Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities members received good news at their Thursday, Aug. 1, meeting regarding the installation of an accessible kayak launch at Indian Lake State Park.
The accessible kayak launch was funded through the ARPA Grant, and a handicap accessible parking spot was also created near the launch to make accessing the launch easier.
Also at the meeting, Board President Valerie Robb presented outgoing member Lindsay Krieger with a a plaque for her years of service to the Board.
Krieger will be moving out of Logan County and will no longer be eligible to serve as a board member. The board wished her the best in her future endeavors.
Jason Moyer, SSA Director, applied for and was appointed as a new board member for the Peak of Hope. With this appointment, Moyer hopes to add a perspective of the struggles people with developmental disabilities face when looking for housing and navigating multiple systems.
In personnel matters, Human Resources Director Staci Nichols shared that Jaime Mattox-Barger has accepted the position of Early Intervention Developmental Specialist and Kaitlyn Overmyer has accepted the position of Early Intervention Service Coordinator.
The meeting began with a presentation from Jon Brown from Residential Administrators, a non-profit organization that assists people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
They serve Logan County for people with mental illness, as well as people with developmental disabilities.
Since 2016, Residential Administrators, has assisted the LCBDD in purchasing five homes with little to no cost to the Board with the help of funding from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
The non-profit organization also assists in renovation projects and maintenance for the properties. Currently, Residential Administrators manages 14 housing units for people who receive service from the board.
Superintendent Krista Oldiges reviewed contracts and interagency agreements during the meeting. Benjamin Logan School District had two interagency agreements with the board that were approved for reimbursement of services — for one general education teacher and bus assistance at the Discovery Center.
In addition, annual contracts were renewed with Champaign Residential Services, Inc. and Midwest Regional Educational Service Center.
Members approved a Mentorship Program that was presented. This will allow experienced staff the opportunity to be mentors for new staff.
Oldiges reported that, effective July 1, 2024, early intervention will be under the Ohio Department of Children and Youth umbrella and will no longer be under the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The Early Intervention Department applied for funding through the EISC Grant and was awarded $20,000 over last year’s grant.
The superintendent also shared the results from the 2024 Family Questionnaire for Early Intervention services. All of the families who responded to the survey for Logan County stated they would recommend Early Intervention services to other families.
Lisa Sulich, early childhood preschool director, reported that one dozen preschoolers participated in 15 Summer Camp sessions. Several families also brought their preschoolers to the Discovery Center for Preschool Play that was hosted three days per week in June and July.
The Parent Support Group is also looking at adding a separate group for families with older children.
In upcoming activities, Nichols noted that the Chicken BBQ is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oldiges provided updates with community involvement and Special Olympics. Special Olympics is currently participating in equestrian training, softball and flag football. Advocacy training was offered over the summer for adults and students who were in high school.
Board meetings are typically conducted the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 1973 W. State Route 47, Bellefontaine. The next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5.
For further information on services, contact (937) 592-0015.