february_2019

February 2019
Bringing about a vibrant community where people lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions.
is
“At the end of the day,
we all want the same
stuff: fulfillment, love,
support, comfort, and a
hot-air balloon with laser
guns Pam attached Whiteley to it. The
most important thing is
that we appreciate the
crazy ride we’re on.”
- Zach Anner
Zach Anner will return to the Celebration of Possibilities
March 28 at Crossroads Event Center. The
evening begins at 6 pm and includes an upscale
dinner, live music and the celebration of people
who best exemplify the Fairfield DD mission statement.
Tickets are $30 and available by calling
740.652.7220.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of laughing with Zach Anner
until your sides hurt, you’re in luck.
Anner will return to Lancaster on March 28th for the 11th
Annual Celebration of Possibilities, 6 pm at the Crossroads
Event Center.
The event gathers over 400 attendees for an evening
showcasing people and businesses in Fairfield County who
have demonstrated the effectiveness of Fairfield DD’s mission
statement—To bring about a vibrant community where
people lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions.
Featuring the live music of local favorite Bad Influence,
and a delicious meal, the Celebration combines an awards
show with laughter, camaraderie, and, well, more laughter.
Over the years the Celebration has welcomed such talent
as comedians Geri Jewell, Josh Blue and Maysoon Zayid.
Two years ago, Zach Anner took the Celebration stage for
the first time and the audience was thrilled, with many community
members requesting his return.
Zach Anner is a comedian, author, television writer, public
speaker, and YouTube personality.
In 2011, he won his own travel show on the Oprah Winfrey
Network, Rollin’ With Zach and went on to create & host the
shows Have A Little Faith & Earth Your While for Rainn Wilson’s
media company SoulPancake. He also released the
Google & Reddit backed series Riding Shotgun and the
popular Workout Wednesdays on his own YouTube channel.
Zach’s work combines warmth, authenticity, and infectious
optimism to create “meaningful silliness” – humorous
content that delivers substantive messages with the laughs.
His ability to connect with audiences and knack for creating
viral content has netted his videos over a hundred million
views across social media platforms and helped change the
conversation around disability. He is an ambassador for the
Cerebral Palsy Foundation and has worked with United Cerebral
Palsy’s Wheels for Humanity program to distribute
wheelchairs to disadvantaged communities in Nicaragua.
Zach’s candid and hilarious memoir, If At Birth You Don’t
Succeed, was published in 2016 to rave reviews. He has
guest starred opposite Minnie Driver on episodes of
“Speechless” – a comedic sitcom about a special needs
family for which ABC hired him as a full-time staff writer for
Season 2 and the current Season 3.
“We are beyond thrilled that Zach is returning to Lancaster,”
said Superintendent John Pekar. “His message is frank.
His humor is unapologetic. And his timing is spot on.”

OOD Proposes Changes to
Voc-Rehab Fee Schedule After
Receiving Feedback
As Fairfield DD, local providers and
the1200 people we support prepare to
recognize March as National Developmental
Disabilities Month, I find myself
looking back over the decades.
It wasn’t that long ago, 1967 to be
exact, that Ohio’s 88 county boards
were created by the Ohio General Assembly. Senate
Bill169 was signed into law by Gov. James Rhodes establishing
county boards—enabling them to raise funds and
provide services and supports to people with developmental
disabilities. The development of county boards came
with the philosophy that people should have the opportunity
to live, work and participate in their local communities.
Over 50 years later, I’d like to think we’ve come a long
way from deciding that people with disabilities should be
provided the opportunity to “participate in” their communities.
In fact, at Fairfield DD, it’s pretty common to hear us talk
about the need for people to be “of” their communities, not
simply “in” their communities.
It hasn’t always been an easy road. But I think that may
have a lot to do with the fact that for many years, those of
us in the Developmental Disabilities field felt we had the
responsibility to keep people with disabilities safe. We
knew the handful of options available to people and we
liked to think we knew what was best for them. We would
find places for people to spend their days, offer safe activities
to them, and even find simple, sheltered ways for
people to earn a paycheck—under our supervision.
While our intentions were pure then, there were some
questions we weren’t asking. We never bothered to ask
people with developmental disabilities what they wanted
for their own lives. We did not afford them the dignity of
risk. We didn’t allow them an opinion.
Today our objective is much different. Every person receiving
support from Fairfield DD has a person-centered
plan where the individual can make the choices he or she
desires for his or her own life.
Pretty simple, don’t you think?
So I hope as we embark on another Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Month that we acknowledge that
much of the progress made over the last five decades
was made because we finally involved the people we are
supporting. We finally stopped assuming we, as professionals,
knew what was best for a person and, instead,
laid down our case notes and asked, “What would YOU
like your life to look like?”
Thank you to our community for all of the support you
give to Fairfield DD. And to the 1200 people we support,
thank you for your patience.
John Pekar, Superintendent
On January 22, leadership at OOD outlined a number
of policy proposals related to vocational rehabilitation
fees for a meeting of service providers and
stakeholder representatives. These policy changes,
intended to be introduced to the next OOD fee
schedule in October of 2019, were developed in response
to provider concerns and to bring additional
funding to the voc-rehab program. Some of the policies
outlined include:
• Service rates established based on Employer
Cost Index, potentially raising service rates by
approximately 6%;
• The addition of placement fees for jobseekers
placed in a job as a direct result of a community
assessment or service placement;
• The allowance of 2:1 staffing ratio for community
assessments;
• Additional payment milestones for tiered job
development;
• Changes to the educational components of
the Summer Youth Work Experience program;
and
• $2 shift differential for services occurring on
weekends, evenings, and third shift.
OACB shares priorities for state
budget cycle with DODD
On Friday, January 25, OACB delivered a letter to
DODD Director Jeff Davis outlining county boards'
statewide policy goals for the upcoming FY2020-21
state budget process. In consultation with county
board leaders, OACB has chosen to prioritize the following
policy outcomes:
Fund a Wage Increase for Direct Support Professionals
(DSPs);
Support Revised Non-Medical Transportation Reimbursement
Rate Proposal;
Create a Summary Suspension Process for Providers
on Matters Related to Health and Safety;
Improve County Board Financial Sustainability;
and
Create Multi-System Solutions for High-Needs
Youth.
The state budget process covers a several-month
period at the beginning of every odd-numbered year
and determines financial appropriations for the subsequent
two-year spending cycle. This year's budget will
decide state spending levels in 2020 and 2021.
OACB will release an analysis of the governor's proposed
budget when it is issued in March. The association
will closely monitor state budget negotiations and
update members on developments.

