Annual Plan

Belmont-Harrison-Noble

County Boards of Developmental Disabilities

2025

PROGRESS

REPORT
&

2026

ANNUAL PLAN

BOARD APPROVED:

Belmont – April 9, 2026; Noble – April 8, 2026; Harrison – April 15, 2026

MISSION
Encouraging, Supporting, and Respecting People

on their Journey through Life

VISION
People are valued for who they are and

what they bring to the community

VALUES
We value people and the choices they make for their lives.

We value the human spirit and the potential that lies

within each person.

We value supports that help people live, learn, love, and

have a life of their choosing.

We value relationships that develop from common bonds and interests.

We value self-determination and its dream about life

that goes beyond basic needs.

BHN ALLIANCE

GOVERNING BOARDS

BELMONT CBDD

Joel Braido, President

John Rataiczak, Vice-President

Shawn McKeen, Secretary

Hannah Patterson

Barbara Pomaranski

Barbara Schramm

Annette Wiater

HARRISON CBDD

Sara Taggart, President

Chuck George, Vice-President

Mary Carter, Secretary

Julianna Dulkoski

Carolyn Kibble

David Koch

David Ossman

NOBLE CBDD

Drew West, President

Catherine LaFollette, Vice-President

Angela Crock, Secretary

Tracy Jackson

Shelly Miller

Amanda Myers

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to share our 2025 Progress Report and 2026 Annual Plan. As you read, I hope you see the dedicated team behind the work and the incredible people we support.

As I reflect on the last 12 months, we delivered on what we promised in 2025. We simplified processes; enhanced accessibility; improved services; and acted in a fiscally responsible way by pursuing grants and additional funding.

Now we build on that momentum with an eye to the future. We’ve assessed our staffing, strengthened our practices, and added capacity where needed so our team can continue delivering high-quality service and reliable support rooted in respect, dignity, and high expectations for what’s possible.

Families and caregivers count on us for practical help, the kind that includes respite and in-home supports. They also look to us when needs are complex like when a child is in crisis. We never lose sight of the trust they place in us. Our responsibility is to be responsive and use our resources to ensure the best possible outcome.

There are challenges in the years ahead as the needs of those we support increase. We will meet them by listening, planning carefully, and keeping the people we serve at the center of every decision. Our simple and unwavering promise is this: help people get what they need to be successful at home, in school, on the job, and in the community.

We can deliver on this promise because of the incredible BHN Alliance team that brings both heart and skill to their work. We also appreciate and thank our community partners, providers, advocates, local leaders, friends, and neighbors who walk with us. Together, we do more than deliver services. We open doors to endless possibilities.

Gloria Llewellyn

Superintendent

2025 PROGRESS REPORT

HARRISON PRESCHOOL

Playground accessibility was upgraded with addition of accessible swings
Maintained a Step Up To Quality Gold rating
Achieved 50/50 inclusion ratio in all three preschool classrooms
Continued facility improvements focused on appearance, function, and accessibility
Welcomed new team members who strengthen and reflect our positive workplace culture

EARLY INTERVENTION

Provided team members with specialized training to better support children and families, including:
- Cortical Vision Impairment
- “More than Words”
- “4 I’s to Socialize”
- Various OCALI Conference sessions
Expanded the role of the EI Administrative Assistant, credentialing her as a Service Coordinator
Examined the roles and responsibilities within the EI team and updated position descriptions
Achieved 100 percent compliance on timely receipt of service baseline compliance review in Belmont and Noble counties
Achieved 100 percent compliance on transition baseline compliance review in Harrison County.
Helped secure $9 million in additional state funding to strengthen Early Intervention services in Ohio

SERVICE & SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION

Strengthened collaboration between SSA and Community Supports departments to better support people and families
- SSA Assistant began supporting both departments
  Increased consistency with ISP writing, outcome development/monitoring, and revisions
  Community Supports Team began participating in weekly SSA meetings
  SSA Director and CS Director meet with Intake Coordinator once a week to review all intake/referrals for both departments

Used budget reviews to help ensure supports are appropriate and responsive

Ensure consistency of assessment completion

Considered remote supports and assistive tech

Implemented tech kits with support and training on items from MEORC; access Regional Tech Kit through MEORC website

