The Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities has received a three-year accreditation from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

This is the longest accreditation period the state can issue to a county board of developmental disabilities and acknowledges that the services and supports LCBDD provides are in substantial compliance with state standards.

Although accreditation reviews are typically done in person, both the DODD and LCBDD teams were able to adapt to a process that was compliant with COVID-19 safety guidance. Representatives were able to virtually review files and speak to people LCBDD supports via Zoom.

“Although we would have liked to welcome the review team to our building, we are grateful that they spent so much time getting to know our agency virtually,” said Jason Umstot, LCBDD’s superintendent/CEO. “Even in a pandemic, they made the process safe and seamless for everyone involved.”

Although the focus of the review was on the entirety of the past three years, LCBDD was able to share some of the ways they’ve recalibrated to support people with disabilities and providers during the pandemic, Umstot said.

From dropping off activity bags on the porches of children receiving Early Intervention, coming up with creative ways to engage people receiving supports over Zoom, driving those with high risk diagnoses to their vaccine appointments and being available for providers 24/7, LCBDD’s staff members truly went above and beyond to make sure those high quality services and supports continued through 2020 and beyond, Umstot said.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough to the professionals who work hard for our agency every day,” he said. “2020 was difficult but we saw people come together and truly live the mission of our agency — to be there for people with disabilities and their families no matter what.”

This dedication was echoed in the comments from the DODD review team.

“I have been a part of a number of accreditation reviews and met with various county board staff over the years, and I came away extremely impressed with Licking County’s mission, teamwork, and approach with those you serve,” one reviewer wrote. “Your receptiveness to our feedback and desire to help people live their best lives is inspiring!”

To watch the video LCBDD created as part of the accreditation process click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5GMZA5zxHg&t=3s