DCBDD Updates
Upcoming Board Meetings and Closures
Upcoming Board Meeting:
May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Byxbe Center
Health and Welfare Alerts:
To receive health and welfare alerts from DODD, click here
Background Checks:
- To obtain a background check; go online to: Ohio Attorney’s Office; https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/
- Search: web checks
- Click on web check locations
- Type in your zip code
- For background check information such as reason codes and mailing address, please see below.
BCI background checks are required for all providers and agency staff. In addition, FBI background checks are required for those who have NOT lived in Ohio for the past 5 consecutive years.
Agency Providers
- DOO BCI Code 5123.169 Applicant for a supported living certificate
- DOO FBI Code 5126.28 Employees of County Board of DoDD
- Results should be mailed directly from BCI to DODD at:
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Attn: Provider Certification
30 E Broad St, 13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Agency Staff
- BCI Code 081 Employment with DoDD, county board of DD or contracting agency
- FBI Code 28 Employees of County Board of DoDD
- Results should be mailed directly from BCI to the Provider Agency address
Independent Providers
- BCI Code 5123.169 Applicant for a supported living certificate
- FBI Code 5126.28 Employees of County Board of DoDD
OPRA Great Provider Series
To read OPRA’s Great Provider Series, click on the slides below.
Incident Reporting Requirements
An Incident Reporting Form (IRF) must be completed for all MUIs and UIs.
All IRFs for MUIs must be sent to MUI@dcbdd.org by 3pm on the following business day.
Monthly Requirement
- All providers are required to complete monthly UI Logs, which are reviewed by DODD and DCBDD during compliance reviews. Please note, logs must show evidence they were reviewed at least monthly, even when no incidents have occurred. Evidence can be shown by signature and date on the log. Here is a link to a UI Log you can use: DODD UI Log
- DCBDD will request UI Logs from all providers at least once per year. When requested, UI Logs may be mailed to the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities or emailed to UILogReview@dcbdd.org.
Annual Requirement
- By January 31st of each year, all providers shall conduct an in-depth review and analysis of trends and patterns of MUIs occurring during the preceding calendar year and compile an annual report. Providers shall send the annual report to the county board for all programs operated in the county by February 28th of each year.
- Annual MUI reports for Delaware County should be sent to MUI@dcbdd.org. You are required to complete and send this analysis to the County Board even if you do not have any MUIs to report. These forms can be found on our website at the links below:
- Independent Provider- ANNUAL REPORT (dcbdd.org)
- Agency Provider- ANNUAL REPORT (dcbdd.org)
- If you have not provided your annual report to DCBDD for 2022, please send it to MUI@dcbdd.org.
Abuser Registry Updates
Jessica Lynn Beck 04/06/1998
Iciyana Dortch 10/22/1996
Dashawn McHerron 06/24/1961
Trevon Reed 12/06/1995
If you believe these individuals are in your employ or seeking employment with your organization, you should follow published procedures for verifying the applicant/employee is not on the registry. If you have questions regarding this information, please contact the DODD registry unit at: 1-866-313-673.
Community Resource Feature
Support for Front Line Workers
Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board are offering support for front line workers. This includes first responders, healthcare workers, educational personal and funeral home workers.
To schedule an appointment call 614-889-5722 ext. 133 or frontline@syntero.org
Community Events
Sign up to receive DODD newsletters!
- Pipeline
- DSP Connection
- Family Connection
- Director’s Corner
- Tech First and more!
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3DOll9C
Trainings
Multi-Factor Authentication for PNM Portal Access Begins May 4
To enhance the security of the Provider Network Management (PNM) module and protect the State of Ohio’s data, starting May 4, signing into the PNM secure web portal will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a two-factor authentication process that goes beyond the State of Ohio ID (OHID) and password by using a second source of validation to verify your identity before granting access to State resources.
