Service Coordination

Service and Support Administrators help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families understand available options for accessing area resources. SSAs help promote and facilitate health, safety and independence of individuals with disabilities. SSAs are available to serve anyone in Ashland County with a qualifying diagnosis; over the age of three, who meet the eligibility criteria.
Referrals for SSA services are made through Service & Support Administration. Contact Sandy Cody, or any SSA. Call 419-289-0470.

Eligibility Determination

Proof of a qualifying diagnosis is obtained from school records or a medical professional prior to administering one of the two eligibility instruments. Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI) Is the tool used for children ages 6 to 15 to determine if a child qualifies for County Board services. Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) Is the instrument used for anyone age 16 and older. These tools tests in Mobility, Self-Care, Self-Direction, Capacity for Independent Living, Learning, Receptive and Expressive Language, and Economic Self Sufficiency.

Developing Person Centered Service Plan

After eligibility is determined an SSA is assigned to the individual. The SSA works with the individual and their support system to create a personalized plan that helps to outline services provided to enrich the life of the individual. The team works with the individual to discuss risks and ensure health and safety.

Service Monitoring

The SSAs use the plan to review what services the Individual has requested and received. They periodically visit homes, day programs, work locations, and other locations to assess for safety and ensure compliance with what the Individual has requested.

Administration of Waivers

Medicaid authorizes the Department of Developmental Disabilities to administer several different waivers. The waiver helps to disperse State and County dollars to provide supports for community living. These waivers include the Level 1 Waiver, the Individual Options Waiver, and the SELF Waiver. A statewide assessment tool is used to determine eligibility for waiver enrollment.

Free Choice of Provider

TSSAs have a duty to provide freedom of choice to all Medicaid Waiver recipients. SSAs assist waiver recipients in this process through the DODD Provider Search Portal, sharing objective information about providers, and creating and sharing an individual profile with prospective providers. SSAs will assist in developing interview questions, as well and scheduling and participating in provider interviews.

Transition Planning Services

SSAs are working with the local school districts to develop services for students ages 14 to 24 as they enter the workforce. The emphasis is to focus on employability, but may include referrals for other services.

Residential Services

Housing can be obtained independently anywhere in Ashland County. Our residential services are committed to encouraging independence in safe, affordable environments. If needed, staff support is available to help people reach their highest level of independence; and is usually funded though Medicaid Waivers.
Ashland County also has a non-profit Housing Board, called the Ashland County Residential Services Inc (ACRS).

Adult Employment and Day Programs

Adult day programs provide a wide range of employment, vocational and habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities. These programs are intended to increase independence and quality of life of each individual. These services can include:

  • Employment - job matching and placement, coaching and follow-up services
  • Vocational - vocational skill training, volunteer opportunities, sheltered employment
  • Habilitation - recreation and socialization, personal care, independent living skills