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Historically, there were no services or educational options available for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established a panel of professionals from many fields who would focus on bettering the service options available for those with disabilities. A year after being established, the panel of professionals delivered a report with over 100 recommendations including research, preventative health measures and educational support.
Since then, Ohio has had a strong tradition of providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities. During the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's this tradition led parents, advocates and other local individuals to develop schools in their communities that would allow for educational options, sheltered workshops and other opportunities for those with developmental disabilities.
Today our system, in both Ohio and the United States in general, is at a crossroad as expectations of and for individuals with developmental disabilities rightfully increases. Individuals with developmental disabilities now, more than ever, want the opportunity to be more active and fully participate in all aspects of their community.
In 1967, the Ohio House Bill 169 established county boards of mental retardation. That same year, the city of Van Wert established its own charter board consisting of Rev. Dean Check, Edwin Bates, William Hetrick, Robert C. Young, Dr. Harold Smith, Glen Jenkins and Annie Smith. The following year the Board opened doors to its first class for children at the First United Methodist Church.
In 1970, an adult program was established and the Board moved to the former Van Wert County Hospital on Central Avenue. A new facility was constructed on North Franklin Street and in 1974 the Board relocated all programs and services, which now included transportation, preschool, school age and adult services. At the national level, in 1975, Public Law 94-142 was passed. This law mandated that all children, regardless of disability, were entitled to a free and appropriate public education. In 1978 the Board established the Thomas Edison Center, Inc., a separate, not-for-profit business, dedicated to providing work for adults. In 1979, the Board established an Infant Stimulation Program for children aged birth to 3 years.
In 1980, construction was completed on an 8 bed residential facility on North Franklin Street. In this same year, the Board also decided to change their name to the Van Wert County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities with passage of the Amended Senate Bill 160. In 1986, Legislation was passed in Ohio, requiring County Boards to provide Case Management services. Two years later, in 1988, Federal and State laws were enacted, mandating for services for infants and preschoolers at risk for developmental delays. In 1989, Supported Living programs were developed in Ohio to assist those with developmental disabilities living in the community to be as independent as possible.
In 1991, The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed into law. This Federal legislation provides for accessibility, inclusion and equality in many areas of life such as employment, public places and transportation services. Also in 1991, Ohio's criteria for eligibility changed to align with the federal definition of developmental disabilities. This change increased those eligible for county board services by approximately 25%.
In 1993, the Board established Van Wert Housing Services, Inc., which is a not-for-profit housing board designed to provide affordable housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. With that board in place, the first of 11 homes was purchased using state capital money. Later in 1993, the Board began enrolling individuals on Medicaid Waivers. Home and Community -based Waivers are Medicaid funding that provides additional services and supports to eligible individuals.
In 1997, the Group Home that was constructed in 1980 was converted into a Residential Facility Waiver home, creating a new funding mechanism for those living there. A State Capital construction project was completed in 1998, providing a new facility on Augustine Drive for adult services. A United States Supreme Court decision in 1999 ruled, in what has been called the Olmstead Act, that unjustified isolation is properly regarded as discrimination based on disability.
In 2001, Medicaid redesign caused the most sweeping changes in funding and service provision for adults with developmental disabilities. It required additional staffing, specifically in Service and Support Administration (Case Management) and improved infrastructure. More attention was focused on behavior supports and Investigative Agents were used to investigate Major Unusual Incidents. In 2009 the Board officially became the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a result of House Bill 79, removing the term "mental retardation" from the name.