Immediate Action Required: We strongly urge you to set up MFA before May 4, to ensure uninterrupted access to PNM. If you are an existing PNM portal user and already have MFA set up for the OHID used to sign into the PNM portal, no action is required. Please refer to the multi-factor authentication user guide offering instructions for setting up your MFA.
“Ask Me Anything” Sessions: To assist you with this transition, The Ohio Department of Medicaid will be hosting Pre-MFA Go Live sessions on the following dates:
- April 24
- April 25
- April 30
- May 1
- May 2
“Ask Me Anything” Sessions: Additionally, The Ohio Department of Medicaid will have Post Go Live sessions on:
- May 5
- May 6
- May 7
These sessions will provide an opportunity to ask questions and get help with enrolling in MFA. Instructions on how to enroll in and join these “Ask Me Anything” sessions can be found here.
If you need assistance setting up MFA, please contact the ODM Integrated Help Desk (IHD) at 800-686-1516, option 7 or email IHD@medicaid.ohio.gov.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical security update.
DSP and Provider Support Open Door Sessions Changes Schedule
Open Door Sessions are a time for providers, direct support professionals, and county board provider support staff to come together with DODD staff to network, brainstorm, and discuss issues related to the support of providers and direct support professionals.
The sessions were previously held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Due to low participation, the session held at 4 PM on the 4th Wednesday of the month is being canceled.
Please join us for the DSP & Provider Support Open Door Session the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9 – 10 AM.
The Academy is seeking DODD Certified RN Trainers for DODD medication courses
Teach Category 1, 2, and 3 initial and renewal classes in the Cleveland and Central Ohio areas.
This is a great opportunity for DODD RN trainers to supplement their current RN position, or for RN trainers who wish to work full or part-time and flexible hours.
Terrific position for current DODD certified RN Trainers.
Essential Functions
- Teach DODD approved Category 1 (Initial Medication Administration And Health-Related Activities); Category 2 (Administration of Food And Prescribed Medication G and J Tube); and Category 3 (Subcutaneous Insulin Injection) trainings – both initial certification and renewal classes.
- With the assistance of the Academy MAIS Secretary, enter medication administration certified staff into the state database upon initial certification, or renew medication administration certification for each student in the state database.
- Travel to a variety of teaching locations is expected; there is the potential for overnight stays on occasion.
- Potential to teach CPR and First Aid certification classes.
- Potential for additional hours, up to full-time employment.
Current DODD RN Training certification required.
Contact Deb Easley at 513-310-8542 or deb@academyforpd.com for more information or to apply.
Health Linkage Program
The Health Linkage Program can help with:
- healthcare providers not understanding disabilities
- being denied appointments
- physical inaccessibility of buildings and places
inaccessibility of equipment like exam tables - inadequate insurance coverage
- lack of transportation
The Health Linkage Program helps make these problems go away so you can just focus on your health!
2025 ADVANCE Provider Leadership Training
This is a yearlong intensive training set to begin in January 2025 and conclude in October 2025. Participants are required to meet and read the required training materials as listed on the 2025 ADVANCE Training Curriculum.
Click Here to View the 2025 ADVANCE Curriculum and Training Materials
DETAILS:
- All participants need to complete the assigned readings and materials prior to each meeting.
- You must purchase Strength Based Leadership on your own. This book must be purchased new in order to take the assessment located in the back. The assessment must be completed and results sent to Jamie Steele at jamie.steele@ovrs.org prior to the January 2025 class. All other books will be provided by OPRA.
- For provider organizations that are OPRA Members, one (1) individual from that organization may attend for $400. Additional attendees from the same member organization may participate at a tuition rate of $1,000.00 each.
- For non-members, any attendee may participate at a tuition rate of $1,500.00.
- Payment for participation must be paid in full prior to the first meeting.
- Please note that we are only accepting 25 dedicated students for the 2025 ADVANCE Training Class. Only one (1) excused absence is permitted for the duration of the training.
- Registrations are on a first come first serve basis so act quickly!!
