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.

Nina’s Success Story

Nina Williams still cries sometimes when she thinks about all she’s been through. But now, after years of trauma and struggle, Williams sheds mostly happy tears.

“I am a very successful person,” she said, smiling. “And I am glad that I got help. I actually fear that if I didn’t, I might be dead.”

Williams said she’s thriving in large part due to the intensive case management and behavior-support services she received through the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio State University Nisonger Center. The agency and center have partnered for the past 20 years to better serve central Ohio and in 2019 launched a “Co-Service Coordination” effort to help people such as Williams who have both developmental disabilities and complex behavioral challenges.

Many of those referred to the co-service program exhibit behaviors that could endanger themselves or others or put them at risk of legal sanction or incarceration. Oftentimes, they can’t hold onto relationships with family and friends and aren’t able to attend day programs or maintain community employment.

“A lot of our clients have been through a lot of trauma – they’ve had many different living situations,” said Kelly Barnett, clinical program manager for Nisonger Behavior Support Services. “What our assessment is trying to do is figure out what needs aren’t being met.”

Matthew’s Success Story

Matthew received support from Nisonger Behavior Support Services after transitioning to a community home from his family home. Matthew was displaying behaviors that were disruptive and unsafe to himself and others in the home. He has limited communication skills and through our assessment it was found that the living situation was potentially dangerous for Matthew. The behavior specialist and service coordinator were able to advocate for a move to an environment which was safe and a better fit.

Supports were designed to respect Matthew’s rights as an adult and provide staff with the tools needed to best support him. Staff were trained on replacing unsafe behaviors with positive skills, such as increasing ability to communicate, developing a daily schedule and using self‐calming skills. Regular team meetings were held and trainings were provided to staff and caregivers. The behavior specialist assisted with creating trust amongst the team and helping them understand Matthew’s unique needs.

Matthew is currently flourishing while living in the community and engaging in positive social relationships. He was previously unable to attend adult day services due to his unsafe behaviors. He now attends three times per week and enjoys being active in the community and socializing with others while there. The behavior specialist has been able to fade off the team due to success.

Stephen’s Success Story

When Stephen was referred for behavior support services, he was experiencing behaviors that were at times unsafe. His team worked together to understand what was causing these behaviors to occur and to help Stephen meet those needs in safer ways. Some key things that helped Stephen were a change in his residential setting for a fresh start in a place where he felt safe and welcomed. Also consistent training for staff on ways to prevent unsafe behaviors and to intervene when needed. Plus incorporating his interests into his plan and using a calendar to make sure that Stephen knew the things he wanted to do would be prioritized.

Stephen loves using his calendar to plan ahead and will plan activities months or sometimes a year in advance. This helps him feel secure in knowing he has something to look forward to.

Stephen loves farm animals, especially cows, and has formed positive connections with people locally as well as forming connections via social media with people who share his interests around the world.