The County of Summit Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) recently entered into a contract for investigative services from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The contract will ensure timely and thorough investigation for all reported major unusual incidents, or MUIs, of criminal nature against any person in Summit County with a developmental disability. Read More ›
Archives by Year: 2013
informDD July 2013
It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the summer! Although summer is usually know as a time to relax, Summit DD remains busy and focused on our mission. In this letter, we discuss more on inclusive communities, employment opportunities with a new partner, a new position designed especially to help 3-5 year old children, and an athlete with a heart of gold.
Read on to learn more, and of course, please share this newsletter with family and friends!
Do Sheltered Workshops Limit Opportunities for Inclusion? Olmstead Says Yes.
In 1999 two women with developmental disabilities spoke up for themselves and said that was not alright for them to be institutionalized when they could live in the community. The Supreme Court agreed. In Omlstead v. L.C., 527 U. S. 581, or the Olmstead decision, the Supreme Court held that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits the unjustified segregation of individuals with disabilities, providing Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson a chance to exercise their right to live in a community-based setting with supports. In 2012, advocates working on behalf of more than 2,000 adults in sheltered workshops filed a class action lawsuit against the state of Oregon, stating that the services they received in those workshops unnecessarily segregated them. The United States Court agreed. Read More ›
Visionary Partner Offers Innovative Idea
Summit DD’s Transportation department recently began a project regarding cameras on the Agency’s buses. The security company shocked us by not only solving the need for quality security, but also offering an idea that furthers the Agency’s vision of inclusion and integrated employment. How did Media 144 Security Solutions do this? The owners suggested using this project as an opportunity for vocational exploration. Their remarkable idea is now providing hands-on training that could lead to competitive employment. Read More ›