Please see the latest issue of DODD's Pipeline attached and below. Thanks. Mark Davis President Ohio Provider Resource Association 1152 Goodale Boulevard Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 224-6772 www.opra.org On 5/23/12 2:52 PM, "Steinman, Sherry" <Sherry.Steinman@dodd.ohio.gov> wrote: >Hello PIPELINE Readers! >This is the second issue of PIPELINE produced in an updated Word program, >which allows us to provide LINKS in the PDF attachment that will jump to >the desired information. Also, in the contents area (“In This Issue”) we >have embedded bookmarks that take you to the article selected. All links >within articles that appear in blue type should work when you click on >them. Readers have asked for these features, however the older programs >were not reliably compatible to deliver them. We hope you will find >these updates helpful, and we will be introducing more updates this year >in PIPELINE formats. Please contact me directly at >sherry.steinman@dodd.ohio.gov if you have any problem reading Pipeline >either in the pasted-in format below, or in the PDF attachment. So far >our readers have been happy with these updates and changes. We look >forward to hearing from you, always. Thank you! > >Please see the PDF ATTACHMENT to read this issue of PIPELINE including >photos, graphics, and a more attractive layout. We provide the Plain >Text-only format, pasted in below, to improve accessibility for readers >whose computer monitors or adaptive programs do not show or read graphic >elements well, and for those who read this on a cell phone screen. The >text information contained in this format is the same as the text >information in the PDF attachment. Thank you for reading PIPELINE >electronic newsletter, archived at www.dodd.ohio.gov/pipeline > >_______________________________________ >Pipeline News from the Ohio Department of Developmental >Disabilities >John R. Kasich, Governor > John L. Martin, Director > >Pipeline is published at least twice monthly. Issues are archived at >www.dodd.ohio.gov/pipeline >Share your thoughts with us at feedback@list.dodd.ohio.gov ; Visit us at >www.dodd.ohio.gov > >May 23, 2012 >Volume 6, Issue 11 > >In This Issue … >· 1. Administration News: Update from DODD Central Office, and at the >Grassroots Level >· 2. Pipeline Profile: Division of Legal and Oversight >· 3. Family Advisory Council Members Learn More, Ask Questions >· 4. Self Empowered Life Funding (SELF) Waiver, Progress Continues, >Training Begins >· 5. Developmental Centers Offer Transitional Services, Resources >· 6. May is National Foster Care Month – More About ‘Host Homes’ >· 7. News from the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy; State >Employment Scene >Pipeline PostScripts: Events and Opportunities for Your Calendar > > >Administration News >1. Update from Central Office, and at the Grassroots Level >DODD “All Staff” meetings always provide a good update on Department >goals and initiatives. The May 15 meeting did even more than that, >bringing in the expertise of Erie County self advocates and support >staff. Drawing the DODD Central Office staff from the Rhodes State >Office Tower to the William Green Building in downtown Columbus, the rest >of the staff -- at Developmental Centers around the state -- was >connected via teleconferencing. It was an informative program with >something for everyone. > >Following DODD Director John Martin’s presentation* outlining current key >projects and the state budget outlook, the Erie County team took the >stage for a lively demonstration of self-advocacy in action. > >*Much of what Director Martin noted during his presentation can be found >at: > 'More Choices' presentation > >Focusing on the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities, >Erie County self advocates were a well-practiced team of individuals who >role-played with natural enthusiasm. They emphasized the ‘rights and >wrongs’ of personal interactions and community participation, and have >taken their instructional program to other groups around the state. DODD >staff asked several questions following the presentation, and were >especially interested to see the role-played staff, parents, and >individuals receiving services as ‘real-world’ examples of how far >individual expectations for people with developmental disabilities have >come – and how much work in that area is still needed. Here are a few >‘scenes’ from the meeting: > >PHOTO >Harry and Carly demonstrate invading someone’s personal space – >Violating the Right of Privacy is not a good thing! Carly is >understandably agitated. >Harry says, >”We’ve taught self advocates in several counties how to stand up for >themselves! We picked examples that we know about first-hand.” > >PHOTO >Harry, Carly, Joe, and Linda demonstrate talking things over, not taking >things over – >The team acts out a skit taking everyone’s feelings into consideration. >”It’s much better when everyone gets to say how they feel, isn’t it?” > >PHOTO >Director Martin with “The Cast” from Erie County -- >Representing Erie County’s self advocacy efforts were (l. to r.) >Superintendent Lisa Guliano, Harry Miller, Carly Sabo, and Linda Carone, >and staff support (at back) Kristy Ferback and Joe Casey. >”We’re more ready to take this on the road now, after