Community integration for all people with developmental disabilities | |
- From the Superintendent
- SNAP Fraud
- John Romer Advocacy Award Winners
- Nisonger Tech Summit
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- Expanding Early Intervention
- Voter ID Law Updates
- Learning the Power of Your Voice
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- Summer Safety
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My Life Summer Issue
- Abilities at Bat Feedback
- Advocacy Summit
- Upcoming Events
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Ohio’s budget for fiscal years 2024-2025, recently signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine, makes the largest investment in the history of Ohio’s developmental disabilities system. For several months we’ve worked alongside people and families, providers, and other partners to raise awareness about the need for these essential investments. I’m pleased to share that, thanks to our collective efforts and support from DODD, Gov. DeWine, and legislators, an essential increase for Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages was included in the two-year state budget.
The state budget contained several items related to DD services, including the following:
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Increased Waiver Rates to Support Higher DSP Wages: The current average DSP wage across the state is $13.76. Thanks to this budget, County Boards (including HCDDS) and the state will contribute enough funding to support increasing the average DSP wage to $18 per hour beginning 1/1/2024 and $19 per hour beginning 7/1/2024. More details about the implementation of this important investment in DSPs will be shared when it’s available.
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Investment in Technology Support: $3.2 million per fiscal year will be dedicated to the Technology First initiative, which ensures technology is considered as part of all service and support plans for people with disabilities.
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Investment in Youth with Complex Needs: The budget includes $5 million per year for better support for youth with complex needs.
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Changes to the State Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System Requirements: The adopted policy acknowledges and supports the rights of individuals served by the P&A System to reside in and receive services from an intermediate care facility (ICF).
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Board Member Representation: Included language will ensure at least one person with a developmental disability is appointed to each county board of DD.
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Remote/Hybrid Participation for Board Members of County Boards of DD: This provision permits a certain number of board members to participate and vote in board meetings through video or other telecommunications platforms if the meeting is held in a hybrid format. Providing this flexibility is helpful to board members, all of whom are volunteering their time and many of whom have a developmental disability or are family members of someone with a disability.
We know people with DD and families often rely on the support of dedicated DSPs across Hamilton County. We’re grateful this budget recognizes the importance of DSPs and works to address the current workforce shortage. We also know that making sure every person has the support they need will require long-term effort, creativity, further investment, and innovation, and we’re committed to being part of this important work in the future.
Sincerely,
Leia Snyder
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Hamilton County is seeing an increase in SNAP benefits fraud. If you experience EBT fraud, you should report the theft to the SNAP fraud hotline at (513) 946-2217 and to the HCDDS MUI department. Find additional reporting options on our website. | |
Expanding Early Intervention | |
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In our Strategic and Annual Plans, we set a goal to increase outreach to families who might qualify for EI services. Those efforts to better connect with families have led to more families accessing this critical service from our agency.
This expanded team will include new evaluator positions and additional developmental specialist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech-language pathologist roles. We started to post some of these job openings and will continue to share others during the summer. Our EI team has been working hard to keep up with growing needs while maintaining quality services, and adding an additional EI team will help us provide the best possible services to children and families.
Visit our Office of Early Intervention website here for more information.
Pictured above are children participating in the Early Intervention playgroups at local parks. If you're connected to Early Intervention, your primary service provider can share details for upcoming dates.
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John Romer Advocacy Award Winners | |
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Congratulations to Alicia Hopkins, Melinda Gabelman and Dr. Courtney Reece for being selected as the inaugural honorees for the John Romer Advocacy Award!
The award recognizes people whose exceptional advocacy work on behalf of themselves and others has made a significant impact on their community. We created this award to honor John's legacy and the immeasurable impact he had on so many lives.
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Advocate: Alicia Hopkins
Alicia Hopkins uses her paintings and drawings to advocate for people with disabilities and the direct support crisis. She brings her art to meetings with Ohio legislators and talks about the critical need for higher wages for workers who support people with disabilities.
In March of 2023, Alicia testified in favor of higher wages during public hearings on the Ohio budget. “I’ve been encouraging people to testify through the weekly budget debriefs and helping people learn how to participate in public testimony. This issue is super important.”
