December 2019
TableOfContentsIn this issue  
 
From the Superintendent: Reflecting on 2019alice
Looking back on 2019, I'm struck by the number of major accomplishments we've had as an agency during the last year. I think it's important that we reflect on the past year so we can appreciate this great work and continue to build on these successes in 2020.

In a clear sign the community recognizes and values what we do, 76% of Hamilton County voters approved our levy in November - the highest margin of approval in the history of the levy. As part of that process, we successfully completed an audit that was highly complimentary of our work and had only minor suggestions for improvement.

Hamilton County DD Services worked to connect with families in their communities in 2019. This included advertising campaigns on television, radio, billboards, and social media to share information about our services, remote support technology, and the need for direct support professionals. 

Likewise, we partnered with Local 12 on a job fair highlighting people with disabilities as valued employees. We also shared information at more than 30 community events and hosted multiple events for the families and people we serve, including Project STIR, the Future Is Now, Your Money Your Goals, and the first Advocacy Summit.

In addition to our work in the community, we invested in our staff by providing Civil Treatment Training for all employees and we invested in our facilities by making major mechanical upgrades such as installing sprinklers at Bobbie B. Fairfax School and replacing the HVAC system at the Support Center.

We spent much of 2019 focused on technology, including collaborating with neighboring counties to open a model smart home, and hosting a technology fair at Kennedy Heights Arts Center. This effort resulted in hundreds of families touring the smart home and an increasing number of people using remote support technology.

On top of all of that, we accomplished other significant milestones this year. We recruited more than 20 new businesses to hire people with disabilities. We completed more than 75% of waiting list assessments, putting us well ahead of the state's mandated schedule. We launched Home Think Tank's Housing Options Guide on our website to help families better understand what choices they have to provide housing for their loved one. We also extended early childhood supports to children ages 3 to 5.

For all of this year's outstanding work, it's no surprise that some of our teammates were recognized with awards this year. Jennifer Meadows, director of the HCDDS Office of Medicaid, Contracts and SSA, won the Partners in Excellence Award from the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD for her roles on numerous statewide work groups. Our Community Relations team was recognized by the Cincinnati chapter of the Public Relations Society of America with six awards, including Best in Show and top honors in three categories.

I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of what we've accomplished this year as an agency. We could not have done this without the dedication of each and every one of our wonderful staff. I'm truly grateful for everything you do. I want to thank our entire team for a fantastic 2019 and wish you all a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Alice C. Pavey
2020 Annual Plan Draft annualplan

Our 2020 Annual Plan draft is now available for review on our website

This plan outlines goals for each of our five strategic focus areas: community partnerships, go-to resources, innovative solutions, service quality and fiscal responsibility, and family engagement.

Have a question or want to provide feedback? Reach out to Dawn Freudenberg via email
Housing Options Guide

People with disabilities and their families have many things to consider when planning for housing. 

Our housing options guide helps families navigate complex issues, shares pros and cons of nine different housing options, and includes stories from different local families about their housing journey. 

Click here to learn more or view the housing options guide.

Thank you for years of guidance!jokripp
Superintendent Alice Pavey, Jo Krippenstapel, Diana Mairose, Dawn Freudenberg and John Romer pose for a photo during Jo's retirement celebration. 






We'd like to wish Jo Krippenstapel a happy retirement! For 19 years, Jo has been consulting on and leading projects for Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services.

"Jo has been a champion for the rights of people with disabilities and person-centered services for many years," said HCDDS Superintendent Alice Pavey. "She spent much of her time with families and professionals who were seeking new and innovative solutions that would help keep their family member in the community."

During her career, Jo was vital to the creation and success of Home Think Tank, the Future is Now, The Resilience Project, and many other endeavors. "The Resilience Project has been the most meaningful to me. This effort grew out of Alice's commitment to partner with other organizations to bring trauma-informed practices to our work," she said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of this from the outset."

Jo wrote numerous grants for our agency in the areas of behavior supports, self-determination, person-centered services, residential supports and more. She also facilitated conversations with experts locally and around the state of Ohio to improve services for people with disabilities.

Over the years, she's been thankful to meet and get to know many people who are leading remarkable lives. "People who experience disability have helped me appreciate what they're up against as they strive to enjoy a good life like anyone else," Jo said. 

"Every day, I am inspired by the love and commitment of parents and family members. They are making our communities better by their fierce commitment to the simple idea that their family members belong. It's been a deep pleasure to walk alongside these people on their journeys."

spotlight
Partner in Excellence

Jennifer Meadows, Director of the HCDDS Office of Medicaid, Contracts, and SSA, was recognized with the Partners in Excellence Award from the  Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities

Her work on many statewide work groups and projects has benefited the DD system across the entire state of Ohio.  An awards reception was held Dec. 5 at the OACB Annual Convention.

Congratulations, Jen!
Services Spotlight 

Our Employment Navigation team works with people we support to explore career options that fit their skills and interests, and helps  find solutions to potential barriers so people can work in their community. 

We partner with local businesses, providers and other agencies to assist job seekers throughout every step of the process so they can reach their employment goals. 

Learn more on our website.

Services Spotlight is a feature to share  more information about HCDDS services.
survey

Family Resources Survey

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities would like to ask families of people with disabilities to take a  short survey about what family resources they use and how they were involved with DODD during the past year. 

The results of the survey will inform DODD about how to best support families in 2020.

What family resources do you use? Click here to share with DODD. 
Statewide Survey

The Ohio DD Council is asking for feedback on issues and problems that affect people with developmental disabilities. 

Survey results will guide the next five-year plan (2022 - 2027) that will allow DD Council to develop grants and projects. 

It's open to people with disabilities, family members and guardians, DD professionals and stakeholders.   Click here to take the survey.

Winter is officially here, and we want to remind you about weather closings. If HCDDS is closed due to weather, notices will be posted on our website and on the agency social media accounts -  FacebookTwitter and  Instagram
 
If only Bobbie B. Fairfax and Margaret B. Rost schools are closed, notices will be posted on the agency website, as well as the school Facebook pages. HCDDS staff will receive a phone call with instructions on reporting to work.

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The Ohio Department of DD has a health & welfare alert to keep people with disabilities safe and warm this winter. It includes outdoor safety tips, signs of hypothermia and more. Click here to read it.

  • New Years DayWednesday, Jan. 1. All HCDDS Offices are closed.
  • Provider Forum9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at HCDDS Kingsley Office. For independent or agency providers in Hamilton County. Attend in person or stream on YouTube.
  • HCDDS Board Meeting5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at HCDDS, 1520 Madison Road. Click here for more information
  • Personal Care Assistance Issues. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at CILO. This is the first class in a 5-week series that will focus on PCA pay rates, benefits and retention. For more information, click here.
  • HCDDS All-Staff Meeting. Friday, Jan. 17. All HCDDS Offices are closed. 
  • Cincinnati Cyclones Sensory-Friendly Hockey Game. 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Heritage Bank Center. Join us for a sensory friendly game with decreased auditory and visual stimulation. Click here for information.
  • Martin Luther King DayMonday, Jan. 20. All HCDDS Offices are closed. 
  • Sensory Saturday. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Free program for families with children who have autism to explore the museum before public hours. For more information, please click here.
  • Special Needs Family Night. 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at the Norwood Branch. Families with special needs are invited to a special night at the library to experience activities in a stress free accepting space. Click here for information.  
  • Autism Rocks! 11-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at The Luxe. Twelve bands will perform throughout the day representing country, rock and more. For ticket information, please click here.