Services
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to provide services and supports in the areas listed here. Please select from the list for more information about each area.
CHildren’s Services
The Department of Children’s Services provides educational and therapeutic services for children birth through 22 years of age.
Early Intervention Services
Early Intervention Services (EI) are offered to children birth through 36 months of age with developmental delays or disabilities. These services are at no cost to you and offered year-round. Our early intervention team members include Ohio Early Intervention Service Coordinators, Developmental Specialists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Nurse.
Early Intervention is grounded in the philosophy that young children learn best from familiar people in familiar settings. Your team works with you in your home or other places you and your family spend time to develop a coordinated plan called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). You and your team will work through the IFSP using your existing supports and resources and build upon them to enhance your child’s learning, development, and involvement in your family routines. Referrals for our EI program are made through Help Me Grow at www.helpmegrow.ohio.gov.
School-Age Programs
Portage County DD continually strives to improve support and services for staff, students, and families across all of Portage County. We work collaboratively with school districts and continually adapt our services to support the current needs of the community. These services and supports include the following, listed below, but we encourage you to reach out at any time with additional questions or requests. Please contact our Educational Services Manager, Vincent Valerio:
Email- vincentv@portagedd.org
Phone- 330-906-1025
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training
Initial training certification and renewals provided FREE of charge to school district teams. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training is perfect for primary caregivers, educators, and human service professionals who directly intervene in crisis situations, teaching staff de-escalation techniques as well as restrictive and nonrestrictive interventions. Benefits of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training:
Recognize and Respond to Crisis
Safe Physical Interventions
Evidence-Based and Fully Accredited
Staff Professional Development
We want to meet the needs of your staff and school and welcome your requests. We will look to customize training wherever possible. Some other more common opportunities include:
County Board Services, Contacts, and the Eligibility Process
Autism 101
Building Strong Transition Programming – Career Discovery & Customized Employment
Lending Library
We provide a continually evolving list of adaptive equipment, sensory-related needs, and assistive technology FREE of charge on loan. Contact us with your needs and to see what is available!
Happy Day Services Facility Usage
We welcome groups to regularly use our indoor swimming pool, gym, sensory room & life skills room! All ADA accessible. Contact us to schedule today!
SEL Instruction
Semester-long social skills classes, provided at your district, during the school day, in collaboration with your staff. Courses will be offered once a week in a 30-45 min instructional block. Instruction follows a thematic calendar, but instruction and delivery can always be modified based on the needs of the staff and students.
Month 1: All About Me
Self-Image My Emotions (Zones of Regulation where appropriate)
Strengths and Needs
Interests and Preferences
Month 2: Communication
Listening Skills
Methods of Communication
Being a Careful Listener
Right Time/Right Place
Phone & Internet Etiquette/Safety
Month 3: Tolerance & Self-Control
Thinking before Acting
Accepting Differences
Rules for Different Settings
Month 4: Facing Challenges
Accepting Consequences
Self-Advocacy
Peer Pressure
Coping Strategies & Problem Solving
Month 5 (if applicable): Additional Application, Review & Role Play
Building Independence Transition Program
A transition program to support and strengthen the capabilities for meaningful community integration and independence for transitioning youth across Portage County. This is a FREE, semester-long (18 weeks) program, to be offered two days a week. One day will be classroom-based lessons and activities, held at your schools, and one day of hands-on and/or community-based instruction. Transportation can be provided by Portage DD if you are not able to provide it. Building Independence aims to serve 6-8 students per class. Curriculum Themes include:
Goal Setting
Community & Communication
Getting a Job
Independent Living Skills
Explorers After-School Club
The Exploring Program is an after-school, career-education-based program for transition-age youth. Our Exploring Program will guide youth through hands-on and interactive character and career activities. We will also tour local businesses and meet with area employers to learn about jobs in our community and what makes a good employee.
Requirements:
Must be at least 14 years old and currently in high school
Able to attend after-school/evening activities and have reliable transportation to and from our meeting sites.
Time Commitment:
Sessions will be two evenings a month
Classroom sessions will be held at Happy Day Services once a month and business tours will be held throughout Portage County.
Contact our School-Age Transition Coordinator- Laura Fechter (lauraf@portagedd.org 330-678-2400) to sign up
Let’s Talk About Transition
Join us, Via Zoom, on the first Tuesday of the month, for parents, and the second Tuesday of the month, for students, for an informal discussion about the transition journey and what happens after graduation. Meet parents, DD Staff, community members, and former students to help support through the transition process.