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Professional: Dr. Courtney Reece
Dr. Courtney Reece is the Associate Principal at the Heidt Center of Excellence in the Greater Cincinnati area, a specialized school that serves students with autism and other disabilities.
Dr. Reece is an active participant in the Hamilton County Special Olympics, where she helps to organize and coordinate events. She encourages students to take a role in various clubs, sports, and other leadership activities. She also emphasizes the importance of developing character strengths in students with disabilities.
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Honorable Mention: Melinda Gabelman
Melinda Gabelman has been a strong self-advocate all of her adult life. Melinda is a long-time advocate who enjoys educating people about Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Melinda has been recognized for her self-advocacy efforts and has consistently been an active public speaker in support of Levy campaigns, voting, accessible transportation, as well as the rights of all people with disabilities to speak up and be listened to with respect.
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Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the inaugural award! We received 24 nominations for 15 people. We're also thankful to our judges: HCDDS Advocacy Support Advisor Diana Mairose, HCDDS Advocacy Coordinator Amber Cowart and Jinny Romer, wife of the late John Romer.
We'll present these awards at an upcoming HCDDS board meeting and celebrate the winners at our upcoming Advocacy Summit in September.
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State Fair Sensory Day
They are turning down the lights and volume to make the Ohio State Fair more sensory-friendly from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, or take a break in the quiet room.
To view all accessibility features the fair has to offer, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Accessible Ohio initiative, visit the Ohio State Fair website here.
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Inclusion Get-Togethers
A group for adults with disabilities began meeting this summer to connect with and meet other people with similar interests.
The group meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at HCDDS Support Center, 1520 Madison Road.
View the flyer here for more details. Questions? Contact Ann Myres.
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Voting in person? Don't forget your photo ID! | |
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By Diana Mairose
A new Ohio law requires voters to present photo identification when voting in person. This might impact your ability to vote in person on Election Day. An acceptable photo ID can include the following:
- An Ohio Driver’s License or a State ID Card. You can also use a temporary ID issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- A US Passport or a Passport Card
- A US Military ID Card, Ohio National Guard ID Card, or a US Department of Veterans Affairs ID Card
This new law means other forms of ID you may have used before are no longer acceptable for in-person voting. These include a utility bill or bank statement, a social security card, or official mail from the Board of Elections.
To help people get a photo ID for voting, the BMV is waiving the cost of getting a new ID. Find BMV locations here. If you do not present an acceptable ID, you will have to cast a provisional ballot. Learn more on the Hamilton County Board of Elections website.
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Pictured above: HCDDS Advocacy Support Adviser Diana Mairose, center, met with Sherry Poland, Director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections, and Alexander Linser, Deputy Director of Elections, to talk about voting accessibility for people with disabilities. | |
DD Council accepting new applications
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is accepting applications for new membership. All candidates for DD Council membership should have experience serving on committees, boards, or organizations.
Additionally, applicants should have first-hand knowledge about developmental disabilities in Ohio.
Visit the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council website here for more details.
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Public comment open for waiver changes
The Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services Policy Section is seeking public comment until Aug. 13 on proposed amendments to Level 1, Individual Options (I/O), SELF and other waivers. The public comment period is open before the waiver amendments are submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for review.
You can find a summary of each proposed waiver amendment, as well as instructions on how to submit a comment, on the Ohio Department of Medicaid website here.
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Have you checked out our latest edition of My Life magazine yet? If you’re planning a last-minute summer vacation, our beach reads list has books featuring real stories or characters with disabilities.
And the Cincinnati Bengals are kicking off training camp this week, so it’s a perfect time to read our 5 Questions interview with Head Coach Zac Taylor. He talks about his coaching style, role model and the most memorable moment of his career so far.
Finally, if you need a place to escape the heat, stop by the Cincinnati Art Museum to see work by local Visionaries + Voices artists, including Curtis Davis, pictured. Learn more about their inspiration and how the exhibit came together in our cover story.
Pick up a free copy available in our buildings, throughout the community, and at the library branches in Deer Park, Blue Ash, Anderson Township, Monfort Heights, Oakley, College Hill, Mt. Healthy and Mariemont.
