Upcoming Board Meetings & Closures at DCBDD
BOARD MEETING
Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Byxbe Building, 1610 State Route 521
CLOSURES
Wednesday, November 11
Thursday, November 26
Friday, November 27
General Updates
OACB Annual Awards: DSP of the Year
Award nominations must be submitted by 5:00pm on October 9, 2026.
In recognition of the critical role that direct support professionals (DSPs) play in Ohio’s DD support system, OACB presents the award annually to a DSP who exemplifies the field’s standards of professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect. This award will recognize a DSP who has routinely exceeded the standards of the profession and whose work has had a demonstrable effect on the quality of life, well-being, and/or safety of a person they serve.
Strong nominations will include specific examples of how the nominee has had this effect. These might include:
Specific actions the DSP took to open new opportunities for a person served;
Quick thinking that helped a person or people served stay safe; or
Personal advocacy for a person served in a serious or difficult situation to ensure that the person’s needs were met.
The award recipient will be invited to OACB’s Annual Awards Reception. The winner will receive one night of lodging and dinner for their immediate family courtesy of OACB.
OACB encourages nominations from people receiving direct services, family members, or provider agency managers who want to recognize the good work of one of their employees. Nominees of all experience levels will be considered.
Home and Community-Based Setting Review
Beginning in October 2026 through November 2026, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) will visit provider sites to review Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) Settings and learn about the experiences of people who receive these services. The reviews will check that providers are meeting state and federal rules for HCBS Settings, including the federal HCBS Final Rule and Ohio Administrative Code 5123‑9‑02. The goal is to understand how providers are following and applying ODM and DODD requirements.
If your agency is chosen for an HCBS Settings review, you will receive a letter of notification. It is extremely important that you respond to ODM when they contact you. Please read the information to help you prepare.
- On‑site reviews may take up to four hours and will include staff interviews and a tour of the location. Interviewing people who receive HCBS waiver services may take up to two days, depending on the facility’s size and people’s schedules. Both administrative staff and direct support professionals (DSPs) will be interviewed. DSPs chosen will be those who directly support and work with people receiving waiver services.
- People receiving HCBS waiver services who are selected for interviews will be identified when the review team arrives. Please make sure the current individual service plans (ISPs) and the current roster are available for those individuals.
- Be prepared to provide a site tour and to have current ISPs, provider policies, and procedures ready for review.
- If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
- Please note that this is different from the National Core Indicators (NCI) Survey that may be happening at the same time.
Recognize an Outstanding Provider!
Know an outstanding provider making a difference in someone’s life?
Help us celebrate the people who go above and beyond by submitting them for our Outstanding Provider Recognition Program. It’s a great way to recognize dedication, compassion, and impact in our community.
DCBDD Big Table Discussion
Join DCBDD for a Big Table discussion in the Delaware County Library Liberty Branch Community Room B on Tuesday, September 2, from 1 – 2 p.m!
The Big Table® is an annual community-wide day of conversation designed to inspire civic engagement and connection. At a time when many people feel lonely or disconnected, creating space for genuine human connection matters more than ever. Through intentional dialogue, Big Table participants are encouraged to meet new people, share their lived experiences, and actively listen to build a kinder, more connected community where everyone has a seat at the table. The Big Table is free and open to all!
Registration is encouraged but not required.
Advocacy Roundtable: Advocacy & Voting Rights
Friday, October 2, 2026
Networking: 9 a.m.
Program: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Byxbe Building
1610 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015
Join DCBDD, ElevateDD, and the Delaware County Board of Elections to learn more about the rights people with disabilities have in the voting booth.
People served by DCBDD and their guardians will learn how to register to vote, what a ballot looks like, how to cast your ballot, and what accessible assistance you have the right to receive when voting. We’ll also talk about advocacy and how guardians and supporters can assist people with disabilities while supporting their right to make their own choices.
