Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) or providers are the backbone to the developmental disabilities (DD) service system. They are a critical piece, and without them, people with DD go without services that they need.

The Champaign County Board of DD does not typically provide direct services in homes or day programs to people with DD directly. We coordinate and fund these direct services through our Service and Support Administrators (SSAs), in conjunction with Medicaid. Our SSAs work with individuals with DD and their advocates to select a DSP or a provider to carry out the services that are needed by the individual.

The shortage of DSPs in Ohio is at a critical point. One of the methods the DD system is taking to address the shortage of providers is to advocate for higher wages. The DSP wage is tied directly to the Medicaid program, which means our advocacy for higher wages has to take place at the state level. Advocates from around the state have been providing testimony to our state legislators about the need for higher wages for several months now. The hope is that the increase will be included in the governor’s upcoming budget.

As a former DSP myself, I can tell you that the job is beyond rewarding. I can also tell you that a lot is asked of DSPs. They are responsible for the care and support of another human, who is likely requiring some sort of specialized care. In addition to basic care, they are often responsible for documentation, transportation, medication administration, and many other services written into the individual’s service plan.

It is my goal that we make it as easy as possible to be a DSP in Champaign County. We have dedicated provider support staff who can link a DSP to an agency provider or walk a DSP through the independent provider certification process and make sure they have the support needed to continue in this rewarding career. We have SSAs who know the individuals well and can collaborate with DSPs and providers to make sure people’s needs are met. We will continue to do our part locally, and it is my hope that a wage increase will keep the providers working in the field and attract new ones as well.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about being a DSP, either for an agency or independently, please email Amy Hubbard at a.hubbard@champaigncbdd.org or call 937-653-5217.

For more information about the Champaign County Board of DD and the lifetime of services we provide, please check out our website at www.champaigncbdd.org and follow us on social media.

** This article can also be found in the Urbana Daily Citizen at  https://www.urbanacitizen.com/2023/05/20/direct-support-professionals-are-critical-to-the-dd-system/ **

Since joining the Champaign County Early Intervention Team last June, I have been happy to hear the conversations between Early Intervention Service Providers and families about the importance of reading to their very young children.

Some concerns parents have about reading to their children are often that children have no interest in books or that children just destroy the books. These are valid concerns!

However, coming from a preschool background, I know the importance of reading to children. Reading to your child during infancy is important in building that language/literacy connection. Children learn to talk when adults engage them in conversations, which often happens during reading.

But how can you help your child learn to speak by reading?
I think we all have the illusion that reading to a child should be a quiet, peaceful experience. Your child sits on your lap and listens intently as you read them a story…

But it usually doesn’t happen that way! At least not right at the start. You must show your child that reading can be enjoyable, just as you would demonstrate any other skill you are trying to teach them. It’s also important to understand how reading to a child should look, according to your child’s age.

Expectations for read with infants
Infants, up to about a year old, need fabric, plastic, or board books that can be handled without fear of being torn apart. Books need to have brightly colored, easily recognizable pictures, with only one or two words per page. Look for books that label items such as animals, colors, etc. While you look at the book, have a conversation with your child about the pictures you are seeing on the pages. Encourage your child to point to the pictures as you read.

Make sure your child can see your face. Younger infants especially learn so much from your facial expressions. This is how you begin to teach them that reading time can be enjoyable. If you are not having fun, your child will not have fun either!

Expectations for read with toddlers
Older infants and toddlers enjoy board books with just a few words on each page. Eric Carle books are a favorite of mine for this age. Let them turn pages (with your help if necessary). Point out the pictures, ask them questions even if they don’t have the words to answer yet. This is how children learn the back-and-forth nature of conversation. Again, sit so that your child can see your face. Make faces or use silly voices while reading to engage your child.

Reading a book isn’t just about the words on the page, it’s about the experience you create.

When you choose books for older toddlers, you can begin to introduce more traditional paperback picture books. Rhyming books are a great way to have fun with words!  But again, it’s up to adults to teach children to handle books with care. Store books on a bookshelf (or something similar) to help children understand that they aren’t meant to be on the floor, written on, or stepped on. Children are young but usually capable of learning how to take care of books.

