Adult Services Redesign Update - Muskingum County Starlight

Fall‐Winter Issue 2015 Looking Ahead 2014‐2015 Adult Services Redesign Update
I have discussed in other forums the changes our program will be experiencing
in the next few years. While many of the details of those changes are not quite
clear at this point, some are becoming clearer. The main change I will discuss in
Nov. 7th—Craft Bazaar this article is the redesign of the current Adult Services program and some of
Starlight School, 9:00 am—3:00 pm the new developments that have occurred over the past few months.
Our County Board, as with all other County Boards in Ohio, relies on federal
Nov. 3rd—Election Day funding in the form of Medicaid. Recent interpretation of Medicaid rules does
not allow county boards to provide adult services while at the same time providNov. 5th—Board Meeting ing case management or service coordination for those same people. In addition, the Ohio Department
655 Zane Street, 5:00 pm of DD has required County Boards to set goals to decrease the number of adults served in County
Nov. 11th—Veterans Day Board workshops statewide by 70% by 2020. What that means is that at some point in the next 2-4 years
Program Closed our County Board will not provide the traditional range of services to people receiving adult services. In
Nov. 26th & 27th—Thanksgiving Break this case, private providers including MSI will continue those services.
Some of the developments over the past few months include:
Program Closed  Dave Newton, formerly the County Board Adult Services Director, has been transferred to
Muskingum Starlight Industries (MSI) as their Executive Director.
Dec. 21st thru Jan. 1st—Winter Break School, Workshop & Adult Day  Muskingum Starlight Industries is planning to cease solicitation for and acceptance of new proProgram closed duction jobs and enclaves in the workshop. MSI is doing this to manage their resources, cut
losses and reduce their dependence upon subsidies from the County Board. Other services
Dec. 25th—Christmas Day based on individual need, choice, person-centered thinking and outcomes will be developed in
Program Closed concert with individuals and families to continue to assist and support people.
 The County Board is developing a plan to separate the transportation systems for adults and
Jan. 1st—New Years Day children. It is hoped that this change will occur during 2016. All of the details have not been
Program Closed worked out. Those details will be communicated as they develop and before implementation.
Jan. 7th—Board Meeting  As a result of an Ohio Department of DD mandate, the County Board has developed a plan for
655 Zane Street, 5:00 pm recruiting providers in the areas of Integrated Employment, Supported Employment – Enclave
and Vocational Habilitation.
Jan. 18th—Martin Luther King Day 
As a result of the same mandate, the County Board has developed benchmarks or goals to
Program Closed decrease the number of people it serves in adult services. What this means is, that as the
Feb. 4th—Board Meeting County Board decreases the number of people served in its workshop, private providers including MSI will provide those services. This transition process is expected to take four years
655 Zane Street, 5:00 pm to complete.
Feb. 15th—President’s Day  As a result of the County Board’s plan, MSI has accelerated its timeline to become a separate
Program Closed entity and assume the role of a private provider. MSI recently began the process of obtaining
Medicaid Provider Certification which will create an opportunity to receive Medicaid funding
for authorized services. Although this is one of the first steps in becoming a private provider, it
may take up to two years to complete the entire process.
While these changes promise more choices for people, they will not happen overnight. Our County
Board remains committed to supporting people along this journey. As with any change, there may be
questions or concerns that come up from time to time. If you have a general question or concern, please
contact me at 453-4829 or [email protected]. If you have a question or concern about the services
of Muskingum Starlight Industries (MSI), please contact Dave Newton at 453-4622 or dnewton
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back @muskingumdd.org. If you have a question about transportation, please contact Cathy Smith at 4534829 or [email protected]. As always, the County Board will continue to update everyone
on November 1st! about these changes and welcomes input at anytime. A FAQ format is being developed for Starlight’s
website for individuals, families and the general public to help answer questions about changes in the
future. You may access this information at:
— John E. Hill, Superintendent
www.muskingumdd.org.
