December 2018

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NEWSLETTER

SSA Department Updates by Mimi Patterson

The Service and Support Administrators would like to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our department has had a very busy year. We have participated in many trainings to

keep up with the changes the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has brought upon us.

-We had presenters attend our Service and Support Administration meetings to increase our knowledge with Remote Supports and Technology. There are many assistive technologies supports out there that can assist individuals with being more independent. Katrin Wooldridge, SSA, will be sharing some ways with you in upcoming newsletters.

-Mom’s Meals presented to us about the waiver funded high quality meals that can be delivered to your home. They are currently running a program called Holiday Hunger Challenge for people not eligible for Medicaid, or home-delivered meals, but who are at risk of hunger over the holidays. If you know someone who might qualify, contact the SSA Department to learn more.

-DODD representatives presented information that helps us to assist individuals working toward meaningful outcomes and encouraging community inclusion and working in the community.

-I Am Boundless presented their waiver program to us and shared how they can assist with getting family members or friends certified to provide waiver services, through their Parent Directed Program. This is a one-of- a kind program where individuals select their own staff, and control their own schedule of services.

Next year promises to bring additional learning opportunities. We will learn more about STABLE Accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits.

We will be also learn more about Supportive Decision-Making. This is as an option for those who wish to seek help from trusted family members, friends and professionals, to help them understand situations and choices they face so they can make their own decisions. Supportive Decision-Making is an alternative to Guardianship and Power of Attor-ney.

All of this learning helps our staff meet your needs. If you would like to learn more about Remote Supports and Tech-nology, STABLE Accounts, Mom’s Meals or I Am Boundless or Supportive Decision-Making, feel free to contact your SSA.

Lastly, we would like share with you that we are proud to announce that starting in January of 2019, we will be rolling out a NEW Individual Service Plan. We are confident that this new plan will be easier to understand and more person-centered.

Your Service and Support Administration Team include: Mimi Patterson, SSA Supervisor, Stacy Hancock, Stacy Gilley, Katrin Wooldridge, Julissa Coblentz and Veronica Miller.

We bid farewell to Andy Wing. Andy has been an SSA for the last 2.5 years and leaves us in early January. We wish him good luck in his new endeavor.

Reminder: Christmas Break December 24, 2018—January 1, 2019.

(Main office will be open Dec. 26, 27, & 28)

Services resume on January 2, 2019.

The Holmes County Board of D.D. will be hosting a STABLE Account Informational Meeting at

the Holmes County Public Library on Tuesday, February 19th, at 5:30 PM – 6:30PM.

Who: Open to the public

What: STABLE Accounts are made possible by the Federal Achieving a Better Life Experience

(“ABLE”) Act. This account allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money with-

out losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or Social Security.

For more information you can visit on-line at: https://www.stableaccount.com

When: Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Where: 3102 Glen Drive, Millersburg, OH. 44654

RSVP: to Mimi Patterson, by January 15th at 330-674-8045 ext. 224 or email to

mpatterson@holmesdd.org (Space is limited)

Survey

In October, individuals/family members who participate in the school and Adult Hab program/LHI were asked to weigh in on questions about the quality of our staff, customer service, and overall satisfaction. 42% of those who attend the Adult Hab program/LHI completed the survey and 33% of student’s families completed the survey. The results are listed in the table below.

The many positive reviews are encouraging. It is a pleasure for the staff and administration to work with you and your family members. Specific comments you might have written on your survey have been shared with staff for affirma-tion and/or follow up. Thank you to those who took the time to respond.

Adults Students

Do you know the name of the SSA that works with you/your family member? 94% 50%

Are you satisfied with the interactions you have with your SSA 97% 100%

When you talk to staff over the phone, are they are courteous? 97% 100%

Do you feel someone at HCBDD/Training Center will help you when you need help? 100% 100%

Have you visited our website at www.holmesdd.org? 3% 8%

Are you satisfied with the staff who work at Adult Hab program/LHI? 94% n/a

Are you satisfied with staff who work in the School? n/a 100%

Are you satisfied w the activities/jobs that are provided for adults? 100% n/a

Are instruction and therapy services helping your student learn and grow? n/a 92%

Are you aware of and understand changes affecting adults by 2021 56% n/a

How do you/your family member get to/from the Board/Training Center each day? DD bus 56%, Angel 30%, Midwest 11% DD bus/van 83%

Are you satisfied with the staff who drive? 97% 100%

Do you/your loved one feel safe using this form of transportation? 100% 82%

The West Holmes Chamber Choir visited on

December 6.

As always, they were very entertaining

and everyone had a wonderful time.

Community Survey

Between August and October, Holmes County community members were surveyed to learn what they know about

Holmes County Board of DD/Training Center services.

