COVID-19 Information

Our priority at the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD) is the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals we serve, our employees, and our community of partners. Accordingly, we have been closely monitoring the news surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. As you know, this has been a constantly evolving situation and we will do our best to keep you updated on our response to this crisis.

At this point in time, our state and community do have confirmed cases of COVID-19. We have contingency plans in place to do all we can to keep this virus at bay. This does mean we are altering some of the ways we do business until the situation is resolved.

We will regularly update this page, as we have more information from Allen County Public Health, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Resources:

Opening of Marimor School with COVID

Remote Learning Plan

Allen County Schools Re-Opening Agreement

Requirements for Visitors & Guests at Allen County Board of DD

Tips for Stopping the Spread of Germs

COVID-19 Symptoms

Patient Health Passport – to use for people with developmental disabilities who may be showing symptoms of COVID-19, by Ohio Association of County Boards

Checklist if You are Experiencing Symptoms, by Ohio Department of Health

Tips For Screen Home Visits during COVID-19, Ohio Department of Job & Family Services

Coping with Sheltering in Place during COVID-19, American Red Cross

Steps to Help Protect Against COVID-19, American Red Cross

Theresa’s Letter to the People & Families We Serve, dated 3/27/2020

ACBDD Continuity of Operations – Press Release, dated 3/21/2020

UPDATE, 3/16/2020:
As we receive COVID-19 directives, Allen County Board of DD is responding and making changes to the way we do business. We hear many of these directives in real time, as you do. We very much appreciate all our state and federal government is doing on our behalf. Our agency is open and operating. We are altering some typical daily activities. As of today, we are asking that you contact us by email or telephone. We promise to be responsive and return calls as soon as we can.

Beginning March 17, we are not receiving visitors in our buildings. We must do our part to slow the spread of this disease. Your SSAs, EI staff, teachers and all others are available and willing to assist remotely, however they can. We know we provide essential services to many people in Lima/Allen County, and not all our work can be done remotely. We will continue to serve those who depend on us. We are working very closely with our provider community, and many of us are stepping up to help deliver direct services if needed. Our partners are working to make sure all care is covered, and it is impressive to see the DD community come together. We cannot thank the direct care staff and provider agencies enough for all they are doing.

We know that many are feeling fear, worry and anxiety. A friend reminded us to recognize what we can control: eat right, rest, take vitamins, drink water, and build your immune system. We are all weathering this very challenging time together. Please call any of us at 419-221-1385 if we can be of any assistance.

Marimor School Coronavirus Information, dated March 13, 2020

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To help in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, we are cancelling the majority of the events planned for March. While we are sad to do this, we know it is the best thing to do to prevent the spread of germs and keep us all safe.

PLAYTIME for children and parents has been cancelled until further notice.

Marimor Bowling & Karaoke are cancelled until further notice.

There will be no Cardmaking Club on March 12 and no StryKO on March 19.

The March SALT Series is cancelled on March 17, as is Just Do It Crew on March 18.

We are cancelling the Walk & Roll with Your Neighbor community event, which was scheduled for March 26.

We are postponing the Partnership Luncheon scheduled for March 25, 2020 in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. A reschedule date will be announced soon.

Remember, we ARE still celebrating all the people we know and love with developmental disabilities during the month of March. Our theme for this month is “We are all neighbors.” Now more than ever, please remember to be kind to your neighbors. Check on them, and make sure they aren’t feeling afraid or isolated.

Thank you for your patience and kindness during this time,

Theresa Schnipke
Superintendent