Adapting to Change During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and Ohio’s stay-at-home orders required Hamilton County DD Services and our network of providers to adapt how we support people with developmental disabilities. Our services may look different as we get through this, but we are here to support you.
This page is for sharing updates on how we are handling the coronavirus restrictions and providing you with resources to get through this difficult time. We are also including stories from HCDDS and local providers as we all adapt to support people with developmental disabilities in our community.
Sep 24, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released COVID-19 materials for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and care providers.
Aug 3, 2021
We recognize the medical vulnerability of many people we serve and must be particularly cautious about our safety practices. Moving forward, we are updating our operating procedures based on current guidance.
Jul 16, 2021
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently created the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) to help people with disabilities find COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Jul 13, 2021
Cincinnati Metro and Access rides will be free on all routes from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18, and Friday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 8 for those getting a vaccine.
Jun 15, 2021
This month we began the gradual process of returning to in-person services. We also want to ensure we maintain the flexible and creative service options we’ve established during the past year.
Jun 10, 2021
The pandemic highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure people with disabilities and their families have access to technology to connect to their community
Jun 4, 2021
In the Cincinnati region, providers listed on the Test & Protect Cincy website offer open public clinics. Vaccines are free to all individuals.
May 29, 2021
Ohioans who use American Sign Language (ASL) can now find information about vaccines in a video series.
May 25, 2021
In recognition of the importance of our provider community and the challenges they faced during the pandemic, we recently issued sustainability grants to every active provider in Hamilton County that was in good standing.
May 13, 2021
The official end of our COVID-19 vaccine clinic was Wednesday, May 12. We administered nearly 4,300 doses of vaccine since the clinic began in January!
May 6, 2021
Telehealth has become much more common in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you know what Telehealth is and how to use it?
Apr 27, 2021
In-person services for important for many people our agency supports. We continue to follow guidance from health officials and are hopeful we can safely phase in more in-person activities soon.
Apr 21, 2021
Since January, HCDDS has fully vaccinated more than 1,900 people for COVID-19. Last week, we operated our final first-dose clinic. We anticipate completing all second doses in the coming weeks.
Apr 15, 2021
Thanks to a federally funded COVID-19 relief grant, Bobbie B. Fairfax and Margaret B. Rost schools are in the process of updating smartboard hardware and other technology for the classrooms.
Apr 6, 2021
Get Out the Vax weekends will take place the second and fourth weekends of April and May. This regional effort aims to vaccinate 80% of those eligible (16+) by July 4.
Mar 19, 2021
March marks a full year since COVID-19 upended nearly every aspect of our lives, and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is finally providing a reason for optimism and a bright point in the future.
Mar 18, 2021
You can find more information and answers to many questions you might have from the Ohio Department of Health at coronavirus.ohio.gov, as well as several resources below.
Feb 17, 2021
During the past four weeks, we've collaborated with Hamilton County Public Health to administer the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations to more than 1,550 people.
Jan 28, 2021
You can find more information and answers to many questions you might have from the Ohio Department of Health at coronavirus.ohio.gov, as well as several resources below.
Jan 14, 2021
Hamilton County DD Services is working continuously with state officials and local health departments to support their vaccination efforts and to share information with our stakeholders about this process.
Dec 18, 2020
To support providers, HCDDS has contracted with BrightStar Care to provide 24-hour on-call clinical consult nursing for individuals who test/are presumed positive for COVID-19.
Dec 16, 2020
Project Connect is a new telehealth line for people with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and other support team members who need help coping with the pandemic.
Dec 11, 2020
Ohio is preparing to distribute safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines statewide to those who choose to be vaccinated.
Dec 1, 2020
Did you know you can get a COVID-19 test at many locations around Hamilton County, thanks to Test and Protect?
Nov 24, 2020
With the holidays approaching, the Ohio Department of Health has tips to help you celebrate safely and limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Nov 17, 2020
We all continue to work together in our effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. HCDDS operations remain unchanged with most of our staff continuing to work from home.
Oct 23, 2020
Our operations remain unchanged and HCDDS employees will continue to work remotely through at least the end of 2020. Please continue to be vigilant and practice safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Oct 13, 2020
When coronavirus closed Bruce Meyers' day program, he suddenly found himself at home full-time. Dedicated teamwork helped him find a new provider and get back to his routine.