DD Awareness Advocacy Day Set for March 5 at Statehouse
Registration is open for
DD Awareness Advocacy
Day taking place March
5th at the Ohio Statehouse.
There is limited availability
for attendance. Each person
will need an active
email address to receive
the confirmation email. If a
participant does not have
an email address, please
use a family member’s, coworker’s,
or friend’s email
address. Each person will
need their own unique
email address or the registration will not be processed.
Advocacy Day includes a brief addenda of speakers from 10-11 am with this year’s theme “Support Matters.
People with and without disabilities working, going to school, playing and participating in their communities together.”
After speakers; individuals signed up for this event who have chosen to meet with their elected Representatives/
Senators will do so at a coordinated time by the DODD liaison. Scott Campbell, SOCIL, is a point person in this
event and Fairfield DD’s David Baum will be coordinating with him. Individuals who are interested in attending this
must let David Baum know so that he can coordinate accordingly. Space to register is very limited and typically
fills up fast! To register, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Names Jeff Davis DODD Director
Ohio Governor-Elect Mike DeWine announced January 10, that Jeff Davis, executive director
of the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA), will be the next director of the Ohio Department
of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).
Davis previously served as a deputy director at DODD from 1991 to 2007 and oversaw legislative
and rule-making activities. During his previous tenure at the department, Davis also oversaw
public information and parent and self-advocacy initiatives. Davis has also served as director
of integrated health services for Buckeye Community Health Plan, a managed care
plan that contracts with the State of Ohio to provide services for Medicaid recipients.
Davis joined OPRA in 2011 as the organization's director of government affairs. In this role, he
acted as the organization's voice at the Ohio Statehouse and coordinated feedback on and
the implementation of statewide policy issues affecting Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
OPRA's membership includes more than 150 for-profit and non-profit organizations providing
services to people with developmental disabilities.
Throughout his career, Davis has been a steadfast advocate for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and
their families and a regular contributor to statewide workgroups and joint initiatives (such as the recently concluded
Fix The List campaign). Last year, he oversaw the launch of DSP Ohio, a statewide campaign to address Ohio's
workforce shortage of direct support professionals.
"Jeff has proven himself to be a time-tested leader in Ohio's DD system," said OACB Executive Director Bridget
Gargan. "He has been a valuable partner to OACB and Ohio's county boards and a vocal advocate for people
with developmental disabilities learning and living in the community. We look forward to working with him in the
years ahead."
ODM Alternate EVV Phase 2 Process Opens
Attention: All Providers, Provider Agencies The Ohio Department of Medicaid allows agency providers to
choose and certify an alternate Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system to use for the Ohio EVV Program. An
alternate EVV system is an EVV system that is not the EVV system ODM provides through Sandata Technologies.
Phase 2 Alternate EVV certification and recertification processes officially opened January 7, 2019.