You can listen to an audio version here, thanks to our partnership with CABVI. Find the digital flipbook here, or download a PDF here.
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Summer Crisis Program
The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Hamilton County residents with cooling assistance during the summer months. The program started on July 1.
The Summer Crisis Program (SCP) provides assistance to qualifying applicants with electric utility bills (up to $500), a payment, or the purchase of an air conditioning unit and/or fan (if you have not received an air conditioner or fan within the last three years) or combination benefit.
Find out if you are available on the Community Action Agency website here.
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Beat the Heat
The combination of rising temperatures and humidity often results in a very high heat index. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and others safe:
- Stay hydrated & avoid being in the sun too long
- Check on those particularly impacted by excessive heat
- Make a backup plan in case of power outages
For the latest information, including announcements of public cooling centers, you can follow the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency on Twitter and sign up for alerts on their website.
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Learning the Power of Your Voice
Amy Hayden was in a rough place four years ago. She was in an abusive relationship and harming herself to cope with her emotions.
Through her service & support administrator, Hayden got connected to Lisa Yee, an HCDDS behavior support specialist.
They met in person to talk about Hayden’s experiences and her needs. They also worked through a trauma-informed biographical timeline, which puts a person’s current situation in context with their life experiences.
“We worked on identifying what Amy did in a positive way that helped increase her own voice, choice and control in her life,” Yee said. “She recognized that she could be a bigger advocate for herself.” Yee also helped her redirect the self-harm into other ways for Hayden to express herself, primarily by embracing her love of art.
“I connected to Lisa pretty quickly and felt comfortable with her, not holding back like I do sometimes,” Hayden said. “I felt very supported from day one. She helped me voice my resilience a lot more.”
Behavior support can help people find tools within themselves to communicate their needs or connect to support in the community. “Amy learned that she can nurture healthy relationships and maintain them,” Yee said. “She learned the power of her own voice.”
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The HCDDS Behavior Support team strives to support people in a way that helps them achieve true happiness and well-being in the safest way possible. If you would like to connect with the Behavior Support Team, please contact your (or your loved one’s) Service and Support Administrator, Support Navigator, and/or Transition Specialist. | |
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Neighbors in Action will host their first Advocacy Summit from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at our Kingsley building in Madisonville..
This event is for professionals, families and friends.
RSVP at this link. Contact Amber Cowart by email here with any questions. More details to come.
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Thank you to everyone who attended Abilities at Bat at the Great American Ballpark on July 2!
Please share your experience with Krista Heidenreich from Envision by email here. What did you like about the event? What would have made the event better? Will you attend the next Abilities at Bat?
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Tech Summit 2023
From smart home and assistive technologies to independent transportation options, the Ohio State University Nisonger Center Tech Summit offers attendees a chance to learn about different kinds of current and emerging technology options to support people with developmental disabilities who want more independence in their lives.
The Tech Summit is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at the Marriott Columbus OSU. Vendor hall and registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
View the presenters, sessions, and agendas and register on the Nisonger Center website here.
| The Nisonger Center is looking for input from families who need or use home care nurses. Click here to view the flyer and click here to complete the survey. | | |
Disability Connect
Disability Connect is a gathering for DODD leaders to hear directly from the people they support, their families, and allies about issues affecting their lives. It is also a chance to learn more about different projects and resources at DODD and across Ohio's government while making connections to help everyone live their good life.
Disability Connect will meet three times in 2023 and is open to everyone. Meetings are held virtually using Zoom. The first meeting is 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Disability Connect meetings will be recorded and posted to the Disability Connect webpage. There will be an ASL Interpreter and C-Print Captioning streaming live during the meeting. If you need other accommodations or have suggestions, please contact Ohio Lifecourse Nexus by email here.
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Mobile Food Pantry
Community Action Agency distributes fruit, vegetables, and baked goods on a first-come, first-served basis through their Mobile Food Pantry, four times each month. Upcoming dates include:
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Tuesday, August 8, from 11-1 p.m. at the Welcome Project, 2936 Colerain Ave.
