Eligibility for Stark DD programs

In order to be eligible to receive services from Stark DD, an individual must provide proof of residency in Stark county and a birth certificate or other proof of age. Evaluations that indicate that the individual has a developmental disability that occurred before the age of 22 is another basic requirement.

Children younger than age three who are at risk for developmental delays are eligible for the Early Intervention component of the Early Childhood Program. Evaluation data must be presented to document delays in one or more of the following: cognition, communication, self-help, social, emotional, and motor skills. Developmental assessments and physicians' referrals are appropriate documentation.

Children ages three to six may be eligible for preschool programs if they are under six years of age on the 30th day of September and have disabilities as defined in the Ohio Department of Early Childhood Education's preschool rules. Eligibility will be based upon a current Multi-Factored Evaluation provided by the child's local school district of residence.

Students ages 6-22 must have evaluation data provided by the school district of residence. All county boards of DD in Ohio establish eligibility through the results of the Children's Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument or COEDI.

Adults ages 16 and older can enter the Stark DD program in two different ways. Students, ages 16-22, who still receive school services from their local education agency must be referred through the school district's Individual Education Plan (IEP). Adults not referred by a school district must meet the criteria established by the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) and must provide documentation that shows the developmental disability occurred before the age of 22.

For more information regarding eligibility, call 330-479-7746.

The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities operates two schools. Eastgate Early Childhood and Family Center provides educational services to children from birth through age five. Southgate School provides educational services to children, five through 21. Both schools are fully chartered by the Ohio Department of Education.

Rebecca Stallman Southgate School

For more than thirty-five years, Rebecca Stallman Southgate School has been a viable educational alternative for students with varying degrees of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Rebecca Stallman Southgate School offers a unique approach to the flexibility required in providing services for students with special needs. Each of the school's 164 students receives a personalized education plan designed to meet their needs and maximize their potential.

Services include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Community Education
• Music
• Adaptive Learning Program
• Behavior Management
• Psychological Services
• Program Development
• Adaptive Physical Education
• Nursing
• Transportation
• Individualized Education Plans
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Computer Education

Eastgate Early Childhood and Family Center

Screening for the 2010-2011 Typical Peer Preschool Prgram will take place in May. For more information click here.

Eastgate is fully accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). After an extensive application process, highly trained program assessors visited our programs to determine that it meets NAEYC standards. Following accreditation, all programs are subject to random, unannounced visits by assessors to ensure that we continue to meet the standards.

Eastgate provides free educational and support services for children with special needs and their families. Children birth through two years old may be referred to Eastgate through early intervention programs, family members, doctors, hospitals and other agencies, Services are based on child and family needs determined through Individual Family Service Plans (I.F.S.P.) for birth - two year olds. Parents are an important part of the school team. Eastgate provides parent training classes, support groups, case management, and family resource services.

Services are available in the home, other community settings or at Eastgate and may be in a group setting with other children or in individual settings. Each child's intervention program is adjusted based on progress and changing needs.

During scheduled parent-staff meetings, parents provide input for their child's goals for each program year.

Early Intervention delivers services for infants and toddlers, birth through the second birthday, who are at risk or who display developmental delays.. Early intervention specialists at Eastgate are certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and teachers are certified by the Ohio Department of Early Childhood Education.

To be enrolled in the Early Intervention Program at Eastgate Early Childhood and Family Center, the child must first be enrolled in Help Me Grow (HMG). Your HMG Service Coordinator will facilitate your referral to Eastgate. Once Eastgate services are officially listed on the child?s Individualized Family Service Plan, delivery of ongoing services will begin.

Eastgate services are available in your home, other community settings or in our center. The child?s intervention sessions may be in a group setting with other children or in individual settings. Each intervention program is adjusted abased on the child?s progress, changing needs, and family priorities. Your Early Intervention (EI) Specialist will be the primary person providing instruction for you and the child. Eastgate services include Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, and behavioral support. You may request a meeting or conference with any of the child?s staff at any time.