• When asked….is important that there is a Holmes County Board of DD/Training Center?

98% said YES.

• When asked….what comes to mind first when you think of the Holmes County Board of DD/ Training Center?

35% said school, 26% said adult day program, 17% said Lynn Hope/sheltered employment, and 12% said Family Support Services.

• When asked…do you think it’s a good idea for adults with developmental disabilities to earn minimum wage or higher while working at community locations (restaurants/grocery/hotels)

95% said YES.

• When asked…. have you heard about federal government mandates affecting services for adults with developmen-tal disabilities

50% said YES.

• When asked…. what kind of help might you need to help us pass our next levy

52% said no help, 47% said information about the levy, 5% said help to register to vote.

We are pleased with the results of this survey, especially since nearly everyone responded that Holmes DD/Training Center is important. As we focus on community involvement and employment, it’s encouraging to know that community members have a positive outlook towards adults and students with special needs. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey results, please contact Marianne Mader, Superintendent.

O, What A Glorious Night

On Tuesday December 11th the Training Center had their annual Christmas program. It was a huge success! Approximately 300 people were in attendance. Families had the opportunity to hear a variety of music performed

by the students as well as the chime choir playing Joy to the World. Charlie Wilkins played Away in The Manger on the ukulele while Aaron Hershberger performed the song in sign language.

Thank you to everyone who attended and provided snacks for after the program!

Gingerbread House Contest

By Kristy Perry & Kim Tish

This winter season, Adult Care North organized a fun Gingerbread House Contest idea

to raise money for a local charity and would involve teams and individuals throughout

the facility.

Despite how busy everyone can be this time of year, there were a total of 12 ginger bread entries, all uniquely

fun, creative, beautiful and innovative. Teams included Preschool, Early Intervention, Dietary, school age

children, the adult program, and the front office.

Votes were cast by putting loose change into the corresponding box of the voter’s choice. During the school

Christmas program parents were also invited to vote or could send in loose change in with their loved one to

vote. It was a lot of fun to see everyone’s efforts all displayed so nicely in the showcase by the home living

unit.

The winner was able to give all the money collected to a local charity of their choice. First place went to Jane

Hall. Jane chose to give the money to the Holmes County Dog Warden's Department and Adoption Center.

We are planning take a few students and adults, after the holidays, to present the money to the Adoption

Center. (Stay tuned for a picture in the next Newsletter.)

The top three winners were Jane Hall, Adult Care North, and Grant Fox’s Room.

GRAND TOTAL………………. $324.93

Thank you to everyone that participated and gave their time, creative energy and money to this fun activity. A

special thanks to Precious Angels Transportation for their generous donation.

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas is almost here and the Adult Program has been busy spreading Christmas cheer! Every Tuesday since November 26th, we have gone to German Village in Berlin to ring the bells for the Salvation Army.

Early December, the individuals from Hab baked cookies which we delivered to the Sheriff’s department, Millersburg Police dept, and Holmes District 1 fire dept. We also plan to take some to Prairie Township and East Holmes fire departments.

Some of our folks went to the fairgrounds to help with Share-A-Christmas, sorting through donations and getting ready for their event.

We’ve had sing-a-longs in the Hab area.

On November 30th, the three individuals that volunteer at Harvest Thrift store (and myself) were invited to their Volunteer Appreciation Christmas banquet! The evening was greatly enjoyed.

December 21st will be the Lynn Hope Christ-mas party. Until then, we still have Christmas cheer to spread! Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas. Miriam Miller

HCAHC Trustee News by Kathleen Winkler

The last couple trustees meetings have been very uneventful with only one special request to

assist a family with transportation cost for an adult attending only half days for now.

Just a reminder….. Election of trustees will take place prior to Family Night on January 18, 2019. Allen

Burkholder and Leroy Yoder have served three terms and are not eligible for another term. James Troyer’s

term is up, but he can be re-elected.

Thoughts from Betty

Hello again, to ALL of my readers. I don't know about you but the year has seemed to

fly by. The staff in the Hab area keep us busy. The staff really earn their pay! The day

just seems to fly by and it's time to go home before you know it. I really enjoy coming

in to the Training Center it is fun and they always think of things to do. Remember Jesus IS the reason for

the season so let's keep Him the center of ALL of our Christmas observances. I’m sure I wouldn't like it if

someone else interrupted ALL the attention on my birthday. I'm sure Jesus feels the same ! God bless and

have a good fun filled Holiday. Without Christ there would be NO Christmas. Until next time goodbye and

God Bless. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Written by: Betty E. Masters Edited by: Niky Schlabach

THANK YOU

On November 27, 2018, Andrew Yoder and Myron Stutzman attended their last Board meeting and received recognition for 12 years of service on our Board.