today.” > >Leaving the All Staff meeting, several DODD staff agreed that while it is >always informative to learn more about program information, budget >issues, and overall Department priorities, nothing beats seeing the >growth and determination of Ohio’s self advocates. And oh, yes – one of >those overheard in agreement was none other than Director Martin. > >More about the Rights of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities at >dodd.ohio.gov/BillofRights/Pages/default.aspx > > >Pipeline Profile >2. A Look at the DODD Division of Legal and Oversight >The Division of Legal and Oversight represents DODD in legal matters, and >provides assistance and counsel as needed. The Major Unusual Incident >(MUI) and Abuser Registry Unit, and the Office of Provider Standards and >Review (OPSR) are a part of this team, providing oversight and technical >assistance to County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and other >service providers, as well as monitoring the health and safety of Ohio >citizens receiving services. OPSR also conducts compliance reviews of >licensed and unlicensed waiver-funded settings, licensed Intermediate >Care Facilities, and in County Board settings. > >According to the 2011 OPSR Annual Report, the year marked the initial >implementation of a paperless review system, capable of collecting data >in a more efficient way to track trends and patterns, and ensure better >outcomes for individuals served. In addition, a ‘single review process’ >has been implemented for all service providers, regardless of setting. >This process has streamlined efforts, and allowed for increased technical >assistance to providers. According to OPSR Assistant Deputy Director >Kelly Miller, > >“We also are beginning to develop another phase of these reviews -- >hoping to gain information with the assistance of some self advocates >that would drive a more outcome-based process. Our hope is, eventually, >to hire self advocates to help us with the development and implementation >of this phase -- as well as provide valuable insight into what is >important to service recipients within Ohio’s DD system.” > >Rules Coordination also is a part of the Legal and Oversight Division. >Administrative Rules are developed and maintained to govern the actions, >roles, and requirements of state agencies, and service agencies within >Ohio’s developmental disabilities system. Once rules are adopted, they >become part of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) -- a compilation of the >rules adopted by state agencies. > >DODD Administrative Rules are reviewed and revised as necessary on an >ongoing basis, to ensure that agencies meet the needs of their >constituents, and adhere to law and best practice standards. >(More at DODD Rules & Laws online) > >According to Kate Haller, Deputy Director for the Division, “We play a >supporting role within the Department -- for all Divisions -- and rules >development, as well as streamlining processes, is an important part of >this.” >She continues, “For example, we will be working with self advocates, >County Boards, and other providers to re-evaluate the role of Quality >Assurance (QA) in our system. Also we’ll be working to introduce ideas >to the DD community that will provide better guidance to Service and >Support Administrators (SSA’s) on monitoring issues. Haller adds, > >“Overall, Legal and Oversight is looking more and more to involve and >focus on the individuals served by the system, using their input during >the initial development phase of rule-making and other system-wide >planning. After all, we have language in the Mid-Biennium Review >(budget) that supports individuals making decisions for themselves >whenever possible -- and with a trusted advisor if needed – so this is >all going down the same path of increasing choice and control, as >appropriate, for individuals served.” >(See 'More Choices' presentation) > >She concludes, “We look forward to working with members of the DD >Community in understanding how this will most effectively work to >strengthen our system in the future.” > >PHOTO >Kate Haller >Deputy Director, Division of Legal and Oversight > > >Committees and Work Groups >The Division of Legal and Oversight also supports the work of several >committees and work groups, including the Mortality Review Committee, >featured in Pipeline Quarterly, Summer 2010, pp. 9-10. Scott Phillips, >Assistant Deputy Director within the Division, notes, "I can't emphasize >enough the importance of carefully reviewing mortality information to >determine trends and patterns that might put a person in jeopardy of an >accidental or otherwise avoidable death. If one person saw something that >can help in the next similar situation, then the system works, and we've >seen that happen. It's a good feeling when the system helps people like >that." > >Information gathered by the Committee while reviewing causes and >situations surrounding the death of any Ohioan receiving DD services is >the result of a very detailed and systematic process designed to spot any >trends and patterns that can later lead to reducing or avoiding similar >emergency health and safety issues. > >Risk factors and other related details are then included in DODD Health & >Safety Alerts and