Five graduates of a leadership class spoke to the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities Tuesday afternoon explaining their involvement in the next step for self-advocacy.
Patrick Steyer, Andrew Bickelhaupt, David Atkins, Jennifer Berman and Michelle Smith participate in the Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility program. Future goals for the participants were teaching younger children in classes, speaking in public schools about bullying awareness and speaking to community groups as a self-advocate.
They are to be filmed performing skits to be used for training sessions throughout Ohio.
Each wore a polo shirt provided by the board.
Participants unable to attend were Bill Young and Lisa Krauss.
Superintendent Lew Hurst said he is proud of these young people. They were out speaking for the levy, putting a face on the program for the public.
Hurst thanked the community for support of the levy during the March primary election, and recognized the levy committee and chairman Dick Williams for his effort.
Hurst read proclamations from Seneca County commissioners and the cities of Tiffin and Fostoria in recognition of March being Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
Events planned for the month:
Craft show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Opportunity Center.
Celebrity basketball game, March 29.
Palm Sunday dinner, April 1.
Business Manager Dick Williams said the Ohio developmental disability director requested county board business managers' opinions for ideas to accomplish goals. Managers requested the state provide training to have accurate procedures for their audits.
Adult Services Director Rodney Biggert has been busy meeting with staff members and assessing match ups for staff with clients.
Rick Gagnon, Children's Services director, said assessments of students have been completed and individual educational plans are being developed. He also announced graduation takes place at 1:30 p.m. May 10.
Nyoka Cradolph reported three new homes in Fostoria have been acquired by Northland Homes through a grant from WSOS. Two are ready for occupation and one is being prepared. They have plans to sell two homes in Tiffin.
In other matters, the board:
Recognized Connie Brown, who retired after 14 years as a bus driver for the Opportunity Center.
Recognized Terri Roddy, as she retired after 13 years as service and support director for the Opportunity Center.
Approved the Ethics Council report.
Transferred $60,000 from the general fund to the supported living services fund.
Approved Hurst attending the Ohio State County Board conference in Dublin Monday.
Approved the final budget for 2012.
Reviewed 19 policies and made two revisions.
Resolved to approve the use of up to $225,000 to pay the non-federal share of the services for Medicaid expenditures to assure the services will be available in a manner that conforms to all applicable state and federal laws.
Increased the hours of the activities' coordinator from 35 weekly to 40.
Increased the hours of the habitation specialist position from 35 hours weekly to 40.
The 169 Board does not meet next month. The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., May 8, at Fostoria Re-Ads.
