About Us

Mission

We empower people throughout their lifetime, to achieve their fullest potential.

Vision

All persons are respected, valued, and embraced in their community.

Values

Respect: We honor all people by valuing their contributions, choices, and achievements.

Integrity: We are accountable for our actions, fiscally responsible, and sincere in all our efforts.

Excellence: As an innovative leader, we strive for continuous quality improvement.

Partnership: A culture of working together and community collaboration.

What is a Developmental Disability?

A developmental disability is a severe, chronic condition that begins any time from birth through age 21, and is expected to last for a lifetime. Developmental disabilities may be cognitive, physical, or a combination of both. A developmental disability can result in serious limitations in everyday activities of life, including self-care, communication, learning, mobility, or being able to work or live independently. Such disabilities often result in a lifetime of dependence on publicly funded services, unless families receive sufficient support, children receive appropriate education, and adults receive appropriate services that enable them to live and work in their local communities. Approximately four million Americans have developmental disabilities. 17%* of children age 3-17 have a developmental disability and that number continues to grow.  (*as of 2019)

Who We Are

Developmental Disabilities of Clark County assists over 1,400 Clark County residents with information, funding, support, and services for people with conditions such as intellectual disability, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or traumatic brain injury. We depend on county levy funds for 60% of our budget, with the remaining dollars provided by the State and Federal government. Some of the services we provide include:
  • Job skill training so that adults with developmental disabilities can be successfully employed and become more self-sufficient.
  • Arranging housing and independent living options so people with developmental disabilities can be assured that their needs will be met when family members can no longer care for them.
  • Assuring services for children and adults with severe disabilities that would be too costly for families to afford.
  • Offering quality training for partner agencies to attain certification from the state in order to work for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Services

F.F. Mueller Center. We manage and operate the F.F. Mueller Center, which is a package of services that incorporates 24-hour nursing for people with developmental disabilities. The F.F. Mueller Center is funded through the Developmental Disabilities of Clark County tax levy and Medicaid.

Community Living Services (CLS). CLS staff work with individuals age 3 and up to identify needs and goals, and assist individuals to live, work and participate in our community. We determine eligibility for services, assist in accessing resources, and authorize services that meet the person’s needs. A majority of services are paid by 60% Federal government funds, and 40% from State and local tax dollars.

Early Childhood. Early Childhood staff provides services for children age birth through two who have developmental delays. Staff has special training to assist babies and toddlers with a variety of needs including hearing and vision loss, autism, language delays, Down syndrome, gross motor deficiencies, and more. This program is highly effective, with 50% of the children no longer needing services upon entering kindergarten. EI is funded by Help Me Grow and the Developmental Disabilities of Clark County tax levy.

Adult Services. Adult Services offers programs that promote independence, self-sufficiency, and involvement in the community. Services are tailored to meet the needs, interests, and desires of the recipient. Adult Services are funded by Medicaid waivers and local tax dollars.

Transportation. We provide transportation for work and day services for individuals without Medicaid waivers through our specially adapted bus and van fleet. Transportation services are funded through the Developmental Disabilities of Clark County tax levy.

Health and Welfare. We ensure individuals we serve are safe and afforded the same rights as other citizens. Unfortunately, individuals with developmental disabilities can be vulnerable to physical abuse, neglect, poor medication administration, and financial misconduct. Developmental Disabilities of Clark County Compliance and Investigative staff monitor and investigate situations in order to maintain safe living conditions for individuals.

Employment Training. Through the Employment First, Quest Discovery, Project SEARCH, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities programs, we provide vocational training to enrich the lives of those we serve. Vocational services are customized for each individual through assessments and one-on-one meetings with professional counselors.

Provider Training and Certification. We offer training and technical assistance to providers to help them attain and maintain certification in order to provide services for people with developmental disabilities. We also offer and encourage on-going training for providers in order to assist them in providing the best care for the individuals they serve.