Williams County program helping employ people with disabilities

Williams County Board of Developmental Disabilities learned Monday about the relatively new Community Employment program.

Community Employment Manager Cody Chrisman said Ohio Governor John Kasich signed the Employment First executive order in March 2012, making Ohio one of 26 states with an official Employment First policy or legislation, and all 88 counties are involved. Williams County received 15 spots to fill with developmentally disabled applicants. Chrisman reported that already into the second quarter of the program, the county is right on track with two individuals having started and five more heading into the process.

“This is a highly beneficial program through OOD (Opportunities for Ohioans with  Disabilities) for participants,” Chrisman said. “It is a multi-agency approach with the county board being in the partnership.” Chrisman assured the board that being involved in this employment program will not “deny individuals other services they may require, such as adult day services, nor will it close those facilities that offer those services.” It is not mandated for those who are eligible, just an option for those who are interested.  Board member Neil Oberlin asked how employers in the area might get involved. Chrisman said more information can be found at www.ohioemploymentfirst.org, or by calling him at 419-485-8331.

Chrisman also reported on the summer youth work program for this year. The revision made at the state level will become policy in April and he looks forward to helping a number of area disabled residents who are 16 and older with the four-to-five week process of training and finding jobs for the summer. The program is fully funded through OOD which, according to Superintendent Deb Guilford, is a first for the county. “The county board has been funding it up till now, so this is a great change for us.”  The OOD representative in Williams County, Rob Zwayer is located at the One Stop building, now located in the new Williams County East Annex building in Bryan.

In the superintendent’s report, Guilford informed the board:

• March is Developmental Disabilities month with the theme “Abilities at Work.” The board will have three billboards located at Ohio 15 near County Road H, U.S. 6 at Ohio 2, and just past U.S. 6 on U.S. 127. Area restaurants will also have table tents reflecting the various abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities in Williams County. There will be a booth at the 28th Annual Williams County Business and Industry Show on March 25th.

• Support Administrators (SSAs) along with the Community Employment manager and Guilford will attend an SSA rule training on March 4 in Columbus.

• The Self Advocacy Group continues to meet on the second Monday of each month with SSA Megan Hanover providing organizational assistance for the group. At the March 10 meeting, a raffle will be held for a chance to win a prize.

• NOAH (Northwest Ohio Affordable Housing, Inc.)  has purchased a home in Bryan with capital assistance funds from the Ohio Department of DD. Two men receiving medicaid waiver services will be moving in on April 1. This will be connected with The Filling Homes.

A motion was approved to hire Maggie Gracia as an early intervention specialist beginning in March. Gracia has been the adult recreation director and Guilford said following the consideration of possible changes to the job description, the board will look to hire someone for that position.

In other business, the board approved the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center contract and business associate for vision impaired services, effective Aug. 15, 2014; approved the Filling Home contract; and appointed board member Neil Oberlin to the board Finance Committee.

Early Intervention and Help Me Grow Director Dennis Myers reported the annual progress report has been received and they are in compliance in all areas with some in 100 percent compliance.

Gracia shared that basketball season is finished with their team winning three and losing four games. Due to the bad weather, a number of other activities were canceled. She also said the summer trip is in the planning stages.

In public reports, Bill Priest of Quadco and Jenny Purdue of The Filling Homes shared that they also struggled with winter weather, but the events that were held were very successful and enjoyed by all participants.

The next meeting will be held at The Enrichment Center on Monday, March 24 at 11:30 a.m.