Information Notices that outline preventive steps and >other positive approaches to assist individuals, Direct Support >Professionals and family caregivers, based on this data. The entire >process supports the Department's commitment to quality services. A >recent Health & Safety Alert on the subject of Falling (Falls) was issued >based on this kind of data. > >DODD Legal Staff Honored for Distinguished Service >As noted earlier, the DODD legal team is involved in assuring the health >and safety of individuals in Ohio’s DD services system, including abuse >or crime victimization of children and adults with disabilities, and >issues involving people with developmental disabilities in the criminal >justice system. Recently, DODD legal team member Vicki Jenkins, >Associate General Counsel, was named by the Columbus Bar Association >(CBA) to receive the Bar Service Medal for distinguished service for her >efforts in these areas, as well as volunteering for more than 25 years >with the Columbus Bar, chairing numerous committees, and taking a >leadership role in the CBA Summer Leadership Intern Program. She will >accept the award at an event in June. > >PHOTO >Vicki Jenkins >According to Donna Sweet, Director of Committees and Special Events at >CBA, “The summer program for Columbus Public School students interested >in the legal profession requires ongoing weekly volunteer hours, and >Vicki is always the first person in line to help. She is a flawlessly >reliable volunteer who gives more than 100% with every project she >tackles.” > >Legal and Oversight Division contact: kate.haller@dodd.ohio.gov > > >3. Family Advisory Council Learns More, Asks Questions >The DODD Family Advisory Council (FAC) continues its commitment to >providing families a >forum for the information they need to improve the service system, >statewide, and make good decisions for family members with developmental >disabilities. > >If there’s one thing the DODD Family Advisory Council meetings are known >for, it’s the open forum for questions posed to Director John Martin -- >and his candid, sincere, and interesting responses. Often there’s a story >woven into the answer. The May 22 meeting was no exception, and the >agenda included several topics suggested by this important stakeholder >group, including: > >•Director’s Chat’ with John Martin; >•How to locate a provider; >• Technology for improved independence; >• What to Expect from Your Service Support Administrator and Your ISP; >and, >• Information about the new SELF waiver > >While the last four bullets were quite informative, Pipeline will >highlight here the Director’s Chat segment, which closely mirrored >comments on Department priorities noted in his recent 'More Choices' >presentation. Below are a few of the questions from family members, and >Director Martin’s responses, paraphrased. > >Q: What can you tell us about downsizing at Developmental Centers during >the coming year? >A: The movement from institutions to community-based settings is >continuing, and follows compliance with the Olmstead Act to provide >services in the least restrictive setting. We are averaging approximately >90 individuals each year moving from DC’s to community-based settings, >and it is a national movement in which we have been participating over >the past few years. We owe a great deal of the success in these efforts >to the individuals and families served, and their flexibility in looking >into new experiences, and to our DC staff for their work with each >individual and family in ensuring success in these efforts. > >Q: Can you explain further what you mentioned about the current law on >the subject of guardianship, and the desire to offer additional options? >A: This is an often-asked question, and it is an important one as we >look to offering individuals with DD more choices in their lives. In the >Mid-Biennium Review (budget) we have added two additional options in >terms of guardianship: ‘assisted capacity,’ and ‘substitute >decision-maker.’ Briefly, these options allow an individual to have >advice from a trusted family member or friend in order to make decisions >about their lives, just like the rest of us do when we have difficult or >major decisions to make. NOTE: Here Director Martin launched into an >interesting personal story about choosing clothing – his challenges with >making the right ‘matching’ choices, and his son’s innate ability to do >so easily. His point: Everyone needs help with choices sometimes. > >Q: How do you see the new Employment First initiative helping people >with disabilities? >A: In addition to the overall effort that Governor Kasich has put forth >in support of employment opportunities for Ohioans with developmental >disabilities, his signing of the Employment First initiative moves the >issue of low employment for this population to the forefront, and puts >some teeth into getting transitional services needed to prepare for >employment in the community. Employment First makes it a priority for >individuals with DD to begin transition services at age 14, and provides >for community-based employment to be a part of a person’s Individual >Service Plan (ISP) as a priority. We will be tracking the data on >employment to see what’s working and what’s not. > >Family Advisory Council meetings