December 2020
Spread the Cheer, Not COVID-19 This Year
A special notice from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

The holidays are typically a time food, family, and fun. This year looks a little bit different due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. What is safe, and how can you celebrate and stay healthy? 
  • Guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can help you decide what is best for yourself and your loved ones. 
  • Use the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Risk/Benefit Guide to help guide decision-making.
  • Check with the event host, organizer, or event venue for updated information about any COVID-19 safety guidelines and if they have steps in placeto prevent the spread of the virus. 
  • Bring supplies to help you and others stay healthy. For example
  • extra masks (do not share or swap with others),
  • hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol,
  • tissues, and
  • bring your food and disposable dishes if you gather with people outside of your immediate household.
  • Stay home if you or anyone in your home has symptoms - If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other illnesses, avoid traveling and close contact with others.
  • Wear a mask when around people that you do not live with - This may feel difficult as you may need to wear a mask around people you love, including friends and family that reside in different households. 
  • Hygiene - It is important to practice frequent hand washing and disinfecting. Stay six feet apart. Whenever possible, maintain a safe distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing. This is true for both before, during, and after the celebration. Failure to follow these safety precautions may pose a greater risk. 
Adjusting operations due to COVID-19

Cuyahoga DD buildings are closed to the public with minimal staff onsite to manage essential business. Drop-off boxes for paperwork are available outside Cuyahoga DD buildings.

Most staff are working from home and are able to use technology (phone and computer) to serve you. We will continue to conduct in-person visits to address urgent needs, doing so in a safe manner following all guidance issued by public health officials.

Given the increased risk for illness over the winter months and guidance from the Governor, we have not yet set a date for when our buildings will re-open to the public.
Sarah Duffy Cammock named Cuyahoga DD's General Counsel

Sarah Duffy Cammock joined Cuyahoga DD’s leadership team on November 9, 2020 as the agency’s general counsel, preparing to fulfill the duties of Chuck Corea, current in-house attorney, and Noelle Tsevdos, current risk manager and EEO/ADA coordinator. Both Corea and Tsevdos retire at the end of the year. Among a wide range of duties, Cammock will be responsible for contract review, Board-related legal matters, interactions with Probate Court, labor relations, and EEO/ADA compliance.
 
In announcing her appointment, Superintendent and CEO Kelly Petty stated, “Sarah brings a blend of relevant knowledge and experience to the agency. Her expertise in contract negotiations and federal, state and local statutes will support a seamless transition and help the agency progress in new directions. I look forward to her joining our team and helping us continue to advance our mission.”

Prior to Cuyahoga DD, Cammock served as general counsel to a network of eight companies managing legal risk and compliance programs and negotiating a range of contracts. She served for five years in various counsel roles with the Cuyahoga County Department of Law, acting as general business counsel across county leadership and representing the county in real estate transactions. Cammock also has experience as an associate attorney and law clerk with a private law firm in Cleveland where she assisted nonprofit agencies and represented clients before state and federal government agencies.

Cammock holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kalamazoo College and Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University.
A Bay Village resident, Cammock lives with her husband and two young sons. In her spare time, she enjoys serving as a volunteer attorney for the Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Cuyahoga County's Alcohol Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board Releases Coping with the Holidays and a Pandemic Booklet 

Coping with the Holidays and a Pandemic offers suggestions on things like how to reduce stress, deal with loss or change and enjoy the holidays safely and on a budget. In addition, resource numbers are listed for those who find the stress of this holiday season and/or the pandemic, too much to handle. The 24-Hour Warm Line is available at 440-886-5950. Peer-supporters will listen and talk you through things. The 24-Hour Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information and Referral Hotline is available at 216-623-6888. 

Topics include: self-care tips, ways to be there for older adults, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, grieving during the holidays, ways to take charge of your holiday plans and more.
Help us develop new ways for you to connect with the community

Cuyahoga DD is partnering with Design for America (DFA), an undergraduate-led organization at Case Western Reserve University, and other disability-serving agencies to expand and enhance opportunities for persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to actively participate in their communities. This has become a growing need, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DFA team is currently looking at the feasibility of a resource calendar that would include the times and dates of both virtual and in-person events, when they can be done safely, occurring within the Greater Cleveland area.

We'd like to hear from you! We want to learn more about your needs and ideas.

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. The DFA team will use the results to help guide the general direction and craft the project idea to best reflect the opinions of the community.
2021 Family Supports Program Application* Available

Cuyahoga DD recognizes and appreciates the vital support families continue to provide to people with developmental disabilities who live at home with them. Using a portion of our local tax levy revenue to help families in this caregiving role by providing funding ($750-$1,500) for goods and services through our Family Supports Program remains a priority. Respite care, camp assistance, home modifications, special equipment and leisure/recreation activities are some of the supports and services available through this program.

If you are already participating in the Family Supports Program or if this is your first time applying, please be sure to click on the button below to complete the simple 2021 application.


*Only children and adults who live with a family member and are not enrolled on a Medicaid Waiver are eligible for this program. If you are enrolled on a Waiver, please contact your Support Administrator to see if similar supports and services are available.
Learning Aid Ohio aims to provide supplemental learning support for students with IEPs during this unique school year.
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Parents can connect with learning providers to help them and their student navigate the world of online learning, specific to their individual needs, based on the curriculum their traditional teacher sets.

How does it work for families?
You can browse the list of learning providers to find the assistance you need for your family for free. The learning providers have completed background checks, and are willing and able to offer supplemental support during this unprecedented time. You must fill out an application and be approved to begin services.
Click on the image below to view or download the two-page flyer.
Coming Up!
Click on the image below to download the entire brochure and registration form. The course begins January 13, 2021.
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