In this issue:
- ODDC Hosts Employment Forum
- ODDC Announces Grant Opportunities
- ODDC Supports Sibling Conference
- ODDC Seeks Members
- DD Quarterly Wants to Hear from You
- DD Partner Collaboration
- Hold the Date: ODDC's Annual Conference
About the DD Quarterly
Copyright © 2009, Content may be reprinted upon request.
ODDC Hosts Employment Forum
Make a Difference
People with disabilities can share their employment experiences, successes, barriers, frustrations and suggestions at an open forum. The forum, "Developing Successful Employment Opportunities," is sponsored by ODDC, the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities and the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council. According to Carolyn Knight, acting executive director of ODDC, "Personal experiences put a human perspective on employment problems encountered by people with disabilities and are an effective way to inform policymakers. The power of people's stories can create change and improve Ohio's employment system."
This cross-disability employment forum is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2009 in Columbus. The forum is an excellent opportunity to voice concerns about federal, state and local employment policies and practices that suppress employment opportunities for people with disabilities and keep people under-employed or unemployed.
Plan to participate at the forum to assure your voice is heard and to inform policymakers about your personal employment experiences. You are encouraged to provide oral (not more than five minutes) or written testimony and to support those who are presenting at the hearing. Your testimony will improve employment opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities.
Recommendations Shared with Policymakers
All testimony will be recorded and a summary report will be prepared. The final report will include recommendations to improve gainful employment for people with all types of disabilities. The report will be shared with people who can make a difference - service providers, policymakers, employers and others.
Forum Information
A limited amount of financial support is available to help people with disabilities attend the forum. People will be reimbursed for mileage and attendant services on a first-come basis. To request these funds, complete and return the registration form.
Written Testimony Accepted
The organizers of the event feel it is critical that policymakers hear first-hand testimony about pressing employment issues from people with disabilities. If you would like to tell your employment story but are unable to attend the event, you may email, fax or mail your story with a registration form to:
AXIS Center
249 E. Cooke Rd.
Columbus OH 43214
Email: axiscenter@aol.com
If you provide written testimony, it must be submitted by August 24, 2009. Testimonies will be included in the final summary report to policymakers.
Testimony Tips
If you plan to tell your employment story in person, make some notes to bring with you, or practice with a friend or family member ahead of time. Since you will only have five minutes to speak, keep your story short and talk about the most important things. Don't be nervous. You will be talking to people who want to listen to you and are interested in your comments.
If you are submitting your story in writing, type it or write it clearly on a blank sheet of paper. Put your name at the top of the page and send a registration form with your story.
Keynote Speakers
Michael Rench is the new Administrator of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC). During 29 years working in the field of disability services, Rench led three private provider firms and held executive-level jobs at three county boards of developmental disabilities. Before RSC, Rench was Deputy Director of Community Services for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Amy Rohling McGee serves as Executive Assistant for Health and Human Services Policy in the Office of Governor Ted Strickland. In this position, McGee focuses on policy issues related to disabilities, mental health, alcohol and other drug addiction, and health insurance. Recently she led a group examining ways to improve disability employment services.
Statistics
In April 2009, the U.S. Department of Labor listed people with disabilities in the labor force at only 22.8% compared to 70.9% for people without disabilities. Surveys have shown over and over that individuals with disabilities want to work. However, the current opportunities and services to support people with disabilities in gaining employment are not working.
Agenda
- 9:00 - Registration
- 10:00 - Welcome & Introduction of Special Guests: Governor's Employment & Disability Group and Directors of State Agencies
- 10:10 - Opening Message: Amy Rohling McGee, Executive Assistant for Health & Human Services Policy, Governor Strickland's Office
- 10:30 - Keynote Presentation: Michael Rench, Administrator, Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
- 11:00 - Open Forum (begins)
- 12:00 - Lunch with Luncheon Presentation: Beverly Johnson, Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities
- 1:15 - Open Forum (continues)
- 3:30 - Wrap-up and Closing
Register today!
Now is the time to hear directly from people with disabilities about how to make positive change. Come and give your personal employment testimony. Make your voice heard. Questions? Contact: AXIS Center by phone at (614) 263-8076 or by email at axiscenter@aol.com.