DCBDD Will Have a Levy on the Ballot on November 3
On November 3, 2026, Delaware County voters will be asked to consider a 1.8 mill levy to fund the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD). Our 2.0 mill levy expired on December 31, 2025, and final collections of that levy end on December 31, 2026.
This levy will continue funding essential services that support children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Delaware County.
To learn more, visit the Levy tab on DCBDD’s website.
Where DCBDD Will Be This Month
Abuser Registry Updates
George Adutwum, DOB: 06/13/1983
Mersadies Hopkins, DOB: 6/25/2003
Najeeb Poole, DOB: 11/9/1991
Jill Wegner, DOB: 4/27/1979
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
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
Want to know about provider responsibilities?
View trainings and other resources
Have a billing question?
Need help with something else?
Need service delivery documentation or financial ledgers?
Need help setting up Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)?
Trainings
Fall Leadership LAUNCHpad
October 27–29, 2026
Join Lighthouse Cove for Leadership LAUNCHpad, a unique three-day leadership retreat designed to inspire personal growth, strengthen leadership skills, and build meaningful connections with colleagues across the developmental disabilities field.
Held at Embassy Suites – Columbus, LAUNCHpad creates an immersive environment where participants can step away from the day-to-day, focus on their leadership identity, practice networking skills, and gain practical tools they can bring back to their organizations.
The retreat is open to DSPs, Frontline Supervisors, Program Directors, QIDDPs, Executive Directors, and staff from County Boards and state departments of developmental disabilities. Participants will learn alongside a diverse community of professionals through expert presentations, hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, educational materials, and post-retreat support.
Participant package includes:
2 nights of onsite accommodation
2 breakfasts, 3 buffet lunches, and snack breaks
Educational materials, tools, and assessments
Evening networking opportunities
Presentations from subject matter experts
Hands-on learning experiences
Post-participation follow-up and support
Registration is limited to two attendees per organization. The registration rate increases to $749 after September 29. The rate is based on double-room occupancy; single-room occupancy is an additional $150.
OCALICONLINE 2026
Tuesday, November 17 – Friday, November 20
Online
Celebrate 20 years of learning, collaboration, and innovation at OCALICONLINE 2026. Join professionals, educators, self-advocates, families, and community partners from across the U.S. and around the world for four days of engaging presentations, practical strategies, and meaningful connections that support people across the lifespan.
Registration includes more than 200 sessions on a wide range of topics (session schedule available in early fall), presentations from more than 300 world-class speakers and facilitators, convenient online access from anywhere, on-demand conference content available through January 11, 2027, and opportunities to earn continuing education and graduate credit.
Community Events
Next Chapter Book Club
Adults and teens with disabilities are invited to join the Next Chapter Book Club, a welcoming opportunity to make friends, learn, and enjoy reading together. All reading abilities are welcome. The upcoming meeting are is October 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Transition Night 2026
October 21, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Dublin Coffman High School
Transition Night is a free resource fair for students with developmental disabilities and their families. Connect with local resources and learn more about navigating high school, planning for the future, and exploring opportunities beyond high school.
The event is open to everyone. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
DD Awareness Day with the Columbus Crew
Join us for Developmental Disability Awareness Day with the Columbus Crew! On Saturday, October 31, the Crew will host a match celebrating inclusion and creating a welcoming experience for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. The match kicks off at 2 p.m. at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The day will include accessibility-focused features, including sensory-friendly spaces, sensory rooms, and universal changing tables. We’re excited to see our community come together, enjoy the match, and celebrate the importance of accessibility and inclusion!
College Seminar Event for Students with an IEP or 504
November 4, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Worthington Kilbourne High School
College Seminar for Students with an IEP or 504 is an interactive panel discussion and resource fair designed to help students and families navigate college accommodations. Connect with disability services representatives from Ohio colleges to learn about differences between high school and higher education, testing policies, and registration processes.
The event is open to everyone, and there is no registration required.
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