Starlight School—Early Intervention, Pre-School & School-Age
Page 2
A Special Visit
On September 30, 2015, Starlight School student, Stevie Vaughn was
rewarded for his consistent hard work, kindness to others, and enthusiasm for
learning with a ride to school from Muskingum County Deputy Joe Wilson
and Vegas. Stevie rode in the front seat with his new friend. Vegas, the K-9
police dog, rode in the back seat. Stevie was able to ask questions about the
jobs of a policeman and police dog. Deputy Wilson and Vegas picked Stevie
up at home and brought him to school. Stevie was able to show him his
classroom and introduce him to the staff. Thank you very much to the Muskingum County Sheriff
Department for reaching out to Stevie and Starlight School. Congratulations Stevie!
Stevie, Deputy Wilson & Vegas arriving at School
Vegas the Police Dog
Developing Skills with Employment First Approach
Using the Employment First approach, we are helping our students develop
the skills they will need to join the work force one day. With our younger
students, we are working on following directions, completing daily tasks and
working on functional reading. We emphasize self care to be more
independent and well groomed. With our older students, we are continuously
discussing where they would like to work and the skills needed for that
job. A catch phrase we use in our class is "Would you do that at a job?" then
ask why or why not. We practice filling out job applications and
resumes. The students like conducting mock interviews as well. We are learning to evaluate work study jobs
by using self evaluation tools, provided in our curriculum, and use person centered thinking tools to evaluate
job performance and expectations.
Our work study jobs include box recycling, paper shredding, plastic recycling, classroom orders, cleaning,
sweeping, raking mulch and the lunch cart (prepare potatoes). Our class completes service projects such as
card making for staff and students. We hope to expand our service projects into the community as a way of
giving back and letting people get to know us and our abilities.
Starlight School—Early Intervention, Pre-School & School-Age
Page 3
Students Enjoy the Pumpkin Farm
Starlight Stars—4H Club
4-H is a national youth organization that prepares young people
to step up to the challenges in their community and the world. The
Starlight Stars 4-H Club has been meeting for two years. Several
members attend Starlight School. Other members are sisters,
brothers and friends of Starlight students. The advisors are Brenda
Allen, Occupational Therapist, Kristin Benincasa, Speech therapist
and Janet Howdyshell, Teacher Assistant and experienced 4-H
advisor. The group is an after school extra-curricular activity
designed to offer students opportunities to make new friends, practice
work skills and learn about the community.
The four H’s stand for head (thinking), heart (caring), hands
(working) and health (living) and programs are designed to promote
those values. The members had a wide range of individual projects including scrapbooking, photography,
cooking, rope use, and gardening. Members did games,
presentations, gardening and cooking activities together
during meetings. They also had a family picnic at Dillon
Lake and a member swim party during the summer. They
all went to judging at the fairgrounds in July and many
won blue ribbons. Their projects were on display at the
Muskingum County Fair in August. All members
received week-long passes to attend the Fair. If you
know of students (grades 3-12 ) who might be interested
in joining next year, please contact the school for more
information. Signups will begin in January with
meetings March- August (about 2 times a month).
Page 4
Starlight School—Early Intervention, Pre-School & School-Age
Ohhhh... The F-U-N We Had This Summer!
Ethan making a splash
in the Cambridge
City Swimming Pool!
(Left) He had a great
time playing in the
water!
In June, Laura enjoyed a big trip to
Pennsylvania to see
her grandmother
and to attend a
wedding (left).
When she returned,
her oldest sister had
planned an outing
for several families,
including Laura’s, to
attend the Columbus Zoo. (left) Laura
loved visiting the
zoo!
Maddox had fun visiting The
Newport Aquarium (Top) and
Pigeon Forge, TN (Bottom)
with his Grandma & Grandpa!
Abby had an amazing summer! She participated in Miracle League and won an
awesome trophy (Left), attended Breaking Free horseback riding camp (Top),
and took a dip in the swimming pool
with her mom and cousin Lexie to cool
off one hot summer day! (Right)
Adult Day Program Has Moved!!
Same Great Staff, Same Great Enrollees, Same Great Program…
just a New Location!
We are now located in the “Workshop” building situated behind our old location at the
“Annex”. Our new address is 1304 Newark Road and our phone number will
remain the same as before, 740.453.4622.
A portion of our people in the Adult Day Program started enjoying their new location on Monday, October
5th. We are envisioning everyone in the ADP will be transitioned to the new location by the first week of
November. We are excited to get this transition completed and to get settled into our new space.
