Logan County Board of Disabilities Superintendent Saul Bauer discussed during the board’s Thursday evening virtual meeting the challenges facing direct support providers as a result of the pandemic.
Disability service providers throughout the state have struggled under operational extremes since the start of the health crisis, facing overwhelming needs on the residential front, but diminished demand for adult-day programs and transportation.
“People with developmental disabilities, like everyone else, have hunkered down. But more time at home means more at-home support and less participation in day programs that offer employment, recreation and other activities,” the superintendent said.
The shifting demands generated by the pandemic have been especially difficult for a low-wage industry (providers) that was suffering a workforce shortage long before the virus emerged, Bauer explained, noting that staffing is a worry throughout the state, and in particular in Logan County.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities recently announced that it would provide about $74 million in COVID-19 provider relief payments to residential-service providers, a follow to about $50 million in CARES Act relief payments made to day-service and transportation providers, and operators of intermediate care facilities.
These relief payments to residential providers include money from the state, county boards and the federal government. For most provider agencies, the one-time payments represent about two weeks of revenue. The money can be used for hazard pay, bonuses, personal-protective equipment or other needs.
Superintendent Bauer expressed gratitude for the additional funding to help frontline direct support providers, who continue to provide necessary services to vulnerable citizens.
The LCBDD continues to recognize the direct support providers for their hard work and dedication. Recently, the Service Support Administration staff put together baskets and delivered them to these individuals to show our support and recognize them for all they do providing services to clients.
Last year, the board also approved a grant to help provider agencies train and support their staff. The LCBDD was one of the first county boards to approve the direct support provider wage increase and Acuity C reimbursement.
Also at the meeting, Bridget Gargan, Ohio Association of County Boards executive director, trained the board on the services provided by the OACB.
The 501(c)6 non-profit organization that provides advocacy, communications, professional development, and technical assistance to all 88 of Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities. Founded in 1984, OACB has evolved along with the needs of its diverse membership and now provide a host of services and supports to the 616 volunteer board members and thousands of career professionals in Ohio’s DD service delivery system.
“I love doing this work because I know as a parent that those with disabilities need a voice and I want to make sure they are heard,” Gargan said.
In personnel matters, Superintendent Bauer shared that Thursday was maintenance supervisor Gary Morris’s last day prior to retirement. The staff set up a special mailbox for him outside the warehouse and staff showered him with retirement cards and gifts. Children at the Discovery Center hosted a parade and dropped off goodies.
Brison Allmon was hired in July to fill the maintenance supervisor position.
Jenifer Schreiner, Discovery Center secretary, also submitted her resignation, effective Oct. 23. She would like to spend more time at home with her family.
“She has been the smiling face at the Discovery Center for many years greeting the parents and families when they arrive. She will also be greatly missed,” Bauer said.
In financial business, the board ended August at 67 percent through the calendar year with the general fund 51 percent utilized and the Community Support Fund is 82 percent utilized.
Revenues in the general fund are 83 percent collected while the Community Support Fund is 137.6 percent collected. Year-to-date expenses in the general fund are 16 percent lower than this time last year and the revenue general fund is 7.8 percent lower than this time last year.
In final board business, Superintendent Bauer shared that LCBDD updated their Protocol to Prevent the Spread of Severe Illness. These guidelines share the expectations of employees, use of the building, hosting meetings and making appointments, visitor requirements, what to do if you have symptoms, when it is safe to be around others after being sick with COVID-19 and how to prevent the spread of COVID.
The LCBDD also sent a letter to the individuals served by the organization, their families, providers and members of the community. The agency is open to the public by appointment only and in-person meetings follow strict guidelines.
COVID-related procedures are detailed at www.logancbdd.org.
The finance committee will meet virtually at noon Friday, Oct.. 30. The next virtual board meeting takes place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. These meetings are open to the public. If you would like the link to join, contact Deb Morrison at (937) 292-3011.