March 2014 The Whetstone Connection

Volume 8 Issue 1 March 2015

Top (L-R): John providing custodial services at Whetstone Industries; Penny caning a chair; Brandon, Peter & Zach enjoying each others company; Ra-ven, Robin, Brian and Randy win ribbons at a bowling tournament; Keith helping to peel apples at the Mt. Gilead State Park Apple Butter Festival; Dar-rell cleaning the offices at Whetstone Industries; Glenn and Mr. Winand enjoying a recent dance.

Page 2 The Whetstone Connection

Brandon White Appointed to Ohio

Developmental Disabilities Council Morrow County Self-Advocate Brandon White has been

appointed by Ohio State Governor John Kasich to the

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. This council

operates under the authority of federal Developmental

Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Like their counter-

parts in other states, they conduct activities that improve Ohio’s capacity

for delivering services to people with developmental disabilities. The coun-

cil funds grant projects that are designed to ensure that self-advocates and

their families have a voice in issues involving their services and supports

and projects intended to streamline the quality and efficiency of services

people with developmental disabilities need. The mission of the Ohio De-

velopmental Disabilities Council is to create change that improves inde-

pendence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in com-

munity life.

Angel’s Home Care, LLC, located at 203 West

High Street in Mount Gilead, Ohio, provides many ser-

vices to persons with developmental disabilities as well

as to the elderly and their families. Some of these ser-

vices include homemaker personal care, respite, sup-

ported living and trans-

portation. Twenty four

hours/seven days per

week the staff from An-

gel’s can be found

providing opportunities

and encouragement to

individuals living in

Morrow County and

helping to improve

their lives. For more

information, please

contact Angel’s at 419-

947-9373.

Karl enjoys the company of Angel’s Home Care staff person Connie Miller during the annual Valentine’s Day Dance at Whetstone Industries

SIBS LOOKING FORWARD A Weekend Retreat About Transition

April 10-12, 2015

Ohio SIBS will be hosting a weekend retreat for transition age students with disabilities and their siblings. A variety of topics about transition will be discussed. Young adults and their siblings will also enjoy recreational and leisure activi-ties. There will also be opportunities to learn from one an-other, share experiences and gain support. The retreat will be held on Friday April 10—Sunday April 12 at YMCA Camp Wilson in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Who can participate? Students with disabilities who are between the ages of 17 and 22 are eligible. Their accompanying sibling should be between the ages of 15 and 25. Cost? Attendance is free, however, donations are greatly appreci-ated. Deadlines: Submit application by March 20, 2015 More information: Contact Thomas.fish@osumc.edu or call (614) 685-8723

“In Ohio, the natural guardianship of parents (parent rights and control over their child) ends when the child

reaches the age of 18. At this point, parents no longer have the legal ability to make decisions and sign consent

forms for their child and may be excluded from participating in decisions the child makes. Many parents who

have a child with a disability, struggle to determine if they need to remain the decision maker for their child’s

life. If they decide to seek guardianship when their child turns 18, they must go to their local probate court to

fill out and submit an application for guardianship. There are several types of guardianship in Ohio. Some

rights are personal and cannot be exercised by a guardian. The loss of personal rights is why guardianship is a

very serious step and one only to be taken as a matter of last resort.”

-excerpt from “Guardianship in Ohio” a booklet written by David A. Zwyer. If you have questions about guardianship and would like a copy of this booklet, please

contact the Morrow County Developmental Disabilities SSA office at 419-947-7045 .

Guardianship

Page 3 The Whetstone Connection

On December 5th, 2014 self-advocates from Marion

and Morrow County attended the 30th

Annual OACB Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Four indi-

viduals from Marion were asked to speak in the seg-

ment “What’s all the buzz with Project STIR?” David

Masur, Lee Butcher, Anthony Emans, and DJ Dilinger

spoke about what they have done since participating in

Project STIR and how their lives have changed for the

better. Project STIR stands for “Steps Towards Inde-

pendence and Responsibility”.

In December, Dan Banks volun-teered for the Morrow County Humane Society event “Photos with Santa”. Dan assisted with registration and sales. Pictured above with Dan is Humane Society volunteer Mary Kline.

Congratulations to Penny Cranston for volunteering to assist with Secretarial and Historian duties at the Morrow County Humane Society. Penny will be assisting Humane Society Board Member Amanda George. Penny also represented the Morrow County Humane Society by presenting the Morrow County Dog Shelter with a $1,000 check to be used for dog fencing for the new county dog shelter being con-structed on US 42.

