HARDIN COUNTY BOARD  OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

2012 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

The 2012 Annual Action Plan shall provide an overview of the priorities and intentions of the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the calendar year.
The members of the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities are: Mr. Tom Sprang, Mrs. Shirley Byal, Ms. Rhoda Deitsch, Mrs. Colleen Lautar, Mr. Jason Manns, Mrs. Carol Stephan and Mrs. Susan Umphress. A Public Forum to review the Annual Action Plan will be held at 6:00 p.m. on January 23, 2012 at Simon Kenton School, 705
N. Ida Street, Kenton, Ohio. Information gathered at this Public Forum shall be incorporated in the final revision of the 2012 Annual Action Plan.
Six Focus Groups met in October, 2012 to assess the needs, quality of services, and potential gaps in services. The groups were facilitated by Susan Dlouhy of Norwich Consulting. The results of the focus groups were used to develop the 2012 Annual Action Plan. A list of group members is maintained in the Superintendent’s office. The goals as stated in the 2012 Annual Action Plan were developed and shall be implemented consistently with the Philosophy and Mission Statement of the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Philosophy

The Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities believes that all individuals with developmental delays and/or disabilities have the right to live in a stable home, enjoy membership in a family, have access to the array and quality of supports needed to enable them to participate in the life of their communities to the degree they choose and experience enduring relationships with brothers, sisters, other family members and
friends committed to their welfare.

Mission Statement

The citizens of Hardin County, through the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, are responsible to ensure that persons with disabilities realize opportunities and achieve goals, which enhance self-esteem and support freedom of choice as is afforded each citizen of the community.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Current Status of Program

