Local levy dollars benefit community

PREBLE COUNTY — The 375 individuals who receive services through the Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities (PCBDD) are supported in a variety of ways, including adult day services, transportation, where they choose to live and by many caring people in our community.

PCBDD funds direct services in collaboration with Help Me Grow for children birth through age 2. Case management is provided for children ages 3 through high school graduation, supporting families with linkage and referral to community service agencies. As students graduate and transition to adulthood, PCBDD funds support people to find jobs in the community, adult day services, transportation and residential services. The county board only funds services that support health and welfare. The adults PCBDD supports are expected to pay for their rent, utilities, food and entertainment with their paychecks and other resources they have.

But, just how are the essential services delivered and paid for?

PCBDD, like all county boards in Ohio, coordinates and funds supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities by partnering with a variety of providers. An article in the Feb. 10, 2016, issue of The Register-Herald explained the history of PCBDD and included a list of provider partners. Through the support of these partnerships, individuals have the opportunity to choose their own provider and to make important decisions on their own, such as where they want to live, work and socialize. People with developmental disabilities have the same hopes and dreams as someone without a disability and PCBDD supports people to live the life they choose.

Provider services are paid for through local tax dollars (40%) and federal funding (60%) received by the county board of DD. Local funding comes from levy dollars generated by Preble County citizens. Levy dollars have always been, are now and will continue to be needed to support services for the individuals the county board supports. While these providers now deliver all services (except Early Intervention), the need for funding does not change.

The following are examples of how funds support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Local dollars support the case management (SSA) staff who monitor the quality of services delivered by all providers, develop the plan of support for each person and ensure the health and welfare of all people in Preble County with developmental disabilities.

Additionally, PCBDD provides Early Intervention services for children from birth through age two. The services of a developmental specialist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youth) Project Coordinator are available for each child, based on need.

While there are changes in how services are being delivered at the local, state and federal levels, one thing has remained constant – the Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities is still responsible to protect the rights of eligible individuals and to ensure their safety and equitable provision of services. This has not changed and neither has the financial responsibilities to support individual’s needs.

Through the free choice of the provider process, individuals select whom they would like to support them in their home, community and work places. The county board serves as the primary point of contact to support people of all ages who have a developmental disability while continuing to help people live, learn, work, volunteer and socialize as they choose in our communities.

Especially important for individuals with developmental disabilities

By Corey Mangan

For The Register-Herald

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of stories about the Preble County Board of DD and the many services and opportunities individuals gain through the agency. For additional information, refer to the PCBDD web site at www.prebledd.org.