When developing the Individualized Family Service Plan, you will be asked to provide your input for outcomes and objectives. You input is much valued and necessary to the development of your family plan.

Toddler classes (around 18 months-3 years) have 5-6 toddlers in a class session. There is an instructor and assistant. Classes are usually two times per week for two hour sessions in either morning or afternoon. Space availability and family schedules are used to determine which toddler class each child will attend. Transportation is not provided to toddler classes.

You are welcome to visit the child's toddler class at any time. Eastgate has a comfortable Family Waiting Room for families to relax and meet other families while waiting for your toddler. Siblings are welcome!

Full day preschool programs are available for children ages three through five years who have disabilities as well as for typical peers. Typical peers serve as great role models and help socialization. Stark DD transportation may be available.

Supportive services for children from birth through age five and their families are based on the individual child's needs. They include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, nursing services, nutritional counseling, daily living skills, physical education, play and socialization activities, gross and fine motor skills, psychological services, behavior assistance, music, and computer education. Eastgate staff also assists families in the referral process to other agencies for services.

The Stark County Toy and Resource Lending Library (also known as Toys to Go) loans developmental toys and resource materials to parents, teachers, and therapists for children aged birth through five years. Toys to Go also offers a Special Needs division available to parents, teachers, and therapists working with children with disabilities. Community resource information is available along with specialized adaptive switches and toys. Membership is open to any parent, teacher, or therapist working with children between birth and five years or any family in Stark County who is referred by a professional. Fees are $10 per year or five hours of volunteer time per year. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday 9:30a.m. to 2:30p.m.

Improvements have included a 1.3 million-dollar renovation project in 1998-99 school year funded by a matching state grant from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The project included additions and renovations to classrooms, hallways, and offices. Some of the changes included wheelchair accessible playgrounds, new restrooms, the creation of a toy-lending library, a therapy room and new play and classroom equipment.

Adult Services

The Stark County Board of DD provides four programs that serve adults.

Habilitation and Day Programming

After the age of 22, individuals with developmental disabilities rely on Stark DD to provide assistance, life-long learning and activities that add to the quality of life for individuals of all abilities. Habilitation services for adults provide training and support in vocational skills and opportunity, self-care, behavior supports, communication and socialization skills.

Work might include contract production, shipping and receiving, janitorial and specialties like ceramics, wood products, crafts and hand-sewn products. These individuals may be employees of The Workshops, Inc.

The Workshops, Inc. (TWI)

The Workshops, Inc. (TWI) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that enters into an annual contract with the Stark County Board of DD to employ adult enrollees. TWI secures and manages the work performed in the workshops and other sites and uses its earnings to pay enrollee wages and benefits, provide and purchase equipment, materials, vehicles and other necessities. Work groups include up to 15 people and each is directly supervised by a Workshop Specialist II who is registered by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

The Workshops operate year-round. Work days are typically six hours long.. Enrollees are paid based on their productivity and receive a minimum of ten paid vacation days during the workshop shut down in July and December, paid holidays and up to ten absent days. Most enrollees pay Social Security (FICA), federal, state and city tax through payroll deductions.

Individuals are assigned to the nearest workshop to minimize travel time

Sheltered Workshops provide paying jobs that include sorting, collating, painting, ceramics, assembling, packaging, woodworking and more for local manufacturers and organizations. Enrollees are placed on specific jobs based upon their programming needs.

Community Work Experience (CWE) helps enrollees make a transition from a workshop setting to employment in the community. Job opportunities include custodial work, manufacturing jobs, etc. throughout Stark County. Individuals employed through CWE typically work in a work crew or enclave.

Supported Employment assists an enrollee in finding a job in the community and provides important supports, such as job coaching and counseling, to help that enrollee be successful on the job and more independent.

In some cases, individuals may be employed in work enclaves, These are groups of individuals who work in a community setting under the direction of a supervisor who is employed by Stark DD. Enclaves can be either a mobile unit or a single setting. One hundred fifty eight individuals are employed in these enclaves and work at jobs such as janitorial, recycling, grounds keeping and assembly/production.

