MCBDD Uses Funding To Support Greater Community Access

In December 2023, the Medina County Board of DD applied for and received approval ARPA funding from the Ohio Department of DD. The funding was made available for initiatives to foster inclusiveness, accessibility, and independence to enable greater community access for people with developmental differences.

In planning how to best use the grant funds to impact Medina County, the MCBDD developed an extensive plan targeting four areas: Supported Connections, Accessible Communities, Universal Changing Tables and Community Experiences. The ARPA funding was used to support collaborative and innovative programs designed to break down barriers, increase opportunities for participation, and improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental differences in Medina County.

“We wanted to use this funding to help people with developmental differences to fully participate in their community by addressing employment barriers and finding ways to help people enjoy recreation and social activities like everyone else in our community,” stated Stacey Maleckar, MCBDD Superintendent. “We were thankful to receive these funds and to have the opportunity to make an impact locally. We are proud of what were were able to accomplish over the last year as we put some new and exciting initiatives in place for those who needed it most.”

Through its mission, the MCBDD is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental differences in Medina County and strives to create a community where all people, regardless of ability, can thrive. Due to the success of the some of the initiatives, the MCBDD has made a commitment to use 2025 general budget funding to continue those programs which showed the most success in helping people with developmental differences take part in more community employment and activities, thereby fostering greater inclusion, independence, and community involvement for all individuals.

2024 ARPA Grant Funding Summary