Presently the Preschool offers half-day sessions, four days a week for Preschool children (3 – 5 year olds) and Itinerant home based services for one student. Each classroom session has eight (8) children on an IEP and six (6) typically developing children. All services for children (under the age of three (3)) and their families are individual sessions. Individual sessions at home or at Simon Kenton School with therapists and/or specialists are options for Early Intervention children. Frequency of the sessions is also individual and usually occurs weekly, every other week or monthly. Speech Therapy,
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy services are provided based upon Individual
Education Plans (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP).
The Early Intervention Program continues to focus on parent involvement with their children’s learning and development. Families receive a guide to the evaluation process during the first home visit. Children receive a complete evaluation upon referral for services including: vision, hearing, nutrition and social-emotional screenings, Bayley III, parent interview, parent/child interaction observation and hands on evaluation from a therapist who will provide clinical opinion. The team which includes parents, E.I. Specialists and therapists determine eligibility for Early Intervention/Part C services. Eligible children and families receive an IFSP to determine strengths, outcomes and individual services. In November, 2008 the Ohio Department of Help Me Grow and the Ohio Department of DD required that the Bayley III be used as the tool for the developmental evaluation and we have implemented this requirement in 2009. The Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Young Children (AEPS) will continue to be used as a curriculum and ongoing assessment tool. The Early Intervention staff is striving to provide most services in the child’s natural environment
by making home visits and encouraging parent involvement and participation in therapy sessions. The final duty of the Early Intervention team is to help the child and family transition to preschool. Parents are given information to make decisions concerning the best preschool program for their child. We introduce parents to the preschool team in their school district and participate in all meetings and evaluations to make a smooth transition to preschool services.
Simon Kenton School continues to be an active part of the Help Me Grow system in Hardin County, which is funded in part by the Ohio Department of Health. This grant is designated to improve the collaboration of agencies serving children under the age of three (3) and their families under the direction of the Hardin County Family and Children First Council. Hardin County Help Me Grow lost a significant amount of funding due to state budget cuts in 2011. A Centralized Intake and Referral Coordinator continues to work for Help Me Grow at the Childreach Family Center. Simon Kenton School is currently contracting with the Childreach Family Center to provide Part C Service Coordinator and Part C evaluations. The At-Risk and Home Visitor portion of Help Me Grow is being provided through a contract between the Kenton/Hardin Health
Department and the Childreach Family Center. The Early Childhood Coordinating
Committee is a subcommittee of the Family Children and First Council. The Superintendent is a member of the Family and Children First Council. Simon Kenton School Early Intervention staff will continue to determine eligibility for Part C services for the infants and toddlers in Hardin County. We will also continue to provide year round services. The staffing needs in all Early Childhood programs offered at Simon Kenton School will be evaluated each year.
It is the Board’s position that such services are delivered in an integrated setting with children with special needs and typically developing children as recommended by the Ohio Department of Education. All children enrolled in the early childhood programs are evaluated using the AEPS within the first 60 (sixty) days of enrollment. The Ohio Early Learning Content Standards are embedded into the AEPS ongoing assessment and curriculum. This curriculum is communicated to parents and used when lesson planning. All pre-kindergarten (PreK) through grade 12 standards in English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science were revised in 2010 and 2011. All PreK
through grade 12 standards will have an accompanying Model Curriculum that provides teachers and administrators with instructional strategies and resources for each standard area. In the school year 2011-12 we will use the old standards and become familiar with the new standards.
The Ohio Department of Education new IEP and ETR forms were implemented in the
Fall of 2009. The IEP meeting schedule was also changed in 2009. IEP meetings are held in October to give teachers a better opportunity to write plans according to the children’s present level instead of writing spring IEPs to be implemented in the fall. Those children transitioning to kindergarten from preschool will have a spring IEP to address that transition. Hardin County Schools no longer use the same IEP program. Instructors and therapists have access to all IEPs with the help of the technology coordinators from the
six local school districts. All preschool children are given the state wide evaluations, Get It, Got It, Go and ASQ-SE. The testing results are reported to each child’s district of residence through the Early Childhood Outcomes Summary Form.
The Preschool staff continues to implement a project approach with children. Portfolios are kept on each child to share with families and to highlight progress. At least four (4) times per year parents and children are invited for parent support/education activities, including a countywide event held in the summer which is open to any family with young children in Hardin County. It is a collaborative effort between all public school
preschool teachers, DD preschool and Early Intervention staff, the staff from the Childreach Family Center, Kenton/Hardin Health Department staff, the OSU Extension Agent, Head Start staff, the YMCA and Hardin Memorial Hospital. The Early Childhood staff meets twice a month to discuss parent education, curriculum and project work.
Early Childhood teachers have attained Highly Qualified Teacher Certification. Families directly participate in therapy and educational sessions with their children as identified in family service plans.
In 2011 the occupational therapist and physical therapy assistant developed a motor lab skills checklist for all the preschoolers to be sent home with the students to help parents monitor motor development. The children continue to enjoy motor lab twice a week. One session is focused on fine motor tasks and the other session is focused on gross motor tasks. A book of the month is also incorporated in motor lab. The occupational therapist and physical therapy assistant have presented motor lab information to Goo Crew, a parent/preschool child playgroup held at the Hardin County library.
A second home visit was also added for each family in 2009 to help teachers prepare for transition to Kindergarten. At the home visit teachers also update the ASQ-SE screening as required by ODE. The playground has been updated with lots of hard work from our playground fundraising committee. The main structure was torn down in compliance with Jared’s Law and a new structure and mulch were added.
In 2011 we were able to employ a full time Speech/Language Pathologist whose caseload includes all eligible children in Early Intervention and School Age programs. We provided more early intervention services in the summer as all children received at least one home visit per month. We also transitioned the children with summer birthdays in
the summer instead of completing the evaluations in the spring. This allowed for more accurate IEPs since current present developmental level was included. We held four family nights in 2011 with the last one in December. We celebrated Christmas with Santa Claus and also expanded on the book Pete the Cat. We played the video of children reading the book from YouTube on the Panaboard. Each child also took home their own handmade Pete the Cat book and many, many family activities using the book.
More parent nights are planned for 2012. Sound symbol development has been a focus in preschool for all children. Teachers and the Speech/Language Pathologist improved listening skills by teaching children the sound letters make along with recognition of the letter. Parent handouts have been sent home explaining this listening program with
follow along activities.
The public schools are responsible for the placement of all preschool children with disabilities. Currently the schools in Hardin County operate at least three (3) classroom units and four (4) Itinerant Units. As of December 2011 Simon Kenton School has thirty- three (33) Preschoolers with Individual Education Plans and twenty-five (25) typically developing Preschoolers. One of those students is being served with Itinerant Services
for educational services, occupational therapy services and speech therapy services all in his home. There are forty (40) children with Individualized Family Service Plans and their families served in Early Intervention. This is down from 50 children at this time last year. The contract with the Childreach Family Center for Help Me Grow Service Coordination services resulted in double the amount of children and families being served in Early Intervention in 2010 but has now leveled off. We received 84 new referrals in
2011 and 35 or 42% were eligible for and choose services.
Title 6B funds continue to be used to pay the partial salary of one (1) Preschool Instructor
Assistant.

