Cuyahoga DD Seeks Board Member with Developmental Disabilities | |
Adults who receive services from Cuyahoga DD may apply to become a member of the agency’s governing board when a position becomes available in January 2025. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne will make the final appointment for this position. The person chosen for this position will serve a four-year term and is able to be reappointed for two additional terms, for a maximum of 12 years of service.
Board Member Duties Include:
- Approve an annual agency budget
- Provide oversight related to the business of Cuyahoga DD
- Conduct annual performance evaluation of Cuyahoga DD Superintendent and CEO
- Prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings
- Support agency at a variety of community events
Application Process:
Applications are due July 1, 2024. Interviews will take place in August 2024. Recommendations will be made to the County Executive in September/October 2024.
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Family Fun Fair: Joy Under the Sun | |
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On May 18, we hosted a Family Fun Fair at Big Creek Center. Families enjoyed outdoor and indoor activities, catered for them to have fun, connect, and learn about Cuyahoga DD services and supports.
Cuyahoga DD experts were available to answer any questions and to show the latest support techniques. Children explored movement in the Move for Life Mobility Fair and Life Size Board Game. The Miniature Therapy Horses from Tender Touch Equine Therapy wowed everyone. The Fair was a safe space for families to explore playing, art, and creativity all while learning about the therapies, assistive technology, and much more that can support them.
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Each fair is geared toward families with children ages 14 and under, served by Cuyahoga DD. All events are rain or shine and will take place from 12 - 2 PM.
Registration is required and space is limited.
Register below.
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| Date | Location | | Saturday, June 8 | Green Road Center, Highland Hills | | Sunday, July 28 | Big Creek Center, Parma | | Sunday, October 20 | Green Road Center, Highland Hills | | |
Building Hours on Juneteenth | |
In observance of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19 Cuyahoga DD administrative buildings will be CLOSED. | |
Bringing Providers and State Reps. Together | |
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It’s been a busy month on the advocacy front. Cuyahoga DD partnered with the Ohio Association of County Boards and local agency providers to host four representatives and senators representing Cuyahoga County at the Statehouse.
On Thursday, May 23, we met with Representative Michael Skindell at the HELP Foundation.
On Friday, May 24, we met with Representative Darnell Brewer at SAW, Inc. and Representative Richard Dell’Aquila at NCC Solutions.
On Wednesday, May 29, we met with Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio at VGS.
Our message was one of gratitude for their support of the DD system in last year’s budget and of acknowledgment that the work isn’t done. We need to continue to work to increase wages for direct support professionals who provide critical supports to people with developmental disabilities.
Thank you to our elected officials for taking the time to visit our providers and continue to learn about the DD system and its needs, and thank you to our agency providers for hosting these meetings!
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Empower Pop-Ups Have Begun! | |
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2024 Empower Pop-Ups have started strong! In May, Empower Pop-Ups were hosted by Achievement Center for Children - River Rock and My Choice - Parma.
The goal of Empower Pop-Ups is to encourage self-advocacy and learning.
Empower Pop-Up personal-choice advocacy activities include:
- I Know Me Best
- Practice job skills
- Sports and arts try-it
- Voting rights and responsibilities
- Financial literacy
- Self-expression
We welcomed recreation and arts-and-culture community partners, staff, and volunteers. Additional Empower Pop-Ups will be held throughout the summer.
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Let's Get TOgether Strengthens Connections | |
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Let’s Get TOgether participants continue to learn social skills, build connections, and explore new opportunities. Last month, the group met at the Bedford Parks & Recreation Center, and the topics of the day were body language and conversation skills.
Let’s Get TOgether allows participants to learn about social skills and dating while having fun and trying new activities. The events are led by Cuyahoga DD's Behavioral Health and Community Development teams.
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In-Person Provider Meet and Greet | |
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Are you interested in having an Independent Provider (IP) support you or your loved one? Attend our In-Person Meet and Greet. Here you will be able to learn what services, availability, and certifications each IP has.
Date: Wednesday, June 5
Time:11:15 AM
Where: Cuyahoga County Public Library - Parma-Snow
2121 Snow Rd.
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Want to Become an Independent Provider? | |
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Cuyahoga DD's Provider Certification Specialist can assist those interested in becoming an independent provider. Sign up for in-person open hours for assistance with:
- Initial applications
- Renewal applications
- Adding services to certification
- Updating demographics
- Background checks
- Navigating:
- National Provider Identifier (NPI)
- Ohio Pays
- Ohio Department of Medicaid
- OH/ID
If interested, call or email Provider Development Support to schedule an appointment for a 1-hour time slot between 9 AM and 5 PM for the dates and locations below. (No time slot from 12 - 1 PM.)
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| Date | Location | | June 18 | Big Creek Center | | June 25 | Lakeside | | July 2 | Big Creek Center | | July 9 | Lakeside | | July 23 | Big Creek Center | | August 6 | Lakeside | | August 13 | Big Creek Center | | August 20 | Lakeside | | August 27 | Big Creek Center | | |
Cuyahoga DD Experts at Ohio Association of County Boards of DD 2024 Spring Conference | |
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At the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD (OACB) Columbus 2024 Spring Conference, Cuyahoga DD expert staff co-presented workshop sessions.
Our experts shared innovative programs, techniques and skills with fellow county board, provider and state staff.