Off to a Swinging Start at the Lancaster YMCA!
Game Night New Resumes in New Location!
The monthly Community
Dance held its first dance
in January at the new location
of the Fox Family
YMCA. It was a hopping
good time, to say the
least.
“I think the space is
great and it allows for lots
of room - plus the music
sounds great in the gym!”
said Long-time DJ Trena
Thorton of TNT Entertainment.
Howard Long, CEO of
the Fox Family YMCA
agreed.
“We are so happy to be
able to host this dance,”
he said. “It is completely
in line with our mission and
allows even more people
in the community to think
of us as a community resource
and gathering
place.”
The Community Dance,
which originated at Fairfield
Industries’ Opportunity
Center many years ago
before moving to Forest
Rose School, had long
been looking for a place
to host the dance that
was more communityoriented
and inclusive.
When the YMCA agreed
to open its doors to
dance attendees, a new
door to the community
swung open, literally.
Community Dances will
be held the first Friday of
every month throughout
2019, beginning at 7 pm
and running until 8:30 pm.
A $1 donated is requested
upon arrival and
snacks and water are provided.
For more information
about the dance,
contact Dance Coordinator
Laura Elder at
740.409.8231.
See you on the dancefloor!

FREE PROGRAMS
Winner at United Way Dinner!
Congratulations to Fairfield DD’s David Baum and his wife,
Katie, on winning the United Way grand prize of $2019.
David was entered into the contest by becoming a Fair
Share donor during the 2019 United Way Campaign in
Fairfield County.
International Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 9-15,
2019. Take this week to step out of your normal routine or comfort
zone and attempt a new random act of kindness each day of
the celebratory week!
Take a Hike for Your Heart
Join the Fairfield County Historical
parks for CROSS YOUR
HEART, Saturday, February 16,
2019 11am – 1 pm at Cross
Mound Park; 11615 16th Rd
SW; Stoutsville, OH 43154.
Cross Mound Park is the best
kept secret in our park district. Let’s show it
some love! A half-mile walk will take you across
the scenic WPA Pedestrian Bridge and through
the forest to visit the mound. There will be refreshments,
activities, and even a collection of
vintage Valentines for you to see at the shelter.
The walk to Cross Mound is only a half mile but
portions of the walk are moderately steep. Trail
conditions vary with weather conditions. The
trail may be slippery or muddy.

Students Get The Word Out
Hundreds of area high school students will support DD Awareness Month in March when
5,000 lapel buttons are distributed in city and county junior high and high schools, as well
as by Project SEARCH students at Fairfield Medical Center. In an effort to erase labeling
and support inclusion, students will hand out Disable the Label buttons along with information
on how various labels can negatively impact people. In addition, the schools will
receive Disable the Label posters to remain on display in their facilities. For information on
how your students can get involved, contact Community Relations at 740-.652.7220.
[Button design by Rachel McCoy]

Powerlifting Season is Here
Fairfield County Special Olympics is assembling
the powerlifting team for athletes of all abilities
interested in learning about a healthy lifestyle
and fitness program through scalable activities.
Proper technique will taught by current Crossfit
members to participants to prepare them for
competition at various events around central
Ohio. Athletes will meet weekly at TrueFit Athletics,
702 S. Ewing Street in Lancaster.
Interested athletes should contact Andrea
Headley, 740.215.7640, or Rachel McCoy,
740.652.7220. A physical is required for participation
and will be kept on file with Special Olympics
of Ohio. The first meeting will be February 5 at
TrueFit.

795 College Avenue
Lancaster, OH 43130
Contact Us
Temple Custer Montanez, Editor
www.FairfieldDD.com
Administration ...................................................... 740-652-7220
Superintendent ..................................................... 740-652-7220
Services and Supports ......................................... 740-652-7220
Family Support Services ....................................... 740-652-7220
Department of Quality .......................................... 740-652-7235
Forest Rose School .............................................. 740-652-7225
Early Intervention/Birth to 3 ............................... 740-652-7225
Opportunity Center ............................................... 740-652-7230
Art & Clay on Main/Square 7 Coffeehouse ......... 740-653-1755
JobFusion ................................ 614-835-2700 or 740-652-7235
Transportation ...................................................... 740-652-7228
Pickerington Regional Office .. 614-835-2700 or 740-652-7235
Volunteer Opportunities ....................................... 740-652-7220
Our Mission
To bring about a vibrant community
where people lead fulfilling lives and
make meaningful contributions.
Superintendent
Board Members:
Dr. Mark Weedy,
President
Theresa Nixon, VP
Linda Barber, Sec.
John R. Pekar
Robert Competti
Sharon Scruggs
Sharon Murphy
Elizabeth Burwell
February days are a marketing gimmick;
love happens every day.
- Randeep Hooda