Muskingum Starlight Industries Adult Day Program
Page 5
Dan’s Summer Vacation
“I went with my friend Gary to Tombstone,
Arizona. I was on my vacation, so happy! I just
had fun, fun all the time. I flew on a very
special flying airplane! My favorite is Wyatt
Earp Days. He’s only a law man. Doc Holiday
is only a dentist. I bought a cup, a hat and a book. I had a real good time! I ate
delicious, very delicious food every day! I had so much fun!!”
A Summer Tradition
Pictured:
Front row:
Rob Howell,
Steve
McFarland,
Jacob Rogovin,
Tony Travis
Back Row:
Todd Rock,
Tyler Bixler,
Todd Gibson,
Jason Travis,
Brian Arnett,
Travis Devol
The annual August trip led by former Starlight teacher, Todd Rock. This year the group visited
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and enjoyed the Country Tonight theatre show! Nearly everyone in this
group has been going on the annual August vacations since they were 13 and 14 years old. They
have enjoyed many destinations such as Disney, Toronto Canada, Branson Missouri, Daytona
Florida, Myrtle Beach South Carolina and of course, Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Everyone had a
great time and enjoyed the many sights and sounds of Pigeon Forge!
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Muskingum Starlight Industries Workshop
Community Employment!
2015 continues to be a busy year in the Community Employment Services Department. Eight people have
gained competitive employment since May of this year. Four of those people were part of the Employment
First Initiative. It is all about finding the perfect job for the perfect person. Unfortunately, one person obtained
a job and was let go. Currently, Community Employment Services total is at 51 individuals!
Vance was hired by The Shelly and Sands Co. at their maintenance facility as a janitor.
Vance is in charge of cleaning the break room, restrooms, and keeping the garage areas
clean. Vance also goes out with their lawn crews to run the weed eater, trimming around the
park and other areas. Vance stated that he loves his job and he takes great pride in his work.
Jessica started working at Sam’s Club in Zanesville in June 2015. She works in
the center section of the club helping members and folding clothes. During her
first week at Sam’s Club, Jessica was given a special Managers Pin for
overcoming a few obstacles needed to start the job and doing so excellently.
Only a few employees have been given the pin, such a great accomplishment
for Jessica.
In June 2015, Jenna began her new job with a unique, artisanal croissant bakery
called Four Turns Baking Company in downtown Zanesville. Jenna’s main
work responsibilities include washing and putting away dishes, making and
labeling boxes, and tidying up. Jenna enjoys being included in creating fun
recipes, taste testing new ideas and greeting customers. Jenna works three days
a week at Four Turns and attends Community Connections the remainder of the
week. Jenna is very pleased to be employed at Four Turns Baking Co.
Eric started working at Reisbeck’s Pick N Save on Howard Street in Zanesville
in August 2015. He is a courtesy clerk. His job includes bagging groceries,
helping customers out to their cars, collecting carts from the parking lot, as well
as doing product returns. He is very customer service oriented. Customers
comment on how polite and helpful he is.
Franklin began a new career at Kroger’s on Maple Ave. as a customer clerk. Franklin works
mostly evenings and weekends making sure the customers leave Kroger’s with their purchases
secured in plastic or paper bags. He also returns all the carts from the parking lot to the store
entrance for the next customer and cleans the restrooms. Franklin had a sign language
interpreter to assist with his orientation and on the job training.
Tyler was part of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for transitional youth. He was also
part of the Community Connections at Starlight at that time also. Tyler completed an internship
at Dominos in Coshocton and they hired him at the end of the internship. He will be working
two days per week folding boxes and making pizza's.
Nick was part of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for transitional youth. He was just
hired at Hobby Lobby unloading trucks one day per week. He will continue to attend
Community Connections at Starlight two days per week.
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Muskingum Starlight Industries Workshop
Community Employment Services Outings
On July 6th, the CES Job Club went to Columbus to watch an afternoon baseball game. The Columbus
Clippers hosted the Toledo Mud Hens. Unfortunately, the Clippers lost but the group sure had a lot of fun
on a nice sunny day. They enjoyed all the favorite ball park foods and activities that come along with attending
a baseball game. Amanda, Josh, Jacob, Rob, Jeremy and Jessica all enjoyed this CES outing.
