County boards attend Arc of Ohio Summer Conference
OACB staff and county board representatives attended the Arc of Ohio's Summer Conference, held Friday, July 17. The conference featured presentations on key legislative and policy issues impacting Ohio's developmental disabilities system, an update on Ohio's transition to the interRAI assessment tool, and an overview from CareStar on the Ohio Home Care Waiver. Pictured, from left to right: Monica Juenger (OACB), Jane Farrar (Ross), David Lewis (The Arc), and Kathy Brunton (Mahoning).
County boards present at National Self-Direction Conference
OACB's Lisa Comes traveled to Minneapolis with OACB Trustee Marci Straughter (Franklin DD) to present on Ohio’s experience with self-directed transportation at the National Self-Direction Conference, hosted by The Self-Direction Center. As the first national conference dedicated exclusively to self-direction, the event highlighted innovative approaches and emerging trends in the field. Ohio was well represented, contributing at least three breakout sessions on topics including self-directed transportation, the history and implementation of the Synergy Conference—co-presented by Steve Oster (Knox/Coshocton DD) and Jeanne Stuntz (Dynamic Pathways)—and a collaborative panel discussion on “Advancing Self-Direction” featuring representatives from the Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Aging, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, the Ohio Olmstead Task Force, and provider organizations. The conference provided valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and showcasing Ohio’s leadership in self-direction initiatives. Pictured left to right: Jules Patalita, Patrick McNamara, Brandi Nicholson, Lisa Comes, Jennifer Kucera, Steve Oster, Jamie Watkins, Marci Straughter, Marilyn Curtis, and Jeanne Stuntz
County boards launch legislative outreach on system sustainability
County boards in recent weeks have launched a legislative advocacy effort focused on the long-term fiscal sustainability of Ohio’s DD system. OACB and several county board superintendents have met with state lawmakers to provide context about the system’s current financial pressures and the need for sustainable policy solutions. Sharing background information now is intended to support more detailed policy discussions as proposals are finalized.