TWI has a board of five voting members representing a variety of businesses and industries in Stark County. There are also two ex-officio members, the DD Superintendent and a DD Board member. TWI also employs a Director who runs day-to-day operations. The TWI Director reports to the Stark DD Superintendent and the Stark DD Board. Each year TWI submits an independent audit and an annual report to the Stark DD Board.

The minimum age for enrollment is sixteen, but individuals typically join the program at eighteen years or older.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS

Qualifying - To qualify for Workshop employment, an individual must be a resident of Stark County and have substantial functional limitations as determined by the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) administered by the Intake Specialist.

The enrollment process - Once an individual determined to be qualified, an intake specialist will help the family or caregiver complete the necessary forms. The completed forms are reviewed during a meeting that includes the intake specialist, the program nurse supervisor, the vocational evaluator and the individual and his/her family, when appropriate. A vocational evaluator will then complete a work evaluation Plan and will as the individual's plan coordinator, until the individual is assigned to a work group.

An intake specialist then forwards the admissions Packets to the adult services director for review and recommendation to the superintendent for approval.

Once the individual is approved for an adult services program, a functional assessment will determine his/her interests, preferences, choices and functional abilities. The assessmenet includes independent daily living skills, vocational and social development, auditory, sensorimotor skills and career interest.

Based upon this information and the individual's interests and preferences, the team recommends appropriate placement and programming within in the adult services program.

The functional assessment report is reviewed with the individual, his/her family and the assigned staff. A permanent plan coordinator is assigned and the placement area is finalized.

Service and Support Administration

The Stark DD Service and Support Administrators assist 1,631 individuals and their families to identify and acquire appropriate service and support. Individuals can choose these services for themselves among a variety of resources. Administrators assist communities to develop the capacity to support people with DD and provide information to individuals, families and communities.

Service and Support Administration provides advocacy to safeguard the rights and protect the interests and choices of eligible individuals. Administrators also monitor and work closely with agencies and organizations that provide services to individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

Service and Support Administrators work with individuals and families to identify

• Issues and concerns of the individual and/or family
• Outcomes that are important to the individual and family
• Resources which an individual may need
• Individual and family supports and strengths
• The services and supports that will maintain and enhance the individuals health, safety and welfare

Specifically, Ohio law mandates the Service and Support Administration within each county board of MRDD to provide the following services:

• Needs Assessment to determine the services needed and requested by an individual;
• Service Coordination and Linkage to identify, assess, and link eligible individuals with the appropriate educational, vocational, or residential setting to ensure that appropriate services are being provided while reducing duplication of services;
• Individual Service Monitoring to assure that all services are being appropriately delivered according to the individual's service plan and in accordance with the established time lines;
• Crisis Intervention to provide necessary emergency services to eligible individuals and their families on a 24-hour basis;
• Information and referral to respond to questions and requests from individuals in the community regardless of their eligibility for services.

Stark DD Service and Support Administrators

Transportation Department
3059 Cleveland Ave. S
Canton, OH 44707
Phone 330-484-6451
Fax 330-484-0549

Transporation Services - Catchment Area
Route changes
Riding the Bus ... Rules of the Road
Responsibility of the Parents, Guardian, and or Caregivers
Daily Pick-up Procedures
Daily Drop-off Procedures
Designated Point of Safety
No One Home Policy
Inclement Weather
Evacuation Drills/Safety
Emergency Situations
Wheelchair Checklist
Wheelchair Loading/Securing
Special Equipment
Qualifications and Characteristics of a Professional Driver
Qualification and Characteristics of a Professinal Bus Rider/Aide
Bus Mechanics

Transportation is available to individuals in Board programs living throughout Stark County. Stark DD provides transportation to schools and workshops as well as van services to selected areas of community employment. Transportation Department vehicles typically travel more than 1.5 million miles a year, providing services to more than 750 individuals utilizing 71 buses and 49 vans and trucks.We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Michael Seaman, Transportation Manager
330-484-6451

Lowell Byrd, Chief Mechanic
330-484-9176

Linda Ross, Routing Clerk
330-484-6451

Diane Sidwell, Administrative Assistant
330-484-6451

Cindy Petree, Payroll & Customer Service Clerk
330-484-6451

Transportation Services – Catchment Area

The Board is committed to ensuring that safe transportation is available to all eligible individuals. Workshops will be assigned by the Board based on the home address. If an individual moves, the assigned workshop could also change based on the new residency.

