Summer 2015 - Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities

SUMMER 2015
Our new redesigned website is
COMING SOON!
We are excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website, which goes live
mid-July. Some new features you will see include an application to keep your contact
information up-to-date and an easy way to stay informed, a convenient link to sign up
for the Kaleidoscope newsletter, and an agency-wide calendar of events.
www.ucbdd.org
FUN “BUILDING” SKILLS WITH HOME DEPOT
Volunteers from Home Depot visited the Harold Lewis Center
for a fun time of “construction” with the children in March.
This event has occurred at the school for the past four years.
The Home Depot employees graciously volunteer their time
to come to the morning and afternoon classes. They bring a
wide variety of building kits for the children to choose from,
as well as the tools needed to assist with the building projects.
The sessions are similar to the building workshops
Home Depot hosts every Saturday morning for children
at their stores.
The day of the event, the children were very excited about
being able to use real tools. Throughout the Harold Lewis
Center you could hear the sound of hammering, laughter and
excited conversations about what they were building and
what tools they wanted to use.
Wyatt from Turtle Room
hammering away.
Some of the children picked a birdhouse to build, while
others picked a truck, lawnmower, set of coasters or a coin
bank. This event was not only fun for the kids, but also
worked on building social skills, as well as fine and gross
motor skills.
When the children were asked several questions about the
building activity, they were excited to share their thoughts.
Taydin from the Frog Class said, “I’m Wreck-it Ralph.” Then
he measured his toolbox with a ruler and said, “7 inches!”
One of the students from the Duck Class said, “Can we build
it, yes we can.”
Korbyn from the Turtle Class said, “Lawnmowers, start...
your...engines!”
CONTINUED:
See FUN “BUILDING” SKILLS Page 2
Troy from the Monkey Room
building a toolbox.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
WE ALL MUST EDUCATE OURSELVES
TO CHANGES IN DD FIELD
fielding questions from individuals and
independent providers, as well as explaining
how this monumental change would occur
and the timelines associated with the change.
Many of us are paying
attention to the State of
Ohio biennial budget that is
currently being developed in
Columbus, and rightly so.
To date, there has been a drastic change
concerning this proposal. The budget bill, as
passed by the House version, does not contain
any proposal to eliminate Ohio independent
providers. Many people testified before the
House Finance Committee in opposition of
this initiative. The House Finance Chair told
reporters that this is an incredibly complicated
issue and that they need to do more work
on the details and ensure that individuals
with developmental disabilities get proper
consideration.The budget bill is in the Senate
as I write, so I do not know if this proposal
will be added back into the Senate version of
the budget bill. What I do know is that this
topic is not going away.
More importantly, many
of us are very interested in
the language that would
Arlene Porter
eliminate independent
providers from being self-employed, as they
are today. You may ask – why the change?
The Columbus Dispatch ran an article in
March that reported that the state of Ohio is
responding to a new federal labor rule and
that individual states could be responsible
for paying for additional compensation, such
as overtime and travel reimbursement, for
independent providers if changes are not made.
The House language specified that an
independent provider must be employed by
an agency or by the individual for whom they
provide service. The latter relates to selfdirection. Self-direction means, in part, that
an individual has the right to hire and fire
anyone providing services to them.
The field of developmental disabilities in
Ohio is on the cusp of much change. It is
important for everyone to educate themselves
on what possible changes are out there, then
get involved. By everyone, I mean individuals
receiving services, parents, guardians,
providers (both agency and independent),
and professionals.
The federal trend is for all Medicaid waivers to
have a self-direction component to them and the
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
seems to be moving in that direction.
It will take involvement from all of us
to make sure our lawmakers take into
consideration how laws and system changes
affect people receiving services, families, and
the people supporting them.
The Arc of Ohio recently held a training on
this topic. John Martin, director of the Ohio
Department of Developmental Disabilities,
and his staff spent the better part of a day
FUN “BUILDING” SKILLS
continued from pg. 1
In the Monkey Room, when the children were
asked, “What can you put in your toolbox?”