Ensured continuity of services by assigning an SSA or CS service coordinator to persons receiving Employment Navigation supports

Implemented an OOD referral process and consistent follow up with Counselors allowing better information sharing with SSA or CS. Growth experienced in all three counties as a result:

2024: Belmont (19); Harrison (0); and Noble (2)

2025: Belmont (29); Harrison (1); and Noble (3)

Implemented a Wait List Assessment process completed by SSA Director and CS Director for better consistency

Focused on housing options that are safe, accessible, affordable, and a best match for each person’s needs, preferences, and level of support

Expanded access to providers that offer a wider range of supports, including residential, mental health, and Medicaid-funded services so people with complex needs receive more coordinated care

Reviewed people who do not use their waiver services to ensure they are connected to the right level of support and disenrolling those whose needs were better met outside of the waiver

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

Added a Community Supports Supervisor to assist and support three full-time Community Supports Coordinators
Aligned Non-Waiver ISP and other procedures with the SSA Department to allow for a smoother transition between services
Shared administrative support to help with duties within the Community Supports Department
Streamlined referral process and ongoing documentation requirements for Cluster and Creative Options
Purchased a home in Noble County to offer future respite options for children and families
Strengthened relationships with community partners and local school districts by sharing “Who We are and What We Do” information
Secured $336,535 in grant funding to expand supports for children and families served in Community Supports in 2025

Keeping Families Together Grant

$30,000- Belmont

$30,000- Harrison

$30,000- Noble

Strong Families Safe Communities Grant

$146,535

AR Two

$83,000- Belmont

$15,000- Harrison

$2,000- Noble

QUALITY SUPPORTS & PROVIDER DEVELOPMENT

Achieved 100 percent participation among BHN agency providers serving 25 people or more in the Provider Engagement Survey

Realized an 11 percent increase in Independent Providers participating in the Provider Engagement Survey

56 providers participated in 14 County Board-sponsored Provider Training & Professional Development one-hour sessions

More than 35 Person-Centered outcomes successfully achieved by incentivizing providers to support individuals in this manner.

Assisted 13 applicants in becoming Certified Independent Providers; supported 10 Independent Providers in renewing their three-certification

Fully eliminated Human Rights Committee-approved restrictive measures for individuals served

Coordinated 2025 Momentum Refresh schedule - 26 community events and 1,264 people served.

Completed 93 internal reviews of waiver and non-waiver OhioISPs to ensure quality and compliance

Conducted 16 Independent Provider Compliance Reviews with over 81 percent receiving zero citations

COMMUNICATIONS / INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Developed five-year depreciation schedule for devices across BHN Alliance
Upgraded Community Supports devices to Surface Pros
Created two promotional videos for provider to share with potential funders
Created an awareness video about Tomorrow’s Youth Project that was eventually posted to DODD website
Developed and presented a Cybersecurity 101 training for all staff – Fall 2025
Ensured full compliance with HB 96
Upgraded cell phones to iPhone16E for all Early Intervention staff

HUMAN RESOURCES

Achieved 94 percent completion rate on Employee Engagement Survey
Increased Health Reimbursement Account funding to help offset rising healthcare costs
Developed a Remote Work Policy to establish consistent standards
Implemented a Vacation Leave Buyout Program
Strengthened the county boards’ commitment to person-centered values with employees successfully completing The Good Life training
Established quarterly staff meetings with the Superintendent, reinforcing transparency, communication, and organizational alignment.

TRANSPORTATION & MAINTENANCE – BELMONT

Installed new flooring in lobby and hallways at Belmont County Board
Painted fence at Belmont CBDD Bus Garage
Updated furnace at bus garage
Placed hardscaping around new playground fence
Began renovations and upgrades to production floor, cafeteria, other areas at BCBDD East