Download and print the registration form (PDF file)
Directions to the Hyatt Regency
The address for the Hyatt Regency is 350 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio. The telephone number is (614) 463-1234 and the fax number is (614) 280-3034.
I-71 From the South: Take I-71 to I-70 East and exit on Fourth St. Follow Fourth St. to Nationwide Blvd. Turn left at Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency is on the right.
I-71 From the North: Exit on Spring St. (the exit is to the left). From Spring St. turn right onto Fourth St. Turn left on Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency is on the right.
From I-70 East or West Bound: Exit on Fourth St. Follow Fourth St. to Nationwide Blvd. Turn left on Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency is on the right.
From Route 33 From the South: Exit to I-70 West Bound. From I-70 exit at Fourth St. Follow Fourth St to Nationwide Blvd. Turn left on Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency is on the right.
From Route 33 From the North: Take U.S. Route 33 South/East to 270 East. Follow 270 East to 71 South. Follow 71 South to Spring St. (the exit is to the left). From Spring St. turn right onto Fourth St. Turn left on Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency is on the right.
Parking is available in lots around the Hyatt Regency or in the adjacent underground garage. Rates range from $12-15 per day.
ODDC Announces Grant Opportunities
ODDC has $608,000 in available grant funds for 2010. Interested applicants can submit proposals for the projects listed in this article.
To learn more about these projects and the application process, visit the ODDC website. Grant applications will be processed using a new online submission program, which will be available on September 3, 2009.
All grant awards are contingent upon the availability of federal funds. Applicants must provide cash or in-kind matching funds of 33.33% in non-poverty areas and 11.11% in poverty areas.
Questions about a project should be directed to the council staff responsible for each grant.
ODDC will host a bidder's conference on September 2, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services - General Services Building, 4200 Surface Road, Columbus, Ohio.
The deadline for proposals is 11:59 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009.
Partners in Policymaking Training
Grant number: 05-2/10
Total grant amount: $75,000
Minimum matching requirements: Non-Poverty Area: (33.33%) $25,000; Poverty Area: (11.11%) $8,333
Council staff responsible: Paul Jarvis, paul.jarvis@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5545
Background/Description
ODDC is providing funds for an entity to conduct the Partners in Policymaking education program in central Ohio for two years.
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative, competency-based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents/family members of individuals with developmental disabilities. The purpose of the program is two-fold: teach best practices, and teach the competencies of influencing public officials. The program educates participants to be active partners with those who make policy.
Curriculum, training materials, national speakers' list and other support will be provided to the successful applicant.
Real Jobs (Mini Grants)
Grant number: 06-2/10
Total grant amount: Grants are available for no more than $5,000 per award ($23,000 is allocated for these grants).
Minimum matching requirements: Non-poverty area: 33.33% of grant award; Poverty Area: 11.11% of grant award
Council staff responsible: Teri Clark, Teri.Clark@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5542
Background/Description
The Real Jobs project provides people with disabilities opportunities to produce income through non-traditional employment.
The alternatives to traditional employment, such as supported employment, supported entrepreneurship, job carving and restructuring, micro enterprises, and other approaches, comprise customized employment. Employment services are more effective when they offer an array of options designed to increase the employment/income of people with disabilities in jobs they want and choose.
The mini-grant projects are intended to create employment options for people with disabilities.
DD Council Center(s) for Public Policy
Grant number: 07-4/10
Total grant amount: $40,000 (each for 4 projects)
Minimum matching requirements: Non-poverty area: Non-Poverty Area: (33.33%) $13,333; Poverty Area: (11.11%) $4,444
Council staff responsible: Paul Jarvis, paul.jarvis@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5545
Background/Description
Public Policy decisions and systems change are driven by informed debate and public opinion. People with disabilities and other advocates are in the best position to educate and inform policymakers about issues that affect them. With guidance from ODDC and in collaboration with four Centers across the state, ODDC Centers for Public Policy will design and conduct a variety of activities, including: training advocates, sharing information, contributing to public policy debate, matching of advocates with federal, state and local policy makers, and participating in at least one legislative event per year.