However, individuals may request to attend a different workshop other than the one assigned. Such transportation must be provided by the individual or by a willing non-medical transportation provider.

Below is a list of zip codes and their corresponding workshops.
Please note: This list is a general guideline. Contact the Bus Garage for verification of your catchment area and workshop.

Route Changes

In the event a change occurs on any route, regarding pick-up, drop off, or bus number, the bus garage will notify the parent or guardian of the change. All address changes should first be reported to your school or workshop, then to the Transportation Department for re-routing. Please note that most route changes take up to 3 days to process.
 

Riding the BUS….. Rules of the Road

• Please be ready prior to your scheduled pick-up time.
• Wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop.
• Go directly to assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion.
• Remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear.
• Be respectful to the Driver and Rider.
• Do not fight, push, or shove other individuals while on the bus.
• Be courteous. Do not use profane language.
• Refrain from eating and drinking on the bus except as required for medical reasons.
• Do not smoke.
• No throwing of objects on, into, or out of the bus.
• All personal property must be kept on one’s lap.
• Individuals must leave or board the bus at assigned locations, unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise.
• Individuals must not put head or arms out of the bus windows.
• Pets are not permitted on the bus.
• Valuable items such as radios should not be carried on the bus; transportation staff cannot be responsible for such items
   

Responsibility of Parents, Guardian, and or Caregivers:

• Parent, Guardian and or Caregiver should encourage individuals to observe all safety and conduct regulations established for the safe and efficient operation of the bus.
• Parent, Guardian and or Caregiver must be present to receive the individual when the bus arrives as the bus stop, unless otherwise previously approved.
• The bus driver must have a visible indication that an adult is present before allowing the individual to leave the bus, unless otherwise previously approved.
• When a responsible caretaker is not present to receive the child, the bus driver will first try to contact the responsible parent, guardian or caregiver, as well as back-up contacts by phone. If no one can be reached, the child will be returned to his or her assigned school or workshop.
• Caretakers who are not present when the bus arrives at the bus stop will be required to pick the individual up at their assigned school or workshop.
• For the safety of both passengers and transportation staff, walkways and driveways should be kept clear of ice and snow. It is the driver’s responsibility to assess risk and to make decisions on how and where the bus will travel. If transportation staff determine that they are unable to drop-off or pick-up because of ice or snow or other obstructions, parents and caregivers will be informed of the hazard and concern.

Daily Pick-up Procedures

Occasionally, a vehicle can arrive as much as 5 minutes before or after the scheduled pick-up time. If the bus arrives before the scheduled pick-up time, the driver is required to wait until the scheduled pick-up time. The bus is only required to wait 5 minutes past the scheduled pickup time. If the bus is consistently late, parents, guardians, providers are encouraged to call the Bus Garage at 330-484-6451, give their name, phone number and other relevant information, including the nature of the problem. The complaint or concern will be immediately referred to the appropriate supervisor for investigation and resolution.

Please have the person riding the bus ready when the vehicle arrives. Please help the driver remain on schedule.

For each individual’s safety, bus drivers make pick-ups on the residence side of the street unless they have other direction from the Manager of Transportation and the approval of the parent, guardian, or provider.

If the individual waits outside the residence for the bus, they should be at least 15 feet from the street and 15 feet away from the pick-up point. If the residence is less than 15 feet from the street, the individual should wait inside the residence until the bus arrives and comes to a complete stop.

