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Community integration for all people with developmental disabilities

• Parent Reps Wanted
• Annual & Strategic Plan drafts available
• New issue of My Life

• Community Inclusion
• New family and advocacy groups
• Director Davis to retire

• Provider Certification
• Legislative Visits
• Communications Survey
• Upcoming events

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In January, when I stepped into the role of Superintendent of Hamilton County DD Services, my first goal was to listen and learn. I wanted to understand what people we support, families, our employees, and other partners valued and appreciated about our organization, as well as what they hoped to see from us in the future.

Throughout the year, we faced several unexpected challenges but I’m proud of our accomplishments and the work we’ve done. One of our most significant achievements was the COVID-19 vaccine clinic we operated from January to May. It’s hard to think back to the early days of distribution, but at that time, vaccines were scarce and families looked to us for guidance. It was a monumental logistical challenge, but we recognized the need for a vaccine clinic and our incredible team stepped up to deliver a smooth experience for people we support, direct support professionals, and caregivers—administering nearly 4,200 vaccine doses.

Although the vaccine clinic offered some relief to many after a difficult and isolating year, the coronavirus pandemic has continued to impact our lives throughout 2021. Our provider community has shown incredible creativity and dedication as they have continued to serve people with developmental disabilities safely. We listened as they described struggling to find enough staff while dealing with new challenges and requirements, decreased revenues, and increased costs. To alleviate some of that stress, we invested nearly $5 million in our providers through innovative programs like sustainability grants and reimbursements for extraordinary costs.

We also listened to families about critical service gaps and how we could better respond to their needs. This summer, we returned to providing in-person services to those who need and want them, but we also heard from people we support and families who wanted to maintain virtual service options, so we continue to offer that option. In addition, we opened Alice’s House and Bramble House, two new locations representing many years of work and dedication. These developments provided much-needed options for housing and respite. It was exciting to celebrate these grand openings with our community partners, elected officials and others.

In September, we launched My Life, a new quarterly magazine created by and for people with developmental disabilities. We heard from people we support about the need for a dedicated publication that shares success stories, empowers people with independent life skills, and promotes opportunities for advocacy and making connections. So far, we’ve had a fantastic response to My Life, and we look forward to growing the magazine next year.

Before my first year as superintendent comes to a close, we’ll add one more significant achievement to this list—transitioning the service coordination component of Early Intervention from Lighthouse Youth Services to HCDDS. We’ve had a strong partnership with Lighthouse and our close collaboration means families should not experience any disruption in services during this transition. 

Our accomplishments in 2021 would not be possible without the dedication of HCDDS employees. Throughout the year we’ve improved many of our processes and technologies to give our staff the support they need to work efficiently and effectively for families in Hamilton County. We also began making significant improvements to our compensation policies, procedures, and structure. The complex and meticulous work that went into this project will allow HCDDS to remain an attractive workplace for our employees and for future talent.

I’m immensely proud of our achievements this year. It’s clear why HCDDS has long been an innovator and a leader across the state in supporting people with developmental disabilities. It’s been a great first year as superintendent, and I look forward to continuing our important work together in 2022. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

Sincerely,

Leia Snyder

The December 2021 issue of My Life magazine has arrived! In this issue, you'll find stories about living independently, technology tips, staying healthy, and advice on finding a job you love. We also have a fun holiday craft from a local artist and an interview with Mark Hamill look-alike Fluke Skywalker. 

You can pick up a copy at our Support Center, 1520 Madison Road, or at the local library branches in Anderson Township, College Hill, Mt. Healthy, Oakley, Deer Park, Mariemont, and Monfort Heights. Find the digital copy here.

We're also excited to share that we've partnered with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired to make My Life more accessible! Each issue will be read aloud as part of the CABVI Radio Reading Service. If you have questions, comments, or story ideas for future issues, send us a message.

New groups

Our newest group, "Families In Support Together" begins Jan. 5. This is a safe space for parents and caregivers to share their experiences, learn from one another, share community resources and provide familial perspectives. Meeting will be at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday and at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. Click here to learn more.

You can also join us for "Speaking Up, Speaking Out," which will begin Feb. 1. This new group is a collaboration between YWCA Project CARE and HCDDS team members to build connections, confidence, leadership skills, self-worth, public speaking and technology skills. Meetings will be 4-5 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month. Click here to learn more.

Annual & Strategic Plan

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. Our three-year strategic plan includes focus areas that allow us to respond to the needs of our stakeholders and position HCDDS for the future. 

You can view a draft of our Strategic Plan and our 2022 Annual Plan on our website. The Annual Plan identifies goals and action steps for the upcoming year. Each goal is rooted in our strategic plan and represents concrete steps toward our long-term objectives.

Our Board is expected to approve the final plans at their Jan. 11 meeting. If you have questions or other feedback, please contact Dawn Freudenberg.

Thank you to Ohio Representatives Brigid Kelly and Cindy Abrams for coming to our Support Center this fall to hear from Superintendent Leia Snyder and local providers about how we can all work together to improve support for people with developmental disabilities in Hamilton County!

Left photo: Ohio Association of County Boards of DD Director of Government Relations Erich Bittner, State Representative Brigid Kelly, HCDDS Superintendent Leia Snyder, Easterseals Serving Greater Cincinnati President Pam Green, St. Joseph Home President Dan Connors and Total Homecare Solutions owner Adam Shoemaker. Right Photo: OACBDD Director of Government Relations Erich Bittner, State Representative Cindy Abrams, HCDDS Superintendent Leia Snyder and Total Homecare Solutions owner Adam Shoemaker.