Sep 23, 2020
We are living in an extraordinary time that has caused us unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. It’s more important now than it has ever been to give ourselves permission and time to prioritize our health and well-being.
Sep 14, 2020
The Ohio Department of DD has updated guidance for direct support professionals, families and more.
Sep 2, 2020
We recently honored direct support professionals during a recent PPE giveaway to thank DSPs for their dedication and creativity during the pandemic.
Aug 22, 2020
Going back to school will be different for many students. Echo Autism and UC UCEDD haves a few tips to make the transition easier.
Aug 6, 2020
After much consideration, we made the difficult decision to delay the beginning of in-person learning for students at Bobbie B. Fairfax and Margaret B. Rost Schools this fall until Aug. 31.
Aug 1, 2020
Are you interested in meeting new people and making friends who share your interests? Join our community navigation team for a weekly Zoom meeting to connect with other people!
Jul 24, 2020
Gov. Mike DeWine announced that beginning on Thursday, July 23, a statewide mask mandate will go into effect for Ohio citizens.
Jun 26, 2020
Recently, Gov. Mike DeWine announced coronavirus cases in Southwest Ohio, including Hamilton County, are growing at an alarming rate. In Hamilton County, the hotspot zip codes are 45231, 45240, and 45238.
May 19, 2020
Service and Support Administrators are helping people in our community with emergency food assistance.
May 11, 2020
Social stories use plain language and graphics to help people with developmental disabilities understand the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 4, 2020
We don’t know when we’ll return to normal operations, but we are planning for the eventual reopening of our buildings in a safe and effective way. Our employees developed creative, effective ways to continue their work from home.
Apr 30, 2020
Gina Usher works at Western Hills Kroger and her role has changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic
Apr 27, 2020
Our Early Intervention team usually plays a hands-on role to help babies and toddlers, so the shift to virtual visits has made it necessary to change their approach.
Apr 26, 2020
With physical gatherings still limited and their buildings closed, Active Day is finding new ways to stay connected to its members.
Apr 24, 2020
Melodic Connections sprang into action to keep the creativity flowing when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person gatherings.
Apr 23, 2020
Some family members have expressed concern about COVID-19 restrictions would impact their ability to accompany their adult children or someone for whom they are a guardian during an emergency hospital visit.
Apr 22, 2020
Easterseals and Ohio Valley Residential Services partner to bring adult day programming into group homes.
Apr 21, 2020
Creative Connections is sending "smile boxes" to people it supports, so they can enjoy life and take their mind off the pandemic.
Apr 20, 2020
Teachers and staff at Bobbie B. Fairfax and Margaret B. Rost schools are finding creative ways to engage with their students for the rest of the school year.
Apr 16, 2020
The HCDDS benefits team and James Robb's SSA helped him after losing his job because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Apr 15, 2020
It started with a simple letter sharing ResCare’s plan for handling the coronavirus pandemic. Then, many families started reaching out and asking how they could help.
Apr 8, 2020
Many places have resources for people with developmental disabilities and their families. We will share local, statewide and national information.
Apr 1, 2020
Following the governor's guidance, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services will continue its limited building access through at least May 1, and both our schools are closed.
Mar 27, 2020
Please continue to report abuse, neglect or any health and safety issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We ask that you also please notify our MUI Department as soon as possible of all COVID-19 testing.
Mar 26, 2020
We are so incredibly grateful for community donations of masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, other personal protective equipment, and cleaning supplies.
Mar 20, 2020
While measures like stay-at-home orders and social distancing are important to prevent illness and spreading COVID-19, it may leave you or your loved ones feeling very lonely, worried, bored, or just in need of a friendly person with whom talk.
Mar 15, 2020
As we all work together to respond to the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation, we want to be a resource for providers. We provide frequent updates, weekly videos and more to our network in Hamilton County.
Mar 12, 2020
Ohio’s stay-at-home order during this public health crisis makes exceptions for essential human services organizations, and that includes Hamilton County DD Services. We are still working and are here to support you during this time.