2012 Goal Statements and Expected/Possible Outcomes

1. Continue to provide a continuum of services to Early Intervention families & children including home visits, early intervention gatherings and individual therapy sessions.
2. Continue to provide a complete developmental evaluation to determine eligibility for Early Intervention/Part C services including vision, hearing, nutrition & social/emotional screenings, developmental evaluations along with clinical opinion provided by a therapist.
3. Continue to ensure a smooth transition from Part C (early intervention) to Part B (preschool) and Part B (preschool) to school age services by providing school districts with referrals within mandated timelines and providing families with information to make an informed decision concerning special education services. Encourage families to be advocates for their children by calling receiving teachers before school starts. Teachers will also contact receiving teachers to make sure
all services are in place.
4. Maintaining staff ratios in the Preschool classrooms as recommended by the Ohio
Department of Education.
5. Continue to implement the preschool special education rules, Early Learning Content Standards, Quality curriculum framework and the AEPS, the online version of the AEPS assessment and curriculum for quality data collection and program planning.
6. Understand the connections and gaps between the old Ohio Early Learning Content Standards (OELCS) and the new PreK standards. Identify how current use of the old OELCS addresses the concepts and skills in the new PreK standards. Review and complete the newly revised ODE Standards-Curriculum- Assessment (SCA) Alignment Tool (will be available fall 2012).
7. Complete the IMPACT tool as recommended by the Ohio Department of
Education.
8. Continue to update the playground ensuring safety and accessibility for all young children.
9. Develop a total school environment that reflects our children, families and community.
10. Continue to recognize the needs of individual children and their families and provide equipment loaning, special attention to the number of hours each child is able to attend the program, special transportation and special medical care to meet those needs.
11. Continue the Listening Program
12. Continue to provide families with information including handouts, magazines, books and inservices to help families understand intentional teaching i.e. why we teach what we teach.
13. Continue to develop a goal bank to be used for IEPs.

