New Guidance DODD for considering electronic equipment purchases with waiver funds
Recently DODD has received inquiries about the appropriateness of purchasing electronic devices, e.g. PCs, laptops, iPads, etc. through our waivers. DODD offers this guidance to county boards who are responsible for the authorization of requested purchases of such devices funded under DODD-administrated Medicaid waivers. It is not our intent to identify a comprehensive list of approvable electronic devices or a similar list of those items that would be excluded. Rather, we offer the following guidance for county boards to use in determining when electronic devices may be purchased with waiver funds.

Franklin County BVR's New Front Door
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation has changed the way we welcome consumers. The new process will allow us to provide more flexible, personal services, rather than group orientations. Also, no need to make a referral or an appointment! Just come on in!

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to Host Family Forums in June at Six Locations, Statewide
ASO is one of several Host Organizations for these Forums

You are invited to attend a Family Forum featuring an informative presentation on Ohio's budget, by Department of Developmental Disabilities Director John Martin. County Board Superintendents, service providers, and family members will share and ask for ideas about how we can manage - but do more - with less.

The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD) values your input, and needs your feedback and suggestions as they move forward in the planning process. They will be asking how you can use services differently, to help continue to build good stewardship of the system while increasing your choices and independence.

Please attend and share your thoughts. DoDD is listening! No R.S.V.P. needed.

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Health Care Survey from Nisonger Center - Please Participate!
The Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University Medical Center is assessing issues regarding health care transitions from pediatric care to primary adult care in Ohio.

Difficulties finding adult providers who are comfortable and knowledgeable about various disabilities, trouble attaining insurance coverage, and lack of readiness for this transition are some of the issues that have been reported. Through online surveys and focus groups, the CATCH project will look at healthcare transition for youth with developmental disabilities, their families, and pediatric and adult providers in Ohio.

Please go to www.nisonger.osu.edu/catchproject to get more information, volunteer to be a part of the focus groups, and complete an online survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Target.

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During the past few days, we have received inquiries from individuals telling us that they are getting phone calls soliciting money on behalf of an organization - the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation - which says that the Autism Society is supportive of that organization and implying that funds raised will be provided to the Autism Society. The Autism Society has not given any permission to any non Autism Society chapter or affiliate agency to raise money on its behalf. Any organization stating we have is not providing truthful information. The Autism Society has issued an immediate cease and desist order to the agency making such calls.

People First Ohio - A Call to Action
People First of Ohio, self-advocates who advocate in the state of Ohio, board members and
statewide chapters, called to action in favor of moving forward for choices and choosing
options for employment. For example: sheltered workshops, community employment,
enclaves, adult day services, volunteering, educational classes, starting own business,
supportive employment and training centers.