First Posted: 3/23/2015
LIMA — Rather than talk about local efforts to improve the lives of people in the county with developmental disabilities, Esther Balddridge would rather show you.
At the Lima Rotary Club meeting, that meant bringing in staff and members from seven organizations who are contracted or supported through the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The organizations represented included employment services such as Project SEARCH, ArtAbility, Marimor Good Will, Benchmark Human Services and others offering employment, community-based and activity services for people with severe developmental disabilities.
“These opportunities give them an opportunity to be out in the community and learn important skills,” Executive Director Andrew Wilker said.
Balddridge, rotary president and board superintendent, said these entities are contracted with the board if participants or members are eligible for assistance, individually. With funds from local tax levies, the board can offer about 40 percent in financial assistance for costs to participate in a developmental disability program, the remaining 60 percent is covered by Medicaid.
To be eligible to participate or receive assistance, a person must have developed a disability in the developmental stages of their life, which spans from birth until about 25 years of age, when the brain and body are scientifically believed to stop growing.
Representatives made sure the audience understood the distinction because these services are not for people with mental health issues in general. They’re specifically offered to those with developmental issues who have a specific diagnoses, able to be assessed and assigned to a case manager to find the appropriate program fulfilling their needs.
“It’s not about what the staff wants,” a participant said. “It’s about what we want.”
The showcase of organizations was one of the ways the Rotary Club is preparing f0r Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
