STEUBENVILLE — State officials have granted a three-year accreditation to the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities following a recent program review.

Representatives of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities were on-site June 11-12, where they met with JCBDD officials and examined operations. Each county board completes an accreditation review at least once every three years to determine compliance with statutes and rules. It takes a comprehensive look on-site at the facilities and off-site of records, documents and other materials, followed by a conference with the county BDD superintendent to discuss findings. The reviews include service planning, delivery, and documentation; self-determination and self-advocacy; waiver administration (funding); EI services; safety and protection (including major unusual incidents); medication administration; behavior support; and personnel practices. Financial records must also meet county and state auditor requirements and each facility owned, leased and operated by a county board is inspected by the local fire marshal. At the conclusion, a three-year accreditation is granted if the county BDD exceeds minimum compliance; a one-year accreditation is given for demonstrating minimum compliance; or a BDD could be found not in compliance, at which time the state agency will help develop a corrective plan within 90 days to meet guidelines.

Lynette Ekey, JCBDD service and support administration director, noted the review process began with a video presentation by county board officials highlighting personal success stories of the individuals they served.

The presentation focused on housing improvements, enhancing community inclusion, and the expansion of services for children, including the addition of an SSA to work exclusively with youth and their families.

The review team found no citations and is expected to submit a final report to the county board within 30 days. The report will contain recommendations that the board may use to make further improvements over the next three years when the review team returns in 2028.

JCBDD Superintendent Michael Zinno was pleased with the results and said it was a testament to the dedication of the staff to help the people they serve.

“Receiving zero citations does not happen very often,” Zinno said. “I am proud of our JCBDD team and the quality of supports we are providing.”