Title IX
In regards to the Title XI policy and procedure regarding sexual harassment and misconduct, No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
To report any such harassment or misconduct, please reach out to one of Portage DD’s two Title IX Coordinators:
George Winsen, Director of Service & Support Administration
Phone: 330.297.4118
Email: GeorgeW@portagedd.org
Alicia Hall, Director of Education & Child Development
Phone: 330.678.2400
Email: AliciaH@portagedd.org
5.08 Title IX Policy and Procedure Regarding Sexual Harassment
Policy 5.08 Appendix A
Akron Area YMCA/Rotary Summer Day Camp:
https://www.gotcamp.org/rotary-camp-portage-trailblazers-day-camp
Parent Council for Portage County Developmental Disabilities:
https://www.facebook.com/Portage-County-Parent-Council-1536164543289804/
COMMUNITY & PROVIDER RELATIONS
The focus of the Department of Community and Provider Relations is to enhance the quality of services to persons served by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities by working to develop and implement initiatives to support providers in the county. To accomplish this mission, we host Provider Meetings which are a forum to review rule changes, promote collaboration amongst providers, and host speakers, and training on pertinent topics as well as promoting the need for direct support professionals. The department is also a resource to assist providers in the certification process, especially for Independent Providers. Currently, courses in First Aid and CPR are offered at no cost to providers actively serving persons in Portage County or in process of being certified (person must have a Portage County address or be identified by a SSA as a person selected for services). We also offer the OADSP Curriculum including Frontline Supervisor, Initial and Advanced Proficiency courses, and Initial and Annual Training for agency and independent provider staff to assist in enhancing their knowledge and skills at no cost as well as Trauma-Informed Care training. Background Checks are also available at no cost to providers actively serving persons in Portage County or in process of being certified (a person must have a Portage County address or be identified by a SSA as a person selected for services). To schedule an appointment, please email Kim Holbert at kimh@portagedd.org
The Nursing Support Manager completes quality assurance assessments and monitors patterns and trends of deficiencies for compliance with applicable rules. The Manager supports the provider with developing the plan of correction and recommends re-training as needed. A QA RN Bootcamp which reviews the Quality Assurance RN process, Initial and renewal courses in Medication Administration Certification 1, 2, & 3 are offered at no cost to providers actively serving persons in Portage County. This position also serves as a resource to providers and Service and Support Administrators for medical, medication, and treatment-related concerns and delegated nursing questions. For more information, contact Jennifer Dippel at jend@portagedd.org
The Advocacy and Community Resource Coordinator works to promote self-advocacy through county-wide advocacy meetings and facilitates Board-supported participation of persons served to attend statewide Advocacy training and conferences such as Project STIR and Synergy. This position also serves as the Local Coordinator for Portage DD Special Olympics and is the chairperson of the Human Rights Committee which reviews plans for many persons served by providers in the county. For more information, contact Colleen Brown at colleenb@portagedd.org
The Community Employment Coordinator is available to support persons served employed in the community, persons seeking employment, current employers, or businesses interested in employing a person with a developmental disability. For more information, contact Tiffany Jones at tiffanyj@portagedd.org
The Provider Support Coordinator helps find staff of all kinds for persons served by Portage DD to assist at home, work and in the community. This includes coordinating the DSP-U program at local high schools, training students to be Direct Support Professionals. For more information, contact Katrina P. Kohout at katrinak@portagedd.org
For more information on Meetings scheduled, class availability, and scheduling information, click on Training and Events on the Home page of this website. Questions? Contact Michelle Dolensky at michelled@portagedd.org
Provider Resources
Providers of Services, Becoming a New Provider and Provider Certification Training Requirements
What To Do Once Certified
Provider Compliance
Topical Areas
Provider Services Management (PSM) for Certification Instructional Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ1qXvA8kYSkmVfaP6KTmeedg2ffQhP_A
ELIGIBIlITY REQUIREMENTS
Following are the procedures and actions that an individual or his/her parent(s)/guardian needs to complete for the intake and eligibility process to be initiated:
The eligibility determination process can be initiated by the individual seeking services or his/her parents/guardian calling Service and Support Administration at 330-297-4100, or emailing the contact information about the individual to: intake@portagedd.org.
Intake Packet (fillable)
Intake Packet (non-fillable)
Upon receipt of the information specified above, the SSA will send an intake packet to the individual or his/her family/guardian. The intake packet provides information about the services offered by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities, additional information that needs to be provided or a release for the SSA to obtain this information, and three forms that require a signature by the individual/parent/guardian and return to the SSA.
