Richland County Board of DD receives three-year accreditation

NEWS RELEASE

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Nov. 20, 2017

Contact:  Jane Imbody, Director of Community Relations, 419-774-4215 or  jimbody@rnewhope.org

 Richland County Board of DD receives three-year state accreditation

(Mansfield, OH) – The Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Richland Newhope) has been accredited by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) for the quality of services and supports it provides to people with disabilities.

The comprehensive state review was conducted in July 2017.  A team of surveyors from the DODD reviewed all areas of county board operations, including personnel administration, services and support, and other indicators of the general efficiency and effectiveness of the county board.

The results of the review found that the Richland County Board of DD achieved substantial compliance with state standards and subsequently obtained a three-year period of accreditation by DODD, the maximum possible term.

The surveyors singled out the enthusiasm and creativity of staff, the focus on provider development, early intervention services, and the person-centered planning for individuals who receive supports.

County boards are given two months of advance notice to prepare for the accreditation review, which requires many staff hours and a great deal of coordination between programs and departments.

“Department staff and I are well aware that this accomplishment required considerable commitment of resources and energy,” said DODD Director John Martin.  “The board and staff are to be commended for your efforts in achieving this status.”

“This accreditation exemplifies the dedication of the employees of Richland Newhope to provide quality services to the individuals we serve,” said Richland Co. DD Board President Nicholas Gesouras. 

In 2016, Richland Newhope supported more than 1,700 individuals through Early Intervention, Preschool, Adult, Residential, Therapy, Transportation and other family support programs.

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