DD Council Centers for Public Policy are eligible for $25,000-$40,000 in funds per year for a two-year period to coordinate the activities listed above.
Funding of the Arts (Mini Grants)
Grant number: A09-1/09
Total grant amount: Grants are available for no more than $12,000 per award ($40,000 is allocated for these grants).
Minimum matching requirements: Non-poverty area: 33.33% of grant award; Poverty Area: 11.11% of grant award
Council staff responsible: Teri Clark, Teri.Clark@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5542
Background/Description
The Funding of the Arts Program helps emerging artists with disabilities achieve a higher level of artistic career development. As the community employment rate for people with disabilities is low, the arts can provide opportunities for people with disabilities to be employed in a variety of non-traditional higher paying jobs.
Funds will be used to help artists with disabilities obtain the materials and develop the skills necessary to begin marketing their art for profit.
Last year six artists were supported through these mini grant funds.
Ohio Disability Impact Study
Grant number: 10-3/10
Total grant amount: $110,000
Minimum matching requirements: Non-poverty area: $36,667; Poverty Area: $12,221
Council staff responsible: Kay Treanor, kay.treanor@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5548
Background/Description
The Ohio Disability Impact Study supports a research project to acquire and analyze data to demonstrate the social, economic, and psychological impact of a child with disabilities as it relates to the immediate family, the local community and greater society in the state of Ohio. The project funds research activities to collect and organize Ohio specific data to complete two types of analyses. First, a comparative analysis will be completed to reflect the differences between families caring for a child with disabilities and families with typical developing children. This analysis will document direct, measurable effects on the families. Second, an impact analysis will be completed to reveal the larger direct and indirect effects these issues have on local communities and the state of Ohio. ODDC plans to utilize the analyses to educate the public and policymakers and to identify opportunities for improvement to systems and services for families resulting in greater socioeconomic benefit.
Coordinating Centers of Excellence in Dual Diagnosis (MI/DD)
Grant number: 10-1/10
Total grant amount: $75,000
Minimum matching requirements: Non-poverty area: $25,000; Poverty Area: $8,333
Council staff responsible: Teri Clark, teri.clark@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5542
Background/Description
ODDC, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Mental Health will fund a Coordinating Center of Excellence in Dual Diagnosis to improve treatment and supports for individuals who have mental retardation and a co-occurring mental illness. Individuals with this dual diagnosis will receive treatment and supports appropriate to their needs.
The Coordinating Center of Excellence will implement technical assistance and training targeting all 88 counties and will provide training, technical assistance, coordination of service systems, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and other best practices implemented in local communities. The project will also coordinate teams for discharge planning for individuals in developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICFs/MR), regional psychiatric hospitals, jails and prisons.
It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities may have a dual diagnosis. Given this percentage, over 100,000 people with mental retardation in Ohio will experience mental illness.
Early Intervention Transdisciplinary Methodology in Ohio
Grant number: 10-2/10
Total grant amount: $125,000
Minimum matching requirements: Non-poverty area: $41,667; Poverty Area: $13,888
Council staff responsible: Kay Treanor, kay.treanor@dmr.state.oh.us; (614) 644-5548
Background/Description
The project will assist Part C eligible children and their families to access and receive quality services by teams trained in evidence based early intervention (EI) transdisciplinary methodology.
ODDC will fund a project to provide quality assurance to three transdisciplinary teams in the implementation stage. These teams should represent diverse areas in Ohio such as urban and rural and designated areas of poverty.
The grantee will provide technical assistance and recommendations on best practices and will evaluate the effectiveness and overall satisfaction of the team members with special emphasis on functional family outcomes. Consumer satisfaction surveys and achievement of Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals will be used to measure family satisfaction with services received and to determine if the outcomes of the IFSP were met.
A final report of findings including guidance will be published to assist all providers of Part C services in Ohio to better assist children and families to receive quality services. Additionally, the grantee will provide the Children's Issues Committee of ODDC with recommendations of changes needed to improve the transdisciplinary model of service being utilized to meet the needs of families and children receiving Part C services.
