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Community Corner

State Accredits Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) awarded Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) a five-year accreditation for the quality services and supports it provides to people with disabilities. Summit DD joins an elite number of County Boards in the state to achieve this honor.

“The highest level of accreditation is a testament to the care, compassion and energy that our employees put into their jobs every day,” stated Summit DD Superintendent John Trunk.

Accreditation reviews are conducted by the DODD to ensure that County Boards meet the accreditation standards as outlined in Ohio statute. Based on the results of an accreditation review, a County Board can be awarded accreditation anywhere from one to four years, with the possibility of an additional year for demonstrating best practices.

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This award followed a rigorous on-site review in November 2013. State reviewers thoroughly examined documentation and interviewed individuals supported by the Agency, as well as parents and providers. The results of the review found that Summit DD achieved substantial compliance, and subsequently obtained a five-year period of accreditation, which includes the additional year granted for demonstrating best practices.

The DODD recognized several strong practices exercised by Summit DD including, the promotion of
self-determination and advocacy. “I am confident that this recognition will only motivate Summit DD to continue our journey of continuous quality improvement, as we strive to known as the best County Board in the state,” remarked Trunk.

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The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board is a levy-funded agency that provides services to more than 4,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Summit County.  It is the organization’s mission to offer a lifetime of services and supports to eligible individuals and families that enable people with developmental disabilities to work, live, and learn as equal citizens in their communities.  More information regarding the agency is available online at SummitDD.org.

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