DD Awareness Month Logo Contest
At the beginning of 2021, DCBDD hosted a community-wide logo contest to determine the logo that will be used alongside our #universALL theme. The winner of this year’s contest is a family member of someone we serve. Her inspiration for #universALL stems from a few different areas…
 
According to the artist, “The Earth is meant to represent everyone around the world. The hands circling the Earth are again meant to be inclusive of ALL people. Disabilities can be seen in all shapes, sizes and colors of people. The different colors of the hands are just a small representation of the many different disabilities that can be found universally. For example, the yellow and blue might represent Down syndrome, or the yellow/gold might stand for hearing disabilities or Spina Bifida. The purple could represent Epilepsy or ADHD and the blue shade might represent Reye’s Syndrome or Fragile X. This is just a sample of disabilities represented by many different colors. Finally, while disabilities can affect anyone, the love that connects us all is universALL.”
DD Awareness Month Activities
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Save the date for a few of the fun things we have planned.

Individual Events

Month Long Initiatives
  • New banners in Downtown Delaware – If you’re taking a stroll down Sandusky Street don’t forget to take a selfie with one of our banners and use the hashtags #DDAwarenessMonth and #universALL!
  • Downloadable Video Background – In this virtual world we find ourselves in, consider using our themed background for your next video call.
  • Click here to download background.
  • #universALL Stickers and Sanitizers – Be sure to stop in at one of these participating businesses to support their business and pick up a sticker or hand sanitizer with our new #universALL logo! (Please note these will be available beginning March 8)
  • Nocterra Brewing Co., Ill Mannered Brewing Company, Long Branch Pizza, Surve, District 13, The Coffee Vault, CrossFit Delaware, Fit Fresh Fast, Coffeeology, Oak & Brazen, J. Gumbos, Wornstaff Memorial Community Library, Honey & Abernathy, Shorty’s Pizza.
  • Use Our Social Profile Frame – Visit our Facebook page and select our temporary profile frame for your profile photo. You will help raise awareness all month long!
  • Follow Us on Social Media – Follow us on social media to see features of inclusive places in Delaware and 2021 Lifetime of Giving recipients.

Rapid COVID-19 Q&A
I'm working with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone how has. What do I do?
Contact the DCBDD SSA, Service Coordinator, or Developmental Specialist working with the individual to deploy the COVID response plan. If this is after hours, on a weekend, or during a holiday, please contact helpline at 740-369-3316 and ask for the SSA on call. 
 
I need PPE and am working with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone how has. Can DCBDD help?
If you need PPE, please contact Annie Snyder at Annie.Snyder@dcbdd.org or 740.201.5881.
 
My staff have become ill and I need additional DSPs. Can DCBDD help?
DCBDD has created a list of willing and able independent providers we can call upon to fill in as the provider for a person we serve until the scheduled provider is well enough to return to work. If this need arises or if you are an independent provider and wish to be included on the list, please contact Cheryl Copley at Cheryl.Copley@dcbdd.org or 740-201-3605 or text 740-272-8684.
 
How do I find out the latest from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities?
View the DODD COVID-19 Webpage HERE
DCBDD Monthly Board Meeting
  • March, 11, 2021 ONLINE via YouTube Live
Background Checks Update:
  • All background checks must occur by making an appointment through the BCI email address at bci@dcbdd.org
  • Visitors completing a background check are required to wear a mask
Discovery Series: Relationships, Dating, and Sexuality for People with I/DD: Breaking through the Stigma and Silence
March 9, 2021
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Live Webinars
FREE Charting the LifeCourse Training
For DCBDD Staff and Providers supporting people birth throughout adulthood.

Part 1
March 24, 2021
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Part 2
March 25, 2021
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Employment First Transformation Series #MovingForwardTogether
The 2021 Transformation Series provides an opportunity for stakeholders to gather and share ideas, strategies, and practices that will assist them as they move through the systems change process and help improve person-centered planning, community membership, and employment opportunities for individuals across Ohio. The Transformation Series opens March 2021.
DODD Provides Update on Provider Network Management Module
An updated go-live date has been released for the new provider credentialing system.
Read the memo HERE
Highschool Diploma/GED Waiver Changes Announced
DODD has announced updates to how they are handling requests from provider agencies to waive staff HS Diploma/GED requirements. The following information was included in the DODD Memo Monday issued February 15, 2021:

Changes to the High School Diploma/General Education Diploma Rule Waiver Process for Agency Providers

Effective March 1, 2021, OSSAS will make the following changes to the process for granting High School Diploma (HSD)/GED rule waivers to agency providers:
  • Initial HSD/GED waivers will be issued for a two-year period. The employee must meet the educational requirement by the end of the two-year period.
  • A one-year renewal may be available if extenuating circumstances prevented the DSP from obtaining their HSD or GED during the two-year period.
  • There will be a new option to receive a non-expiring HSD/GED waiver if the DSP meets one of the following criteria:
  • The DSP is over 50 years old;
  • The DSP will only provide services to family members; or
  • The DSP will only provide transportation services
  • HSD/GED waivers issued prior to March 1, 2021 to individuals who do not meet the requirements for a non-expiring waiver will be renewed for a two-year period to allow the DSP to obtain their HSD or GED.
  • To request a HSD/GED waiver, fill out the HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA/GED WAIVER REQUEST form completely and return to DODD via email at this address: Diploma-GEDWaiver@dodd.ohio.gov.
Technology First Resource Feature:
DoseHealth
DoseHealth electronic medication dispenser prompts an individual and administers the appropriate medication at the set time, all without needing someone in the home to personally pass medication. The medication remains available for a set duration (e.g., one hour) then locks when the time has expired. A trusted caregiver is notified about whether or not the medication has been removed from the tray. DoseHealth provides a chart that helps to track and monitor medication adherence. For more info, visit: https://www.dosehealth.com/
Community Connection: Work Related Assistance Program
It can be difficult to gain or maintain employment if you don’t have the resources for transportation, uniforms, and everything else it takes to succeed in the workforce. The Work Related Assistance Program from Bridges Community Action provides eligible clients with employment-related assistance. To be eligible, total household income must be at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. For more information, call 937-642-4986 or visit https://www.bridgescap.org/wrap

Community Connection: Delaware County Transit (DCT)
(DCT) will provide FREE transportation to those getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Transportation must be arranged in advance and in Delaware County from 6 AM to 6 PM, Mon. - Fri. For more info, contact 2-1-1 or 740.363.3355. 
Statewide Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day (virtual)
March 2, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Local Chipotle Supports 2021 Hunger Games - March 9, 2021
In preparation for the 2021 Hunger Games, there is a dine out charity event occurring at the Chipotle in Delaware City off of 23. The Hunger Games is the annual Thanksgiving Meal Kit distribution event that supports hundreds of people in Delaware. A portion of the proceeds will be directed to buy additional food in November for the Hunger Games. Click here to learn more. Two things to note:
  1. This charity event only applies to carry out orders not delivery
  2. When ordering, please use the promo code: YLNG4AY