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REM Ohio Recognizes and Seeks Support for Direct Support Professionals 

In honor of National DSP Week, REM Ohio has selected four individuals in the Akron area, from many nominations received throughout the year, to honor as their 2010 Outstanding Direct Support Professionals.

Governor Strickland recognizes National DSP Week

Governor Ted Strickland recognizes September 12-18, 2010 as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week." In his letter, he discusses the vital role of DSPs and how they enhance the lives of those they serve. Thank you to all DSPs for your continued hard work!

 
Foster Mentor of the Year hosts adults with special needs 
 
WELLINGTON, Ohio — In 1988, Barbara Watters told her husband, Bill, she was looking for a career change. For three years she had been working at Weber’s Health Care in Wellington, but wanted to be home with their three children.

Watters saw a small newspaper advertisement from Ohio Mentor looking for mentors willing to open their homes to individuals with intellectual and developmental needs. The ad boasted a work-from-home job with a paycheck.
 
DD Awareness Month Kick-Off Event

The DD Awareness Month Kick-off event was held on March 4, in Columbus, Ohio. The event brought over 300 people from all around the state. Those in attendance included individuals with disabilities, family members, service providers and advocates. REM Ohio was proud to be a part of this event.  
 
REM Ohio Seeks Public Support for House Bill 868
 
AKRON, OH - March is Developmental Disability (DD) Awareness Month. In honor of DD Awareness Month, REM Ohio, a service provider to the DD community, is seeking the community’s involvement with a letter writing campaign in support of House Bill (HR) 868: Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Fairness and Security Act of 2009. This bill seeks to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide funds to states to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted DSPs who are providing services to individuals with disabilities under certain Medicaid programs. Passage of this bill is needed to permanently address the workforce crisis that currently exists in attracting and retaining DSPs.

REM Ohio Team To Be Recognized for Outstanding Service and Achievement

AKRON, OH – REM Ohio, a provider of human services to adults living with developmental disabilities, announced today that a team of employees from their Cleveland office, will receive the Outstanding Team Award from the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) at the organization’s annual awards ceremony, in Columbus, Ohio on October 28, 2009. The outstanding team will be honored for the work they have done with adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).

The team is comprised of Mary K. Ziccardi, area administrator; Sara Clemson, regional director; Laura Orozco, program director; and Tina DiDino, health services nurse.

REM Ohio Program Director To Be Recognized for Outstanding Achievement

AKRON, OH – REM Ohio, a provider of human services for adults living with developmental disabilities, announced today that program director, Kathryn Redding, from their central region office in Columbus, will receive the Outstanding Front Line Supervisor Award from the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) at the organization’s annual awards ceremony, in Columbus, Ohio on October 28, 2009.

CENTRAL REGION 2009 APPRECIATION PICNIC

In honor of the central regional staff and the individuals we serve, REM Ohio hosted an appreciation picnic on September 24th, 2009 at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. REM Ohio’s individuals and employees came out to partake in this luau themed celebration. It was a memorable day and we would like to thank everyone who made this experience possible.

REM Ohio would like to thank all employees and the individuals we serve for making this organization great!!

Ohio’s Direct Support Professionals in the Spotlight

September 16, 2009

As noted in the September 2 issue of Pipeline, the week of September 14 is National Direct Support Professionals Week -- recognizing the important contribution that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) make in communities throughout the nation. The designation also provides an opportunity to spotlight the role Direct Support Professionals play, every day, in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities of all ages, as well as the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining a competitively paid, quality workforce.

Ripple of Hope Award

By Crystal Erickson

September 14, 2009

The Ripple of Hope Award is one of the highest recognitions that can be obtained from The Mentor Network. This award was established in 2005 for those in the direct care field who exemplify the highest degree of passion, energy and skillfulness. The nominees of this award are employees and Mentors who have demonstrated their ability to create a positive impact in the lives of others. These outstanding employees and caregivers have created a "ripple of hope." They have left a legacy of caring and compassion for others to follow.
 
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