The process of reading the words, pointing to the words and pictures, and having a conversation about the story all encourage language. It helps your child make the connection between words on a page and the everyday items all around them. These are beginning reading skills, and it just builds from there.
Reading to your child helps them learn to use their own words, and later, helps them learn to read! It’s kind of magical when you see it happen! 😊

RESOURCES FOR READING
Getting books to read with your child does not have to be expensive. If you haven’t already, check out your local library. They have books for children of all ages.
https://www.champaigncountylibrary.org/
https://www.stparispubliclibrary.org/index.html
https://www.mechanicsburg.lib.oh.us/
https://www.champaign.lib.oh.us/category/branches/north-lewisburg?page=22

You can also sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This is a free service that mails one new, age appropriate book to your child each month until they are 5 years old. Use the link below to sign up. 
https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/

March is celebrated nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. At the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we want to shine a light on people of all abilities. People with developmental disabilities (DD) are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members; and our community is stronger when we include everyone.

In 2023, people with developmental disabilities have the option to live, work, and play just like everyone else. People with DD live in their own homes, go to jobs that they choose, have meals out with friends, and even go to college. Our job at the Champaign County Board of DD is to assist them in navigating these life choices and coordinate the needed supports to help them meet their goals. In fact, the #1 goal in our strategic plan is related to inclusion.

Everyone can make small efforts to educate ourselves and think about ways we can be more inclusive with people of all abilities. A few ways to do this are:
1. Watch a documentary on the lives of people with disabilities.
2. Contact the Champaign County Board of DD about volunteer activities or ask what you can do to be involved.
3. Talk to a community member with disabilities about their experiences and what is going on in their life. (I bet you will find that their experiences are very similar to yours.)
4. Read about disability advocacy online. The Champaign County Board of DD website or a simple google search on Ohio developmental disability resources can give you a variety of online documents.
​5. Follow DD organizations or advocacy groups on social media as well.

At our local libraries throughout Champaign County this month, you will find book displays that highlight the experiences of people with disabilities. We would like to thank all the area libraries for partnering with us to make sure these books are front and center during this important month.
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As always, if you have any questions or want to learn more about the Champaign County Board of DD, follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/champaigncbdd.org or check out our website at www.champaigncbdd.org. You can also reach us by phone at 937-652-5217.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Ohio is an Employment First state, which means we place a focus to ensure every individual of working age has an opportunity to seek employment.

Preparing for employment starts at an early age. That’s why the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) supports programming and opportunities to teens and young adults with disabilities. Through the county board efforts, they can experience what work is all about and where their vocational interests may be.

Currently, CCBDD is actively supporting 41 individuals who are competitively employed in our local community. CCBDD works with provider partners, as well as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, to support people in employment. This support looks different for every person. It includes training and assistance during orientation, on-going job coaching, technical assistance, or support locating resources to maintain a job.

We are fortunate in Champaign County to have a variety of employers who understand that people of all abilities can have a positive impact in the workplace and provide valuable support, especially as we face a continued labor shortage.

If you are an employer interested in learning more, please contact Jeff Coaty at 937-653-5127. If you are interested in learning more about employment services at CCBDD, please check out our website at www.ChampaignCBDD.org and make sure to follow us on Facebook (@champaigncbdd.org).

In September, we take some time to recognize and appreciate the hardworking people who directly support individuals with disabilities, either in their homes, the community or a workplace. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are tasked with many different roles. They may be supporting a person with a disability with learning to cook or making sure they are taking medication safely. They may be assisting a person with a disability to access the community and attend a community event like the Champaign County Fair. They may even be assisting the person with learning skills that can help them be successful in a job.

DSPs may work as independent contractors, or they may work for an agency that provides personal care services or day program services. Their jobs may be varied, but it is clear that without their important roles, our system will not work. The developmental disabilities system has come a long way. People with disabilities have more independence and choice than ever before. Without DSPs as the backbone of the system, positive change cannot continue.

At the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we recognize the important role of people working as providers and DSPs. We also recognize that the system in place can be complicated to navigate. That’s why we try every day to provide resources, support, grants and guidance to the providers working in our county. We also support initiatives to raise rates.

The impact that a provider has on the people served cannot be overstated. And speaking from personal experience, the significance of the people served by the provider/DSP is just as important. My years as a DSP shaped my career, as well as my life. More than 20 years later, I can remember each person I worked with as a DSP. The work can be challenging, but one would be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding job.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every person who works as a Direct Support Professional in our county. Your work matters and we appreciate you.

If you are a provider in Champaign County and need assistance or support, please contact the Champaign County Board of DD at 937-653-5217 and ask for a member of the Community Education and Outreach Department. If you are interested in becoming a DSP/provider, please contact us as well using the same number.

For more information about DSPs and the workforce shortage, please follow us on Facebook @ChampaignCBDD and check out our website at www.ChampaignCBDD.org.

Did you know that the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) provides support for adults and children beyond case management or service coordination? CCBDD employs a full-time Behavior Support Coordinator for children and adults with challenges to assist them in living full and safe lives.