SCHOOL AGE

Current Status of Program

The Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (HCB of DD) operates three school age classes, a Primary class, an Intermediate class and a Pre-Vocational class. The Primary class is a newly created unit developed to meet the needs of Hardin County and best serve our students. Mrs. Tammy Mansfield is in her second year at Simon Kenton, her first in the Primary class. Miss Kathy Lansing is in her fourth year of teaching the Intermediate class. Mr. Jared Clark is mid-way through his first year in the Pre-Vocational class. All instructors are currently using The Unique Learning System, a monthly theme based unit curriculum. Each unit focuses on a science or social studies theme that integrates reading and math skills. Life skills
are gained through a cooperative effort with all staff members, therapists and students. Monthly, the three rooms meet to plan outings and activities that foster cooperation. The Superintendent meets with the School Age Instructors twice monthly to discuss organization of classrooms, educational activities and other relevant issues.
The Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities believes that integration is important in the delivery of School Age services. This is accomplished by providing educational social experiences between individuals with disabilities and typically developing peers to the extent that is appropriate for each individual. Classes take field trips to various community settings. There has been an ongoing evaluation of field trips by the instructors. Staff is examining individual needs as well as the needs of the class as a whole. There has been a decrease in the frequency of field trips. The trips are educationally linked to the monthly unit. The school age rooms are developing trips that can provide opportunities for all individuals.
Over the past two years we have received a substantial amount of stimulus money to help enhance the instruction in the School Age Classes. A significant amount of money was spent to purchase technological equipment for student use. We also have used these funds to contract iPad/extended speech therapy trainings. Mandy Tiech works with School Age staff on how utilize the equipment to maximize student achievement.
5 students are currently enrolled in the newly developed Primary class. The class consists of 3 male students and 2 female students. The majority of the students are medically fragile. There is a strong focus on therapy in the Primary room. Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy and Feeding therapy occur on a daily basis. Standing frames, gait trainers, ponies and other adaptive equipment are utilized. Communication is a high priority in the classroom. PECS and switch based voice output devices are used. The students are working on a curriculum that teaches emergent academic skills and social skills. Music, physical activity and play are integrated into daily lessons. Socialization occurs in a variety of settings. The primary students enjoy gym time with pre-school students and lunch with the intermediate class.
The Intermediate class consists of five males and one female. The room consists of two non-ambulatory students and three non-verbal students. One student has unique medical needs and is considered medically fragile. An instructor and two Instructor Assistants, all with delegated nursing training, serve the Intermediate class. The staff continues to work to provide a variety of educational settings to promote social interactions, peer to peer learning and
individualized instruction to meet specific needs. Lessons are developed based on IEP goals and then aligned with ODE Standards. Basic educational skills and life skills are taught in the classroom daily through the use of the Unique Learning System, instructor generated materials and therapist provided materials. Daily living skills are enhanced through the use of monthly field trips linked to the monthly theme. School support staff also work with students to enhance work skills. The staff continues to develop a schedule that integrates all forms of therapies. Revisions are made based on changing needs and newly introduced strategies.
There are currently 8 students enrolled in the pre-vocational class. There are six male students and two female students. While all students are working on individual goals, they also participate in many group activities. Programming is academically-based, but also includes
focus on daily living skills, functional communication and pre-vocational skills. Students utilize the Unique Learning Systems curriculum, which focuses on academics while also providing students with real-world activities and experiences. Life skills are gained through a variety of hands-on activities, such as collecting and washing laundry, supplying snacks for the teacher’s lounge, collecting recyclables, and shredding paper. School support staff also work with
students to enhance work skills. The Pre-Vocational class continues to work closely with Harco Industries to provide a smoother and more meaningful transition for students. The transition period ensures a successful move into the next stage of life for the students.
Ms. Victoria Wilkinson provides speech and language development services to the school age classes. Ms. Wilkinson works with the students in a variety of settings in order to meet the varying skill levels and development needs of the students. Ms. Wilkinson incorporates the classroom learning systems into her therapy sessions. By doing so she is providing carry-over
and repeated exposure to increase skill retention. Ms. Wilkinson utilizes the use of augmented communication devices, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and technology including computer and iPads into her therapy sessions which enhances the student’s ability to communicate across environments.
Lynn Rupert; Physical Therapist, and Julie Stammen; Physical Therapy Assistant provide services to the school age program. Sandra Ray provides Occupational Therapy services. The services provided by OT and PT are delivered in a one-on-one and small group settings throughout the building. The therapists also provide whole group activities that promote social development while meeting therapy goals. The therapist work closely with classroom staff to teach positioning skills, provide consult information and collaborate on possible strategies.
The Hardin County A.R.C. operates a Summer Respite Program. The HBC of DD supports the Respite program in numerous ways. The Respite Program is housed at Simon Kenton School Building. The HBC of DD provides transportation services for a majority of the students. School Age staff work to familiarize Respite staff with the specific needs of Simon Kenton students attending the program. The summer Respite Program does not provide Extended School Year Services. The program serves to provide day care during the summer. This past summer the program continued to take on more the look of a summer day camp. Each week had
a theme with specific crafts, cooking projects and culminating activities. The program will continue to undergo changes to best meet the needs of the enrollees.
School Age Program long range goal:
The School Age program will successfully utilize a variety of augmented devices and specialized strategies to enhance student development; both educational and life skills, through a collaborative effort between all invested parties; instructors, assistants, and therapist. The use of devices and strategies will be integrated into a comprehensive approach to goal development and lesson planning.
Short term goals:
1. The Administration and School Age staff will provide support to its members.
a. Administration and staff will determine their training needs.
b. Administration will provide trainings that best meet the needs of the staff.
2. The Administration, School Age staff, and Therapists (collectively known as “staff”) will use various forms of assistive devices and technology to enhance student learning, promote independence, and create a better learning environment. (Devices and
technology may include but are not limited to: PECS, switch based, voice out-put, computers, iPad, and Panaboard.)
a. “Staff” will engage in trainings to learn new strategies/methodology on teaching and using technology to enhance learning.
b. “Staff” will increase the use of technology to improve communications with others. c. “Staff” will increase their knowledge and use of assistive devices and classroom
technology
3. School Age staff will meet with therapist to discuss student progress, needs, integration of strategies and other topics of relevancy.
4. The School Age staff will undergo training on positive class management and support that focuses on best practices and consistency.
5. Administration and School Age Staff will remain current on issues regarding state standards while striving to remain in compliance through cooperation with the county schools.

