Category Archives: News

What to Expect: New Waiting List Rule

Over the past two years a coalition of disability organizations, parents and people with disabilities have worked simplify Ohio’s Medicaid waiver waiting list.  As a result of this coalition’s work, more than 1,600 people Summit County who were on the waiting list prior to September 1, 2018 were placed on the Transitional Waiting List until their needs can be assessed.

Summit DD is required to complete an assessment for everyone on the transitional waiting list, along with anyone newly eligible for services who feel they have unmet needs.  You may opt-out of the assessment if you don’t believe you have unmet needs at this time.

We have trained a team of SSA’s on the consistent use of this assessment tool and will keep families informed as we work through the list.  See our infographic below on what to expect from this assessment.  Download here.

What Can I Expect If I am on the Transitional Wait List?

If you currently have an SSA, your assessment will take place around the time of your annual team meeting.  You will be sent a notice 90 days in advance.  If your support staff is a Developmental Specialist, RSS, or you have no SSA assigned (you do not have an annual team meeting), we will schedule assessments beginning with the top of the list.  You will be sent a notice 90 days in advance.  Summit DD must complete all assessments by December 2020.

If you disagree with the results of the assessment, your Summit DD support staff will provide you with information on your right to due process.

It is important to remember that your experience with your Service and Support Administrator (SSA), Referral and Support Specialist (RSS) or Early Intervention team will not change.  If, at any time, a change in you or your family’s situation occurs and you believe you have unmet needs you should contact your support staff to talk about your needs to determine if an assessment should be completed.

For more information on the waiting list rule or to see a copy of the assessment please visit the Fix the List website.

Summit DD Team Goes Head-to-Head in Akron Corporate Challenge

The Akron Corporate Challenge is an athletic competition promoting employee wellness, company camaraderie, and business networking while helping local charities. The Summit DD Team participated for a third consecutive year and placed 4th out of 16 teams. Other competitors included large organizations like Gojo, Bridgestone, Signet Jewelers, and more. Overall, 72 Summit DD staff and family members participated in the tournament! Read More ›

Community Partnership Helps Nearly 100 Local Teens

For the past three years, Summit DD has partnered with Summit County Jobs and Family Services to provide essential employment opportunities for local teens. In 2016, the program impacted 35 people and then in 2017 it grew to 40. This summer, Summit DD nearly doubled the impact—benefiting 79 teens. Read More ›

Volunteer Guardian Program: Assisting Adults with Disabilities in Summit County

Many of us are fortunate to have a support system of close friends or family who can step in and make important decisions about our lives if we could not make those decisions for ourselves. Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky. In some cases, an individual’s main caretaker passes away before them. Others may not have loved ones nearby to be their voice. For individuals in those situations, the Volunteer Guardian Program is here to help. Read More ›

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