For general questions and registration information, please contact Sonya Summers, Member Communications Manager at ssummers@opra.org.
For specific information about the ADVANCE: Provider Leadership Training, please contact Jamie Steele, OPRA Board Past-Chair, Executive Director for Ohio Valley Residential Services and ADVANCE Coordinator at jamie.steele@ovrs.org.
Grant Funds Help Expand Access to Nature in Delaware County
By Olivia Minnier
The Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities has helped a local park system expand access to nature through the distribution of ARPA grant funds.
Preservation Parks of Delaware County will formally unveil its braille trail on April 26 at Hogback Ridge Park’s Woodland Ridge Trail. The trail was completed with one-time ARPA grant funds from DCBDD. Using these funds, DCBDD has been able to contribute to projects aimed at creating a more accessible Ohio, such as the braille trail.
Casey Smith, Outdoor Connections Manager for Preservation Parks of Delaware County, said that upon DCBDD’s suggestion of adding a sensory trail, the team saw a news article about tactile maps and braille signage at The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center and saw an opportunity to add something like these to Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
“Research showed there were no braille trails in central Ohio, and since we believe nature should be accessible to all, it was an easy choice. The grant also included funding for an accessible restroom—something Hogback Ridge Park lacked—making this a meaningful improvement to the park.”
DCBDD proposed the idea of a sensory trail and has been happy to see Preservation Parks of Delaware County run with the idea of a braille trail.
Kristine Hodge, Superintendent of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is proud of the partnerships DCBDD has within the community.
“By creating spaces like the braille trail, Preservation Parks of Delaware County is not only fostering a deeper appreciation for nature among individuals with disabilities, but also promoting a culture of understanding. Projects like this remind us that when we design with access in mind, we create richer experiences for everyone.”
Smith said the process took over a year from start to finish.
“DCBDD contacted us in November 2023 about applying for the funds. The guide rope and braille signage were installed in November 2024, and the tactile map was added in March 2025. During that time, we conducted research, contacted sign companies, and collaborated across departments.”
The Woodland Ridge Trail at Hogback Ridge was chosen for this project for several reasons that make it appealing from both a safety and an interest standpoint.
“Hogback was chosen as the location of the Braille Trail because it is the most interesting topographically and would make a better 3D tactile map, and the trail could be a closed loop, ensuring the safest route for those using the trail,” Smith said.
The braille trail follows the 0.4-mile Woodland Ridge Trail and features a guide rope, visual signs, and cast bronze braille plates with tactile elements, including a 3D map of Hogback Ridge Park.
Smith said it was important to include a variety of multi-sensory elements into the trail to keep visitors engaged.
“Each sign includes related tactile features and encourages sensory experiences like listening to the creek or feeling a shagbark hickory tree. Designed for visitors with low vision, the trail is accessible and engaging for all,” she said.
Smith said the trail is important because it expands access to nature for everyone, not just those with low vision.
“The elements of the trail can also engage younger children, older adults, and neurodiverse individuals who benefit from multisensory learning,” she said.
The Woodland Ridge Trail additions also include an accessible restroom with a universal changing table.
“In addition to standard grab bars, push button toilet, and sensor hand dryer, the accessible restroom includes a concrete walkway from the parking lot to the restroom, a touchless automatic door opener, a stainless extended length changing table, and a wall mounted child protection seat,” she said.
Smith said this project is the first of several planned for 2025 aimed at making the park more accessible. She said Preservation Parks is working on renovating the indoor nature display at Hogback Ridge Park this year. These renovations will include braille signage and QR code links.
These projects ultimately help Preservation Parks fulfill their mission of inspiring outdoor exploration and learning.
“The Braille Trail brings that mission to life in a powerful way by removing barriers and creating opportunities for all people, regardless of ability, to connect with nature. We hope visitors walk away with a deeper appreciation not just for the natural world, but for the importance of making that world accessible to everyone,” Smith said.
