STARKDD COVID-19 Information

Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

To Stakeholders: As many of you have heard, Governor Mike DeWine has issued a stay-at-home order requiring all non-essential businesses to close until May 1 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The order makes exceptions for essential human services agencies, however, which means the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities will continue working for you and your loved ones as Ohio weathers this public health crisis…. read the complete March 23 correspondence from Superintendent William Green.

Read the Ohio Department of Health’s Frequently Asked Questions about the Governor’s Order to Stay At Home

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a virus spread from person to person. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

For more information read the CDC’s list of Frequently Asked Questions.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, here is a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.

Ohio Dept of Health Household Checklist

Checklist for Family & Individuals

 

Cancellations
  • Due to health concerns All Special Olympic activities have been suspended through March 31st. This includes all four weeks of the Walsh Unified League and the bowling banquet on March 16th. If you have questions please call 330 477-5200.
  • All face to face home and day site visits as well as meetings (Individual Family Support Plan, Individual Education Plan, and Individual Service Plan meetings included) are temporarily suspended in order to protect the health and safety of all involved. This is applicable to supports we provide for early intervention, service and support administration, provider compliance and support, and RNQA visits. We will be using tele-visits, tele-meetings or phone consultations.
  • We have cancelled all extra-curricular activities, which includes early intervention play groups, adult social nights, self-advocacy meetings, book clubs, Aktion Club, and Special Olympic activities until further notice.
  • We have cancelled all trainings we offer to providers that include medication administration, CPR/First-Aid, and Mandt trainings.
  • The Unified Special Olympics/Staff Basketball Game scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at Walsh University is canceled. We will re-schedule that at a later date to be announced.
  • The March Personnel meeting scheduled for March 17 and the Finance meeting scheduled for March 20 have been cancelled.
  • Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities has cancelled the monthly governance meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ernest Cohen Room of the Whipple-Dale Centre, 2950 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton.
Stark DD Family Info

Families and people with disabilities who need help should email Need Support

Schools should continue promoting everyday disease prevention strategies:

  • If you are sick, stay home from school.
  • Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.

From Superintendent William Green…March 17, 2020 Correspondence

Children respond differently to emergencies. For ideas to help your child cope visit the CDC’s webpage, Helping Children Cope with Emergencies.

Read the Visitation Policies for Stark County Area Hospitals as of April 13, 2020

Provider Info

Providers, for staffing needs, please email Provider Support

If you are looking for temporary work and interested in helping others contact us using our Direct Care Worker Inquiry Form. You may also contact Edward Lewis, Supervisor of Provider Compliance and Support, at 330-479-3618 to learn how you can help others during this time of need.

For questions about medications, please call our RNQA Hotline at 330-479-4018

Checklist for Healthcare Providers
Checklist for Business & Employers
OACB Passport Form: Hospital Transfer
OACB FAQs: Confidentiality, HIPAA and People Served
Read the DODD Guidance for Re-Opening Adult Day Services published May 8, 2020: Update To Day and Transportation Services Related to ODH Order
This video is a great primer for support staff and people with developmental disabilities as county boards and providers continue to address COVID-19. Thanks to Toward Independence, Inc. for producing COVID-19 Tips for DD Providers.

From Superintendent William Green…March 17, 2020 Correspondence

Direct Care Worker Inquiry

If you are looking for temporary work and interested in helping others contact us using our Direct Care Worker Inquiry Form. You may also contact Edward Lewis, Supervisor of Provider Compliance and Support, at 330-479-3618 to learn how you can help others during this time of need.

Resources

We are collecting a list of resources to help while people are homebound during the COVID-19 virus. We will attempt to sort them by general needs and educational ideas for learning.

General Needs

  • Spectrum is offering Free Internet Access for the next 60 days to households with k-12 and/or college students who do not already have Spectrum services. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395
  • This video is a great primer for support staff and people with developmental disabilities as county boards and providers continue to address COVID-19. Thanks to Toward Independence, Inc. for producing COVID-19 Tips for DD Providers.

Educational Resources

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