Brody said, “Tools,” and Lily said, “Toys.”
The Home Depot offers free workshops for
the community and do-it-yourselfers of all
ages and experience levels. Contact your
local Home Depot store for more information
about these free programs. The Marysville
store is located at 880 Coleman’s Crossing.
Free workshops are available at the Home Depot at
800 Coleman’s Crossing.
2
UCBDD WANTS YOU TO KNOW…
What do my local tax dollars pay for?
The Union County Board of Developmental
Disabilities funds all providers of service for
people with developmental disabilities.
We fund the following
providers of day support
services:
•Alpha Group
UCBDD also funds the
following residential
providers:
•All R Friends
•Columbus Center for
Human Services
•Columbus Center for
Human Services
•Creative Foundations
•CRSI
•Downsize Farms
•Embracing Autism
•Our Town Studios/
Creative Foundations
•IHS
•Person Centered Services
(Funding for providers is
approximately 40 percent
local dollars and 60 percent
federal dollars.)
•Serenity Supported
Living
•ViaQuest Residential
Services
(Services delivered by
independent providers also
are funded by UCBDD.
Information regarding all
service providers is available
on our website at www.ucbdd.
org. Local dollars support the
staff who monitor the quality
of services delivered by all
providers, develop the plan
of support for each person,
and ensure the health and
welfare of all people in Union
County with developmental
disabilities.)
Additionally, the county
board provides Early
Intervention services for
children birth to age 3 and
early childhood education
for children ages 3 to 6 at
The Harold Lewis Center.
Individualized programs
and services are developed
for each eligible child
and may include speech
therapy, physical therapy,
occupational therapy
and/or adapted physical
education to meet the
identified needs of the child.
We are always happy to
answer your questions.
Submit them to the
Superintendent at
[email protected], or
call 937.645.6780.
3
ONE PERSON...ONE STORY...ONE ACT AT A TIME / FAMILY MATTERS
ON THE MOVE
SUPPORT SERVICES
TIANNA PROGRESSES WITH EYE GAZE DEVICE
Meet Tianna Reams, a young girl with Rett Syndrome who has been achieving wonderful things
with her eye gaze.
Tianna was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the
age 2. Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder
that occurs primarily in girls. Rett syndrome
occurs in one out of every 10,000-23,000 female
births.
It is a rare disorder that falls under the severe autism spectrum. Many of the girls diagnosed with
Rett syndrome lose the ability to walk, talk and
use their hands, and usually do not regain these
skills as the disorder progresses.
As the purposeful use of Tianna’s hands began to
decrease, her family began to explore options to
make it easier for Tianna to communicate. Tianna’s speech therapist mentioned the possibility
of an eye gaze machine. It was a lengthy process
of paperwork and forms, but the family received
notification of approval right before Christmas.
Tianna Reams, who has Rett Syndrome, utilizes her gaze device to help
communicating easier. Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that occurs
primarily in girls. Rett syndrome occurs in one out of every 10,000-23,000
female births.
What a fantastic Christmas present!
The Tobil Eye Gaze device resembles an IPad or
tablet, but utilizes a different type of technology
that picks up her eye movements. The device
is mounted to Tianna’s wheelchair via a chair
mount, and it detects her eye movement. She is
learning to use the device by using her eyes to
select a choice, such as what to have for lunch
that day.
Tianna is 15-years old and attends Bunsold Middle
School in Marysville. During her school day, her
teacher places two lunch options on the screens,
and Tianna makes her choice with her eyes.
She also can do sorting activities where there are
puzzles pieces and plastic forks in two different
piles. Her teacher holds up either a puzzle piece
or a plastic fork and then asks her which pile it
goes. She looks at the one she is choosing to indicate her answer.
“The Tobil Eye Gaze Device has been an amazing and truly wonderful communication tool for
Tianna and our family,” said Tianna’s mother,
Cattreena. “She is able to fully interact with all
of us on her own without much assistance. She
is able to communicate her wants and needs
more effectively now, as well as being able to
interact with her little sister and brother. Her
sister Sophia, age 4, and bother Xavier, age 2,
both are amazed by what Tianna is able to do
with her device just be using her eyes. Tianna
finally as a voice and it is amazing.”
