Summit DD spent the last year talking to more than 300 people as we designed our next three-year strategic plan. The next three years is all about making meaningful connections. With those we serve, with families, with providers, with schools, with the community and countless others to achieve our vision that “Summit County is a community where people feel included.” Read More ›
Over the past two years a coalition of disability organizations, parents and people with disabilities have worked simplify Ohio’s Medicaid waiver waiting list. As a result of this coalition’s work, more than 1,600 people Summit County who were on the waiting list prior to September 1, 2018 were placed on the Transitional Waiting List until their needs can be assessed.
Summit DD is required to complete an assessment for everyone on the transitional waiting list, along with anyone newly eligible for services who feel they have unmet needs. You may opt-out of the assessment if you don’t believe you have unmet needs at this time.
We have trained a team of SSA’s on the consistent use of this assessment tool and will keep families informed as we work through the list. See our infographic below on what to expect from this assessment. Download here.
If you currently have an SSA, your assessment will take place around the time of your annual team meeting. You will be sent a notice 90 days in advance. If your support staff is a Developmental Specialist, RSS, or you have no SSA assigned (you do not have an annual team meeting), we will schedule assessments beginning with the top of the list. You will be sent a notice 90 days in advance. Summit DD must complete all assessments by December 2020.
If you disagree with the results of the assessment, your Summit DD support staff will provide you with information on your right to due process.
It is important to remember that your experience with your Service and Support Administrator (SSA), Referral and Support Specialist (RSS) or Early Intervention team will not change. If, at any time, a change in you or your family’s situation occurs and you believe you have unmet needs you should contact your support staff to talk about your needs to determine if an assessment should be completed.
For more information on the waiting list rule or to see a copy of the assessment please visit the Fix the List website.
Summit DD’s team of investigators comprise the Major Unusual Incident (MUI) Department. This team of professionals are here to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities. The goal of each investigation is to determine if there is evidence to suggest the allegation occurred, find out the cause and contributing factors, and work with the individual’s team to develop a prevention plan.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities conducted a site visit earlier this year to ensure that Summit DD was in compliance with the MUI rule. The team passed with flying colors and were awarded a three-year accreditation. No citations were found as a part of this extensive review.
Summit DD’s MUI Unit investigates approximately 1,300 incidents each year, ranging from abuse and neglect to an unscheduled hospitalization. The process starts with our friendly Intake Investigative Agent (IA). If an MUI is opened it is assigned to one of our seven seasoned IA’s to complete the entire MUI process withing 30 business days. If an incident is criminal in nature we work with a deputy and detective from the Summit County Sheriff’s office stationed at Summit DD to conduct a criminal investigation. Summit DD’s IA Analyst review these individual incidents for trends and patterns with a particular provider or an individual to ensure quality of care. Summit DD’s MUI manager oversees the entire process to ensure quality objectives are met.
Highlights of the 2018 DODD review include:
At Summit DD, we believe that the quality of care individuals receive is our highest priority. Our MUI Unit is committed to providing safeguards to those we support and it shows in the high quality of work they do.
Summit DD honored several community members and disability advocates at its annual Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Celebration on March 27 in Akron. More than 250 elected officials, community leaders and disability service providers gathered at Quaker Square to honor the award recipients.
“We want to take the opportunity to recognize the achievements of advocates, volunteers, community leaders, supporters and other community partners who are actively helping to build communities that are welcoming for people of every ability,” said Summit DD Superintendent John Trunk of the awards.