On July 29, the CES Job Club had a swim party at Rita Stanbery’s house. It was a hot
and humid evening, perfect for swimming! Tim Duff was the grill master making
hamburgers and hot dogs for the group. Moses, Josh, Amanda, Jessica, Jeremy, Vance,
Heidi and Christine all were refreshed after swimming in the pool and playing with
Rita's dogs.
August 21, 2015 CES Job Club enjoyed an afternoon picnic at Zane's
Landing then a wonderful ride on the Lorena Sternwheeler. It was a
sunny afternoon perfect for boating on the “Mighty Muskingum”.
Jenna, Robbie and Christine enjoyed a relaxing water cruise.
Page 8
Muskingum Starlight Industries Workshop
Jessica’s Path to Employment
Jessica Smith is a young lady who recently found her dream job
working at Sam’s Club. This is the story of how she moved from a
sheltered workshop environment to a meaningful job in the community.
Several years ago, Muskingum Starlight Industries began focusing on
making real, competitive employment a priority for people. We
started by asking people if they wanted help finding a job, and if yes,
what kind of job. Jessica immediately said yes, and then began asking, almost daily, when were we going to find her a job? Jessica says,
“It was not so good…the workshop was boring for me.”
Jessica then began attending the new (at that time) Starlight Community Connections program; which teaches people about advocacy, employment, and leisure life. While there, Jessica developed a resume
and portfolio of her strengths and interests. She also went on visits to
different job sites to get ideas on what she would like to do. Jessica
continued to work at the workshop on days she did not attend Community Connections…and continued to ask us when we were going to
find her a job!
A year ago, Starlight Programs began participating in Employment
First. This program is a cooperative effort/agreement between two
state agencies, the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and Opportunities for Ohioans with
Disabilities (OOD) to obtain community jobs for people currently in workshops. Employment First has several
advantages over the traditional vocational rehabilitation route. One, the OOD counselor has more specialized
training in person centered thinking, and more time to get to know the person. Two, if the persons chooses,
Starlight can be the vendor, or service provider who develops and coaches the job. This is effective, because
usually the staff working to find and teach the job have had extensive
training on how to support a person with disabilities, and also know
the job seeker well. For obvious reasons (great work skills and ethic,
plus asking everyday to get a job), Jessica was selected to participate
in Employment First. She chose Starlight to be her vendor.
After that, an employment team made up of Jessica, her mother, OOD
Counselor, SSA, job developer, and support staff met regularly to
share ideas and review progress in finding a job. In those meetings,
we discovered that Jessica is very organized, she always puts things
where they belong, and remembers where she put them. She likes
folding shirts and keeping things neat. Jessica was not interested in
janitorial work or being around animals. It was very important to Jessica that she have a name tag in her new job. Jessica’s counselor used
her experience in employment to guide the team and keep it moving
forward.
In addition, Jessica met at least weekly with her job developer, Sheila
Hina. Sheila helped Jessica search for jobs on-line, fill out applications, and took her to interviews. Sheila also contacted numerous
local businesses looking for the right match of Jessica’s interests and
skills with the employers needs. “Whenever we went into a business
to submit an application, Jessica was always ready to introduce herself and explain what she was looking for”,
Muskingum Starlight Industries Workshop
Page 9
Sheila said. Jessica was a little nervous going into interviews, but when she
was told after her second interview with Sam’s Club that they would be calling
her in for a third, Jessica said, “If I get this job, it will be goodbye workshop,
Hello Sam’s Club!” Jessica was offered and accepted the job of keeping the
center area at Sam’s neat and organized. She received her nametag and vest on
the first day.
Next on the path to Jessica’s employment was working with her job coach, Angie Hubbard. In the beginning, Angie went to Sam’s all the time with Jessica.