The most amazing aspect of this, her teacher
shared, “is that since getting her eye gaze they
have noticed her personality coming out more.
She really likes to joke.” A few times Tianna
would pick the wrong item, look at her teacher
and smile, indicating she was being a jokester.
4
HAROLD LEWIS CENTER 2014-15 GRADUATES
AM Graduate Photo
PM Graduate Photo
First Row: Emma Shreve, Elara Baumbarger, Emrie Renevier, Steven
Casperson, Evelyn Shultz, Callen Williams, Bradley Piersol, Troy Breitfeller,
Grady Giles, Kory Myers and Nicholas Bolden;
Second Row: Logan Waggoner, Harper Edie, Leona Gewitsch, Mack
Marlette, Parker Carmean, Phoebe Yruegas, Colten Shots, Jadyn Rowe and
Tana Young;
Third Row: Will Ramge, Bronte Stowell, Rosalena Butka, Cade Miller,
Nathan Robinson, Levi Rice, Emma Garner, Ellie Thaxton, Logan
Adelsberger, Sophia LeMaster and Troy Nevers.
First Row: Camden Stanley, Brandon McComas, Jaiden Zimmerman,
Zane Williams, Jeremiah Junker, Gracie Crooks, Aubrey Shepard, Tapanga
Henderson, Cayden Hudson, Caitlyn McClister and Theo Scarlatos;
Second Row: Mason Cox, Aiden Nance, Bryce James, Kadle Gaddis,
Xavier Barrett, Ava Prescenzi, Dallas McClure, Brayden Eastman, Zoey
White, Mya Crooks and Joseph Connors;
Third Row: Ashtyn Van Dyne, Zaviur Jordan, Aiden Ollie, Mephis Leiter,
Braydon Logsdon, Nolan Phillips, Eli Distelhorst, Sophia Bakalas, Wesley
Jordan, Jordan Bland, Jordan McNeely and Jace Durst.
SUPERINTENDENT
continued from pg. 8
To meet that end, we will be launching a new website in mid-July. We believe the new website will be
easier to use and will offer one way for information
and communication to flow.
The key to the last sentence is that communications
works best when communication flows two ways.
We want to hear from you, and we will continue
to learn how to communicate better with you. Our
goal is to partner with you and identify communication methods that best meet your needs. Each
person and family we serve is unique, and we cherish that. We partner with each individual and family uniquely as well, because you all have unique
issues that are important to you.
We also are working on other tools for communication, in addition to our more traditional methods,
to give you many different options in getting your
information and giving your input. Our promise
to you is to continue getting better at communicating effectively and to communicate as often as you
need or want.
The most important tool we have in our partnership is communicating effectively. One tool we are
working on is our website. We have heard from
many of you that it needs to be more user friendly
and contain more useful information.
We ask that you do the same. Don’t hesitate to ask
questions. Remember, you might be pleasantly
surprised by the answer.
Harold Lewis Center Dates to Remember:
June 5
Field Day
June 10 Last Day of Preschool
June 9 Preschool Graduation
July 29
Meet The Teacher
July 30
Students First Day
5
THE LINK BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND SERVICES / MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN
HAROLD LEWIS CENTER
IN THE COMMUNITY
SPRING FLING IS BIG FUN FOR ATTENDEES
On Thursday, April 2, Downsize Farms held their biannual Spring Fling Ball at the Woodruff Event Center
in Springfield, Ohio.
One particularly moving moment was when an
individual who uses a wheelchair insisted on walking,
with assistance, to stand under the archway.
The Ball was first held in 2009 and is done every other
year to keep it special.
After everyone had been announced, family and
friends were given the opportunity to photograph
and speak with their loved ones. One of the many
highlights of the evening came when the crowd was
asked to make a big circle on the dance floor.
This event has been a much anticipated occasion
for the individuals and the excitement builds in the
community as well. The event center, disc jockey,
photographer, and videographer all donated their
services for the Spring Fling. The florist, who created
the wrist corsages and boutonnieres from roses for each
individual, only charged a small fee.
