Upcoming Board Meetings & Closures at DCBDD
BOARD MEETING
Thursday, April 9th at 6:30 p.m.
Byxbe Building, 1610 State Route 521
CLOSURES
Monday, February 16th
General Updates
Independent Provider Initial Certification Fee
In November 2020, to help strengthen our provider capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, DODD waived the $125 initial application fee for people who applied to be independent providers.
DODD has continued to help build provider capacity with the historic provider rate increases included in the 2024-2025 budget. The department now has a record number of independent providers certified to deliver services in the state of Ohio. With the threat of the public health emergency behind us and our provider capacity at its highest level, DODD plans to reinstate the $125 initial application fee for independent providers on July 1, 2026. This plan follows the lead of the Department of Medicaid (ODM) and Department of Aging (AGE), which reinstated waived application fees at the end of the public health emergency.
The department will continue to expedite application processing for any initial independent provider application where the county board notifies DODD that the applicant has identified a person to serve.
May 5th Levy Request
On May 5, 2026, Delaware County voters will be asked to consider a 2.0 mill renewal with a 0.7 mill additional levy for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD).This levy will continue funding essential services that support children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Delaware County.
What is Being Requested?
Levy Type: 2.0 mill renewal + 0.7 mill additional
Length: 5 years
Estimated Cost:
$65.00 per year per $100,000 of home value
Approximately $5.42 per month per $100,000 of home value
All levy dollars remain in Delaware County and may only be used to support services for eligible county residents.
What Levy Funds Support
Local levy funding helps provide essential services for over 2,300 people in Delaware County such as:
- Early Intervention (birth through 2):
- Provides coaching and developmental supports for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, helping children build skills and preparing families for long-term success
- Service and Support Administration (case management):
- Partners with individuals, their families, and service providers to plan, coordinate, and monitor services that support health, safety, independence, and community participation
- Family Support Services
- Provides person-centered and family-centered supports that help individuals with developmental disabilities participate in their communities and maintain family stability
Local tax dollars are statutorily required to fund the Medicaid match, which is DCBDD’s largest budget driver
- Personal care and daily living supports
- Employment and job retention supports
- Home accessibility and safety modifications
- Transportation and community participation supports
Abuser Registry Updates
Rosy Alagbe, 09/18/1975
Terra Davis, 01/23/1972
Shaniece Lawson, 10/14/1992
Jessica Moadouang, 07/23/1999
Teresa Williams, 03/14/1971
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.
Sign up for abuser registry updates to be alerted when the abuser registry is updated
Community Resources
Free Income Tax Preparation Services
Bridges Community Action Partnership offers free tax return preparation from January through April for individuals with income up to $64,000 (no self-employment income).
Key Details:
- Free service with direct deposit or mailed refunds
- Can also process the prior 3 years of returns
- By appointment only: call 937-617-4217 or visit https://www.bridgescap.org/taxprep
- Arrive 15 minutes early to complete the intake form
- One tax return per appointment
Learn more: https://www.bridgescap.org/taxprep
Delaware Area Career Center Job Board
Post your job openings on the DACC Community Job Board. This platform serves as a bridge between your organization and DACC’s highly skilled students and the broader community.
Job openings are shared with students in applicable programs and promotions for your job openings are shared on digital monitors around DACC and on their social media.
24/7 Support from HelpLine
Looking for support or not sure where to turn? HelpLine is a free, confidential resource available 24/7 to connect individuals and families with the help they need. Whether you’re facing a crisis, feeling overwhelmed, or just need information about local services, trained specialists are ready to listen and guide you to the right resources. Call, text, or dial 2-1-1 to get connected anytime.
Learn more: Visit HelpLine
Provider Resources from DCBDD: Available 24/7
Interested in becoming a provider?
Want to know about provider responsibilities?
View trainings and other resources
Need service delivery documentation or financial ledgers?
Need help setting up Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)?
Just hired a person and need to know what support you are authorized to provide?
View payment authorization for waiver services
Have a billing question?
Need help with something else?
Trainings
2026 Online Supervisory Development Series
All courses:
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET
- Live via Zoom
- Designed for both new and experienced supervisors
These highly practical, field-tested trainings are built specifically for supervisors in human services and disability services organizations. Meets mandatory training for Directors of Operations.
For More Information, Pricing, or Group Scheduling, or to arrange on-site training:
The Academy for Professional Development
513.237.2449
info@academyforpd.com
www.academyforpd.com
4050 Executive Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241
This comprehensive course teaches supervisors how to implement a fair, consistent, and legally defensible approach to corrective action. Participants learn how to document properly, address issues promptly, apply progressive discipline appropriately, and conduct difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism. The training helps supervisors avoid both overreaction and avoidance—creating a culture of accountability, clarity, and fairness.
Register for the Delivering Timely and Fair Progressive Discipline Course
This course transforms performance reviews from stressful annual events into an ongoing process of coaching and development. Participants learn how to implement continuous feedback, conduct meaningful check-ins, guide employee self-evaluation, and set clear, mission-aligned goals. Supervisors leave with tools for writing accurate evaluations, leading productive review meetings, and strengthening supervisor–employee relationships year-round.
This course teaches supervisors how to prevent unnecessary conflict, recognize early warning signs, and intervene before issues escalate. Participants learn practical communication tools, expectation-setting strategies, and structured approaches to resolving disagreements. The training helps supervisors turn conflict into growth opportunities while reducing drama, tension, and team disruption.