Daily Drop-off Procedures

It is important that the parent or a responsible person be at home in the afternoon when the bus arrives. Drivers will wait until the student or individual is safely into the residence before departing.

If a parent/responsible person come to the bus door to escort the passenger to the house, the driver will not leave until the parent/guardian and passenger have walked at least 15 feet away from the bus and 15 feet away from the street. However, if a minor comes to the bus to escort the passenger to the residence, the driver will still wait until the passenger and minor have entered the residence.

If it is not possible to see the passenger safely enter the residence due to the location of the residence, the driver will note the exact drop-off location on the route sheet and will not leave until the individual has walked at least 15 feet away from the vehicle and 15 feet away from the street.

For each individual’s safety, drivers make drop-offs on the residence side of the street unless directed otherwise by the Manager of Transportation and the approval of the parent, guardian, and or provider.

Transportation will not drop off an individual at any alternate address unless authorized by the parent/responsible person and the Manager of Transportation. Alternate addresses must be preapproved and within a reasonable distance from the passenger’s home and within their catchment area.

The Transportation Department will not approve the drop-off of an individual to an unauthorized person.
 

Designated Point of Safety

Section 3301.83.13 of the Ohio Administrative Code indicates that each individual shall be assigned a residence side designated point of safety. The law requires the bus driver not to proceed until all individuals who have left the bus reach the designated place of safety on their resident side of the street.
 

No One Home Policy

Safety is the first priority for every individual transported by the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities. During the decision making process of each day, safety must guide and rule every action. Each staff person is responsible to account for the safety and whereabouts of each individual under their care. That responsibility does not end until or unless that obligation is assumed by another authorized person. Transportation uses the information located on the back of the emergency form to determine who is approved to receive the child/adult.
In light of the above statement on safety, the following procedure will be followed in the event no one is home.

• Bus Driver, upon determining that no one is present to receive an individual, which is typical or required at the drop off site, will not drop the individual off.
• The Bus Driver will contact the Bus Garage via the radio and apprise the radio operator of the situation.
• The Bus Garage will telephone the resident to make certain that no one is present in the home.
• If there is no response at the residence, the back up telephone number on the emergency form will be called. The back up contact will need to meet the bus at the individual’s residents within a reasonable period of time.
• If no contact can be made with the back-up, the Driver will wait for fifteen (15) minutes, as advised by the Supervisor. After the fifteen (15) minute period or less, as determined by the Supervisor, the bus would proceed to its next drop off. The Bus Garage will continue to try to make contact with both the residence and back-up.
• Based upon the instructions of the Supervisor in charge and with no other option upon the completion of the bus run, the Driver will be instructed to return the individual to another program site opened for the purpose of shelter. Due to the numerous possibilities in the case of an emergency such at this, the Supervisor in charge at the Bus Garage will coordinate services as necessary.

Inclement Weather

When winter season is upon us, the Transportation Department understands that our decision to cancel bus services in bad weather has a big effect on our families. We also understand our individuals are better served – both academically and socially – by being in the program. Nevertheless, as always, our top priority is the safety of our individuals.

How we make our decision?

Please understand we make the decision to suspend transportation services during bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

• Information on road conditions
• Amount of snow and ice accumulated
• Parking lot conditions
• Temperature and wind chill
• Road visibility
• Bus availability

Who makes the decision?

The Chief Operating Officer of Programs and Services is responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendation of the Transportation Manager.

How is the Public Notified?

• On the Radio at WHBC-AM ( 1480 ) or WHBC-FM ( 94.1 )
• Call our main number (330-477-5200) to hear the automated message, which will be recorded as early as possible to reflect the codes.

Or check the Web at Stark DD or Canton Repository

* Code 1: Stark County/DD Adult Programs will be open but there will be no bus services. Code 1 means that the clients may be present if transported to and from the facilities by private individuals.

* Code 2: Stark County/DD will be closed. Code 2 means that the entire program will be closed for all clients/students and staff.

NOTE: Southgate and Eastgate schools are closed to students for both CODE 1 and CODE 2.
 