ADULT SERVICES

Current Statistics and Review of Goals

Harco Industries is the county board adult day program in Hardin County and currently serves seventy three adults with development disabilities and four students who are transitioning from school. Persons range in age from seventeen to seventy-seven years old. Seventeen staff are employed to meet vocational and habilitation needs. The staff to client ratio for direct care services will not exceed 1:12 and currently averages 1:7.
In 2011, Harco Industries continued to contract with local businesses. International Paper is our largest contractor keeping 20 people busy packing paper cups and lids. A contract with Northwest Ohio Solid Waste District provides rolled trash bags for the Kenton City residents. Employees work on this job several partial days a week. We have been able to provide document destruction to many individuals and businesses in the community. We continue to try to find other local jobs, however the local market has not been favorable and transportation is an issue for out of county jobs.
The Activity Center continues to offer daily activity choices and persons have also been integrated into the community through recreational opportunities. Several highlights of
the activity center were making whistles, a weekly exercise class led by Kris Brien, going to the Kenton High School weight room weekly and having missionaries from Asia visit. We went out to eat at the Royal Buffet, attended Gliding Starts on Ice in Findlay and invited other county programs to the Spring Fling in February. In March we took a trip to COSI, went to a movie and singles went to Pizza Hut to eat. In April several ladies attended the Republican Women’s Card Party. In May we went to the Arts Festival in Dayton, an OSU baseball game and Cedar Point and persons took a First Aid/CPR class. A trip to the Allen County Museum , a Flag Day celebration, date night at the movies, an excursion on the Hocking Hills train, and a wi-fi lunch in Dunkirk headed up the list of activities for June. In July we took a trip to Newport Aquarium, some folks participated
in Relay for Life and we went to Indian lake swimming. In August we explored Zane Caverns and took a local fishing trip. In September we held our annual picnic at the Hardin County Fair. Many persons entered items in the fair and won ribbons. We also went to the Bible Walk in Mansfield and to the Althauser’s Pumpkin Patch. We attended a wrestling match in October, went to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and went to the RTC Halloween Party in Logan County. We rolled up our sleeves and baked Christmas cookies in November and also went on a date night to see the lights at the Toledo Zoo.
The choir expanded their repertoire by singing at the community Thanksgiving service, Christmas Around the Square, all of the nursing homes and the community hymn sing.
kudoStudios has had a phenomenal year. Lenora Prichard took over the studio in February and for her first project, clients made a metal flower centerpiece and place favors for the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance Banquet. Art was displayed
at the Mary Lou Johnson Library for Earth Day and a two day gallery opening was hosted at the Library in July. Artists attended shows in Lima, Marion, and two in Columbus to sell their items. Much of the art has been sold through facebook. Artists were paid $2,000 in 2011 from the sale of their art.
The seven persons who are employed in the community have retained their jobs throughout 2011 at the Kenton Theater, Wendy’s, Goodwill, K-Mart, Michaelangelos and Ada McDonalds. Through the Vocational Resource Program (VRPIII) Grant there are currently 5 persons in development for community jobs.
Aktion Club had another peak year. The big event of the year was the 3 day campout/ training in Nevada, Ohio in August. Club members hosted many luncheons this past year to raise money for the campout and for their scholarship. The scholarship was awarded to Ellen Smittle. They helped at several Kiwanis fundraisers, at the GOBA event, Relay for Life, and the ARC auction.
2011 was a year of settling in to the many changes that we experienced in 2010.
Hopefully 2012 will be a year of growth in the different areas. We continue to be open to suggestions on programming and activities.

2012 Goals

1. Seek several more jobs for Harco Industries.Look at the timestudies for the contracts we have to insure that we are paying a fair wage.

2. Find a larger area for the art studio. Market the art work online and find outlets to sell and promote our art. Put in place a process to accept credit cards for payment of art.

3. Implement a transition policy and procedure from school to workshop.

4. Continue to promote healthy living, healthy eating and exercise.

5. Continue to seek community employment jobs for individuals and implement a
transportation system for persons employed in the community that includes evenings and weekends.
6. Assist individuals to control their attitudes by identifying a space to calm down.
7. Help staff to keep a positive attitude by providing peer support, a place to get away, responding to their training needs and providing motivational information.
8. Increase communication between home and work by providing mail boxes for outgoing information, initiating a work/activity board, maintaining a quarterly newsletter, using technology to increase social media, maintain a web page, facebook page.
9. Giving persons more choices daily by increasing activity choices, bringing the community in to teach classes.
10. Expand volunteers to respond to increasing needs throughout the adult program.