Two individuals who participate in the Downsize
Farms Vocational program were asked to stand in the
center. The gentleman got down on one knee and
asked his girlfriend to marry him and she said, “Yes!”
Shortly after this moving event, the parents, guardians,
and other guests were asked to leave so that the party
could begin. The participants enjoyed a catered dinner
and then danced the night away.
The individuals who attend Downsize Farms, which is
an adult vocational and day habilitation provider, were
given the choice to participate in this activity. Each
attendee was able to go shopping for a gown/suit, or
they were able to choose from gowns and suits donated
by the community.
One community member even allowed a gentleman to
borrow one of his shirts and a sport coat since he had
difficulty in finding something to fit properly.
For several weeks leading up to the Ball, Downsize
Farms staff discussed proper etiquette, choosing
appropriate clothing, and proper grooming for special
occasions during their day program activities. Each
lady attending was pampered the afternoon of the
Ball by volunteers who styled hair, painted nails, and
applied makeup.
Volunteers also helped the men with their grooming
and ties. A Parent Reception was held prior to the
start of the Ball in a lounge area of the event center.
Downsize Farms’ Culinary class prepared some tasty
appetizers for parents, guardians, and other guests.
At 6 p.m., these guests were invited into the main event
center that was decorated for the Spring Fling Ball
with flowers, balloons, and greenery. An arch that was
constructed in the Downsize Farms’ woodshop at the
Job Center was set up as the focal point of this aspect
off the ball.
Each participant waited with great anticipation to hear
their named called by the disc jockey, then they were
escorted by a staff member to pose under the decorated
archway. A photograph was taken by a professional
photographer and each participant was applauded and
cheered by the assembled crowd.
To access information on upcoming events, visit www.ucbdd.org,
and click on Provider Information on the left.
6
BROOKE RUSSELL: BUSINESS WOMAN ON THE GO
Brooke Russell’s employment journey demonstrates
how a person can take advantage of the various services WorkNet provides.
Beyond that, her success is an example of WorkNet’s
commitment to the long-term success of the individuals
that we serve.
While a student at Marysville High School, Brooke
loved to sort the incoming mail for the staff. When
WorkNet started working with Brooke and her family
and discussing possible long-term employment
options, this daily task stood out.
During her junior year at MHS, a WorkNet staff member
began working with Brooke for 15 minutes a day sorting
the mail. By the end of that school year, Brooke was able
to work an hour a day, which was a tremendous improvement. Her abilities continued to improve. WorkNet
worked with Brooke that summer and during her senior
year until she was up to working two hours a day.
Brooke Russell works at her namesake company, Mailings by Brooke
Scotts-Miracle Gro in Marysville. Mailings by Brooke
sends out invoices for Scotts.
“WorkNet and Mailings by Brooke have been a wonderful partner to us,” said Laura Breiding, Senior
Analyst at Scotts. “They work quickly, accurately and
independently. Scotts is very pleased.”
After graduating in 2003, Brooke’s work experience and
interests made her a perfect candidate to work for the
former Marysville Mailbag.
Marysville Mailbag was started in 2000 by a Union
County family for their son, who also receives services
from UCBDD.
Not only does Brooke keep busy with the mailings
that come into the business, but she also is in charge of
distributing all of the UCBDD’s inter-office mail. Each
day, Brooke makes the rounds at WorkNet, Support
Services, UCO Industries, Administration, the transportation building and Harold Lewis Center. When asked
about doing the mail route, Brooke indicated that she
loved doing it because, “I get to see all of my people!”
She has formed good friendships and enjoys making
small talk and shaking hands with the receptionists at
each building.
The Russell family took over operation of the business
and changed the name to Mailings by Brooke LLC.
Brooke is now employed by her namesake business.
Some of the services that Mailings by Brooke provides
include printing and copying, folding, stuffing, sealing
and labeling as well as handling the postage for each
job. Each step in the process brings a nominal fee to the
overall cost of the service.