are open to all members of Ohio’s >developmental disabilities community. > >To be a great advocate, stay informed! Join the FAC listserv at >joinfamilyadvisory@list.dodd.ohio.gov FAC contact is Peggy Martin. She >may be reached via email at peggy.martin@dodd.ohio.gov ; or by phone at >(614) 466-8706. > > >4. SELF Waiver Progress Continues, Training Begins >In anticipation of the Self Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waiver >effective this July, Pipeline is featuring a short series of articles >highlighting specific aspects of the waiver that make SELF different from >other waivers administered by DODD. This article is the third in the >series. See Pipeline Volume 6 issue 8 and Pipeline Volume 6 issue 10 for >the first two articles. > >Background >In December 2011, Ohio received notification from the federal Centers for >Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that its application for the >Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waiver had been approved. (See >Pipeline Volume 5 Issue 27 December 21, 2011). As approved in the >waiver application, the scheduled effective date of this waiver is July >1, 2012, at which time enrollment may begin. DODD is working closely with >the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and other stakeholder >groups, to identify and develop the necessary components for >implementation, including training and informational materials. > >The SELF waiver is the first DODD-administered waiver that incorporates >self-direction, which allows individuals with developmental disabilities >to control their individual waiver budget and to direct where and how >they receive those services. > >PHOTO >The SELF waiver will mean more opportunities and more choices. > >Progress Continues, Training Begins >In April, DODD filed administrative rules to implement the SELF waiver. >Two rules have been proposed for amendment, eight have been filed for >adoption, and all are on track for a July 1 effective date. (See >Pipeline, April 25, 2012). > >SELF rules are available at the Register of Ohio website at >registerofohio.state.oh.us and the DODD website: >doddportal.dodd.ohio.gov/rules/underdevelopment/Pages/default.aspx. Rules >also are available for review at each local County Board of Developmental >Disabilities. > >SELF waiver training is underway, some of which is targeted to the staff >of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and Councils of >Governments (COGs), and some of which is targeted for potential >providers and families, including an online, statewide webinar. More >details will be forthcoming once details are confirmed. > >Registration for Regional Trainings must be done online using this >link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SELFWaiverTrainingRegistration > >DODD Family Advocate Peggy Martin is collaborating with The Arc of Ohio >to provide intensive training for individuals and family members >regarding the SELF waiver. This training provides an overview of the >waiver, and allows families the opportunity for comments and questions. >Training for individuals and families began last week in Hamilton County, >and as the schedule develops, trainings with dates and times will be >posted online at www.dodd.ohio.gov . For more information, contact Peggy >Martin at (614) 466-8706; peggy.martin@dodd.ohio.gov . > >More information about the SELF waiver is online at SELF Waiver > > >Division of Residential Resources >5. Developmental Centers Offer Transitional Services >Pipeline continues to spotlight stories about people who have >transitioned into the community from Developmental Centers. This story >follows a man who previously resided at Northwest Ohio Developmental >Center (NODC) in Toledo. His transition supports action steps set forth >in DODD’s Olmstead Act Compliance Plan. This story is provided by NODC >staff, Tim Perna and Robin DuFresne. > >In September 2008, Allen DeVault was admitted to NODC after experiencing >ongoing difficulties while living in the community. His family did not >have the ability to provide adequate supports for Allen. While living at >NODC, Allen was able to develop better skills in the areas of hygiene, >cooking, and money management. > >PHOTO >Photo courtesy, Robin DuFresne >A camera-shy Allen allows staff to snap a quick photo of him on the move. > >Allen also began working at the Holland Road Adult Services Center, where >his talent for drawing was encouraged – and he even sold some of his >paintings. Soon, Allen became involved with Special Olympics sports, and >was particularly interested in basketball and softball. With the help of >his APSI (Advocacy and Protective Services Inc.) representative, Allen >made the decision to move to a house in the community with a few >roommates. > >In April 2010, Allen received a waiver and moved out of NODC. It was a >bittersweet experience, as Allen had developed strong relationships with >the staff members there, but wanted to live on his own. After almost two >years of living in the community, Allen remains active in the Adult >Services Center, continues to play basketball, and maintains good >relationships with staff and some of his NODC peers. Gaining confidence >in himself each day, Allen also has been able to re-establish a >relationship