Evacuation Drills/Safety

Bus evacuation drills are conducted annually as required by the Ohio Department of Education. Safety instruction and review are provided throughout the year in an effort to emphasize safety and safety awareness.
 

Emergency Situations

All emergencies will be reported immediately to the Bus Garage by the driver/rider and coordinated though the transportation Supervisor.
In the event of an emergency, parents and providers will be notified as soon as possible by the either the school or workshop management staff.
 

Wheelchair Checklist

Key items to check before transporting a Wheelchair:

• Lap belt should have proper hardware, i.e. belt buckle should have manual release. (Velcro, snaps, plastic clasps, etc. are not acceptable)
• Lap belts should be attached to the chair frame with proper hardware.
• Wheel locks must lock and secure wheels.
• Tires must be properly inflated.
• Tires must have enough tread so that the locks will function properly.
• Rims and spokes should be in good repair.
• Frame should be free of structural flaws such as cracks and abnormal signs of wear or strain.
• Footrest, armrest, and accessory components must be firmly attached to the chair frame.
• All individuals riding in wheelchairs must have proper head and neck support.
• If the wheelchair is battery powered, ensure the batteries are secured and properly contained within the battery container section of the wheelchair.
• Lap trays are to be removed and secured separately.

Wheelchair Loading/Securing

To load and unload an individual with a motorized wheelchair, the individual should NOT drive onto the lift unless cleared to do so by the entire IEP team. Individual should always face outward, away from the bus. Proper securing of the wheelchair and individual is most important; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 222 requires that a 7-point system be used: 4 points to secure the wheelchair; 3 points to secure the individual.
 

Special Equipment

Oxygen
The Department of Education has established the following guidelines regarding the safe transportation of oxygen on a school bus:

1. Oxygen shall be transported on a school bus only when it is medically necessary. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child with disabilities must document the oxygen use requirement.
2. Oxygen must be transported in a secure container maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The oxygen must be housed in a portable unit and should be less than 15 pounds total weight.
3. Oxygen cylinders cannot be held by the individual, transported in a shoulder pack, or fastened to the wheelchair. The tank must be removed and secured in an appropriate container and attached to the vehicle frame and or wall in an upright position to transport.
4. The Transportation Department will provide the appropriate bracket.

Transportation Equipment
SCBDD will provide Seatbelts, Safety Vest, Wrap-Arounds, and Car Seats, as needed or for any student or adult whose condition requires it for safe transportation. These items are the property of SCBDD and must be returned at the end of the school year or when no longer needed. Students / Adults who require any special equipment will not be transported without them.

Qualifications and Characteristics of a Professional Driver

Qualifications to be a Stark County DD bus driver include:

• At least two years of driving experience or meet local board policy age requirements
• Annual physical examination
• Semi-annual driver record check
• Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• School bus driver certification by the district
• Criminal background check
• Pre-service and in-service training resulting in certification by ODE
• Random drug and alcohol testing

In addition to testing, training, and certification, a bus driver must uphold certain mental and moral standards. Characteristics of a good bus driver are:

• Good moral character and reputation
• Ability to cope with stressful situations
• Ability to control temper and maintain poise
• Professionalism
• Highly skilled in driving
• Possess compassion and patience
• Have an attitude of service

Qualifications and Characteristics of a Professional Bus Rider/Aide

• 
  Physical capability to lift, assist, and escort those being transported
• Ability to cope with stressful situations during transportation of children/adults
• Possessing skills through formal and or in-service training related to transportation of preschool children and special needs
• A satisfactory report from the state bureau of criminal identification and investigation that includes information from the federal bureau of investigation shall be required prior to the hiring of an individual as a bus rider
• Have an attitude of service

Bus Mechanics

The SCDD Mechanics are all ASE certified, possess a CDL with Passenger & Bus endorsements. We maintain an aggressive preventive maintenance program, to insure compliance with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s stringent annual and spot inspections. Our goal is to provide our individuals and students with transportation that is reliable and safe.