Recommendations The results of the survey and focus group interviews were presented to a team with both policy expertise as well as experience with the DODD systems. Those participating on the team included Melissa Bacon, Program Director, Office for Policy, Strategic Initiatives & Stakeholder Engagement, OCALI; Jody Fisher former Project Manager, Office of Policy and Strategic Direction, DODD; and Teresa Kobelt former Assistant Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Direction, DODD. The team provided recommendations and offered suggestions on ways to impact the DODD system related to the findings of the study. Those suggestions and recommendations were used in the development of the final recommendations presented below. AT AWARENESS CBDDs define AT devices and services with a great deal of variability. High self-rated County Boards seem to have a broader definition of AT, were more knowledgeable about the variety of AT devices available, and the populations who could benefit from AT. This response points to a fundamental need to help CBDDs across the state gain a consistent and common understanding of the breadth and depth of AT and the value it may provide to a person with a disability. Many AT resources are available free of charge including AT related YouTube channels, webinars, and listservs. These resources can be embedded in face-to-face trainings and within the proposed central repository for AT resources. AT Awareness Recommendations 1. Increase AT awareness training to include the range of AT options available, from noand low-tech options through high-tech options and include all age ranges. This training could be implemented with minimal cost through webinars, orientation meetings, videos, and listservs. Increase awareness in basic AT foundational knowledge by incorporating AT overview content in orientation and/or yearly staff meetings. The Eight-Hour Direct Service Provider Training modules (http://dodd.ohio.gov/Training/Pages/default.aspx) may be a place to embed AT since these are required trainings. 2. Develop a tiered approach to training geared toward various personnel (i.e. administrators, SSAs, direct support professionals, related services, etc.). 3. Embed AT success stories and product highlights in existing agency newsletters. 4. Create short videos of local success stories showcasing use of AT. 5. Increase administrator awareness of AT through the Administrative Development Program (CBDD Executive Development and Superintendent Programs). 6. Develop a central digital repository of AT information/supports. 7. Offer AT mini grants for CBDD to develop AT knowledge, train teams and build capacity (training grants); trainer suggestions include: Mike Marotta, Kirk Benke, Kelly Fonner, Joan Breslen Larson, and Tony Gentry.
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