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Chris Carpenter, Community Development Strategic Analysis Manager - Conditions for Success: Employment First Moving Forward
Jo Elle Barath, Director of Service & Support Administration - Supporting Quality and Rewarding Successes in Adult Services
Melanie Rak, Chief Program Officer - Exploring Innovative Housing Opportunities
Sarah Cammock, General Counsel - Navigating the Protective Services Rules in Ohio Revised Code
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Caregiver Resource Network: Caregiver Connection Self-Care
Saturday
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On May 11, we opened our Green Road Services Center doors to parents and caregivers of people we serve for a Caregiver Connection Self-Care Saturday event. Caregiver Connection events are created by the Cuyahoga DD Caregiver Resource Network.
At the Self-Care Saturday parents and caregivers connected while enjoying self-care activities that promote peace and balance. Participants relaxed with yoga, massages, art sessions, self-care tips, resources, and take-aways. While caregivers focused on their relaxation, their children were supervised by Cuyahoga DD staff and volunteers.
Two moms who attended said, “I loved that you offered childcare because it gave us time to enjoy and relax,” and “This was the first massage I ever had, and it was so needed on Mother’s Day weekend.”
The Caregiver Resource Network is a resource network for caregivers of people with DD to get together, and share information, ideas, support, and more.
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Volunteer Guardians: Make a Difference in Someone's Life | |
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Volunteer Guardians are connected with a person with developmental disabilities to act in the person's best interest. Volunteer Guardians are advocates and
substitute decision-makers in the care and management of the person's medical and personal affairs. Volunteer Guardians are by their side, willing to get to know them.
Cuyahoga DD's general counsel guides Volunteer Guardians every step of the way - through the legal process, formal appointment and any time there are questions. The person's support team of professionals and direct support providers serve as partners to ensure the person reaches their goals.
Learn the qualifications and responsibilities of Volunteer Guardians below.
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Talespinner Children's Theatre Recruiting "The Troupe" Members | |
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Talespinners Children's Theatre presents a new free theater performance program. "The Troupe" will be a space for adults who identify as disabled to be creative, expressive, and perform. Participants will be cast in the production of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.
Dates:
- Rehearsals: 6/3 - 7/29, Mondays & Thursdays from 6 - 8 PM
- Performance: 8/2
For questions, contact Rebecca Burcher, Director of Education. Enroll by clicking the button below. Cuyahoga DD is proud to fund the program.
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Online Resource Guide to Inclusive Places, Jobs and Events | |
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Discover inclusive places, jobs, and events near you on our Online Resource Guide. Our community experts verified organizations and places as part of our All Means All initiative, ensuring they are inclusive and accessible.
Find your perfect job match with our Workforce Development team's assistance, as they can connect you with local businesses. Don't miss out on year-round fun events, both virtual and in-person, to build connections and experiences.
Check out the places, jobs and events listed in each category below to learn more.
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We Want to Hear from You! | |
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Supporting Staff Survey
Have you recently interacted with Cuyahoga DD staff as part of receiving services and supports from the board? Please let us know how we are doing. Complete the short survey below for each staff member you worked with.
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Shout Out Your Provider
Providers play an important role in the lives of the people we serve. Now is your chance to recognize them for all the amazing work they do. Complete the form below to shout out the provider that supports you. The shout-out may appear on Cuyahoga DD's social media pages and e-News.
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Cuyahoga DD Employee Spotlights | |
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Anthony, Maintenance Technician II
“I like that Cuyahoga DD hosts events for people served and their families so that the community is brought together to celebrate, support, and spread awareness of people with developmental disabilities.”
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John,
MUI Intake Coordinator
“I like working at Cuyahoga DD because every day is gratifying knowing that I play a huge role in ensuring the overall health and safety of the people we support.”
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Life Changing Care received a Provider Shoutout:
"Sam is an exceptional leader who treats our individuals with care, respect, and kindness. Sam helps foster growth and development, meeting people where they are but also holding them accountable for their actions. Sam works to find solutions to pressing challenges with a positive attitude and provides hope to those around him. Sam has many strengths. I appreciate his dedication and compassion. He serves as a great model of how to best provide direct, in-home services for the people we serve." - Gadi
Learn more at lifechangingcare216.com.
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Books with Inclusive Stories, Messaging and Representation | |
These books are inclusive in their messaging, stories and representation. These books are joyful, fun to read, and selected from an anti-bias and anti-racism perspective. Check out these books at your local library. | |
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A Day With No Words by
Tiffany Hammond
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Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums by Moira Rose Donohue | |
Little Faces - Big Feelings, What Emotions Look Like by Amy Morrison | |
Middle School and Emerging Readers | The Chance To Fly by Ali Stroker & Stacy Davidowitz | |
Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens edited by Marieke Nijkamp | |
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Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Announces Grant Opportunities
Morning Journal, 5/30/24
Debunking 8 Autism Myths and Misconceptions
Cleveland Clinic, 5/29/24
Greater Cleveland RTA awarded $16 million in federal funding for accessibility improvements
WKYC, 5/28/24
Greater Cleveland RTA gets $16 million for Blue Line from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Cleveland.com, 5/28/24
Independence teacher and students honored in special needs education awards
Cleveland.com, 5/25/24
Berea Schools’ unified sports program scores win for inclusivity
Cleveland.com, 5/24/24
'Rockability' band is made up of talented musicians with special needs
Spectrum News 1, 5/24/24
‘Nothing but happiness here’: This nonprofit creates art from up-cycled materials
CNN, 5/13/24
Tips for traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s
Cleveland.com, 5/12/24
Razzle Dazzle ’24, Where Everything Old Is New Again, Cover To Cover
The Lakewood Observer, 5/8/24
Camp Administrators Reminded to Comply with the Disabilities Act This Summer
Shore Media & Marketing, 5/6/24
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