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Community integration for all people with developmental disabilities

In this Issue

Zero-Depth Entry Pools
My Life Magazine - audio edition
COVID-19 updates

From the Superintendent - Provider Support
Ohio SILC Disability Needs Assessment Survey

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Line - 988
We Thrive Together
Upcoming events

From the Superintendent

At HCDDS, we recognize the importance of providers and direct support professionals (DSPs) in providing quality support to people with disabilities in Hamilton County. We appreciate their ongoing efforts and valued partnership. Our strong collaboration is particularly important as our system continues to confront a workforce shortage that began years ago but has been intensified by the current environment.

From September 2021 through March of this year, HCDDS implemented a Workforce Sustainability Program to support our provider community and offset increased costs due to the ongoing direct support professional (DSP) shortage. During that program, HCDDS issued nearly $2.5 million in provider assistance, including funding for DSP recruitment and retention, as well as necessary overtime costs. Following the Workforce Sustainability Program, providers received significant relief payments funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. HCDDS also continued to support providers by offering training from Blitz Media on recruiting and retaining DSP staff. These efforts have benefited providers and DSPs in the short term, but we know that a longer-term solution is required.

We’re excited to share that the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) recently received federal approval for provider payments focused on DSP retention. These payments are funded by county boards with federal matching funds. Recruitment and retention payments will be issued quarterly to independent providers and participating agency providers for distribution to their DSPs. This program marks one step toward a more sustainable solution that will support providers across the state.

HCDDS has budgeted $4.5 million dollars to fund this program in Hamilton County. Across Ohio, it will result in a $51.48 million investment of local funds and a $91.52 million federal funding match from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). DODD is currently working with stakeholders on developing an administrative rule to implement this initiative.

Federal approval of these matching funds is the result of extensive work by Hamilton County DD Services and county boards across the state, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, and several other provider and advocacy organizations.

We recognize that this program is just one piece of ensuring we support the incredible work of our DSPs, and we look forward to seeing its positive impact. We are also evaluating other ways we can support our providers and DSPs locally to benefit the people we serve and their families. HCDDS will continue to work with our partners across Ohio toward long-term solutions to DSP staffing shortages.

Sincerely,

Leia Snyder

On July 14, we hosted a Facebook Live with Superintendent Leia Snyder. She shared agency updates, details about our future plans, and answered your questions - watch it here. We'd also appreciate your feedback as we plan for future Facebook Live broadcasts. Please take a few minutes to fill out this quick survey!

COVID-19 Vaccines and Free Tests

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older. Reach out to your healthcare provider to schedule a vaccination or find vaccine locations in the community here. You can also find additional resources and information about vaccines, testing, and community spread of COVID-19 on the Hamilton County Public Health website.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order eight free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government. Each household can now order a second and third round of tests, many which have had their expiration dates extended.

Cool off with Cincy Rec's zero-depth entry pools

Looking to catch a break from the summer heat? Cool off at one of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s zero-depth entry pools! CRC has 5 pools with zero-depth entry open this summer, which allows wheelchairs to be wheeled into the pool, including:

Dempsey, 933 Hawthorne Ave., 45205
Evanston, 3204 Woodburn Ave., 45207
Hirsch, 3630 Reading Rd., 45229
Mt. Washington, 1715 Beacon St., 45230
Dunham, 4356 Dunham Lane, 45238

Daily passes or memberships are available. Learn more on the CRC website.

Sensory Friendly Day at Ohio State Fair

Enjoy a sensory-friendly morning at the Ohio State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 3.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational and sensory activities, take a break in a quiet room, or use the sensory accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you.

Print social narratives, a first-then board, wait cards, and a permit to park in a special area on the OCALI website.

Adaptive Sports Clinic at Cincinnati Children's

Not exactly sure where your child fits in the world of adaptive sports and recreation? Do you have a child with a disability who is sidelined from a sport-related injury?