HARDIN COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITES
SERVICE AND SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION (SSA)

2012 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Definition

Service and Support Administrators (SSA’s) assist people in pursuing life goals and maintaining
needed services.

Current Status of Program

Presently the Board has three full time SSA’s and an SSA Director. SSA’s serve a total of 113
people with an Individual Support Plan. This is a net increase of 8 people over the last year. Hardin County has 13 people living in three different group homes. There are 42 individuals with Individual Options Waivers. Supported Living services benefit 7 people, while 21 individuals receive Level One Services.

Continuing Outcomes

SSA services are provided to eligible individuals to promote independence. Services provided to
children and adults include individual planning, monitoring of services, crisis intervention (24- hours per day), service referral, Major Unusual Incident follow-up, and assessments.
Although a person must be found eligible for services through the County Board, an SSA is made available to anyone requesting services. Any individual found to be ineligible for HCBDD services shall be referred to other appropriate agencies.
The SSA facilitates the development of the Individual Plan. This includes assessing the individual, which can include the Functional Assessment, which determines the needs and desires of the individual; Ohio Developmental Disability Profile, which determines a funding range for those living in a shared residential setting; and the Acuity Assessment Instrument that
establishes Adult Day Services funding. SSA’s implement state applications through the DODD “Gateway” which includes several separate applications, including Cost Projection Tool and Medicaid Services System to determine a specific funding amount for shared residential settings and the establish and monitor provider billing. In addition, the process will include close cooperation with the Board Nurse for the purpose of determining medical needs and developing services to provide for the individuals health. Information is also be gathered from staff, family, the provider and others. This plan then directs the services of the individual for the year.
The following is a sampling of responsibilities of an SSA beyond the obligations associated with the IP planning process: assisting individuals with the transition from school to various community options, attends IEP meetings, complete Pre-Admission Screenings and Resident Reviews for persons entering or living in Nursing Facilities, provide information required for the Expert Evaluation that determines the need for, or continuation of, guardianship for individuals, conduct orientation for new staff in the areas of Team Process, the Individual Plan, and Behavior Support Plans, logging and reviewing Unusual Incidents, and managing Major Unusual Incidents using the Incident Tracking System, including conducting all required reviews, and reporting MUI’s at the monthly Board Meetings. An SSA writes and maintains behavior plans for all
individuals that are not written by another agency. This includes completing behavior assessments, developing strategies, training staff on the plan, and compiling data.
The SSA Director is involved in many committees throughout the county and state. He is the Chair of the Behavior Support Committee, Vice Chair of the Regional Behavior Support Network, A member of the Family Preservation Team (a group of local agency employees who meet to review difficult to serve individuals), The Family Children First Council, a member of the Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Task Force (tri-county network between the Mental Health Board and Board of Developmental Disabilities), the Dual-Diagnosis Intervention Team (DDIT) (a committee that hears cases from Hardin, Allen, Auglaize and Putnam County for people diagnosed with both a developmental disability and a mental health issue). the Autism Outreach Team (a regional consortium of interested parties to discuss autism training opportunities and provide resources to individuals and their families about autism.)

Expected 2012 Outcomes

1. The SSA Department will focus more on educating the community on the services we
offer. We will be writing articles for the school and adult services newsletters. We will develop a fact sheet about SSA Services to present to members at IP meetings. We will look for additional ways to inform people about our services and what we can provide qualified individual.
2. As changes occur through the year, the The Individual Plan process will need to be updated according to residential and day services rules. This will continue to demand cooperation with other Board Personnel as well as with family and providers.
3. As the DODD updates and changes it’s reporting and financial systems, SSA’s will be required to stay informed on these requirements. The state is continually updating their “Gateway” system and any new trainings and information will be utilized throught the year
4. Productivity levels for Targeted Case Management will continue to be monitored and refined. SSA’s will be involved in ongoing trainings to assist with meeting this new expectation.
5. SSA’s will continually look at re-financing individuals who attend Adult Day Services onto the Level 1 waiver. The SSA department will be instrumental in this process.
6. There is continued talk of a new statewide Individual Plan. The SSA’s will, if requested, offer input to the state during the development of this document. If the new plan is adopted we will change over our IP’s at the scheduled times.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES (FSS or FRS)

