Upcoming Board Meetings & Closures at DCBDD
BOARD MEETING
Thursday, March 12th at 7:15 p.m.
Byxbe Building, 1610 State Route 521
CLOSURES
Monday, May 25th
General Updates
Transmittal Memo 506
The purpose of this Transmittal Memo is to alert you that changes are being made to administrative rules of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
- Rule 5132-2-02 (Background investigations for employment) is being amended.
- Existing rule 5123-17-03 (Abuser registry) is being rescinded and being replaced by new rule 5123-17-03 (abuser registry)
These rule actions are effective February 19, 2026.
An updated List of Administrative Rules is available.
Attention Agency Providers: New Background Check Rule Effective 2/19/2026
See more information about the New Background Check Rule
- Updates to conditional employment
- Updated database/registry check web addresses
- Clarification regarding driving records, including six or more points
- Updates to disqualifying offenses
- Replacement of “Multiple disqualifying offenses” with “Exclusionary periods for multiple disqualifying offenses.”
Health & Welfare Alerts
View DODD’s most recent Health & Welfare Alert,
Recognizing and Responding to Medical Emergencies, #51-02-26.
Abuser Registry Updates
Tammy Cogswell, 02/10/1966
Roberta Garvey, 08/19/1967
Ciara Gilliam, 01/20/1993
Jessica Gould, 07/27/1995
Andrea Hoobler, 08/22/1977
Cheryl Howells-Goodwin, 02/01/1952
Allen Kerns, 10/28/1987
Basil C. Lanham, 05/23/1992
Sarah Lawson, 12/01/1990
Fongmo Wilson, 10/10/1990
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
Training & 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
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 course teaches supervisors how to move beyond a deficit-focused approach and instead lead by identifying and leveraging employee strengths. Participants learn how to assess staff strengths, interests, and potential, and how to use that information to improve performance, quality, and engagement. The training emphasizes mentoring relationships, individualized development, and creating a positive culture that retains staff and helps them grow.
Register for the Strengths-Oriented Approach to Leadership Course
This course equips supervisors with practical, step-by-step strategies for addressing performance issues and difficult behaviors early and effectively. Participants learn how to give clear, timely, and professional feedback; set and enforce consistent expectations and consequences; and manage their own emotions and self-talk during challenging conversations. The focus is on early intervention, consistent mentoring, and preventing small problems from becoming major personnel issues.
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.
MUI, UIs, and Reporting Training (presented by DCBDD MUI Team)
Wednesday, April 15 at 12 p.m.
This training will provide an overview of Unusual Incidents (UI) and Major Unusual Incidents (MUI) and the important role providers play in protecting the health and welfare of people with developmental disabilities. Participants will learn when and how to report incidents, what happens after a report is made, and how reporting supports safety, accountability, and quality services.
We will also discuss why incident reporting matters and how providers contribute to a strong health and welfare system. The training will highlight how thoughtful prevention planning can reduce future incidents and provide clearer guidance for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Creating clear, practical prevention plans is one of the most effective ways to support staff and ensure individuals receive safe, consistent care.
This session is designed to help providers feel more confident in their reporting responsibilities and strengthen their role in supporting the people they serve.
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
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?
Community Events
Celebrate DD Awareness Month with DCBDD!
Every March, DCBDD and our partners collaborate to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This month-long campaign serves as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Stay up-to-date on all of our events by following us on Facebook and checking out our Facebook events!
Wednesday, March 11th
Coffee with a Cause: Disability Inclusion in Action
7 a.m.
COhatch Polaris, 1554 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus
Join the CYP Club for coffee and conversations with fellow members and community leaders. DCBDD’s Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Chase Waits will be featured on March’s Coffee with a Cause panel on “Disability Inclusion in Action” at COHatch Polaris.
Monday, March 23rd
Regional Workshop: Advancing Accessibility in Central Ohio
12:30 – 4 p.m.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
This workshop includes the opportunity to learn from professionals in our region who are prioritizing accessibility in their organizations, including representatives from the Columbus Crew, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Delaware County District Library, and Metro Parks. Accessible Ohio Specialist Tanya K. Vela will offer tools and resources to help you prioritize your accessibility goals and establish a plan to achieve them.
Tuesday, March 31st
Game Changers: Fostering Inclusion & Accessibility at Ohio’s Sports’ Venues
12 p.m.
Webinar
Sports have the power to unite communities, inspire individuals, and break down barriers, but only when everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the experience.
Join DCBDD as we host a conversation with representatives from the Cleveland Guardians and Columbus Blue Jackets to discuss practical strategies and innovative approaches to making our sports venues truly accessible and inclusive for all Ohioans.
We look forward to having you attend the event!
Next Chapter Book Club
Sunday, March 22nd at 3:30 p.m.
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.
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