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Wednesday, August 16, from 2-4 p.m. at the Community Action Agency, 1740 Langdon Farm Road
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Thursday, August 24, from 3-5 p.m. at Corinthian Baptist Church, 1920 Tennessee Ave.
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Monday, August 28, from 3-5 p.m. at Tryed Stone New Beginning Church, 5550 Reading Road
Visit the Community Action Agency website for up-to-date information.
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Freestore Foodbank
The Freestore Foodbank provides access to nutritious food, connections to support services and offers a pathway from crisis to stability. They have several options:
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Liberty Street Market: A choice pantry where you select the items that fit the needs of your family. Open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 513-241-1064 for more information.
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Food Access Points: View a Google map that includes food pantries, pop-ups and soup kitchens
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If you have a disability and need assistance signing up for public benefits, reach out to the HCDDS Benefits team for help. | |
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Sibs Talk. 7-8:15 p.m. Thursday, July 27, on Zoom. For sibs who have a family member with a disability, the home environment, relationship dynamics, and competing needs amongst family members can cause them to feel unseen or unheard. Click here for details.
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Ohio State Fair Sensory-Friendly Morning. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the fair’s many educational and sensory activities, and take a break in Natural Resources Park or our soothing quiet room. Click here for details.
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Adaptive Tennis Clinic. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Withrow High School Tennis Courts, 2488 Madison Road. Join the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired for an adaptive tennis clinic. Click here for details.
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Smale Family Fun. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Schmidlapp Event Lawn, 124 W. Mehring Way. Free event. Animals, music, puppet shows, and face painting. Smale Family Fun Days have something for everyone. Click here for details.
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East Walnut Hills Farmer's Market. 3:30 to 7 p.m. Friday's through Oct. 27, at 1523 Madison Road. Enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, bread, teas, and other goodies. For details, visit their Instagram account here.
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Sibling Symposium. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue. A supportive social and educational event for siblings ages 7 and older and parents that will focus on important connections for siblings of individuals with complex health needs and developmental disabilities. Click here to view flyer.
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Joyride Car Club. 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Aug. 5, Crossroads, 990 Reading Road. During JoyRide events, kids trade the everyday worry of doctor’s visits and medication for a chance to cruise in high-end or one-of-a-kind cars. Registration is required. Click here for details.
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Charting the LifeCourse: Utilizing the Framework for the IEP. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, July August 7, on Zoom. Join to learn how the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools can support you in the IEP process. Click here to view the flyer.
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Functional Communication Training: AAC Devices. 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, on Zoom. Cincinnati Children's Hospital DDBP Outreach. This one-hour class includes introductory information about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Contact DDBP Family Support by email here or call 513-636-2158. Register on this website.
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Transition Talks: School-Age. noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, on Zoom. Join experts from HCDDS, parents, and family members for a discussion of important considerations for school-age children from 5-14 years old. This session will include a walk-through of the newly created Life Stage Transition Guides found on our website here, as well as Q&A. Click here to register.
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2023 Health and Safety Fair. 9 a.m. to noon. Wednesday, August 9, at Northgate Mall, 9501 Colerain Avenue. The Northwest Local School District hosts this annual back-to-school health and safety fair for families to connect with the school district. Click here for details.
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Dementia Caregiver Workshop. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at DSAGC, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite B. Join the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and Shannon Braun, Director of ERS’s Center for Memory Support & Inclusion, as she shares some background information on dementia and other cognitive impairments. Visit the DSAGC website here for details.
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Hamilton County Community Resource Event. 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at United Way of Greater Cincinnati, 2400 Reading Road. Join Lighthouse Youth & Family Services and Cincinnati Children’s HealthVine to learn about the OhioRISE program and services and how care coordination can help you and your community. Click here to view flyer.
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Starfire Community Design. 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, on Zoom. Get & share inspiration to grow good lives and good communities with the community-building approaches of the Ohio Family Network. Register on this website.
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Tech Summit. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 11, at Marriott Columbus OSU, 3100 Olentangy River Rd. This event offers attendees a chance to learn about different kinds of current and emerging technology options to support people with developmental disabilities who want more independence in their lives. Click here for details and to register.