She helped her with the orientation process, and learning new job tasks. Jessica
learned her responsibilities quickly. She mainly needed help with knowing how
to approach Sam’s Club members offering to
help, and following her schedule. Angie also
spent her time showing Jessica’s coworkers
how to support her, preparing for a time when
Jessica didn’t need a coach anymore. Jessica
has seizures sometimes, and all of her coworkers were very accepting and
willing to help out. Soon Jessica was doing well, and Angie began fading her
time at Sam’s. Currently, Jessica is working on her own, and doing well. She
says, “I kept saying I want to work at Sam’s Club. Sam’s is giving me good
money, I always get good checks. I’m great, super.”
MSI continues to check in with Jessica and Sam’s regularly to make sure
everything is going well. A coach is always available to return if Jessica
would need extra help or wanted to learn new job duties.
We have been fortunate to have twelve other stories this year similar to
Jessica’s. Our goal for the future is not to wait until someone asks everyday
for a job to help them find one.
Are you an employer looking for individuals to hire?
Do you know an employer who wants to hire outstanding workers?
Community Employment Services of Muskingum County DD has been providing
successful employment services since 1987.
Please contact Missy Hartley at (740)453-4622 Ext. 1428
Or
[email protected]
Page 10
Program– Wide News
School Bus Tidbit and Briefs
Our school year has started off with much success! Our buses are busy
transporting up to 170 students and adults each day. We thank all the
parents and caregivers for your flexibility while we adjusted our new bus
routes.
We conducted our annual school bus safety training
during the second week of school this year.
Everyone learned some fun facts about our school
buses along with the safe ways to enter, exit, and
ride on a the bus.
The fall bus evacuations drills have taken place. The front door evacuation drill
took place on September 15-18; and the back door evacuation drill took place on
October 6 – 9. It was a huge success! All our riders did a fantastic job! Our next
practice evacuation drill will be in the Spring; we will practice exiting the bus from
both the front and back doors at the same time.
Did you Know…… Our buses travel enough miles in a week to go to Disney World 1 1/2 times??
Our buses each weigh as much as a 2 rhinoceroses (and that’s without riders!)??
Our buses use, on average, about 2000 gallons of diesel fuel per month??
Party Wraps up Special Olympics Season
Muskingum County DD Special Olympics recently wrapped up another successful year
of events. The athletes, family members, and volunteers are looking forward to more
seasons of competition, fun, and camaraderie!
On August 23, 2015, the Amity Lodge #5 Masons hosted a sports banquet for around
90 athletes, family and friends at Prophet’s Park. The Lodge and its members provided
all the food and drinks. Certificates, pins and prizes were given
out to all the athletes who participated in each sport during the
year. This year, we were able to participate in basketball,
basketball skills, bowling, track and field, bocce, cycling, and
swimming. Booklets of event results from the entire year’s
activities were provided to guests as table decorations. If anyone
Becky getting a big High-Five
wishes
to have a copy of the 2014-2015 season booklet, please
for a job well done!
contact Sandy Drenten . We would like to extend a huge
THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered and made this year so successful!
Our new Special Olympics season has started with swimming. We will be hosting a
swim meet at the Muskingum County Recreational Center on Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. If anyone is interested in volunteering in any Special Olympics activity, please
contact Sandy Drenten at 740.453.4622 Extension 1474 or [email protected] Mary accepting her prizes
for all her hard work!
Program-Wide News
Page 11
New Faces at Zane Street
Ryan Weaver joins our team as a Service Coordinator. Ryan is from Morgan County
and lives there with his wife Pam and his new baby Hannah. He is a 2010 graduate of
Muskingum University where he studied history and education and comes to Muskingum County with almost four years of SSA experience. Spending time with Hannah and
watching her grow up is his main hobby right now, but Ryan also enjoys watching movies, spending time working outside, Geocaching, and playing video games. Ryan is
thrilled to start his new position and looks forward to serving the people of Muskingum
County
Jean McDonald has joined the SSA support team at our Zane Street building. Jean is a
Zane State College graduate with a degree in office administration. She is the mother of
six adult children, 5 step-sons and a daughter. They have provided her with many
grandchildren to spend her time spoiling. She also spends time helping her husband, Joe
with their beagles. For over 30 thirty years they have been raising and traveling the
country with their beagles. Their travels have the dogs competing in rabbit hunting, field
trialing, judging and bench shows. Jean has made many lifelong friends and memories
along the way. Stop in and say “Hello” to Jean!