with his family, as well. > >NODC staff are pleased to see Allen’s progress and assist others >currently residing at the Developmental Center to consider various >community options. NODC serves the counties of Williams, Fulton, Lucas, >Ottawa, Defiance, Henry, Wood, Sandusky, Erie, Paulding, Putnam, Hancock, >Seneca, Huron, Van Wert, Allen, Wyandot, Crawford, Mercer, Auglaize, >Hardin, Marion, and Morrow counties. > >Developmental Centers as Regional Resources >One of the roles of Ohio’s Developmental Centers (DCs) is to provide >short-term admissions for stabilization, for individuals who live in a >community setting. Some individuals come to DCs due to behavior concerns, >or for medication evaluation and adjustment. Ohio’s DCs have hosted >several individuals for a planned 60- to 90-day duration, and many have >made successful returns to their community settings. Thoughts on the >subject follow, by Ernie Fischer, Superintendent at Mount Vernon >Developmental Center, and noted in Pipeline Quarterly, Spring 2010: > >"As professionals and caregivers to persons with developmental >disabilities, we have a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury >and/or damage as a result of our actions or inactions. We have a duty to >not be careless -- taking reasonable steps to avoid harm -- while >supporting sensible risk-taking, as appropriate for each individual. > >“The duty involved with care sometimes seems in conflict with allowing >risk, but the very notion of freedom and self-determination involves the >possibility of risk.” > >Of course, we’re talking about prudent and reasonable risk, not putting a >person in a position to fail without having taken some measure of >preparation, and providing a ‘safety net’ if needed. Our desire to >protect people with disabilities is commendable on the surface, and yet >may be counterproductive or even harmful when taken to extreme. > >Overprotection can smother people emotionally, create unnecessary >dependence, extinguish hopes and aspirations, and rob them of their >dignity…I think we must be resourceful in finding the right balance of >risk for individuals. Our job is to provide people with developmental >disabilities the opportunities to take some risks -- whether it’s a >chance for a job, a new home, or just going for a walk without >supervision. We will be there to celebrate with them when they succeed, >support them if or when they don’t, and encourage them to try again.” >-Ernie Fischer, MVDC Superintendent > >More about Developmental Centers in the next issue of Pipeline Quarterly, >Spring 2011-2012 … Publishing in late June. >Pipeline Quarterly is archived at >dodd.ohio.gov/pipeline/Pages/Pipeline-Quarterly.aspx > > >6. May is National Foster Care Month >National Foster Care Awareness Month spotlights the experiences of more >than 400,000 children in the national foster care system, and encourages >people to get involved – as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers, >mentors, employers, or in other support roles. It also is important to >note that not only children are in need of good foster homes -- more than >100,000 adults with developmental disabilities find themselves in need of >a ‘family home’ through hardships or other circumstances beyond their >control. > >The “Home Sharing" concept emphasizes the value, and the day-to-day >support that ‘adult foster care’ or ‘adult foster support’ provides, >rather than focusing on a funding stream’s billing code language >(Medicaid’s ‘Adult Foster Care’). Home Sharing includes these desired >guidelines: > >• Screening/matching methods between individuals and host families for >compatibility; >• Requiring background checks for all adults who live in the home; >• Pre-home visitation - Homes must be clean, plumbing and electrical >systems must be modern, and homes must have smoke detectors, and marked >fire exits; >• Staff training that is individual-specific, and emphasizes community >engagement; >• A system for oversight must be in place, and back-up coverage for >emergencies; >• Respite available for the Host Family > >Learn more about National Foster Care Month at >www.fostercaremonth.org/Pages/default.aspx > >5123:2-9-33 >Click on the rule noted above for language on the subject of Home and >Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers – Adult Foster Care under the >Individuals Options (IO) Waiver. > > >Employment >7. News from the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy >Theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month >The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy >(ODEP) has announced the official theme for this year’s National >Disability Employment Awareness Month (October): >"A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" >The theme promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce that includes >workers with disabilities, who, collectively represent a skilled talent >pool. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, >Kathy Martinez, stated, >“Early announcement of the national theme helps communities plan local >events in October, some of which will continue throughout the year.” >These activities include public awareness programs and job fairs that >showcase the skills and talents of workers with disabilities. > >Background >Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in >October each year as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." >President Harry S. Truman designated the President's Committee on >Employment of People with Disabilities to lead the observance. In 1962, >the word ‘physically’ was removed from the name to acknowledge the >employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. In 1988, Congress >expanded the week to a month, and changed the name to "National >Disability Awareness Month," which later evolved to its current name. In >2001, ODEP assumed responsibility for National Disability Employment >Awareness Month, which is built around the agency’s mission: >ODEP’s mission is to provide national leadership by developing and >influencing disability-related policies and practices to increase the >employment of people with disabilities. > >And, on the State Employment Scene… >On May 4, J. Gumbo’s restaurant held its Grand Opening celebration in >downtown Delaware, Ohio, on S. Sandusky Street. The Cajun-style >restaurant includes a unique twist to the business model: Housed within >the restaurant is the BELL (Business Education ~ Learning Liaison) >Training Program for adults with developmental disabilities. This >innovative approach starts with each applicant learning skills pertaining >to the restaurant business, and augmenting their own personal growth at >the area’s Life Builder's Day Support Program. Participants must apply >for the training to learn job skills that can be utilized in any setting. > > >Once accepted, participants focus on core skill areas, and visit other >businesses to gain an understanding of different career choices. >Volunteer opportunities may provide further career exploration, as well. >The BELL Training Program is located in J. Gumbo’s restaurant to provide >an authentic work environment. After initial core skill areas are >mastered, trainees decide their career focus. Goals are designed to fit >each trainee and career desired. There is no set length for the >training, and individuals progress at their own pace until they reach >their goals. > >PHOTOS >Grand Opening Day >At left, inside J. Gumbo’s in Delaware County are (l. to r.) owner, >Richard Upton; Mason (peeking between shoulders); Patricia Smith; and, >Nathalie Gidlow. At right, the announcement of the Cherie and Joseph >Scherler II ‘BELL Development Scholarship’ that will be awarded to an >Ohio Wesleyan University student each year. The Scherlers are the >parents of a young man currently in the BELL program. > >Following the BELL Training Program, the community employment phase >begins. Participants may apply to work at J. Gumbo’s, start their own >micro-enterprise business, or work in another career field of their >choice. Assistance is provided in acquiring employment, transitioning to >the workforce, and maintaining the position -- a long-term approach to >ensure success. > >Delaware J. Gumbo’s owner Richard Upton has created a scholarship to be >awarded to an Ohio Wesleyan University student each year. The scholarship >is offered to strengthen ties between the University and the community, >and facilitate opportunities for trainees in the BELL Program. > >The J. Gumbo’s/ Life Builders partnership offers these training and >employment opportunities in line with the spirit of the Employment First >initiative signed by Governor Kasich, which states: > >“Community employment shall be the priority, and the preferred outcome, >for working-age Ohioans who have disabilities.” > >Contact: Wilma Justice at Life Builders, LLC; wjustice@lifebuilders.us; >www.LifeBuilders.us > >PostScripts ……………………………………………………………….................. > > The Arc of Ohio to Host Medicaid Waiver Training, June 29 >The Arc of Ohio will host a training day featuring the latest information >on Medicaid waivers affecting Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities and >their Families on June 29 at the Holiday Inn - Columbus (Worthington), >7007 N. High St. in Worthington. >Register by Clicking Here >The training is for Ohioans with developmental disabilities, their >families, service and support professionals, and educators with an >interest in the subject. Speakers will address questions and provide >informational handout materials. > >Online Survey to Provide Information Concerning Down Syndrome >The Ohio State University Nisonger Center is conducting a survey of the >health status, and access to healthcare, of adults with Down syndrome. >Data from the survey will help the Center learn more about specific risk >factors and any special medical needs of adults with Down syndrome. >Information obtained by the survey also will be used to look for ways to >improve access to healthcare for people with Down syndrome. Potential >participants in the online survey may include parents, caregivers, >grandparents, adult siblings, and direct support staff. The survey may be >completed only once for each adult with Down syndrome. All answers are >anonymous and confidential. The Nisonger Center notes that as a token of >appreciation for completing the survey, they will offer participants a $5 >gift card to a sporting goods store, and enter the adult with Down >syndrome for one chance to win one of three Wii + Wii Fit bundles. >The survey