Pioneer Center believes in the Employment First philosophy that every person has abilities, skills and talents to enrich the community and people around us. We envision a time when every working-age adult with developmental disabilities has opportunity to explore their career options and seek jobs that fit their skills and interests.
The Job Seekers Guide is a collection of resources provided by Employment First that educate individuals and their families and offer tools to help them become employed in their communities.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence.
For assistance with getting a job in Ross County, please contact your assigned SSA or Art Nickles, at 740-775-7044.
“Health and Respite” refers to funding through the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities (RCBDD) to assist families and individuals with the purchase of eligible items and services. In order to be eligible for Health and Respite funding, an individual must reside in Ross County and have a formal plan (IFSP, ISP) through either Early Intervention or Service and Support Administration services, and living with a family member. Health and Respite funding should only be used as a last resource, and will not cover purchases or services provided through another source.
Effective January 1, 2017, we will only pay one utility bill as part of our Health and Respite Program if there is a risk to the individual’s health and safety or a disconnect notice has been issued by the utility and increasing available funds to $350 for children to age 6 and $600 for individuals 6 and above that are eligible for services.
Greg Williamson, Residential Service Director
Examples of eligible services include:
- Respite
- Specialized programs/camps
- Medical supplies (test strips, medications, etc.) not covered by Medicaid or private insurance
- Durable medical equipment (mechanical lifts, slings, walkers, IV stands, hospital beds, etc.) not covered by Medicaid or private insurance
- Adaptive devices (feeding equipment, communication devices, switches, lift chairs, safety alarms, etc.) not covered by Medicaid or private insurance
- Emergency response systems
- Home medications (ramps, grab bars, etc.)
- Therapies, as prescribed by a physician
Any request for funding through Health and Respite may only be granted if the request does not exceed the household cap established by the RCBDD, and only if funding is available. RCBDD reserves the right to deny any Health and Respite request. For more information contact Cindy Elliott, Health and Respite Coordinator at 740-773-8044.
New Health & Respite Applications will be available January 1st for the calendar year. Please contact Cindy Elliott at 740-773-8044 or celliott@rossdd.org for your application or assistance.
Funding for services provided by Pioneer Center can be made through Supported Living or Medicaid Waiver programs (Individual Options Waiver, Level 1 Waiver, SELF Waiver, or Transitions DD Waiver). There are a limited number of “slots” available for each waiver across Ohio. In order to receive a waiver, the individual must be Medicaid eligible. The SSA staff can assist you with the application process when necessary.
People interested in a waiver or Supported Living services should contact Greg Williamson, Residential Service Director
740-773-8044, ext 263 or
gwilliamson@rossdd.org) or their Service & Support Administrator (SSA) concerning the various services provided through these waivers and discuss placement upon the appropriate waiting list.
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)
ICFs are Medicaid-funded facilities that offer a bundled service package to support people who need a high level of supports. These services include, but are not limited to, help with basic daily living skills (eating, dressing, hygiene, taking medications, etc.), day or employment services, nursing, or other services like speech, occupational therapy (OP), and physical therapy (PT).
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Online ICF Search Tool
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Electronic ICF Informational Booklet
Phone Numbers for Community Resources
This document contains phone numbers for a wide variety of different programs and services available to people in Ross County.
Community Resources
