Summit DD is bringing back its Family Engagement Program (FEP) with some updates for 2026. Continue reading for important details about the updates.
Please review the information below carefully, as there are several updates to how the Family Engagement Program (FEP) will be administered beginning January 5, 2026. We’re sharing these details early to give you time to plan for your 2026 expenses.
Why are there changes?
Rising costs and increased participation have required us to make some difficult but necessary decisions regarding the administration of the FEP program for 2026. These adjustments apply only to the FEP program.
While Summit DD, like many County Boards of Developmental Disabilities across Ohio, is navigating financial challenges, we remain committed to providing individualized services to every eligible child and youth now and in the future.
What will remain the same:
- Requests will be funded on a reimbursement basis for expenditures that are listed on our approved reimbursable list found below, have received prior approval from Summit DD, and for which the family provides a receipt.
- FEP is available to individuals eligible for Summit DD/Early Intervention and are enrolled in school-based services who are living at home with a parent or guardian and who do not have waiver funding. This program is the payer of last resort and should only be accessed when services and support cannot be paid for by the individual, family, or another funding source.
- To access FEP funds you must first send an email to FEP@SummitDD.org
- Your email should contain the following:
- Name and birthday of individual eligible for Summit DD services
- Item(s) and/or service(s) that are being requested from the Summit DD Approved Reimbursement List
- Cost of each item or service
- Reason for the request
- Your contact information
- Summit DD staff will review each request and respond within 72 hrs. If the items and/or services have been approved, you may proceed with your purchase and submit your receipt.
FEP Questions and Reimbursements
- To receive reimbursement, you must email receipts to FEP@SummitDD.org for processing. Reimbursement will go directly to the individual or family via a direct deposit from a third party. Families choosing to have the money deposited into their own account will have to complete a W9 form as this could count toward your taxable income. If the family has established a checking or savings account in their child’s name, no W9 form is required, and the money can be deposited there. In addition, families may choose to establish a STABLE account for their child at www.stableaccount.com where the money can also be deposited and no W9 is needed. Stable accounts require deposits to be in a whole dollar amount, and your receipt will be rounded down to accommodate this.
- Please direct any questions you may have to FEP@SummitDD.org
NEW FOR 2026
- Funds will be allocated based on each family’s individual needs and financial situation up to $1000 per child and up to $1500 for a family who has more than one child eligible. These funds are meant to serve as additional support to individuals eligible for Summit DD services and are not meant to replace a family’s obligation to pay for typical expenses. We will open the program for the year and begin taking requests on January 5, 2026. Funds may be used all at once or in smaller increments. Reimbursements will only be made for services and items purchased in 2026. Summit DD reserves the right to discontinue the FEP program at any time if budgeted funds are no longer available.
Please note: The 2026 program provides $1000 per child and up to $1500 for a family who has more than one child eligible.
- Family-chosen Respite – funds for family-chosen respite services can now only be requested for youth 13 and over. Eligible families may choose to use someone they know to provide care for their teen. FEP funds being used for family chosen respite must be approved prior to requesting reimbursement. Requests for respite services should include the total number of hours and hourly amount you are requesting. Once approved, the respite provider must be verified by our referral and support team prior to providing services. A waiver form will be required for signature. When using a family chosen provider, a receipt for services will be necessary in the form of a respite log that will be provided to you.
Please note: Funds for family-chosen respite services can now only be requested for youth 13 and over.
And: Respite provider must be verified by our referral and support team prior to providing services.
- Community Inclusion – funding for community inclusion will be limited to activities that help to ensure the health and safety of eligible individuals (i.e. swimming lessons, adapted driving lessons). We can no longer fund general memberships, community clubs and classes, or sport activities.
Please note: We can no longer fund general memberships, community clubs and classes, or sport activities.
- Medical – medical co-pays will no longer be reimbursed and any request for incontinence supplies must come with a Medicaid denial.
- A new email address has been created for FEP requests only. Please send all requests or questions to FEP@SummitDD.org
These adjustments are necessary to be able to offer this valuable program. The listings below outline in detail what will and will not be covered through 2026 FEP program funding. **Please note that Summit DD reserves the right to discontinue the FEP program at any time if budgeted funds are no longer available.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding the 2026 FEP program to FEP@SummitDD.org or by calling 330-634-8067.
2026 FEP Summit DD Reimbursable Item List*
*All requests must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to qualify for reimbursement.