2012 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Current Status of Program

The SSA Director for the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities implements and monitors the Family Support Services program. An office assistant is also available to complete invoices, mailings, and filing.
In 2011, the FSS program began to adhere more to the initial intent of the program, which is to provide needed services to individuals that are directly related to the person’s disability. As a result, we discontinued making payments for rent, and firmed up requirements towards utilities and clothing. Our total expenses for 2011 were down
almost $7,000, from $ 22,431.31 to $ 15,414.78. Family Support Services can include:
• Respite: Families can choose their own provider or choose from a listing of HCBDD- approved providers. Respite is approved as a total dollar amount and can be distributed as the family prefers.
• Adaptive Equipment: Include items needed for therapy; or specialized equipment for the home, school or family vehicle.
• Summer Programs: Covers summer school programs, and summer camps or retreats.
• Supplies: This may include medical supplies, diapers and general supplies needed for the individual not covered under any other services.
• Home Modifications/Ramps: FSS may help pay for home modifications needed to help the individual live more comfortably. Ramps are also covered for the family home, although other sources must be exhausted before utilizing these funds.
• Therapeutic Services: May help families cover the cost of co pays and/or alternative therapies. These therapies may include standard physical, speech and occupational therapy, but also holistic and alternative therapies not covered under insurance and/or Medicaid.
• Special Diet/Medications: FSS may be used to help with monthly medication expenses, and any special diet needs.
• Other Special Requests: Any reasonable request will be considered by the FSS Ethics
Committee which reviews requests
The following was awarded to families with FRS monies during calendar Year 2011:

	2011	2010	2009
Respite	6,917.76	4,911.41	5,273
Adaptive Equipment	430.27	2,199.04	785
Home Modifications	521.99	47.68	1,463
Food/Special Diet	1,017.98	1,450.41	580
Medical	2,047.69	815	179
Transportation	500.00	0	100
Utilities	380.90	2,695.18	3,720
Rent	0	2,465.29	1,885
Clothing	633.54	2,190.9	1,373
Education/Training	137.60	125	366
Recreation	0	104.87	210
Professional Services	0	175	0
Other	2,827.05	5,251.53	5,763
Total	$ 15,414.78	$ 22,431.31	$ 21,697

Monetary assistance is based on a calendar year families are eligible for $500.00 and an extra $250.00 is awarded if the family has more than one eligible individual in their home. Requests are submitted quarterly.
In Hardin County, there are approximately 125 children eligible for Family Resource Services and 30 adults. During 2011, 45 families utilized the Family Resource Services program.

Continuing Outcomes

1. To continue to utilize Family Support Services money received from DODD,
including any needed changes to the program due to budget restrictions.
2. Prepare and maintain current, accurate case records and files as required by ORC and the HCBDD policies.
3. To continue to raise awareness of the FSS program and to work with local agencies to provide information of services offered.
4. To continue to meet quarterly with the Ethics Council.
5. Work with families to educate on any changes to FSS funding support
6. To maintain a close working relationship with WestCON employees.
7. To provide information of services to families as requested in a timely manner.

Expected 2012 Outcomes

1. Investigate the option of forming a FSS committee to review requests.
2. Review other County Boards’ FSS policies and examine other opportunities for handling FSS monies.
3. Examine various new forms of respite options. (Board hosted respite and camps).

HARDIN COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITES RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

2012 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Current Status of Program