REMOVING BARRIERS – EXPANDING ACCESS

Provided Momentum Refresh, a fully accessible mobile restroom unit, increasing access to public events, fairs, and festivals across Belmont, Harrison, and Noble counties for 1,264 people
Supported the design and development of the Legendary Adventure Zone, a fully accessible playground in Noble County
Designed and developed a fully accessible playground at the Belmont CBDD campus using grant funding from AR II Board, Belmont Community Action Commission, and ARPA Funds
Improved accessibility in the building leased by day service provider, PALS (Harrison)
Installed accessible poolside tables at the Happy Time Pool (Noble)
Provided grant funding for Therapeutic Equine Essentials including an additional equine partner, adaptive tack, equipment, and safety supports at Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Stable (Belmont)
Funded the installation of an accessible ramp to the stage at the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (Belmont)

2025 ENROLLMENT NUMBERS

BELMONT COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Early Intervention 342

SSA 310

ICF 100

Community Supports 187

Skill Building 71

School-Age 2

Preschool 0

Employment Navigation 29

TOTAL ENROLLMENT 1041

HARRISON COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Early Intervention 54

SSA 66

ICF 8

Community Supports 45

Skill Building 0

School-Age 0

Preschool 63

Employment Navigation 1

TOTAL ENROLLMENT 237

NOBLE COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Early Intervention 46

SSA 47

ICF 0

Community Supports 27

Skill Building 0

Preschool 0

Employment Navigation 3

TOTAL ENROLLMENT 123

2025 FINANCIAL REPORTS

BELMONT COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $14,006,582.34

Early Intervention 0-3 $3,083,733.52 22.02%

Children ages 3-18 $4,462,591.92 31.86%

Adults ages 18 and older $3,738,420.63 26.69%

Service Coordination $2,721,836.28 19.43%

TOTAL REVENUE $13,019,878.23

Local Property Taxes $9,499,470.62 72.96%

State $965,120.87 7.41%

Federal $697,679.15 5.36%

Other $1,857,607.59 14.27%

2025 FINANCIAL REPORTS
HARRISON COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $3,762,815.05

Early Intervention 0-3 $398,466.08 10.59%

Children ages 3-18 $1,539,197.13 40.90%

Adults ages 18 and older $1,423,206.29 37.82%

Service Coordination $402,035.54 10.68%

TOTAL REVENUE $3,448,754.22

Local Property Taxes $2,815.048.01 81.63%

State $171,227.24 4.96%

Federal $115,729.76 3.36%

Other $346,749.21 10.05%

2025 FINANCIAL REPORTS

NOBLE COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,923,499.38

Early Intervention 0-3 $484,746.34 25.20%

Children ages 3-18 $639,963.70 33.27%

Adults ages 18 and older $362,821.78 18.86%

Service Coordination $435,967.56 22.67%

TOTAL REVENUE $2,338,714.68

Local Property Taxes $1,874,597.35 80.16%

State $192,000.00 8.21%

Federal $120,178.91 5.14%

Other $151,938.42 6.50%

2026 BHN ALLIANCE GOALS

SERVICE & SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION

Realign positions and duties to better meet needs of department and agency
- Hire Service Support Assessment Administrator (formerly known as Community SSA) who will be responsible for Wait List Assessments and serve as backup for Intake and PASRR; InterRAI, and other assessments
- Hire Transition Navigator position (formerly known as Employment Navigator) who will build a network of community resources for people supported with focus on employment, OOD relationship, advocacy, technology, and collaboration between SSA, public schools, families, and partners from adolescence to adulthood.
- Redesign Medicaid Services Manager into an SSA Certified position and hire upon retirement of current MSM
- Develop a standardized procedure for Prior Authorizations
- Standardize the Non-Waiver Summary of Service page by adding defined service categories
- Review all 2:1 staffing arrangements for appropriateness, alternatives, and opportunities for increased independence

COMMUNICATIONS & IT

Launch a redesigned Belmont CBDD website that meets ADA Title II accessibility requirements

Ensure public-facing digital content (social media platforms, websites, documents, etc.) supports effective communication through accessible formats, plain language, and inclusive design
Support development of a strong, organized advocacy group to elevate community voice and engagement
Maintain at least 80 percent participation in Chamber of Commerce meetings to strengthen community partnerships
Develop “The More You Know” educational articles that explain the County Boards’ role, responsibilities, and supports
Publish regular Spotlight features in Harrison News Herald to educate, inform, and enlighten
Expand and strengthen social media presence across Belmont, Harrison, and Noble counties to increase awareness, engagement, and positive visibility
Upgrade devices in Early Intervention
Develop basic IT training for new hires
Create a Help Desk video library of short, instructional trainings to support staff with common technology and workflow tasks

QUALITY SUPPORTS

Develop at least two video tutorials to help providers complete their certification requirements and maintain required account status
Identify and recognize at least one independent or agency provider that exemplifies best practices aligned with the Engagement and Development Grant standards in an effort to encourage provider engagement.