Respite/Community Inclusion
- In/out of Home Respite for children 13 and over through Family Chosen Respite Provider (DD Providers will not be reimbursable) *Chosen provider must be verified by FEP staff
- Day Camps
- Latchkey Programs
- Safety related classes Swim lessons
- Adaptive Driving Lessons
No longer covered as reimbursable items in 2026 for “Respite/Community Inclusion”
- YMCA memberships/Classes
- Fitness classes/Memberships
- Community classes/memberships
- Zoo membership
- Community sports fees
Counseling/Trainings (with physician Order or Therapist Recommendation and Insurance denial)
- Assessments (Related to DD Diagnosis)
- ABA Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Family/Individual Counseling
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding
- Music Therapy
- Academic Tutoring
Adaptive Equipment (with physician order or therapist recommendation and Insurance denial as applicable)
- Wheelchair
- Portable Ramps
- Adaptive Bed (non-enclosure)
- Adaptive Car Seat (5+)
- Adaptive Seating
- Adaptive Highchair
- Adaptive Stroller (5+)
- Adaptive Bike
- Adaptive Learning Tower/Ladder
- Bib/Clothing Protector (3+)
- Adaptive Utensils/Plates/Stimulators
- Therapy Ball
- Adaptive Swing/Climbing unit
- Adaptive Switches
- Wagon/Wagon accessories (ex. Cover, straps)
- Communication Device (if used at home and school isn’t supplying)
- Clothing such as:
- Adaptive onesies (age 5+)
- Compression clothing
- Weighted Vests/Blankets
Adaptive Toys (with Physician order and/or therapist recommendation)
****Most Adaptive Toys will ONLY be considered if purchased through Special Needs Toys or a special needs websites.
- Sensory Tent (non-enclosure)
- Crawling Tunnel (non-enclosure)
- Hearing/Vision Adaptive toys’
- Pool Float (head support)
Incontinence Supplies (age 3+ and insurance denial as applicable)
- Diapers
- Bed pads/Mattress liners and covers
- Wipes
- Briefs
- Swim Diapers
- Hygiene Gloves
- Diaper Rash Ointment/Cream
Special Diets (with doctor’s order and Insurance denial)
- Meal Supplements
- Regular Formula (After age 1)
- Specialized Formula
- Baby food (Age 2+)
Medical (with doctor’s order and Insurance denial)
- Orthotic Braces
Walkers
Standers
Shoe inserts
Medications/Vitamins and Supplements
Sedations for appointments (due to symptoms of diagnosis)
Special Eyeglasses (due to symptoms of diagnosis)
- Orthotic Braces
No longer covered as reimbursable items in 2026 for “Medical”
- Medical Co-pays
Safety Items (with physician orders and/or therapist recommendation)
- Camera (Indoor and outdoor) as it relates to safety of child
- Door/Window Chimes
- Thumbprint/numerical door lock
- GPS Tracking devices/watches
- Child proof safety items (Age 3+)
Summit DD Non-Reimbursable Items List
The 2026 Family Engagement Program does not cover the following items and services. These are considered typical expenses any parent or guardian would be expected to provide for their child.
- Automobile purchase & repairs
- Adaptive School Supplies
- Books
- General Clothing
- Community classes/memberships/sport activities
- College Tuition
- Computer/Printer
- Driving Lessons
- Down Payments on Mortgages
- Exercise Equipment
- Gasoline for the family vehicle
- Safety gates under the age of 3
- Play pen/play yard
- Heating and cooling units
- Hot Tub
- Household goods (e.g., appliances (including washers/dryers/microwaves), furniture (including mattresses)
- Household repairs and maintenance (e.g. painting, flooring, roofs and equipment (HVAC, etc.))
- Home Modifications (including fences)
- Legal Fees
- Medication not prescribed and/or approved by FDA
- Music Instruments and repairs
- Parking Fees
- Costs for recreational activities/events (e.g., admission prices to concerts, sporting events or theatre performances, etc.)
- Regular Furniture (including cribs/pack n plays)
- Regular Mattress
- Routine medical/dental/vision appointments
- Seminars
- Spending money for social activities (e.g. souvenirs, posters, t-shirts, hats, etc.)
- Sports equipment/clothing
- Swimming pools
- Swing Set
- Toys
- Tooth Extraction
- Trampolines
- Transportation
- Utilities payments (e.g. electric, gas, phone, water, etc.)
Questions?
Have questions about the 2026 Family Engagement Program? Please reach out to your Summit DD SSA or RSS or email FEP@SummitDD.org