As a former Behavior Support Coordinator (BSC) myself, we are fond of saying that “all behavior is communication.” It’s the BSC’s job to find out what the person is communicating and assist them in finding different ways to express themselves or meet a need.

The BSC can complete assessments, review documents, spend time with the individual, as well as complete observations at home, school, day programs or worksites. Next steps are to engage with the inter-disciplinary team to develop strategies that assist the individual in their daily lives. These strategies are typically implemented by the person’s family or staff after they have received training. The BSC then monitors and adjusts strategies as needed.

Our Behavior Support Coordinator at CCBDD has a bachelor’s degree and many years of experience working directly with people with challenging behaviors. She has also undergone specialized training in order to write behavior support plans. However, because we rely on the person’s family and direct support providers to implement strategies, it truly is a team effort to assist the individual in living their best life.

For more information on the services provided at the Champaign County Board of DD, please visit our website at www.champaigncbdd.org and make sure to follow us on Facebook (@champaigncbdd.org).

Summer 2022 is just as busy as ever at the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD).

In the Early Intervention program, staff are taking advantage of children being home for the summer in order to complete home visits and assist families with strategies to aid their child’s development. Early Intervention staff include specialists, coordinators, and therapists in the areas of physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Our Community Education and Outreach Department is busier than ever. Not only are they managing their typical day-to-day work, but they are also assisting more people to become Direct Support Professionals. CCBDD pays for all training and assists with navigating the certification process for anyone interested in working directly with people with developmental disabilities. The CEO Department is also busy assisting the people we serve with vocational and recreational events. There are lots of opportunities in the summer for fun events, so our staff have been working diligently making sure no one misses out.

Our Service and Support Administration (SSA) Department works hard throughout the year, and summers are no exception. Residential, day programs, and vocational services do not take summer breaks, so our SSAs work every day to make sure the people we serve have what they need to live healthy, safe, and meaningful lives.
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We are also gearing up for our annual Touch a Truck event. This is a free event held in the parking lot of 224 Patrick Avenue on July 15th from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by for a hands-on opportunity to explore heavy machinery and meet the people who work behind the wheel. We will be there with free hot dogs, chips and waters! This is a great, free community event, and we hope to see lots of people there.
For more information on what CCBDD offers, please visit our website at www.champaigncbdd.org and make sure to follow us on Facebook.

Have you ever wanted to know more about what the county board of DD does? If you have ever asked someone about county board services, you may have heard the acronym “ISP”. And, in recent news, there is discussion about “OISP” or “Ohio ISP”.

What is an ISP or OISP?
ISP stands for Individual Service Plan and Ohio ISP stands for Ohio Individual Service Plan. Every person who qualifies to receive services from the Ohio county boards of developmental disabilities is connected with a Service and Support Administrator (SSA). Aside from many other duties, the SSA facilitates a yearly meeting with each person served to create a life plan, or an “individual service plan”.

Is Ohio ISP different from ISP? How?
Yes. Ohio ISP and ISP are different. While both are systems of creating life plans for individuals with developmental disabilities, there is one major difference. Currently each county has their own system/format for creating and maintaining ISPs. With Ohio ISP, all 88 counties will be using the same system. This will simplify processes and eliminate complications of living and working across different counties.

What information is in an Ohio ISP?
The Ohio ISP assessments are grouped into 7 categories. Communication, Advocacy & Engagement, Safety & Security, Social & Spirituality, Daily Life & Employment, Community Living, and Healthy Living. The individual receiving services, the SSA, and all other team/family members who support the person on a regular basis discuss and answer questions together. The questions in each of the 7 categories are designed to assess the person’s goals, capabilities for completing the goals, and what areas the person might need additional supports.

When will Champaign County Board of DD start using the Ohio ISP?
According to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), there are approximately 98,000 people receiving services from county boards across the state. Additionally, there are 88 counties all using different systems. As you can imagine, getting everyone to learn and use a whole new system takes an extraordinary amount of time. However, several counties have already transitioned and are using the new Ohio ISP successfully. Once staff are all trained and software is updated, SSAs can start implementing the new assessment at scheduled meetings with individuals served and their teams.
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Information is already being made available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/team members, so they will be prepared for a change to their future meetings.

The topic of Ohio ISP has been discussed at several self-advocacy groups, including the April Regional Advocacy meeting hosted in Shelby County. Also, DODD provides a wealth of resources on their website: https://dodd.ohio.gov/compliance/oisp. Visit the DODD website or contact CCBDD if you have more questions about the upcoming change to Ohio ISP.