Starlight Staff All-Stars
The Starlight staff listed below have been recognized for
going above and beyond their job duties and doing great
things!
Congratulations to all … Keep up the Good Work! 
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Jack Nelson Dave Newton Marie McPherson Kyle Ledford Kathy Tom Andy Zigo Allison Skidmore Sarah Paul 
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Kelly Foster Sommer Vansickle Marcy Gibbs Danielle King Chris Cleary Tammy Barker Jane Lenhart Diana Wagoner MUSKINGUM
COUNTY
BOARD OF DD
655 Zane Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
www.muskingumdd.org Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/starlightprograms Mission Statement:
Working in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, providing opportunities utilizing public and private supports, to live, learn, work, and play in the community. Board Members:
Caribeth Legats, President Shayne Barnes, Secretary Cathy Martin Michael Norman LaTisha Shuster Ben Whitacre Superintendent:
John E. Hill Any questions in regard to this newsletter, please contact Cathy Smith, Administrative Services at 740‐453‐4829 or [email protected]. Focus Newsletter
Contributing Writers:
Help us update our Email Listing! If you would like a copy of the Focus emailed next time it is published, please email [email protected] Cindy Brenning Sandy Drenten Dan Fawcett Kimberly Gaddis Missy Hartley Kelly Jackson Barbara Reinbeau Cathy Smith SCAN ME
Printed by Franklin Printing Co. 740‐452‐6375 New Guardianship Rules
The Supreme Court issued extensive new rules affecting all guardians in Ohio, effective June 1,
2015. Major highlights are summarized below. The full text of the rule can be found at:
www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/
Pre-Appointment Training (66.06)
Every guardian, both existing and newly appointed, must attend a six-hour course on the fundamentals of guardianship. The content of the training is set by rule. The Supreme Court is preparing a curriculum and resource materials, which will be presented at regional trainings beginning
in late June 2015. These sessions will have separate tracks for “lay” guardians and guardians
who have had professional training, such as lawyers or social workers.
Each Probate Court will develop and present its own on-going training program on fundamentals.
Guardians appointed on or prior to June 1, 2015, will have one year to complete the training.
Guardians appointed after June 1, 2015, will have to complete the training within six months of
appointment.
Continuing Education (66.07)
All guardians will have to complete a three-hour continuing education program, which is approved by the Supreme Court. Guardians are required to provide documentation of compliance
on or before January 1 annually.
Courts will not make further appointments for guardians who fail to comply with the continuing
education. If a guardian fails to comply for three years or more, the guardian will have to take a
six-hour fundamentals course. Continued non-compliance could result in the guardian being removed.
Criminal Background Checks (66.05(A)(1))
Courts must ensure that all guardians have had a criminal background check. Attorneys in
good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court are exempt from this requirement.
Annual Plan (66.08(G))
In addition to the regular reports, guardians of person must file an annual guardianship plan with
the Probate Court. Guardians of estate may be required to do so by an individual Probate Court,
as well.
The annual plan must state the guardian’s goals for meeting the ward’s personal and financial
needs. The fundamentals course includes guidance on how such plans should be developed and
the content of the plans.
List of Responsibilities (66.09)
The new rules spell out with greater clarity the duties of guardians. Among these duties is
“person centered planning,” which requires guardians to focus on the needs and wishes of the
ward and to strive to balance a ward’s maximum independence and self-reliance with the ward’s
best interest.
Guardians must meet with their wards at least quarterly, communicate privately, assess the
ward’s needs, and document their observations.
Complaints (66.03(B))
Courts must establish a process to receive and store comments and complaints made on the performance of guardians. Copies of complaints must be provided to the guardian involved. The
Court must notify the person making the complaint and the guardian of any disposition of the
comment or complaint.
Resources
General Information
Disability Rights Ohio: 50 W. Broad St., Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5923
614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181
www.disablityrightsohio.org
Ohio Guardianship Association: PO Box 298114
Columbus, OH 43229-3114
www.guardianshipohio.org
National Guardianship Association: 174 Crestview Drive
Bellefonte, PA 16823
877-326-5992
www.guardianship.org
To register for Courses:
Ohio Supreme Court: www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/