2015 is going to be a challenging year for the County Board of DD. The long anticipated in-crease in funding due to the replacement levy that was passed in May 2014 will finally be received this year. While we anxiously wait to begin our focus on the programs and services which have been suspended or eliminated, we must first address the payback for deferred payments that the state and other entities extended to us over the past few years. The sys-tem changes in Ohio that are anticipated will greatly impact our planning process and the

delivery of services. We will continue to communicate updates and encourage interested family and community members to participate in stakeholder meetings as we move forward. Please contact us if you would like to join us or want more infor-mation. We are very grateful to have the support of our community as we face the significant changes coming. The Morrow County Board of DD will accept public input on its current strategic plan and provide a summary progress report on March 16th, from 12:00-1:00 pm in the Whetstone Center conference room, located at 406 Bank St. The Board will review input and approve the final report at its March 17th board meeting, held in the same room at 6:00 pm.

Morrow County Self-Advocates with Mt. Gilead Mayor Mike Porter dur-ing the signing of the 2015 DD Awareness Month Proclamation. Show above (L to R): Penny Cranston, Daniel Banks, Mayor Mike Porter and Brandon White

Our mission: We will provide opportunities and encouragement to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, as guided by each individual’s personal choices.

Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities 407 Bank Street ** Mt. Gilead, OH ** 419-947-7045

* * * * * Whetstone Industries

440 Douglas Street ** Mt. Gilead, OH ** 419-947-9222 whetstoneserves.com

Page 4 The Whetstone Connection

Superintendent’s Corner Change: one word that challenges our minds and our emotions, always producing questions and sometimes gen-erating fear about the unknown. John F. Kennedy said that “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future”. The State of Ohio is entering a time that promises to offer historic change for the field of developmental disabilities. This system-wide change will affect self-advocates, families, students preparing for graduation, day service and residential service providers and extend into commu-

nities and beyond. There are many factors at the federal and state level driving the upcoming changes, including: -Olmstead Decision: This decision states that people with developmental disabilities have the right to receive services in the commu-nity, in the most integrated settings appropriate for their needs. Several states, including Ohio, have increased efforts to assist people in moving into communities from institutional settings. -The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The Americans with Disabilities Act provides a comprehensive national mandate and enforceable standards for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. ADA strives to remove barr iers and to promote full community access and inclusion. -Centers of Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS): CMS has issued new rules that define home and community-based services (HCBS). These new rules for Medicaid funded services require that services and supports funded through Medicaid waivers must be provided in community-based settings and that County Boards of Developmental Disabilities must maintain conflict free case man-agement. -Disability Rights Ohio (DRO): Disability Rights Ohio is an advocacy group for human, civil and legal rights for people with disabili-ties. They have expressed concerns to state officials that parts of Ohio’s service delivery system for people with developmen tal disa-bilities are not in compliance with the Olmstead Decision. -Employment First: This State of Ohio initiative is part of a nationwide focus on transforming services for adults with disabilities from segregated to integrated settings, with community employment as the preferred option for individuals of working age. -Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM): Included in the current budget proposal submitted by Governor Kasich, is language that will eliminate the independent service provider option, with the intent to improve administrative oversight, decrease fraud and abuse, and improve health outcomes. These providers will be able to continue providing Medicaid-funded HCBS waiver services if they seek em-ployment through a home health agency, or if they provide services to an individual who is using a self-directed option where the recipient is the employer of record. For more information, please refer to the following organizations’ websites: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) - DODD oversees the service delivery system in Ohio. DODD's goal is to help Ohio's citizens with developmental disabilities to live, work, and learn in their communities as fully integrated participants. For information about addressing changes at the state level please refer to this page on their website: http://dodd.ohio.gov/OurFuture Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB) - OACB’s goal is to support the missions of County Boards of Developmental Disabili-ties in providing services and supports to people with developmental disabilities throughout the state. For more information on the system-wide changes in Ohio and across the country, please visit their website: www.oacbdd.org March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the 2015 theme is “Can Do, Like You!”. Please take a moment and reflect on how you can encourage others to focus on peoples’ abilities and similarities rather than differences and how you can help create opportunities to welcome people with developmental disabilities to join in community activities. Many new opportu-nities are emerging in this spirit throughout the state, including community-based employment options and residential opportu-nities that more fully integrate people with disabilities. Each of us can make a difference in at least one person’s life by just tak-ing the time to connect and often a lasting friendship is created! Give us a call and find out how you “Can Do” too!

Families Connect! Do you ever think you just wish you could talk to someone who has gone through the

issues you face today? Do you worry how you are going to take care of your family member this summer? Do you just need a break for an hour or two? Have you “made it through” and now have a little time that you could share your wisdom? Are you a community member who wants to help? All families with a member with developmental disabili-ties face challenges, and many have become experts along the way. If you are interested in connecting with families in Morrow County (and perhaps beyond) please contact Ann Artrip at 419-947-7045. We want to help connect fami-lies and volunteers, encourage them to share their great ideas and perhaps offer each other support and relief from the daily stresses of life. We all have talents and ways we can help. Please consider sharing yours.

