike
Delaware, OH 43035

Download the flier for more details!
Deck the Stalls 2017
December 9, 2017
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Stockhands Horses for Healing
3788 Olentangy River Road
Delaware, Ohio 43015

Download the flier for more details.