The residential services for the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities fall under the responsibility of the SSA Department. “Residential services” describes various living arrangements and is organized as follows:
• Group Home Living – Presently there are three group homes in Hardin County. The Board does not operate these facilities. Champaign Residential Service, Inc. (CRSI) operates all three homes that are located in Kenton, Ohio. Individuals residing in a group home receive services through the Individual Options Waiver, which is a Medicaid funding source to assist with residential and personal care expenses in a licensed home.
• Supported Living – Presently there are 7 individuals living in a home with one or no housemates. The individual decides what services they desire/need, who will provide these services, where they want to live and who they want to live with. This program is funded solely by the Ohio Department of DD.
• Individual Options Waiver – Presently there are 37 people receiving the IO waiver. The Individual Options Waiver is a Medicaid Funding source, which assists persons to live in the setting of their choice. HCBDD funds 40% of this waiver while Medicaid covers 60%. Similar to Supported Living, the person chooses where they live, who they live with, what services they desire/need and who will provide these services.
• Level One Waiver – Presently there are 15 individuals on a Level One waiver. The Level One Waiver is a Medicaid Funding source, which has an annual cap of $5,000. The Level One is intended to assist families with keeping their children in the least restrictive environment. We will be increase the number of individuals on the Level I Waiver.
• Martin Waiver - There are currently three individuals receiving funding through the Martin Waiver. This Waiver resulted from a lawsuit involving the DODD. 60% of this waiver is funded by Medicaid and 40% through the DODD.
• Housing Board – The HCBDD works with the Hardin County Housing Board, a non- profit agency working through HCBDD. The Housing Board owns 10 houses and makes them available to individuals eligible for services.

Continuing Outcomes

1. Continue regular provider meetings.
2. Maintain a close working relationship with other agencies that assist in meeting the needs of individuals served.
3. To monitor services on behalf of an individual or group to prevent or eliminate conditions that are determined to be detrimental to a client’s physical or emotional health.
4. To continue quarterly meetings with Supported Living Advisory Council.
5. To continue to attend Hardin Housing Board meetings and maintain a working relationship with the Hardin Housing Board Director.
6. To continue to work in conjunction with the Hardin County Housing Board Director, tenants, and providers re: housing issues, rent, repairs, etc.

Expected 2012 Outcomes

1. To further refine the waiver review committee through the HCBDD that meets regularly
to review waiting lists, individual needs, emergency placements and the waiver budget.
2. Look at the need to complete home inspections for persons living in Housing Board
Houses.
3. Establish funds to be used for Housing Board homes.
4. Implement the new Waiting List policy.

TRANSPORTATION

Current Status of Programs

On August 01, 2011, the Hardin County Board of DD contracted with Petermann to provide transportation services to enrollees. The contract runs from August 01, 2011 to July 31, 2016. Petermann currently runs five morning and afternoon routes transporting Simon Kenton School students and Harco Industries adults. There are also four routes that run from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. transporting the morning Preschool students home and bringing the afternoon Preschool students to school and an 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. route on Friday that transports adults.
At the beginning of each school year it is a challenge to design the bus routes in way that keeps all the routes to the 90 minute maximum time allowed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. With the addition of more enrollees in the program during the year, Petermann must continually monitor the routes to keep them within this time limit.
Petermann employs a contract manager, five regular bus drivers, one substitute bus driver, five regular bus monitors and three substitute bus monitors. Petermann holds monthly safety meetings to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations and to ensure that all passengers are transported safely each day, considering all behaviors and conditions. The Contract Manager also participates in the
Safety Committee for Simon Kenton School and Harco Industries.
The benefit status of our bus monitors was reviewed in 2011. It was determined that they will be given 10 paid holidays and 10 paid days off starting January 2012. This will bring them closer in line with the standard that monitors receive at other programs.
In 2011 there were several concerns regarding the buses. The first concern involved the need for storage to transport walkers and additional luggage items. The second concern was the availability of enough wheelchair spaces and tie-downs on the buses to accommodate the number of potential enrollees at the school and workshop.
Several things have been done to address these needs. In August 2011, Petermann provided six
2012 Blue Bird school buses equipped with air conditioning, track seating which allows for more wheel chair flexibility and under bus storage which can hold additional baggage etc.
Petermann continues to work with the school districts in Hardin County to assist them with special needs of students and clients.

2012 Goal Statements and Expected Outcomes

1. Continue to evaluate the training needs of all transportation staff based on state and company requirements and the needs of enrollees to assure the safe transportation for all passengers under all conditions.
2. Continue to inform administration and Board Members of the Hardin County Board of DD of any transportation concerns which may arise and expand communication to keep things running smoothly.
3. Continually strive to shorten the length of each bus route for the comfort of all passengers. This will be accomplished by independent route audits to make sure all routes are set up as efficiently as possible and operating with the guidelines of the state and the county board.
4. Continue to accommodate all new enrollees and their needs as efficiently, quickly and courteously as possible. We will do this by increased communication, awareness and desire to serve them.
5. Continue to treat everyone with respect and dignity as we carry out our duties.