March 2015 Insert The Whetstone Connection

Susie’s Critic CornerSusie’s Critic CornerSusie’s Critic Corner

√ Help with one of our many activities, like music, cooking, scrapbooking and money matters

√ Share a personal talent or life experience

√ Help with one of our community outings, like bowl-ing, community events, golfing and sports

√ Share in a community service project

√ Or one of many other opportunities!

√ Have an idea? Call us! 419-947-9222

Volunteers &

Volunteer Opportunities Needed!

We have many opportunities for volunteers

and many individuals who love to help!

Upcoming

Events: Mar. 17— St. Patrick’s Day Dance at Whetstone Industries

Mar. 21—Farmer’s Breakfast at Cardington High School

Mar. 21—Northmor DD Prom

Mar. 28—Morrow County Humane Society Glamour Shots

April 3—Whetstone Center & Industries closed for Spring Holiday April 18—ECO Center Earth Day Celebration May 6—Head Start last day of classes

May 9—Masonic Breakfast to Benefit Special Olympics 7:00-10:00 at First Presbyterian Church

May 25—Whetstone Center & Industries closed for Memorial Day

Watch for date and announcement of our annual

Spaghetti Dinner sometime this spring!

For more information about events listed above, please contact us as 419-947-7045

Every month at Whetstone Industries, the Cooking Club will be Every month at Whetstone Industries, the Cooking Club will be Every month at Whetstone Industries, the Cooking Club will be

preparing a lunch/dinner item as they sharpen their cooking skills. preparing a lunch/dinner item as they sharpen their cooking skills. preparing a lunch/dinner item as they sharpen their cooking skills.

Kimberly “Susie” Hiett loves to sample the efforts and will provide Kimberly “Susie” Hiett loves to sample the efforts and will provide Kimberly “Susie” Hiett loves to sample the efforts and will provide

a critique of their efforts. This month the cooking class made a a critique of their efforts. This month the cooking class made a a critique of their efforts. This month the cooking class made a

special kind of chili called “Shamrockin’ Chili” for the local Chili special kind of chili called “Shamrockin’ Chili” for the local Chili special kind of chili called “Shamrockin’ Chili” for the local Chili

CookCookCook---off at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Gilead. Susie off at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Gilead. Susie off at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Gilead. Susie

tried the test batch and although most people said that it had quite tried the test batch and although most people said that it had quite tried the test batch and although most people said that it had quite

a bit of “heat” to it, Susie gave it two thumbs up! Susie looks for-a bit of “heat” to it, Susie gave it two thumbs up! Susie looks for-a bit of “heat” to it, Susie gave it two thumbs up! Susie looks for-

ward to sampling what the cooking club has to offer next!ward to sampling what the cooking club has to offer next!ward to sampling what the cooking club has to offer next!

March 2015 Insert

Morrow County Self Advocates

attend

“Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day”

Ohio Statehouse on March 3, 2015

Hi, I am Kerry Sue Winkler I am, Morrow DD !

I am a face you will meet before you ever enter our build-

ing! I love to watch out the window for visitors and then

wait for you at the door to great you with a big smile and a

squeal! My favorite visitors are my parents, who come

from Cleveland to take me to lunch a few times a month

and we walk around town and explore all afternoon. I also

enjoy when my home staff visit us at Whetstone. Hallow-

een is my FAVORITE holiday and I wear Halloween shirts

every day in October. I love to make scary faces the whole

month too. I do love Halloween but lunch time is my favor-

ite time every day! I enjoy the time with staff that is dedi-

cated just to me. I like to walk

around the Success area and

visit with my friends and the

staff, often asking if MomMom is

coming today. I am very happy

all of the time and enjoy playing

the basketball game we have at

Whetstone. If no one is paying

attention to me I like to do silly

things so they laugh. Thank you

for taking a moment to get to

know me, I can’t wait to meet

you!

Pictured above Morrow County Self Advocates joined with Craw-ford County Self-Advocates at the annual Developmental Disa-bilities Awareness Day” to speak with Representative Jeff McClain about issues surrounding upcoming changes in the De-velopmental Disabilities system.

Box Tops & Labels for Education The Whetstone Center and Industries in Mt. Gilead collect Box Tops

(worth 10¢) and Labels for Education from various products. The Whet-

stone Center houses the Galion Y Day Care and Head Start Pre-School

classes. Whetstone Industries serves over 72 people with disabilities;

members of their Aktion Club use the money they collect towards activi-

ties in the community. Each classroom/area goal is to collect the most in

a 3 month period to receive a

$50.00 gift certificate to a

store of choice and is used to

purchase additional supplies

for that room/area. The goal

for 2013/2014 was

$1,000.00. Please consider

saving your Box tops and

Labels for Education labels to

help the Center and Indus-

tries. Box Tops for Education sent a check to Whetstone Center for

$352.40 and Whetstone Industries earned $48.70 to be used for commu-

nity projects. Pictured is Ms. Karla’s Pre-K class that recently received a

$50.00 gift card.

The Whetstone Connection

LOADS OF FAMILY FUN!