Register for the Preventing and Resolving Workplace Conflict Course
This course addresses the habits and patterns that most often undermine supervisors, including micromanagement, people-pleasing, procrastination, unclear expectations, and neglecting staff development. Participants learn how to replace these patterns with strong leadership behaviors such as clear communication, appropriate delegation, proactive problem-solving, and intentional coaching—resulting in more confident, effective leadership.
This course builds supervisors’ confidence in decision-making and problem-solving in complex, high-pressure environments. Participants learn how to gather facts objectively, ask better questions, analyze situations clearly, and choose solutions that align with policy, values, and outcomes. The training emphasizes calm, structured thinking and effective communication when guiding teams through challenges.
This comprehensive foundation course helps supervisors analyze their leadership style, identify strengths and growth areas, and strengthen their overall effectiveness. Participants gain practical tools for building strong relationships, creating positive culture, communicating expectations, managing performance, and leading teams with confidence. Ideal both for new supervisors and for experienced leaders who want a strong skills refresher.
This course focuses on improving hiring decisions in the disability services and human services field. Participants learn how to identify the most important qualities in DSP candidates, design behavior-based interview questions, and conduct more effective interviews. The course also teaches how to deliver realistic job previews that reduce early turnover and improve long-term retention.
This course helps supervisors take control of their workload while still effectively leading others. Participants learn how to prioritize, plan, organize, delegate, and manage competing demands. The training focuses on practical, real-world systems that reduce overwhelm, improve follow-through, and create more consistent, intentional leadership.
This course guides supervisors through the principles and practice of ethical leadership in disability and human services settings. Participants apply a Supervisor Code of Ethics to real-world scenarios, examine gray areas, and strengthen their ability to make sound, values-based decisions. The training emphasizes accountability, professionalism, trust, and protecting the integrity of the individuals served and the organization.
Spring Leadership Launchpad
April 8th through 10th
Secure your spot at the SPRING Leadership LAUNCHpad now and get ready to redefine your leadership journey!
Leadership LAUNCHpad is a unique retreat that immerses each participant in a leadership-themed environment with like-minded people. Every retreat is its own universe, separate from “the outside world,” and participants are empowered to concentrate on personal development, exercise networking skills, and re-enter the day-to-day with a clearer sense of their leadership identities.
Arc of Ohio Spring Conference
April 10, 2026
Registration 9-10 am
Program 10 am – 3:00 pm
Hamilton County Educational Service Center
11083 Hamilton Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Approved for 5 hours of Dept of DD Continuing Education for Providers, County Board Staff and Board Members, 2 specifically for Early Intervention!
REGISTRATION is $10 for Families and $99 for Professionals, Including Lunch
Innovation Summit 2026
The 2026 Innovation Summit brings people together to learn, share ideas, and explore creative solutions through collaboration. This event is for people with disabilities, families, providers, direct support professionals, county boards, and system partners.
Register for two exciting events:
Virtual Opening Session
- Date: April 30, 2026
- Time: 1 PM –3 PM
- Location: Zoom
In‑Person Innovation Summit
- Date: June 2, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM–4 PM
- Location: Quest Conference Center, Westerville, Ohio
Learn more and register for the 2026 Innovation Summit.
2026 OPRA Great Provider Summit
Registration is officially open for the 2026 OPRA Great Provider Summit—and this year’s Summit in Cleveland (May 6–8, 2026) is shaping up to be one of our best yet. Expect high-impact education, meaningful networking, and a few standout moments that make this event uniquely OPRA.
Why you’ll want to be there
Fresh, practical educational sessions that you can take back to your team immediately
Time to connect with peers, partners, and exhibitors—plus plenty of built-in networking
Signature experiences that make the Summit feel like more than “just another conference”
Featured experiences (included with registration)
NEW! Attendee & Exhibitor Welcome Reception — start the Summit off strong and reconnect with your OPRA community
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Evening Event — admission, roundtrip transfers, and food/beverage included
Friday Brunch — a fun, upbeat wrap-up to close out the week together
Closing Keynote — a powerful finish that ties it all together and sends you home energized
Registration Fees
OPRA Member: $400
Non-Member: $600
What’s included with registration
Wednesday Welcome Reception (food & drinks)
Thursday breakfast & lunch
Thursday Rock Hall evening event (admission, roundtrip transfers, and food/beverage)
Friday continental breakfast & brunch
Refreshment breaks throughout the conference
Hotel Reservations
You’ll receive the hotel booking link for OPRA’s discounted rate after you complete registration.
Host Hotel: Hilton Cleveland Downtown | Overflow: Cleveland Marriott Downtown
TechSummit 2026
DODD will host a one‑day tech summit focused on supportive technology that helps people with disabilities live, work, and connect in their communities.
Join DODD on September 18, 2026, from 9 AM–4:30 PM at The Conference Center at OCLC in Dublin, Ohio. Attendees will hear from people with lived experience, learn from experts, and see technology that supports people with disabilities.
Registration details will be shared soon!
Community Events
Next Chapter Book Club
Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 17th at 3:30
DCDL Orange Branch
Make new friends and enjoy great stories at Next Chapter Book Club at the Orange Branch of the Delaware County Library. This adult and teen program welcomes individuals with disabilities who want to connect, learn, and have fun through reading. All abilities are encouraged to participate. Sign up for Next Chapter Book Club.
Sign Up to Receive DODD Newsletters!
- Pipeline
- DSP Connection
- Family Connection
- Director’s Corner
- Tech First and more!