These include:
Consent for Services Form
Medicaid Billing Form
Release of Information Form
Verification of Individual’s Qualifying Diagnosis (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome)
The SSA will conduct the eligibility assessment after the SSA has received these signed forms, along with:
Medical Evaluation,
Psychological evaluation, or
School District Evaluation Team Report (ETR) indicating a qualifying diagnosis
The eligibility assessment consists of an appointment to meet with the individual and their parent/guardian and depending upon the individual’s age, administration of either the COEDI (Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument) or OEDI (Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument).
Note: The COEDI is not applicable to individuals below five (5) years of age, children birth-to-two (2) need one (1) deficit, children three-to-five (3-to-5) need two (2) deficits.
The COEDI/OEDI will then be subsequently scored and the individual/parent/guardian will receive a letter from the Director of Service and Support Administration indicating whether the individual is eligible for services and what the next steps are to begin to access services. A person needs three substantial functional limitations to be eligible.
It is the outcome of the COEDI/OEDI that determines whether or not an individual is eligible for services. If an individual is found not to be eligible, the IE Specialist will refer him/her to other agencies that may be able to assist. A denial of eligibility may also be appealed through Board Policy 4.49 - Administrative Resolution of Complaints.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM (FSSP)
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities offers a Family Support Services Program (FSSP) which provides various services and supports to individuals eligible for services from the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities and living at home with their family. The program promotes the unity of the family by assisting it to meet the special needs of the individual with a developmental disability. The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ FSSP is funded with local levy dollars. Maximum level of service per family shall vary from year to year based upon the availability of local levy dollars.
Individuals living in their own apartment, enrolled on an Individual Options (IO) or Level One waiver or SELF waiver, or living in an ICF/DD or in foster care are not eligible for services and supports through the FSSP. Persons requesting to participate in the FSSP should not have similar services and supports available through other means. The FSSP is not an entitlement program.
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ FSSP program is administered by the Northeast Ohio Network (NEON), a Council of Governments established in 1996 by six northeast Ohio County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, one of the six being the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities. For more information or questions regarding the FSSP program, balance inquiries, etc., please contact Marissa Elmore at NEON at 234-254-5874.
Please reference the FSSP Program Stipulations for additional information regarding the income guidelines and available services through this program. (Adobe Reader may be required) 2024 Family Support Services Program Services Available and Program Stipulations Effective January 1, 2024 (CLICK HERE).
Denials of FSSP requests may be appealed through Board Policy 4.49 - Administrative Resolution of Complaints and Appeals of Adverse Actions Proposed or Initiated by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Forms can be found here: https://neoncog.org/family-supports
HEALTH & WELFARE
A major unusual incident (MUI) is defined as the alleged, suspected, or actual occurrence of an incident when there is reason to believe that the health or welfare of an individual may be adversely affected or an individual may be placed at a likely risk of harm. There are nineteen (19) types of MUI’s that have been broken down in into three (3) administrative categories.
The Investigative Agents follow MUI rule 5123:2-17-01 of the Administrative Code. All of the incidents reported require that immediate action be taken to protect individuals from further harm, that an investigation is conducted to determine the cause of the incident and contributing factors, and that a prevention plan is developed to reduce the likelihood of further occurrences.
The MUI reporting phone number for the Board, maintained by Townhall II, is: 330-678-7559. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days week. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities also has a hotline number: 866-313-6733.
MUI Training
MUI training is provided the by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities Investigators the second Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in attending the training contact Tim Torch in the Human Resources department at 330-297-2083 or timt@portagedd.org to schedule.
Abuser Registry: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/health-and-welfare/all-health-and-welfare-resources/abuser-registry
Health and Welfare Alerts: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/health-and-welfare/health-and-welfare-alerts/health-and-welfare-alerts
Medicaid Services
Billing for I/O and Level 1 Waiver services is submitted online at www.dodd.ohio.gov through the eMBS system. You will need your user name and password, PAWS information and service documentation in order to bill. Billing support and related information can be found at the following:
https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/providers/billing/billing
Questions? Please contact DODD at 800.617.6733 (option 2) for provider claims and billing, or you can reach our Medicaid Services Department at 330-297-4134 or 330-297-8991.
Understanding Medicaid
Medicaid is a program of the federal government that provides support for certain individuals who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements. The Medicaid program is administered at the federal level by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities has local Medicaid administrative responsibilities to assist individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides and authorizes services to many individuals who are Medicaid eligible because of limited income and assets due to their disability. Service and Support Administrators (SSA) assist individuals and families with the paperwork to become Medicaid eligible.
People who are Medicaid eligible might live in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), which is funded with federal Medicaid dollars and matched with state dollars. Generally, federal funds represent about 60% of costs and “match” funds represent approximately 40%.
