From time to time, we receive record requests for people served by Summit DD. Below are guidelines regarding who can request information and what information can be requested. Read More ›
Useful Links & FAQs
Useful Links & FAQs
There is a wealth of resources and information available to you.
Below are links to helpful organizations and answers to many of the
top questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to understand the MUI process? Aren't sure what IEP stands for? Let us help! From services to levy funding, you can find the answers you need right at your finger tips in our library of frequently asked questions.
Advocacy and Networking
Connecting with others is the first step to empowerment and self-advocacy. Let us help you find the parent networking group or advocacy organization that is right for you.
Rights and Resolving Complaints
Everyone is afforded certain rights and freedoms under the law. It's important to know those rights. It's also important to know how to resolve a complaint about services should you ever need to.
Funding
Summit DD is a levy-funded agency that relies on the generous Summit County tax payers to support the more than 5,000 children and adults with disabilities in Summit County. Thanks to those levy dollars, we are able to tap into state and federal funding which invests an additional $60 mil into our county. Learn more about how Summit DD and the essential services that people rely on each day are funded.
Complaint or Appeal of Adverse Action Explanation
Why would I file a complaint or appeal?
- You may file a complaint if you are dissatisfied with a program, service, policy, or practice of the county board of developmental disabilities.
- You may file an appeal of adverse action (“appeal”) if your request of services is denied or if services you have been receiving are being taken away.
Do I have to file a formal complaint or appeal?
No; if you choose, you may start by trying to resolve your complaint or appeal informally with a supervisor or manager at the county board of developmental disabilities. You and the supervisor or manager can agree to work together to try and resolve your complaint or appeal. The informal process shall take no longer than 30 days.
Should I try to resolve my complaint or appeal informally before filing a formal complaint or appeal?
- A complaint must be filed within 90 days of becoming aware of the program, service, policy, or practice that is the subject of your complaint.
- An appeal must be filed within 90 days of receiving notice that your services are being denied or taken away.
IMPORTANT!
In most cases, the county board must notify you at least 15 days prior to the date it plans to take away your services. If you file an appeal before the date your services are scheduled to be taken away, your services will stay in place during the appeal process.
How do I file a formal complaint or appeal?
The complaint or appeal must be filed in writing with the supervisor or manager responsible for the program, service, policy, or practice of the county board. Staff of the county board will assist you if you need help.
How will I be notified about my complaint or appeal?
The county board will respond to you in writing. Each response will explain the next step and the time line for completing it.
What will happen after I file a formal complaint or appeal?
The supervisor or manager will meet with you to discuss your complaint or appeal and will investigate your complaint or appeal. Within 15 days, the supervisor or manager will provide you with a written response to your complaint or appeal. If you make a request, the supervisor or manager will discuss the written response with you.
What if I am not satisfied with the supervisor’s or manager’s decision?
You may file your complaint or appeal with the Superintendent of the county board. Your complaint or appeal must be filed in writing within 10 days of receiving the supervisor’s or manager’s written response. Staff of the county board will assist you if you need help. The Superintendent or his or her designee will meet with you within 10 days of receipt of your complaint or appeal and provide you with a written response within 15 days of receipt of your complaint or appeal.
What if I am not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision?
You may file your complaint or appeal with the President of the county board. Your complaint or appeal must be filed in writing within 10 days of receiving the Superintendent’s written response. Staff of the county board will assist you if you need help. A hearing will be conducted within 20 days of receipt of your complaint or appeal.
What will happen at the hearing?
The hearing may be conducted by the full county board, by a committee of two or more members of the county board appointed by the President of the county board, or by a hearing officer appointed by the President of the county board. You will have an opportunity to explain your complaint to question officials or employees of the county board who have information related to your complaint or appeal. You may be asked questions about your complaint or appeal.
What will happen after the hearing?
You are entitled to receive, at no cost, a written transcript of the hearing. Within 15 days of a hearing conducted by the county board or the county board’s receipt of the report and recommendation from a hearing officer, the President of the county board or his or her designee will send you by certified mail, the county board’s decision regarding your complaint or appeal. The decision must include a rationale and a description of what you should do if you are still dissatisfied.
What if I am not satisfied with the county board’s decision?
You may file your complaint or appeal with the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Your complaint or appeal must be filed in writing within 15 days of receiving the county board’s decision. Staff of the county board will assist you if you need help. The Director or his or her designee may request additional information from you. Within 30 days of receipt of necessary documents related to your complaint or appeal, the Director or his or her designee will send you by certified mail, his or her decision regarding your complaint or appeal.
What if I am not satisfied with the Director’s decision?
You may file a claim through the court system
Who else can help me with my complaint or appeal?
- Arc of Ohio at 1-800-875-2723
- Disability Rights Ohio at 1-800-282-9181
- Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities at 1-800-617-6733
Administrative Resolution of Complaints
What do I do if I have a problem or a complaint about supports I receive or a service provider?
Summit DD is determined to provide right-fit supports. If you have concerns with your services, please don’t hesitate to speak with your SSA. Let us know about your concern when it happens. The sooner we know, the faster we can help resolve the issue. Be specific when sharing your concern. Try to provide dates, people involved, what happened, and what you would like in the future. Following these guidelines will help us to better serve you, and will not interfere with your right to a formal Administrative Resolution of Complaints process.
If you’re not sure who to speak with, please call our main number at 330-634-8000 or contact us through the website.
What do I do if I do not agree with services that are reduced, denied or terminated? (What is the Formal Administrative Resolution of Complaints process?)
An individual, parent, or guardian may appeal reduced, denied or terminated services coordinated through Summit DD. To appeal a decision, there is a grievance procedure and/or formal appeal process. Assistance can be provided by an advocate who may speak on behalf of an individual at his or her request.
Grievance Process:
- Within 30 days of the denied or proposed action, an individual, parent of a minor, or guardian may file a written appeal to the appropriate Agency director.
- If the individual, parent, or guardian has difficulty in reading or writing, an oral report can be accepted and will be documented by the director receiving the report.
- The director will conduct an investigation and respond to the appeal within ten (10) calendar days.
- Within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the director’s written decision, the individual or his/her representative may file a written appeal to the Superintendent/designee.
If the individual or his/her representative wishes to appeal the director’s decision, the following formal appeal process occurs.
Formal Appeal Process
- Upon receipt of a request of appeal, the Superintendent/designee, within ten (10) calendar days, will meet with the party initiating the request and conduct an administrative review.
- Within five (5) working days of the administrative review, the Superintendent’s decision will be made known, in writing, to the individual or his/her representative, and will include a rationale for such decision along with a description of the next step in the process.
- If the individual or his/her representative is not satisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, a written appeal can be filed with Summit DD within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the Superintendent’s decision.
- Upon receipt of a written request to appeal, the Board will conduct a hearing no sooner than seven (7) calendar days, nor later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, at a time and place convenient to all.
- Within five (5) calendar days of the hearing, written notification of the Board’s decision will be sent by certified mail to the individual or his/her representative. Such notification will include a rationale for the Board’s decision.
- If an individual or representative is not satisfied with the decision of the Board, a written appeal may be filed with the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the Board’s decision.
- The Director or his/her designee will review the appeal within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the appeal.
- Within fourteen (14) calendar days following the Department-level review, the Director’s decision will be made known in writing to all affected parties, and include a rationale for the decision.