Schedule a visit in Cincinnati Children's OTPT adapted sports clinic, where you'll find support! Click here to fill out an intake form, which asks about mobility equipment, diagnoses, and barriers to community activities.

A scheduler will work with you to find an appointment date that best fits your needs.

Audio edition of My Life magazine

Thanks to our partnership with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), the audio version of the My Life magazine Summer 2022 issue is now available! You can listen to it here or ask your Amazon Echo to play it:

Say, “Alexa, open Cincinnati Radio Reading Services.” Then say, “Alexa, Play My Life Magazine.” To hear previous issues, say "Alexa, previous."

On July 26, we celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the ADA. This important civil rights law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

How did you celebrate? Share your photos & stories on social media using the hashtag #ThanksToTheADA or #ADA32

Photo from 2018 Disability Pride Celebration in downtown Cincinnati.

Free Virtual Classes

We're excited that Hamilton County DD Services is now part of We Thrive Together! This collaborative aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness for people with disabilities.

You can check out their list of exercise classes, arts & crafts, games, educational presentations, virtual trips, parties, and so much more! And it's all free for people who live in Hamilton County. Find the schedule here.

Ohio SILC Disability Needs Assessment

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is gathering input from the disability community and those that are involved with the disability community.

Feedback will help with the Ohio SILC's State Plan for Independent Living, education efforts, and increasing awareness to the needs of the disability community.

Click here to take the survey by Aug. 15.

New 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Anyone in need of support for suicidal thoughts or similar crises can now call 988 to speak directly to trained call center staff. This does not replace 911, which should be used for emergencies requiring first responders (police, fire, ems, etc.).

The current national suicide prevention lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will continue to work, but will route callers to the 988 responders. Learn more.

Ohio ISP rolling out this year

This year, Ohio is launching a statewide individual service plan called the OhioISP, built on the same principles as Charting the LifeCourse. The OhioISP standardizes plans across the state and shapes planning around the needs of the person receiving services by allowing them to lead the process, set their own goals for life, and make their own choices.

In Hamilton County, the OhioISP will replace the My Plan, the individual service plan currently being used locally. Your service and support administrator (SSA) will keep you updated on the process of transitioning to the OhioISP.

A standardized plan means no matter where you live in Ohio, your ISP will use the same format. If you move to a different county, you won’t need to learn a different planning process. In fact, your OhioISP will transfer with you. Using the same plan will also help SSAs and providers across the state better collaborate, share best practices, and improve services for people with disabilities.

The OhioISP also will be accessible to teams throughout Ohio, thanks to a new online platform created by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). This system will allow providers to easily access a person’s assessments and plans to they can find the information they need about the people they support.

The new person-centered OhioISP is rolling out across the state this year. SSAs are receiving training on assessments and IT teams are completing the required systems. You can find more information about the OhioISP, including videos, sample plans, FAQs, resources and more on DODD’s website.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Meet-up: Advocacy. 7-8 p.m. Thursday, July 28 on Zoom. Join Ohio SIBS for an informational session and casual discussion on Advocacy via zoom. Presentations and meet-ups are virtual and require registration. Must be 18 to join virtual meet-ups. Register here for SIB Talks.

Loveland Health & Wellness Expo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30 at Nisbet Park. The Health & Wellness Expo focuses on all aspects of health – physical, mental, financial, senior care and more! Visit us at the HCDDS booth to say hi! Click here for details.

Anderson Day. 4-10 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at Beech Acres Park. A celebration of great food from local restaurants, live music, Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks, games, rides, tremendous teamwork, and tons of fun. Stop by the HCDDS table to say hello! Click here for details.

Caring for the Caregiver. 4-6 p.m. Sunday, July 31 in the DSAGC Community Room. Registration required. Childcare is available. Learn more here.

Provider Forum. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, on Zoom. These meetings cover local and state issues that affect providers, provide helpful tips, informative discussions and more. Details here.

Sensory Friendly Morning at the Ohio State Fair. 10-1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational and sensory activities, take a break in a quiet room, or use our sensory accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you. Details.

