The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides or links children and adults with disabilities to the services and supports they need for their lives. The County Board is funded by local, state and federal sources and most services are provided at no cost.    A seven-member board governs the organization. Five members are appointed by the County Commissioners and two appointed by the Probate Judge. By law, at least three of the board members must be family members of individuals who receive, or are eligible to receive, services from the County Board. Board members are volunteers and receive no compensation for their services.   The board of directors meets on the first Thursday of each month in the conference room at the Board office, 330 Fox-Shannon Place, St. Clairsville. The meetings are called to order at 4:30 p.m.


ADULT SERVICES
Adult Services are for people with developmental disabilities ages 22 and older. Services include work skill development, service coordination, employment, occupational, physical, and speech services, emotional, physical and personal development, and 24-hour crisis intervention.

RESIDENTIAL
The County Board works with other organizations like Eastern Ohio Housing Development Corporation, Sunrise Acres Ranch, ResCare and Paramount Support Services to develop community living options for the people it serves. The County Board also provides residential supports through various funding sources that help people remain connected to family and friends.

TRANSPORTATION
The County Board Transportation Department travels 1700 miles per day taking people to school, work, medical appointments, and Special Olympics’ events. Children ride familiar yellow school buses, while adults are transported in light transit vehicles or cars. Specialized equipment ensures the highest level of safety in transport.

EARLY INTERVENTION
Services for children ages 0 to 2, who are at risk for or have a developmental disability are provided through Early Intervention. Early Intervention services are family-centered, community-based and responsive to the interests, priorities and needs of the family.

INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL
Children with developmental disabilities ages 3 to 5 and their typically developing peers are educated in the Integrated Preschool program at the School of Hope. Two intervention specialists (teachers) and two instructor assistants teach classes four days per week.

SCHOOL OF HOPE
The Board’s school-age setting is the School of Hope, where children (ages 6 to 22 years) with developmental disabilities are educated.  Classes are held five days per week.

STAFF
The Board employs 76 people (including subs) in the following areas: direct care provider, intervention specialist (teacher), instructor assistant, service and support administrator, bus driver, maintenance/janitorial, food service, and administration.

FACILITIES
The Board office is located at 330 Fox-Shannon Place and includes Administration and the Early Childhood and Family Center, which includes the School of Hope, Head Start, and Easter Seals. The Transportation department is located on Pogue Road, St. Clairsville.