Updates from the Cuyahoga County Board of DD

News, Views & Notes

A newsletter from Kelly A. Petty, Superintendent & CEO

This edition contains important information about changes to Ohio's waiting list rule for Home and Community-Based Services Waivers and how the Cuyahoga County Board of DD is planning for this change.

News, Views & Notes

Policy change provides increased access to family support dollars

CCBDD's Board approved a policy change in the Family Supports Program that will help more families care for their loved ones. Effective July 1, 2018, CCBDD will no longer require proof of household taxable income for individuals age 22 and older who reside in the family home and are not enrolled on a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver . Individuals who meet this criterion are eligible for the full, annual Family Supports Program allocation of $1,500.

CCBDD recognizes and appreciates the vital support families provide to their loved ones with developmental disabilities who live at home with them and wants to help families in this caregiving role by providing funding for resources and services available through its Family Supports Program, such as respite care, therapeutic classes, personal hygiene items, and specialized equipment.

This policy change will benefit over 500 people, who will be notified in writing over the next month. Click HERE for more information about the Family Supports Program.

Good life Ambassador featured in The New York Times

A recent story published in The New York Times features one of CCBDD's Good Life Ambassadors, Christian Borrero, who shares his journey transitioning from reliance on disability benefits to working a full-time, competitive job, without the need for public benefits. “I haven’t had an easy life,” said Christian. “But I love the feeling of earning enough money to pay my bills and do what I want to do. I feel very blessed.”

Learn ways you can manage your benefits and a competitive job HERE . This resource highlights Social Security's work incentive programs and provides facts about working and managing benefits.

Inclusion Challenge Week

Inclusion begins with YOU! The Cuyahoga County Board of DD believes that everyone has a role in

building a more inclusive community – one that values the talents and contributions of all people and

promotes equal opportunity. As the Greater Cleveland community prepares to celebrate the Americans

with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 25, you are encouraged to participate in Inclusion Challenge Week,

beginning on July 22, by completing these daily challenges:

Sunday, July 22- Take a moment to introduce yourself to an unfamiliar neighbor, co-worker or

community member and invite them to join in the fun and “take the challenge.”

Monday, July 23- Drive positive change in your workplace/organization. Encourage your business/

organization to hire someone with a disability. People with disabilities can work and want to work.

Tuesday, July 24- Spread the word – Inclusion begins with YOU! Have a conversation with coworkers,

friends and family members about the ways they can support inclusion.

Wednesday, July 25- Celebrate ADA Day at Wade Oval Wednesday by participating in the “unstoppable”

flash mob. Everyone is welcome. Details below.

Thursday, July 26- Find a common bond. Set your phone aside and converse with a stranger or learn

something new about a person you already know.

Friday, July 27- Volunteer with an organization working for diversity and inclusion. Consider

becoming a Community Friend with the Cuyahoga County Board of DD.

Saturday, July 28- Take time to learn about a culture different from your own. Visit an art exhibit,

museum or other place in the community dedicated to other cultures.

Inspire others! Share your Inclusion Challenge photos at #InclusionCLE.

Flash mob returns to ADA Day at Wade Oval Wednesday

Come join in the fun! Everyone is welcome!

Based on the huge success of last year's surprise dance (flash mob), the Cuyahoga County Board of DD is once again coordinating a flash mob in celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Wade Oval Wednesday from 5-6:15 PM on July 25, 2018.

Everyone is welcome to be a part of this exciting celebration. Rehearsals will be held from 6:45-8:15 PM on Tuesday, July 10 at Big Creek Center (6149 W. 130th St. in Parma) and Wednesday, July 11 at the Euclid Adult Activities Center (1490 East 191 St. in Euclid).

If you are interested in participating in the flash mob, please be sure to register and attend one of the rehearsals. Details and registration information is available HERE .

Join the Cuyahoga County Board of DD and Attorney David S. Banas of Hickman & Lowder Co., L.P.A. at a special forum to learn about many planning topics important to people with developmental disabilities and their families, including estate planning, public benefits/Medicaid, STABLE accounts, and guardianship.

The forum will be held on August 7, 2018 from 6-8 PM at the ESC of Cuyahoga County.

Click on the image above for more details and registration information. Registration is required.