It has been my privilege to serve with all of you over the past 12 years. I started at a time when there was much discord in the field, and I appreciated that I was given the opportunity and support to work at eliminating that discord. Because of that, together we got through the recession without cutting rates or services — a standard we have been able to maintain through the ups and downs of these past 12 years.
Together, we have worked through changes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, litigation, decreases and increases in budgets, the closing of two developmental centers, Employment First, privatization, new waivers including exit and diversion wavers, and the SELF Waiver, an increase in provider rates, a new reimbursement system for intermediate care facilities, a new system for managing the waiting list, and an increase in the use of technology.
The result of all this work is that as of today, 3,000 more people with disabilities are working, 1,000 fewer people are living in developmental centers, 1,000 fewer people are living in private ICFs, 24,000 more people are on waivers, and Ohio leads the nation in the use of technology.
Many of the changes we experienced during the past 12 years have not been easy, yet as a field we have pulled together and worked together rather than fracturing and working against each other. While certainly some of you have disagreed with my approach or positions the department has taken, you have always been kind to me in your disagreements. Through this all, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a staff who are smart, hardworking, dedicated, and care deeply about the work we do. Without them, little would have been accomplished.
As you prepare for a new director, I would ask you to be honest in your opinions and kind in your disagreements. While harsh words and lashing out are natural responses for some of us, that approach never solves problems. Stay focused on making Ohio a great place for people with disabilities to live, play, and work. There is much to do and many improvements yet to make. We are a field that has problems, for example, the workforce crisis, that will not be solved but can be improved. Work hard, enjoy your work, practice kindness, and blessings to each of you as you continue to play an integral part in our system that so many depend upon.
John Martin
