About Family Support Services
DCBDD offers the Family Support Services (FSS) program to eligible individuals ages 3 and above who are not enrolled on an Individual Options, Level One, SELF, or any other Ohio Medicaid administered waiver program.
The Family Support Services program can provide funding for these specific supports:
Incontinence Supplies
- Diapers, cleansing wipes, and incontinence pads are available for individuals over the age of three (3) who are not eligible for Medicaid
- A physician’s prescription certifying that the individual is incontinent is required annually
Specialized Liquid Nutrition
- Specialized liquid nutrition that is required to meet daily caloric and nutritional requirements may be available for individuals over the age of three (3) who are not eligible for Medicaid
- A physician’s prescription certifying the specialized liquid nutrition’s necessity is required annually
Therapies
- Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech/Language Therapy may be funded for children ages three (3) through the age of five (5), including evaluations for the same
- A physician’s prescription certifying that the individual has an unmet need for therapy is required annually
Specialized Equipment
- Specialized equipment refers to tools or devices designed to support the safety, independence, communication, mobility, learning, or daily living needs of a person with developmental disabilities. This equipment is tailored to the individual’s abilities and helps them perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
- Examples include , but are not limited to: wheelchairs, standers, feeding utensils with grips, adapted switches, sensory tools, and lifting systems
- Specialized equipment is available upon the written recommendation of any of the following people: Physician, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Speech and Language Pathologist
- The professional is required to fill out DCBDD’s Equipment Checklist and attach a picture and description of the specialized piece of equipment with the request
Specialized Camps & Classes
- Specialized camps and classes refers to recreational activities like camps, music therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, adaptive aquatics, etc. that are designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities
- Documentation of specialized programing is required: a website, brochure, or a flyer outlining how the class or camp is specialized for individuals with developmental disabilities must be submitted with the request.
Home Modifications
- Home modifications refers to improvements to the accessibility of the built environment, such as ramps, grab‐bars, bathroom alterations, etc.
- Requests for home modifications will require the recommendation and evaluation of a Physician, Physical Therapist, or Occupational Therapist and must conform to all applicable housing, zoning and building codes
Assistive Technology
- Assistive technology is smart or electronic devices used to increase independence and reduce dependence on others to complete activities of daily living and may include:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps
- Speech-generating apps
- Visual schedule or social story apps
- Apps that support expressive and receptive language development
- Assistive technology is available upon the written recommendation of any of the following people: Assistive Technology Professional, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Speech and Language Pathologist
For 2025, individuals may access up to $750 in Family Support Services funding until the Board-approved funds are exhausted.
How Does it Work?
The FSS program is administered by the Mid-East Ohio Regional Council (MEORC). MEORC is a Council of Governments that supports many County Boards of Developmental Disabilities with administrative services like our Family Supports Services program.
- Once referred to the FSS program by DCBDD, the individual/family contacts MEORC to request authorization for services by emailing DelawareFSS@meorc.com with the individual’s name, date of birth, and requested service/required documentation
- MEORC informs individuals/families if the request is approved or denied
- MEORC pays providers directly after services are provided
Questions?
If you have questions regarding the FSS program or MEORC, feel free to contact DCBDD’s Information & Referral Specialist, Lindsay Fitzsimmons, at Support.Information@dcbdd.org or 740.201.5888.