Every child and family served by Ohio's Part C EI system will have access to evidence based services, using methodologies built upon the science of how young children naturally learn, and upon trusting relationships between caregivers and professionals.
ODDC Supports Sibling Conference
Nisonger Center's Special Initiatives by Brothers and Sisters (SIBS) at The Ohio State University, in close collaboration with ODDC, is sponsoring the Ninth Annual Ohio Sibling Conference scheduled for November 6-7, 2009 in Columbus. This unique gathering is unlike any other in the United States. Only at the Ohio SIBS conference can adult brothers and sisters of people with developmental disabilities gather to hear directly from professionals, educators, policymakers and other adult siblings.
Become Empowered
Adults who have brothers or sisters with a disability, self-advocates and other family members are invited to participate in the conference which offers a safe, supportive environment that provides an honest look at family roles. The conference's goal is to enhance the participants' knowledge base to improve the lives of siblings and other family members. Cathy Allen, a speaker at this year's conference said, "When adult siblings are educated, empowered and connected with one another, they become better advocates for their families and themselves. We want and need to know how to help our brothers and sisters, how to interact effectively with our parents and with the system." This conference provides an opportunity to become empowered and connected by sharing information, ideas and family experiences.
Register Today
Use the online SIBS Conference registration form. The registration fee is $85 and includes meals and materials.
The SIBS Conference is held at the Columbus Airport Marriott Hotel. If hotel reservations are needed, contact the hotel directly at (614) 475- 7551 or toll free at (800) 491-5717. Mention the Ohio SIBS Conference to receive the special room rate. Conference organizers cannot assist with hotel reservations.
Contact Information
For additional conference or registration information visit the Ohio SIBS website or contact Tom Fish at Nisonger at (614) 292-7550 or fish.1@osu.edu.
SIBS Conference Agenda
Friday, November 6, 2009
- 2:00 - Registration and Sign In
- 3:00 - Welcome/Introductions - Dean and Jeff Fadel, Tom Fish, Carolyn Knight
- 3:20 - Assuring Quality Outcomes through Family Engagement - John Martin
- 3:40 - The Sibling Relationship: What Sibs With and Without Disabilities Say About It - John Kramer, Ph.D.
- 4:40 - Break
- 4:50 - Finding and Promoting Quality Services and Supports in Ohio - Terry Ryan, Ph.D.
- 5:50 - Cash Bar
- 6:15 - Dinner: Ohio SIBS rollout from Michael Henn, SLN update - Cathy Allen, You Can Take Control of Your Safety
- 8:00 - Social Outing/Get Together
Saturday November 7, 2009
- 7:30 - Breakfast and Exhibits of Art groups
- 8:30 - Role of Sibs in Advocating for and Assessing Quality Health Care and Wellness for Brothers and Sisters - Dr. Brian Skotko
- 10:00 - Break
- 10:15 - Workshops
- 11:45 - Lunch and Presentation, So What? - Dr. Amy Shuman
- 1:30 - Personal and Professional Perspectives on Life as a Sib - Dr. Brian Skotko
ODDC Seeks Members
ODDC is currently seeking applicants for membership terms beginning in October 2009. ODDC membership must comply with categories listed in the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. Openings this year will be for the following categories:
- One individual with a developmental disability.
- One individual who represents a private non-profit organization serving persons with developmental disabilities.
- One parent or guardian of a person with a developmental disability who resides in or who has resided in an institution, OR an individual with a developmental disability who resides in or who has resided in an institution.
All candidates for ODDC membership should have experience serving on committees, boards or organizations. Experience with persons with developmental disabilities would be especially relevant. Applicants should have first-hand knowledge about developmental disabilities in Ohio.
It is very important that applicants have time to attend six meetings per year and serve on at least two committees. Each meeting of ODDC occurs over a two-day period.
Serving as a member of ODDC provides the opportunity to get involved and work in a collaborative manner with state and federal policymakers, state and local providers, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. ODDC advocates to improve the system of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and it conducts grant activities for the same purpose.
