Statewide Assessment Training

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and Family Resource Network of Ohio (FRNO) partnered with Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to offer a statewide training on the assessment process. The Nisonger Center created a unique two-part training series to reach a diverse audience across the state. The first training session was offered virtually and covered the basics of what the assessment process is and how teams can work together to create a person-centered assessment for the Ohio Individual Support Plan. The NCSS team offered six of these virtual session and trained 461 participants from 62 counties in Ohio. A thank you to Learning Never Ends, Secure Haven Care and Summit Board of Developmental Disabilities for partnering with us to pilot additional formats of this training as well! Those who attended included Service and Support Administrators, individuals with lived experience, parents, guardians, and direct support professionals.

The second training session was a side-by-side model offered in the six DODD regions throughout the state. The side-by-side model invites the entire team to the training so teams can learn together. Teams included SSAs, individuals with lived experience, direct support professionals, families, and guardians. Teams participated in activities aimed at gathering assessment information in a new way. Teams also learned about person-centered planning and Charting the Lifecourse tools that could be used during the assessment process. Individuals shared that they enjoyed being part of this process and found the information helpful. Direct support professionals felt empowered to share information with the team. Guardians and family members expressed that they appreciated being included. Service and Support Administrators shared that the assessment process seemed more manageable and relatable. They learned things about their teams and had fun!

Feedback:

Services and Support Administrators:

I enjoyed seeing the person I support in a different environment and spending some time getting to know them better.

Person supported:

It was easy, fun, and interesting. I liked sitting with my team and playing some games. I learned some new interesting stuff.

I’m learning to be independent and getting more social, so this was a way to continue my goals with support.

Providers and Other Professional Team members:

It was great to see the collaboration and to think creatively on the spot to better inform the OhioISP.

Family Member:

I left with new information about how I can contribute to improve my child’s OhioISP.

I also feel I learned more about the OhioISP assessment process.