ODMRDD Martin v. Strickland
Survey Update – March 26, 2007
When will the survey be mailed?
As we are sure you know, ODJFS has agreed in the Martin v Strickland Settlement Agreement to conduct the survey for residents of community-based ICFs/MR and DODD has agreed to conduct the survey for residents of DC’s.
On March 5 and 6, 2007 the survey was mailed by DODD to the guardians of all individuals living in state- operated Developmental Centers and to APSI for responses on behalf of the 2,000 plus persons living in ICFs/MR who they represent. On this same date, DC staff members began explaining the survey to the remaining individuals who have no guardians and assisting them to respond.
During the week of March 26, 2007, ODJFS will have mailed surveys, including addressed and stamped return envelopes, to approximately 2,000 individuals and guardians of individuals residing in community-based ICFs/MR.
Throughout the month of March 2007, ODJFS plans to complete the task of mailing surveys to all residents and guardians of the residents of the 431 community-based ICFs/MR in Ohio. The mailing has been delayed because ODJFS first needed to contact each facility to obtain a roster of residents and the names and addresses of their guardians in order to directly contact as many guardians as possible and obtain their survey responses. Since the survey response deadline is April 30, 2007, however, the department is confident that respondents will have ample time to consider and respond to the survey questions.
Will the county boards and the ICFs/MR be alerted when the surveys go out?
APSI, the Arc, County Board of DODD, the County Board Superintendent’s Association, OPRA, OHCA, Ohio DD Council and members of the DODD Family Advisory Council have received copies of the survey, the cover letters explaining the survey processes that were designed for individuals and providers, an explanation of waiver services, and a comparison of ICF/MR and waiver services. Representatives of these groups were asked to distribute this information to their constituencies. All ICF/MR providers will receive an explanation of the survey purpose and their expected participation in it prior to the time residents of facilities they operate receive the actual survey form and supporting information.
Will the county board have any role in the survey process?
Although no formal role has been contemplated, Service and Support Administrators, Adult Service staff or other County Board of MRDD employees who have ongoing interactions with individuals residing in ICFs/MR and/or their guardians are encouraged to explain the intent of the survey to them, and to encourage them to send in their responses.
Who will assist individuals or their guardians to complete the survey if they need assistance, or answer questions?
ODMRDD has established a toll free voice mailbox at 1 (877) 464-6733 to which questions may be directed. DODD personnel will respond to questions and provide requested information. The availability of this number has been publicized on the survey form and on the DODD website, dodd.ohio.gov.
What if more than 200 individuals living in ICFs/MR say they want a waiver?
Following completion of an initial prioritization strategy, in collaboration with ODJFS, DODD will convene a broad base of stakeholders to critique the strategy. To date the strategy has not been developed.
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