Cynthia Morrison told members of Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities Tuesday afternoon that a film crew from the state county boards association will be at the Opportunity Center Monday. They will be filming the self advocates from the Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility program. They are part of a statewide effort to express through skits the 24 rights afforded them. The STIRS self advocates have written their own dialogue exhibiting three rights pertaining to having a clean house, privacy and voicing complaints.
Adult Services Director Rod Biggert presented plans for creating more, smaller areas for clients at Tiffin Re-ads. The population is changing and autism is becoming more prevalent. Smaller, less stimulating areas are helpful for disruptive clientele. He received the board's approval to create special needs rooms including two walls, four windows, two doors and a dropped ceiling not to exceed $15,302.52.
Biggert also is looking to use technology in programming and make activities more client-generated.
Superintendent Lew Hurst said his staff is participating in the Good Life program, a train the trainer effort to enhance a positive culture initiative. Seneca is one of four counties in the program.
Hurst said summer school started Tuesday at the School of Opportunity and the county board association is considering requesting the Help Me Grow program be moved from the auspice of the Ohio Department of Health to the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Business Manager Dick Williams said expenditures have been under budget this year. He also said Seneca County commissioners have terminated the fire coverage contract for the Opportunity Center with Clinton Township that cost $2,350 annually, and have resumed coverage from the Sycamore Fire Department since the facility is in Eden Township, at no additional cost.
Transportation Director Ron Davidson said he would have one of the new buses on display during the next board meeting. He also said an expansion of the bus parking lot was necessary but progress is being hindered by a drainage system that no entity is claiming ownership.
In other matters, the board:
The 169 board is to meet at 5 p.m. Aug. 14 at Fostoria Family and Early Childhood Center.
