Scioto County Developmental Disabilities recently underwent
accreditation review by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Upon
releasing zero citations for SCDD, which is a rare occurrence, the state has
awarded the agency a three-year accreditation.
“You, the Board members, your superintendent and staff are to be
commended for your efforts in achieving this status,” wrote DODD Director Jeff
Davis. “Department staff and I are well aware that this accomplishment required
considerable commitment of resources and energy.”
The accreditation team examined every department, poring over records
and conducting interviews with staff. The process is designed to encourage
continuous improvement of the services and supports offered by Ohio’s county
boards of developmental disabilities.
“I
am so very proud of the efforts that our team puts forth every single day to
make sure that the citizens of Scioto County continue to realize the investments
of their tax dollars,” said SCDD Superintendent Matt Purcell. “Achievements of
this magnitude serve to validate what I already know about this
organization. “
The
accreditation process requires all programs under the agency’s umbrella to work
toward a common goal; something that is a common occurrence at the agency. The
services provided to individuals served by SCDD often require high levels of
inter-departmental communication and cooperation.
“The
results of this accreditation process speak to the
hard work and commitment of our staff to the more than 750 individuals with
developmental disabilities and their families whom we serve in Scioto County,”
said Service & Support Administration Director Chad Phipps. “Achieving the
maximum award possible confirms that our team is coordinating quality
person-centered services and supports for the individuals receiving our
services.”
DODD accreditors were onsite at the Vern Riffe School campus in August
to examine documentation and perform interviews. SCDD programs directly involved
in the 2019 accreditation process included: Intake, SSA, Vern Riffe School, the
Human Resources/Fiscal Office, Help Me Grow and Early Childhood Services.
“The 2019 SCDD accreditation process proved to be a
challenging, yet, a very positive experience,” said Early Childhood and Help Me
Grow Director Tammy Nelson. “I witnessed wonderful teamwork between the Help Me
Grow Service Coordinators and the SCDD Developmental Specialists. Each
staff member took their responsibility very seriously and wanted to make sure
their ‘product’ met with our accreditation standards. The process allowed
us to reflect on the quality services we provide and what a true difference
Early Childhood Services makes for a child who has delays or a disability.”
The three-year accreditation period is effective Dec. 1,
2019, through Nov. 30, 2022.