Medicaid Waiver Program
An alternative to the ICF/IID program is the Medicaid Waiver Program. Based on need, some people have the Individual Options Waiver (IO), some have the Level 1 Waiver and some have the Self-Empowered Life Funding. There are a limited number of waivers that are available so a waiver waiting list is established.
IO Waiver
Those who are supported with the IO waiver are assigned a funding range based upon their needs. This funding range is determined by a state designed assessment called the Ohio Developmenal Disablilities Profile (ODDP).
Once the ODDP is completed and the funding range established, an Individual Service Plan (ISP) is developed with the individual, his or her guardian or other representatives and the SSA. This plan, once approved, is then implemented and services are provided. Funds to pay for the services are authorized and paid to providers consistent with the plan and funding range. On rare occasions, individuals may request services that would exceed the funding range. This must go through a special review process called “prior authorization”.
Level 1 Waiver
The Level 1 is also an option for some individuals. This waiver does not include the assessment with the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile (ODDP) because it has a funding maximum or cap for most residential services which is fixed at $6,750. Other support, such as emergency services and adaptive equipment can exceed this funding cap in certain circumstances. Funds to pay for the services are authorized and paid to providers consistent with the individual service plan.
SELF Waiver
The Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) are also administered by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, with support from County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.
Additional Information
Waivers have different services and funding that can be explained by the SSA Department at 330-297-6209.
When a person has a Medicaid Waiver, he or she is also eligible to receive a Medicaid card and support for other services such as day habilitation and transportation. When one has a Medicaid card, he or she is eligible for Medicaid coverage for certain medical expenses, such as doctor’s visits, hospital services and medications.
Recognizing that Medicaid policy or rules may change, Medicaid questions should be directed to the SSA Department at 330-297-6209 for the most up to date information.
DODD Online ICF Search Tool: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/your-family/community-living/icf_search_map
DODD Electronic ICF Informational Booklet: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/forms-and-rules/forms/pamphlet-options-counseling
RECREATION & LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Portage DD makes available to eligible individuals a variety of recreation, leisure, and athletic activities throughout the year. In some cases, these activities are directed or overseen by Portage DD employees and in others, employees of agencies with whom the Portage DD has a contract.
Procedures for Activities
Unified Resources Recreation (URR)
The program is a program provided through a contract between the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Family and Community Services, Inc., one of the largest non-profit social service agencies in northeast Ohio. The goal of this program is to provide recreation, social, and leisure opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities who are eligible to receive services from the Board.
The URR team is here to bridge the gaps in the lives of individuals by providing them with information on community activities they can participate in, transportation to these activities, and companionship. URR will only provide transportation to URR events. URR cannot provide transportation if you have a 24-hour staff or an aide. Participants must have a parent, personal aide, or staff attend an event if assistance is needed in the bathroom or with the administration of medication.
Participation in URR activities is restricted to individuals eligible for Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities services who are over the age of eighteen. Sometimes there is a very nominal charge for participation in various activities (e.g., for craft supplies) and/or admission charges for attending an event (e.g., Cleveland Guardians game).
As part of the UUR contract with Portage DD, a Bowling Program is offered. Eligible individuals may participate in a recreational bowling program held at Spins Bowl Kent. Prior to participating in the recreational bowling program, a current URR Registration Packet must be on file with URR.
There are two (2) sessions each program year. Session one (1) starts in September and runs for seventeen (17) weeks. Session two (2) begins in January and also runs for seventeen (17) weeks. The weekly bowling program is held on Wednesday afternoons starting at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. The bowling program is open to any individual eligible for Portage DD services age eighteen (18) and up. Participants must provide for their own personal care/assistance needs.
Individuals are responsible for transportation to/from bowling. Anyone using public transportation must make his/her own weekly arrangements.
Portage DD does not provide a nurse for the weekly bowling program. If a participant requires nursing services or needs someone to be with them at all times for any other reason, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or provider to provide this service themselves. Paid providers must remain with the individuals they are serving at all times.
There is a cost for the bowling program and this cost covers the use of a bowling ball, shoes, and a maximum of three games each weekly session. Please note that there are other bowling leagues starting after our sessions, so participants must finish by 4:30 p.m. Spins Bowl Kent has been most accommodating to those with special needs and has always charged a reduced rate.
There is a limit of 90 bowlers per session; therefore, participation is limited to the first 90 individuals signing up. Notice of the bowling sessions is sent out to all individuals (and Service and Support Administrators) well in advance. In the event a session is canceled due to weather conditions, it will be made up at a later date.
For more information contact Ashleigh Lawrence at 330-297-0078, or by email at alawrence@fcsohio.org.