A plaque was presented to Andrew and Myron on behalf of individuals, families and staff who appreciate their leadership and dedication to our program.

May your sorrow be softened by the presence of caring friends.

This year we lost three amazing friends. We would like to take this time to remember Leroy Miller, Erma Hershberger and Betty J. Miller.

Your friends from the Holmes County Board of D.D.

Save the date:

January 18, 2019

(Snow Date is January 25)

Mother’s Club “Family Night”

Superintendent's Message: Marianne Mader

After completing the first year of our Strategic Plan, I am proud to share some of our 2018 accomplishments!

ADVOCATE

• Holmes County Board of DD/Training Center is now a member of the Ohio Self-Determination Associa-tion.

• 4 adults attended the Synergy Conference, October 3-5, sponsored by the Ohio Self-Determination Association.

• Voting rights information shared in September newsletter.

• Early Intervention staff empower families to advocate for their children.

• 2 apps (Touch Chat and Let Them Talk) were purchased for each classroom to encourage students to make their thoughts, wants, and needs known.

• The self-advocate group now meets regularly.

COLLABORATE

• 2 adults obtained a job with the support of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

• Superintendent participated in the development of Holmes County’s Consolidated Transportation Plan.

• Supported Midwest Community Services in establishing an adult day program in Holmes County. 3 adults who had attended Training Center adult services now receive day program services from Midwest.

• 5 referrals for community employment have been made to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

• Early Intervention staff work closely with private physicians and New Leaf Clinic.

• Quarterly meetings held with Local school districts and OOD have resulted in referrals for pre-employment training for high school students.

• We serve as an outreach site for the Holmes Center for the Arts.

INTEGRATE

• Meaningful, integrated activities continue (volunteering at locations such as New Pointe Church, Save and serve, Harvest Thrift Shop, County Home, Wayne County Humane Society, Holmes County Library and participating in Tai Chi at Senior Center and Cooking with Kate).

• Holmesville and Parochial School students participated in a variety of activities with our students.

• Central Christian Students completed service hours in our school.

• Adults participated in Cleveland Indians Game, shopping, Holmes County Trail, Freelander Park, County Fair.

• School students sold “Candy grams” at Kauffman’s Market and Rodhe’s.

• Early Intervention families were linked to library story time and informal parent groups.

• Bell Choir performed in community sites. (Continued on next page)

COMMUNICATE

• Mission/Vision/Values sign is displayed in our front lobby.

• Positive publicity in newspapers and radio for a variety of topics including new water fountain, Bucks vs. Community All Stars, Bucks at Waynedale HS, Night to Shine, and upcoming mandatory changes related to Medicaid.

Updated website, www.holmesdd.org, was launched in February and averages 300 views per month.

• Voice of Holmes County Feature interview in April 2018.

• Superintendent presentation to HCAHC Trustees and Millersburg Rotary Club on upcoming changes.

• “Coffee Break” with Superintendent held in June, August, and October.

• Early Intervention information shared at Doctor offices and New Leaf Clinic.

EDUCATE

• Booth at the Holmes County Fair explained Holmes DD/Training Center services to community members.

• Superintendent met with State Legislators on August 3, 2018.

• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities staff shared information at Holmes DD Provider meeting.

• SSAs are sharing the benefits of community employment with adults/families.

• SSA of transition aged youth is educating families about work opportunities.

STEWARDSHIP

• Transportation Department was restructured.

• Monthly expenses are under budget.

• Beneficiary of a grant seeking to expand use of technology/remote supports for individuals with special needs.

• Awarded Bureau of Worker’s Compensation grant for equipment and training.

• Submitted Letter of Intent to secure future ODOT funding.

• Satisfaction survey completed.

I provide our Board with quarterly updates on our Strategic Plan. At times, it has felt like little has been done. However, shifting from a quarterly view to an annual view, it’s easy to see we are making steady pro-gress. Our Strategic Plan is available for review on our website, www.holmesdd.org. You can also call the office and request a copy of the Strategic Plan is mailed to you.

May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Holmes County Board of DD

8001 TR 574

Holmesville, OH 44633

HOLMES COUNTY BOARD OF

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CONTACTS

Marianne Mader, Superintendent

Sheri L. Martin, Asst. Administrator/Adult Services Director

Shannon Shontz, Principal

Curtis Goehring, Business Manager

Mimi Patterson, Service & Support Administration Supervisor

Renee Spencer, Early Intervention Coordinator

Phone: 330-674-8045 Fax: 330-674-5182

The mission of the Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities

is to support individuals in living meaningful lives.