is online and accessible at >www.surveymonkey.com/s/DS_Health_Survey >For more information, contact Marc Tasse at marc.tasse@osumc.edu > >Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities, Accepting Applications >The Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities www.gcpd.ohio.gov > is accepting applications for appointments effective September 1, 2012. >The Council exists to: Advise the Governor and General Assembly on state >wide disability issues; Educate and advocate for partnerships at the >state and local level; Promote equality, access and independence; Develop >employment opportunities; Promote the value of diversity, dignity and the >quality of life for people with disabilities; and, be a catalyst to >create systemic change on issues that ultimately benefit all Ohio >citizens. Visit http://gcpd.ohio.gov for an application form, and >details on Council membership. > >Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Accepting Applications >The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (‘DD Council’) is currently >seeking applicants for membership. Terms begin January 2013, and >applications are due by June 29, 2012. More information about DD Council >and membership qualifications is at: >http://ddc.ohio.gov/new%20membership.htm > >Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities, July 2012 >The Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities invites high school >juniors and seniors with disabilities to apply to attend its annual Youth >Leadership Forum, to be held in Columbus July 16 - 19. Forty students >will be selected. All their expenses will be paid. To be eligible, >students must have a disability, be in 11th or 12th grade as of December >31, 2011, have demonstrated leadership potential, and reside in Ohio. >This year’s forum will prepare students to take advantage of new or >different community-based opportunities. To learn more about the program, >go to www.gcpd.ohio.gov or contact Donna Foster/YLF Coordinator; >Donna.Foster@rsc.state.oh.us ; (614) 438 -1394 or 1 (800) 282-4536 >ext.1394. > >Autism Speaks - First National Conference, August 3-4 >Autism Speaks has announced that its first National Conference for >Families and Professionals will be Friday and Saturday, August 3 - 4, >2012 at the Hilton Columbus. The theme of the conference will be Treating >the Whole Person: Providing Comprehensive Care for Children and >Adolescents with ASD. Full Announcement Here. More information at >www.autismspeaks.org > >SAVE THE DATE! September 12, Direct Support Professionals Event >The third annual Ohio Association of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP) >recognition event will be hosted at the Xenos Complex in Columbus from >10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free, fun, interactive, and motivational -- this >event is not to be missed for celebrating the workers who care for and >support Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Details available soon >at www.OADSP.org , or contact Lisa Barnes toll free at ( 800) 862-2322, >ext. 102. > >DODD Hotline for Reporting Abuse, Neglect, other Possible Major Unusual >Incidents (MUIs) >To report abuse/neglect and other MUI’s call toll-free: 1-866-313-6733. >Please note that MUIs are to be reported to the local County Board of DD, >however, it is understood that there may be times an individual, staff >member, or family member may feel it is a conflict -- or that, >potentially, a County Board may be involved in the allegation. In those >instances it is important to remember the hotline number is there to be >used for reporting concerns in these situations. >Pipeline Feedback … from You to the State >Pipeline is an electronic publication of the Ohio Department of >Developmental Disabilities (DODD), distributed at least twice monthly to >update and inform readers of timely, relevant information affecting >stakeholders in the developmental disabilities community. Share questions >or comments about Pipeline at feedback@list.dodd.ohio.gov or >sherry.steinman@dodd.ohio.gov . The DODD values subscriber >confidentiality and does not intentionally share subscriber addresses >with others. However, in the event of a public records request, the DODD >will comply with all applicable Public Records Laws. > >To subscribe to Pipeline, send an email to: >join-pipeline@list.dodd.ohio.gov and write SUBSCRIBE in the subject >line. To discontinue your subscription to Pipeline, write UNSUBSCRIBE in >the subject line. You also may read issues of Pipeline at >http://dodd.ohio.gov/publications/pipeline.htm > >The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider of >Services. > > >Sherry Steinman >Public Information Officer >Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) >Sherry.Steinman@dodd.ohio.gov >(614) 644-0262 >Thank you for reading our Pipeline publications at >www.dodd.ohio.gov/pipeline > > > >--- >You are currently subscribed to pipeline as: mdavis@opra.org > >To unsubscribe send a blank email to >leave-2104211-108493.ed8a41ae2fd33d4a9efdc55fb4e9b27c@list.dodd.ohio.gov This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain private, confidential and/or privileged information, such as HIPAA Protected Health Information. 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