Special Olympics
The Board’s Special Olympics program is accredited by Special Olympics Ohio. With this accreditation, Portage County Special Olympics is empowered within the policies and procedures of Special Olympics Ohio to conduct Special Olympics training, enter sanctioned Special Olympics events, raise funds for these purposes, and to use the name and approved symbols of Special Olympics and Special Olympics Ohio.
Portage County Special Olympics offers the opportunity to participate in a number of sport and recreational events across the year. These include athletics, swimming, softball, volleyball, basketball, bowling, bocce, powerlifting/weight lifting, soccer and competitive cheer. Additional information about Portage County Special Olympics may be obtained by contacting the Special Olympics Coordinator, Colleen Brown, at 330-297-4187 colleenb@portagedd.org.
Click Here for the Athlete Medical and Release Forms.
Remote Supports
Remote supports, also known as remote monitoring, is an emerging service model that combines technology and direct care to support people with developmental disabilities.
Remote support uses two-way communication in real time, including home-based sensors, cameras, and other technologies, to allow an off-site caregiver to monitor and respond to the safety and needs of people living in the community.
When hands-on care is not required, remote support makes it possible for direct care staff to provide care from a remote location, supporting a person’s need for greater independence while reducing costs and stretching the funds that pay for services.
We’re proud to have our own Remote Supports Demo room here in Portage County. For more information, contact your Service and Support Administrator directly.
RESOURCES:
Frequently Asked Questions | Remote Supports Intro (VIDEO) | Remote Supports Tour (VIDEO)
SERVICES for Adults
Adult Services are designed to assist individuals in choosing a vocational and/or social setting that they feel best meets their individual needs. To be eligible to receive Board funded Adult Services, an individual must be at least sixteen years of age, have a developmental disability as defined in section 5126.01 of the Ohio Revised Code; and, if applicable, be placed into the program by the school district of residence as the least restrictive environment in accordance with rule 3301-51-02 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
Individuals eligible for Adult Services funded by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities, have several Adult Services options available to them. These options include, but are not limited to: day program services at a community senior center, day program services from one of several private adult day array service providers, and work in the community.
Community Employment
Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities has enhanced several aspects of supported employment for the individuals they serve and has adopted a local Employment First policy. This policy establishes that the working age adults eligible for services through the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities will have the opportunity to explore integrated, individual employment within the community. Competitive, community employment should be the focus of the person-centered planning process while seeking competitive, community employment as a preferred service option and optimal outcome.
PCBDD collaborates with local school districts, local Opportunities for Ohioan’s with Disabilities office and local chamber of Commerce to support community employment.
Several other resources are available to individuals receiving services in Portage County these resources include:
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities: http://dodd.ohio.gov
Employment First: http://www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
Opportunities for Ohioan’s with Disabilities: http://www.ood.ohio.gov
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 Section 511:
http://www.ohioemploymentfirst.org/up_doc/WIOASection511Final1_25_18.pdf
SERVICE & SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION
Service and Support Administrators (SSA) support individuals in determining and pursuing their goals and maintain the individual as the focus while coordinating services across multiple service delivery systems. SSAs assist the individual and families to support, empower, and advocate for the individual. Services provided through the SSA are person-centered. SSAs work with families, guardians, and natural supports to access, provide and/or enlist whatever support is needed, and coordinate services among different agencies serving as the single point of accountability for that individual.
Who is Eligible to Receive Service and Support Administration?
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides service and support administration to the following:
Any person, regardless of age, who is applying for or enrolled in a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waiver;
Any individual three (3) years of age or older who is eligible for services from the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and requests, or a person on the individual’s behalf requests service and support administration;
Any individual sixteen (16) years of age or older who is receiving adult day program services paid for by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities;
Any individual residing in an Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) is eligible for service and support administration related to the individual moving out of the ICF-IID to a non-ICF-IID community setting. (An ICF-IID is a facility whose primary purpose is the provision of health or rehabilitation services to individuals with developmental disabilities or related conditions receiving care and services under the Medicaid program.)
Each individual or his/her legal guardian must consent to services provided by a Service and Support Administrator.
How do I Begin the Process to Access Service and Support Administration?
The first step in the eligibility process is to contact Service and Support Administrator, JoAnna Salvatori at 330-297-4101 or intake@portagedd.org.
What about Children under Three Years of Age?
Service coordination for children less than three (3) years of age is provided by Portage County Help Me Grow. Their contact information is:
Portage County Help Me Grow
705 Oakwood Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
Phone: 330-298-4545
Fax: 330-297-4556
Website: www.helpmegrow.ohio.gov
Statewide Phone Number: 1-800-755-GROW (4769)