Accessible Spaces

The new Deer Park branch of the Cincinnati Public Library is now open! It features 25,000 square feet of space that is more easily accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. It also has a designated quiet area, and flexible areas to meet the future needs of the community.

We've been happy to partner with the Library on accessibility needs as they work on their Next Generation Library plans. Thanks to Advocacy Coordinator Amber Cowart and Community Relations Coordinator Lisa Danford for representing us at the Grand Opening!

Ohio Department of DD Director Jeff Davis is retiring at the end of 2021. He served in the position since Governor DeWine took office in January 2019, had most recently led Ohio Provider Resource Association before his appointment as DODD Director.

“Throughout his tenure, Jeff Davis has been a strong partner with county boards and an advocate for people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. We’re thankful to Director Davis for his service and wish him all the best in retirement,” said HCDDS Superintendent Leia Snyder. 

Kim Hauck, current DODD deputy director for the Division of Policy and Strategic Direction, will serve as the department’s director beginning on Jan. 1. She had previously worked for Hamilton County DD Services with our Early Intervention and Adult Services teams. 

If you would like to share a written or recorded message for Director Davis, you can submit it to the DODD communications team by Dec. 31. Messages will be part of a video as a special departing gift. 

• Zoom Connection Hour. 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays, and 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. For adults that HCDDS serves who are looking to be social and meet other people with similar interests. Click here for details.

• Neighbors in Action. 5-6 p.m. First & Third Thursdays on Zoom. Join to learn more about advocacy and to discuss topics such as voting, transportation, tech. Details here.

• Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s Return of the Jedi: Live film with Orchestra. Dec. 29-30, Music Hall. The orchestra performs along with the final film the original Star Wars trilogy. Get details here. 

• DSAGC Circle Time with Mrs. Maggie. 9:30-10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30. Participation in routine and group activities can help your child learn and grow. Details here.

• New Year's Day Holiday Observed. Friday, Dec. 31. All HCDDS Offices are closed.

• Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve at Music Hall. Friday, Dec. 31. Shake things up with all things James Bond, including hits like "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever," "The World Is Not Enough," and more. Get tickets here. 

• Expression Hour with Diana Mairose. 5- 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3 on Zoom. Come share about yourself! Whether it’s through art, music, photos, poems, stories, music, or words, we want to hear about YOU! Learn more here.

• Provider Forum. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4 on Zoom. Provider Forum meetings cover local and state issues that affect providers, provide helpful tips, informative discussions and more. Find it here.

• Families in Support Together (FIST). 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 on Zoom. This is a safe space for parents and caregivers to share their experiences, learn from one another, share community resources and provide familial perspectives. Learn more here.

• Cincy Art Museum Gallery Chat with ASL Interpretation. 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. A certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter joins this free tour of one of our special exhibitions. Details here. 

• Connecting the Dots with Sean Bostic. 5-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10 on Zoom. Join Sean Bostic, our Family Engagement Coordinator, to have your questions answered as you navigate life. Learn more here. 

• DS/ASD Support Group. 8-9:30 p.m. every other Monday starting Jan. 10 on Zoom. Connect with families to help support one another by talking through challenges and successes while guided by a qualified group facilitator. Learn more. 

• HCDDS Board Meeting. 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Support Center. Contact Kim Sexton for details.

• DSAGC Open Hangout. 10 a.m. to noon, starts Jan. 14, second Saturdays. Open Hangouts are available for all ages and abilities! Click here for details. 

• Stepping Stones Saturday Kids Club. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at 1414 Lake Allyn Road. Saturday Kids Club is a fun, daytime recreation program that includes sensory science, art projects, sports, music, and seasonal activities. Register here. 

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Monday, Jan. 17. All HCDDS Offices are closed.

• DSAGC Winter Tutoring. 5-5:45 p.m. starts Jan. 18 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Empowerment Center. One-on-one tutoring with a quality special education teacher for students K-12. Learn more. 

• Future is Now Planning Session for Families with Older Caregivers. 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jan. 18, 20, 25 & 27 on Zoom. For older caregivers and their family members with a disability to make plans for the future. Learn more here. 

• Managing Anxiety: Helping Kids with Developmental Disabilities Succeed. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 online. For caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, particularly those with symptoms of anxiety. Register here. 

• Families in Support Together (FIST). 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 on Zoom. This is a safe space for parents and caregivers to share their experiences, learn from one another, share community resources and provide familial perspectives. Learn more here.

• Sensory Saturday at the Cincinnati Art Museum. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. For families with children who have DD. Sensory Saturday begins before public hours. Details here.

• Autism and We. Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday Jan. 22 on Zoom. Join this collaborative of families of color, clinicians, caregivers and more to support, educate. Learn more.

• DODD Provider Monthly Training. 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 online. DODD’s Office of System Support & Standards (OSSAS) is offering a provider training on the compliance review process. Register here. 

• LADD: Innovative Technology Solutions Webinar. 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28 online. Learn about innovative technology solutions projects and more. Details here. 

• Stepping Stones Young Adults Club. 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 at 5650 Given Road. This is a social recreation program. Participants make social connections while engaging in a variety of fun, seasonal activities. Learn more. 

• Speaking up, Speaking Out-Technology. 4-5 p.m. Feb. 1 on Zoom. Build connections, confidence, leadership skills, self-worth, public speaking skills & efficiency in technology. Learn more here. 

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