Brooke brings joy to everyone she meets. Brooke is an
important member of the WorkNet office.
Due to the standard mail permit that the business owns,
it truly is a win-win for businesses to utilize these services. Mailings by Brooke can send out mailings for customers with more than 200 pieces that includes postage and
up to five chosen services. The cost per unit is less than
the cost of a first-class stamp. Mailings by Brooke can
save your business time and money!
She especially looks forward to Lunch Bunch, a monthly lunch date with some of the women in the office.
Brooke noted that she loves her WorkNet family and
especially, “Going to lunch with the girls.”
Mailings by Brooke can handle any job, big or small.
For business inquiries or more information, call
(937) 645-6776.
Because of the excellent customer service and high
quality of work, Mailings by Brooke has built a strong
customer base over the years. One such customer is
WorkNet Dates to Remember:
June 22
WorkNet Summer
Programs Begin
7
July 3
WorkNet offices closed
September 7
WorkNet offices closed
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL ABILITIES / BOLSTERING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
WorkNet
U.S. Postage Paid
Standard Mail
Permit #58
Marysville, Ohio
43040
1280 Charles Lane
Marysville, OH 43040
An old man was walking an ocean
shoreline littered with hundreds of
starfish. He observed a young boy
attempting to save them all by
throwing them back into the water.
“You can’t save them all,” said the
old man. “And besides, what
difference will it really make?”
The young boy picked up another,
threw it in the water and said,
“I’m not sure, but I think it will
make a difference to that one!”
(937) 645-6733 • (888) 644-8145
[email protected]
www.ucbdd.org
Kaleidoscope is published by the UCBDD, 1280 Charles Lane,
Marysville, Ohio 43040. To receive the newsletter, or if you have
any questions, comments or story ideas to share, please call
us. If you would prefer to receive our electronic edition,
please email Carol Scheiderer at [email protected].
MISSION
“To ensure services and supports are
available for individuals with
developmental disabilities.”
VISION
“To be a primary community force
that ensures a consumer-driven system
and that assists eligible individuals to
become full citizens within the community.”
CORE VALUES
EXCELLENCE
is exceeding
high
EXCELLENCE
is exceeding
thethe
high
standards
for ourselves.
standards
we setwe
forset
ourselves.
CUSTOMER
DRIVEN
is identifying
and
CUSTOMER
DRIVEN
is identifying
and
meeting
the
needs
our
customers.
meeting
the
needs
of of
our
customers.
COLLABORATION
is partnering
COLLABORATION
is partnering
withwith
internal
external
stakeholders.
internal
andand
external
stakeholders.
INTEGRITY
INTEGRITY is
is doing
doing the
the right
right thing...period.
thing...period.
STEWARDSHIP is the efficient and effective
of people,
time,
facilities,
money,
useuse
of people,
time,
facilities,
money
and other and
resources.
other resources.
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
An open line of communication is the key to
providing excellent services to the citizens of Union
County with developmental disabilities. Persons
with any questions or concerns about
programs/services being provided by the Union
County Board of Developmental Disabilities are
urged to contact the program. Please feel free to
contact Kara Brown, Superintendent.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS?
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities:
1.877.464.6733 • 1.800.228.5405 (TDD)
Ohio Legal Rights Service: 1.800.282.9181
COMMUNICATIONS REMAINS PRIORITY ONE
We live in a digital world.
A lot of us follow Facebook. Some of us Tweet. Others use
Instagram and it seems everyone has a website, including
The Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
With all of these new, and not-so-new ways of helping us
communicate with each other, we still seem to struggle with
getting our messages across. At the very least, communications is an area in which we can improve.
Kara Brown
One definition of communication is the imparting or exchanging of information, or a means of connection between
people. Of course, there are many barriers to communicating with one
another, such as our different backgrounds, our perceptions, our stress, our
busy lives, or even the message itself, if what we say or do doesn’t convey the
intended message.
Communication requires someone to send a message and someone to receive
the message. It is, in a sense, a partnership.
CONTINUED:
See SUPERINTENDENT Page 5