Adaptive Sports Clinic. Thursday, Aug. 4 at Cincinnati Children’s OTPT sports clinic. Click here to fill out an intake form and a scheduler will work with you to find an appointment date that best fits your needs.

Sensory Open House. 6:30-8 p.m. First Fridays, June – September, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library – Norwood Branch. Explore various stations with crafts, games, sensory materials, free books, and fun for all ages. View flyer.

DSAGC: Summer Picnic. 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7. Bring your lawn chairs and watch your kids play at the enclosed park. Treats and fun for all ages. More details here.

HCDDS Board Meeting. 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, Support Center. Click here for details.

Financial & Future Planning: SSI Benefits. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, on Zoom. The Center for Disability Empowerment hosts this webinar. Learn strategies to help maximize benefits and plan for your loved one's future. View flyer. Register here.

Tech Summit: Embracing the Future. Friday, Aug. 12. Hear from experts and individuals who have adopted technology and explore solutions. Learn more.

Black Family Reunion. Aug. 18-21. Events spread across four days include a job fair, Heritage Breakfast, parade, historic tour and more. This year’s theme is “Bold and Beautiful.” Stop by the HCDDS table to say hello! Click here for details.

ACEing Autism Western and Southern Open. 10-12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Free tennis clinic run by experienced program directors and volunteers. There is no deadline to sign up, but there are a limited number of spots. Register here.

SIB Talks: Disability Rights & History. 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Join Ohio SIBS for a presentation on Disability Rights & History with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo via zoom. Registration required. Must be 18 to join virtual meet-ups. Register here for SIB Talks.

Respite Care. 10-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at DSAGC. Offered once a quarter. Open to the child/teen/adult with Down syndrome as well as their siblings. Registration required. FREE to participate. Learn more here.

Virtual Presentation: Disability Rights & History. 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Join Ohio SIBS for a presentation on Disability Rights & History with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo via zoom. Presentations and meet-ups are virtual and require registration. Must be 18 to join virtual meet-ups. Register here for SIB Talks.

Harvest Home Fair. Sept. 8-11. Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. Participate in the 1-mile run, art or flower show, or enjoy the rides and general exhibits. Visit the HCDDS table to say hello! Click here for details.

Buddy Walk Cincinnati. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Sawyer Point. The Buddy Walk is DSAGC’s largest fundraising and awareness event of the year. Details here.

Mandatory Orientation and Annual Renewal Training. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at The Academy for Professional Development. For people who provide services to individuals with DD who must obtain certification from DODD. Details here.

4th Annual Golf for Autism. 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at TPC River's Bend. Includes a 4-person scramble, lunch, buffet dinner, spectacular raffle and auction items, and an awards reception following the golf. Register here.

Regular HCDDS and Advocate-Led Groups

Expression Hour with Diana Mairose. 5-6 p.m. First Monday of each month on Zoom. Come share art, music, poems, photos and more. We want to hear about YOU! View flyer.

Zoom Connection Hour. 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays and 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays on Zoom. For adults we serve who are looking to be social and meet other people with similar interests. View flyer.

Speaking up, Speaking Out. 4-5 p.m. Third Tuesdays on Zoom. Build connections, confidence, leadership skills, self-worth, public speaking skills & more. View flyer.

Neighbors in Action. 5 p.m. First & Third Thursdays on Zoom. Topics include voting, being a good neighbor, transportation, how to get more involved in your communities, technology, and more! View flyer.

Reading & Discussion (RAD) Crew. 5 p.m. Second Thursday on Zoom. Choose from a variety of materials, read and discuss your writing or artwork. View flyer.

Coffee & Conversation. 10 a.m. Thursdays. Join host James Harley for some good conversation and coffee. Find the Zoom link here.

Women's Night. 7 p.m. Thursdays on Zoom. Advocate Anna Leah hosts a night where ladies talk about hobbies, empowerment, and role models. View flyer.

Game Night. 8 p.m. Thursdays. Play trivia, and role-playing games! Details here.

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