Update from the ACBDD – 4/2/20

An update from ACBDD’s Supt. Kevin Davis:

Dear ACBDD Staff and Community Members,

The health and safety of the individuals we serve is our highest priority. This will continue to drive our actions over the next few weeks.

Governor Mike DeWine announced that Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), updated the state’s “Stay At Home Order.” Ohio will now be under a stay at home order (unless essential business) until Friday, May 1st – could be extended even further if needed.

The Order states that services in Ohio’s developmental disabilities system are essential activities and must continue to be provided. Travel is allowed in order to provide and receive those services. This means we will continue working for those we serve and their families as Ohio weathers this public health crisis.

Below are additional details about how this Order impacts what we do:

For Individuals We Serve:
We will continue to be here for you. The ACBDD exists to support you and to help you stay healthy. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Please continue to limit social interactions. Wash your hands diligently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you must venture out of your home, please do your best to keep a distance from other people.

We know this is an uncertain time, but we will continue to do everything we can for you. All of us at the ACBDD have dedicated ourselves to supporting you through this time. Whether in person or remotely, your ACBDD team will be with you every step of the way—from now until May 1 and beyond.

As always, please call us if you need anything during normal business hours or any time after hours at (740) 447-0710.

For Agency & Independent Providers:
Thank you for your continued hard work. Our staff will continue to support you and to help you through this difficult time. Independent Providers received a letter from the ACBDD declaring them “Essential Employees.” We have crafted this letter for you, if you think it would be helpful for you to perform your work duties. Please remember, even while out, to practice good social distancing as best you can. As always, please call us if you need anything during normal business hours or any time after hours at (740) 447-0710.

For Those Participating in the Food Delivery Program:
Our food delivery program has been deemed an Essential Activity. As such, this means the program will continue through the duration of this Order for all students and any adults who are participating in that program. As always, please call us if you need anything during normal business hours or any time after hours at (740) 447-0710.

For Beacon Families and Beacon Staff:
As mentioned above, the food delivery program will continue through the duration of this Order. Also, Megan Stack, our Health Services Coordinator and School Nurse, will be at Beacon School on Tuesday, March 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., to allow you to pick up medications. We are permitted to do these things because they have been deemed an Essential Activity.

Travel to facilitate distance learning is also exempt from the Order. We will begin delivering academic distance learning packets by April 6.

As always, please call us if you need anything during normal business hours or any time after hours at (740) 447-0710.

For Partner Agencies:
As previously shared, the ACBDD will remain open during the next few weeks. We will, however, have even fewer staff in the buildings. We will be able to assist you, as normal, by email, phone, or other virtual methods. As always, please call us if you need anything during normal business hours or any time after hours at (740) 447-0710.

For Community Groups That Use ACBDD Facilities:
Activities and meetings hosted at our facilities by community members continue to be canceled through this Order. As always, please call us if you need anything during normal business hours or any time after hours at (740) 447-0710.

For ACBDD Board Members:
The ACBDD’s regular board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. Calling in is preferred. The call-in information is:

Phone number: +1 501-697-9581
PIN: ‪846 563 461#.

For Other ACBDD Staff Members:
Through the duration of this Order, the majority of our staff will continue to work from home. Those who need to leave their residence may do so to complete Essential Activities. If you fall into this category, you will be given an Essential Employee letter deeming your work Essential and exempt from the Order. If you need one, please contact your direct supervisor. Any employee who has traveled out of state must self-quarantine for 14 days BEFORE returning to work in any of our buildings. As previously stated, during this work-at-home period, it is critical that you remain available to the individuals we serve.

As has been announced previously, these steps are being taken to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the individuals we serve. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly. This is a very fluid situation, so we will make additional announcements as necessary.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE REMAIN OPEN AND ARE SERVING INDIVIDUALS, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO EVEN DURING THIS PERIOD OF REQUIRED SOCIAL DISTANCING.

In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions for the ACBDD.

Respectfully,
Kevin Davis, Ed.D.
ACBDD Superintendent