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5th Annual Golf for Autism. 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Four Bridges Country Club, 8300 Four Bridges Dr. Golfers play a 4-person scramble on the course, with an open bar and box lunch. Afterward, enjoy heavy appetizers with a silent auction and raffle. Click here for details.
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Transition Talks: Graduation Age. noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, on Zoom. Join experts from HCDDS, parents, and family members for a discussion of important considerations for school-age children from 14-22 years old. This session will include a walk-through of the newly created Life Stage Transition Guides found on our website here, as well as Q&A. Click here to register.
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35th Annual Black Family Reunion. Aug. 17-20, at various locations in Cincinnati. Enjoy a parade and events throughout the city that showcase tradition, culture, various Cincinnati communities, and partners. Click here for details.
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Sensory Friendly Night (Westwood Branch Library). 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Westwood Branch Library, 3345 Epworth Avenue. Enjoy time to browse the library in a sensory-friendly manner with a quiet environment, low lighting, & more. Includes a sensory-friendly storytime at the end of the evening. Click here for details.
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Sensory Open House. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at the Norwood Branch Library, 4325 Montgomery Road. Explore various stations with crafts, games, sensory materials, and fun for all ages! Visit their website for details.
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Rockin’ & Ridin for Autism with Ken Anderson Alliance. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Queen City Harley-Davidson, 4860 Premier Way. An all-inclusive day event for families of all ages with food, live music, vendors, and a motorcycle ride to #CelebrateAllAbilities. Click here for details.
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Rock Climbing. 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at RockQuest, 3475 East Kemper Road. Join Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired for rock climbing! Bring or wear socks. Please register siblings who will be participating separately. Click here for details.
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5/3 Community Days. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 East Freedom Way. Along with free admission, guests will experience free programming, public activities and more. Click here for details.
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Noble Barber & Beauty: Gifted Event. By appointment. Monday, Aug. 21, at 2915 Highland Avenue. Noble Barber & Beauty will cut the hair of children ages 2-15 with DD in a quiet environment. The shop will be closed for other appointments. Both the parking and entrance are wheelchair accessible. Schedule an appointment here.
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Inclusion Get-Togethers. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, at 1520 Madison Rd. For adults served by HCDDS interested in meeting people with similar interests. Click here to view the flyer.
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Disability Connect. 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, on Zoom. Join a gathering for DODD leaders to hear directly from the people we support, their families, and allies about issues affecting their lives. Click here for details.
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Wish Gala. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Hardrock Casino, 1000 Broadway Street. Join to learn about the power of a wish and the opportunity to make more wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses. Click here for details.
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Starfire Community Partner of the Match at TQL FC Cincinnati. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway. Come cheer on our hometown MLS team! Click here for details.
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Regular HCDDS & Advocate-Led Groups | |
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Find the latest information on our website.
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Zoom Connection Hour. 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, on Zoom. For adults we serve who want to be social and meet other people with similar interests. View the flyer here.
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Zoom Happy Hour. 8 p.m. Tuesdays, on Zoom. Join advocate James Harley for happy hour. Join on Zoom here.
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Karaoke Night. 7 p.m. Thursdays, on Zoom. Join advocates James and Anna Leah to sing along to your favorite songs. Join on Zoom here.
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Women's Connection Night. 8 p.m. Thursdays, on Google Meet. Advocate Anna Leah hosts a night where ladies talk about hobbies, empowerment, and role models. Join Google Meet here.
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Coffee Hour. 10 a.m. Fridays, on Zoom. Join host James Harley for some good conversation and coffee. Find the Join on Zoom here.
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Relationship Chats. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Second Wednesdays, on Zoom. Supportive discussions on navigating all aspects of relationships, including problem-solving, boundaries and consent. View the flyer here.
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Everyone's Book Club (RAD Crew). 5 p.m. Second Thursdays, on Zoom. Choose from a variety of materials, and read and discuss your writing or artwork. View the flyer here.
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NEW! Inclusion Get-Togethers. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Fourth Tuesdays June to September, at 1520 Madison Rd. For adults served by HCDDS interested in meeting people with similar interests. View the flyer here.
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