Governor Strickland will appoint members for three-year terms beginning October 1, 2009 and ending September 30, 2012. Applications must be completed and returned to ODDC by August 21, 2009.
ODDC Overview
ODDC is part of a national network of state councils, committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Ohio's council consists of at least 28 members appointed by the governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and non-profit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.
These members, with their unique and varied perspectives, strive to achieve Council's mission which is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.
Apply for ODDC Membership
- on the ODDC website
- by email: Carla.Sykes@dmr.state.oh.us
- in person or by mail: ODDC. 8 East Long Street, Suite 1200, Columbus, Ohio 43215
- by phone: (614) 466-5205 or (800) 766-7426
If you leave a message, please spell your name and provide your phone number and address, including zip code.
DD Quarterly Wants to Hear from You
Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS), with funding from ODDC, publishes the DD Quarterly newsletter. OLRS tries to create a balance between articles that cover policy, legislation and budget themes with those articles that focus on ODDC activities, reports from other agencies and organizations, and human interest stories. Editions of the DD Quarterly also include articles detailing resources for people with disabilities and their families and upcoming event announcements.
We highly value your opinion and are interested in your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts about the content and layout of the newsletter. Some questions to consider are:
- Is the visual layout appealing?
- Is it easy to read?
- Are the article topic choices interesting and useful?
- Do you have suggestions for changes?
Please send your comments via email to: newsletter@olrs.state.oh.us.
Send Us Your Articles
The editor of the DD Quarterly welcomes articles, suggestions or other pertinent information from our readers, although we cannot promise to publish everything submitted. Information should be timely and relative to Ohio's developmental disability systems.
The editor reserves the right to reject articles and save articles for a future date. The editor also reserves the right to edit the information for grammar, spelling, style and length without changing the intent of the author. Articles can be submitted to Tom Hemmert by mail at OLRS, 50 W. Broad St., Suite 1400, Columbus, Ohio 43215; by email at newsletter@olrs.state.oh.us; or by fax at (614) 644-1888.
Reaching Out
ODDC wants the DD Quarterly newsletter to reach as many Ohioans with disabilities as possible, including those who are unserved or underserved.
If you have ideas for how the DD Quarterly can reach out to others, write to us with your comments, c/o Tom Hemmert, Ohio Legal Rights Service, 50 West Broad St., Suite 1400, Columbus, Ohio 43215. You can also email your comments to: Themmert@olrs.state.oh.us.
DD Partner Collaboration
In Ohio, four entities comprise the Developmental Disabilities Network Partners. These Partners are funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), which is the U.S. government organization responsible for the implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. ADD encourages collaboration among the DD Partners. Ohio's DD Partners are: the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Ohio Legal Rights Service, and two University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: Nisonger Center and the University of Cincinnati, University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. This DD Quarterly newsletter reflects ongoing collaboration among Ohio's DD Partners.
Hold the Date: ODDC's Annual Conference
The ODDC Annual Conference, Health Care Reform for People with Disabilities, will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus. This conference is hosted by ODDC and cosponsored by other members of Ohio's Developmental Disabilities Network Partners.
Contact Information
DD Quarterly is produced by the Ohio Legal Rights Service. To share your comments or suggestions about the newsletter, or to sign-up to receive email notification when the DD Quarterly is published, contact:
Ohio Legal Rights Service
Attn: Tom Hemmert
50 W. Broad Street, Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Voice: (614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
TTY: (614) 728-2553 or (800) 858-3542
Fax: (614) 644-1888
Email: Newsletter@olrs.state.oh.us
About ODDC
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a group of 35 people, appointed by the governor, who plan and advocate for Ohioans with disabilities. ODDC receives federal funds and distributes those funds by awarding grants for projects and activities that create visions, influence public policy, pilot new approaches, empower individuals and families, and advocate system change. Contact information for ODDC is: 8 East Long Street, Suite 1200 Columbus, Ohio 43215, Voice phone: (614) 466-5205 (800) 766-7426 (Toll free in Ohio); TTY: (614) 644-5530; Fax: (614) 466-0298; Web site: www.ddc.ohio.gov