Senate Bill 165 - Consumer Voices

What Is Senate Bill 165 - Consumer Voices?

Senate Bill 165 will require two new seats be created on every County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MR/DD) and for the appointing authorities to appoint individuals eligible to receive services from the County Board of MR/DD.

Why Does Ohio Need Senate Bill 165?

County Boards of MR/DD make decisions about the provision of services and supports that individuals with disabilities will receive. Providing a consumer voice on each county board would ensure that they are involved in decisions that affect their lives and the lives of others they represent.

This approach is consistent with the federal Disability Bill of Rights Act, which states, “The purpose of this title is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to [emphasis added] needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance…”

Inclusion of people with disabilities on boards and commissions is already being practiced in other areas of the state. For example, the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is required to include individuals with disabilities as members. Additionally, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is required by federal law to have a membership that is comprised of at least 60 percent of individuals with disabilities.

Who Would Be Eligible?

The bill limits appointment of the two new seats to individuals eligible to receive services from the County Board. Currently, individuals are determined eligible for board services after they take an Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI).

What Would Ohio’s Plan Look Like?

Each County Board of MR/DD in Ohio is made up of seven (7) individuals. Senate Bill 165 would increase that number to nine (9) and require the additional two members to be individuals eligible for county board services. Members eligible to receive county board services will hold a minority vote on the board, yet provide needed input on how services and support are made available.

How Much Will Senate Bill 165 Cost?

A fiscal note has not been completed on Senate Bill 165. County Board administrative expenses associated with conducting meetings may increase. Additionally, services and supports and training that enable a person to participate in county board meetings should be provided.

What Needs To Be Done?

Currently, no hearings have been scheduled for Senate Bill 165. Advocates are preparing to contact their state senator to discuss SB 165 and to seek support.

What Organizations are Currently Supporting SB 165?

Assistive Technology of Ohio
Cerebral Palsy Association of Ohio
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP)
Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
People First of Ohio
The Arc of Hamilton County
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Last Updated on 11/16/07