TRANSPORTATION / MAINTENANCE

Repave north parking lot to improve safety and accessibility
Paint interior spaces at the Belmont CBDD East building
Paint exterior of BCBDD Maintenance building
Install a dock lift at the building leased by ADS provider, PALS (Harrison) improving service access and operations
Upgrade lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures in Early Intervention offices and hallways (Belmont)
Provide HVAC training for the BCBDD mechanic to support vehicle maintenance for the Meals on Wheels vehicles operated by Senior Services Of Belmont County

ACCESSIBILITY PROJECTS

Fund the installation of accessible parking, sidewalks, and pedestrian pathways at the Tribe Athletic Complex in Caldwell to improve safe and equitable access to community programs and events (Noble)
Design and develop the Happy Trails Play Zone at the County Fairgrounds to provide inclusive, accessible recreation opportunities for children of all abilities (Noble)
Fund construction of accessible restroom facilities at outdoor recreational facilities to support equal access to public spaces and activities (Noble)
Complete accessible playground modifications at Harrison CBDD Preschool to ensure inclusive play and participation for all children
Finish construction and accessibility upgrades at the adult day service provider’s building to ensure building access to individuals served (Harrison)

2026 WAIVER STATISTICS

The Belmont, Harrison, and Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities are tasked with forecasting the needs of the people supported for the upcoming year. These are current waiver statistics and the 12-month projections.

BELMONT

189 WAIVERS

2026 Projections

15 Individual Options waivers

15 Level One Waivers

HARRISON

32 WAIVERS

10 Individual Options waivers

10 Level One Waivers

NOBLE

29 WAIVERS

10 Individual Options waivers

10 Level One Waivers

In 2026, the Belmont, Harrison, and Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities
continue to operate without a waiting list for services.

EXPLANATION OF SUPPORTS

ELIGIBILITY

When seeking supports, the County Boards work with people and their families to complete the Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI) or the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) for adults. If the COEDI or OEDI identify three substantial limitations, the person is eligible for services. An SSA (Service & Support Administrator) is then introduced to the person or family, and they help develop a plan that meets their needs.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

This family-focused service links children and youth ages 3 to 18 to what they need for their emotional well-being including therapeutic mentoring and planned respite.

SERVICE & SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION

This County Board support begins at age 18 or when waiver services begin. SSAs are the ones who link people to what they need and want through a person-centered plan. Supports are delivered by private providers and the SSA is the one who makes sure people are satisfied.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Parents of infants and toddlers from birth to the age of three with developmental delays and disabilities receive coordinated supports to help their child learn and grow through the statewide system known as Early Intervention.

PRESCHOOL & SCHOOL AGE

Harrison CBDD Preschool offers three integrated preschool classrooms where children of all abilities learn and grow together. School-Age supports in Belmont include Skill Building for Transition, Employment Navigation, and partnership grants to the Educational Service Center and the public schools. We also offer Tomorrow’s Youth Project that provides prevention and in-home support to youth with emotional and other challenges.

SUPPORTS FOR ADULTS

Your County Boards coordinate and fund in-home supports, skill development, employment assistance, transportation, housing, and adult day support.

24-HOUR ON-CALL – The County Board team is available around the clock, 24/7/365, for emergencies - 740-310-2255.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

SUPERINTENDENT

GLORIA LLEWELLYN
740-695-0407, EXT. 315

EARLY INTERVENTION DIRECTOR

HOLLY WEATHERSON
740-695-0407 EXT. 345

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS DIRECTOR

AMANDA THARP
740-695-0407 EXT. 356

SERVICE & SUPPORT DIRECTOR

AMBER CROSS
740-695-7433 EXT. 308