COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Each person’s needs are different. The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities offers services based on individual needs and desire. Eligible individuals receive assistance in developing a service plan that is "person-centered" and tailored to suit a person’s specific needs.

The Community Support Services Department provides Intake/Information and Referral Services, Service and Support Administration (SSA), Major Unusual Incident (MUI) Investigation and Family Resource Services. The Community Support Services Department also partners with and makes referrals to LODDI, Inc. a non-profit housing corporation which provides affordable housing to persons with disabilities.

Intake / Information and Referral

All requests for service and eligibility determination are initiated through this service. Our Intake/Support Services Coordinator receives referrals from individuals, families and various community resources. If the individual is determined to be eligible for services, and the need for ongoing services is indicated, the Intake/Support Services Coordinator will assist the individual though the Intake Process. If the individual is determined to be ineligible for services, they will be assisted in seeking assistance from other agencies/organizations in our community.

Service and Support Administration (SSA)

Certified Service and Support Associates (SSAs) assess an individual’s need for services and assist individuals in the development of person-centered plans. As part of this planning process, the SSA assists individuals in choosing providers of needed services and authorizing payment for the identified services. Services may include residential and/or day programming services. This service is provided to all eligible adults. Service and Support Administration is also provided to some children, as deemed appropriate. SSAs are responsible for the coordination and monitoring of all services received by the individual.

While SSAs are responsible for the ongoing monitoring, many services and supports are also formally monitored by our Quality Assurance Specialist. The QA Specialist conducts interviews with individuals, guardians, parents and advocates. Surveys are completed, service documentation is reviewed, and the service environment is assessed. A formal report is submitted which may include suggested areas of service improvement. The QA Specialist is also involved in self-advocacy training and initiatives.

Behavior support services are commonly provided to individuals served by the Board when the individual is assessed to need assistance with challenging behaviors. The Behavior Support Specialist, in cooperation with the individual, his/her SSA, and other team members, completes an assessment and develops either a Behavior Support Plan or a Positive Support Plan. Behavior Support Plans which include restrictive interventions are approved by the Behavior Support/Human Rights Committee and are reviewed every 30 days.

The SSA Unit is responsible for 24-hour emergency crisis intervention. After 4:00 p.m. and on weekends, an on-call SSA can be reached at (419) 302-8825.

Major Unusual Incident (MUI) Investigation

Certified MUI (Major Unusual Incident) Investigative Agents receive reports of abuse, neglect, misappropriation, or any other MUI as defined in state law regulation and County Board Policy. These incidents are investigated to ensure the health and safety of the affected individual is protected. All MUIs are reported to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The MUI Investigative Agents work cooperatively with the assigned SSA to ensure the implementation of prevention plans.

For more information about MUIs and reporting, contact the ACBDD between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00m p.m. at (419) 221-1385 / After Hours at (419) 302-8825 or you may also contact the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Hotline at 1-800-231-5872

Family Resource Services

Assistance is offered to families who have a family member in their home who has a developmental disability and qualifies for county board services. Services and supports may include respite care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, etc. These services are intended to enable individuals to remain in their family home.

LODDI, Inc

The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities works collaboratively with LODDI, Inc., a non-profit housing corporation that provides affordable housing to persons with disabilities in Allen County.