For Immediate Release: March 27, 2015 For More Information: Jon Honeck 614‐221‐4945; 614‐270‐5203 (private cell) [email protected] Ohio Relies Heavily on Institutional Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, which Fosters Isolation and Fails to Promote Independence The Center for Community Solutions, an Ohio non‐partisan think tank focused on solutions to health, social, and economic issues, issued a comprehensive report today on Ohio’s system of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. “Our report finds that Ohio relies too heavily on institutional settings for serving individuals with developmental disabilities, which can be isolating and restrictive, and doesn’t promote independence,” stated John R. Corlett, Community Solutions’ president and executive director. According to Rose Frech, research fellow and a co‐author of the report, “There are now 45,000 people across Ohio on waiting lists to receive community‐based services through Medicaid waivers. Some of them are in institutions and want to return to the community.” Frech explains that the reason for this is that, while the state funds the majority of the cost for institutional care, local communities are required to pick up the bulk of the tab for community‐based services. Frech comments, “as a result of Ohio’s reliance on local funding to pay for community‐based services, disparities are vast. The variation in funding and services means that individuals with disabilities across the state are not receiving equitable services.” Jon Honeck, co‐author and Edward D. and Dorothy E. Lynde Fellow, states, “We commend Governor Kasich for including a substantial increase in funding for this system; but it may not go far enough to support the massive changes needed to move Ohio from an institutional‐based to a community‐based system of care.” Honeck said the report also explores recent changes in federal Medicaid rules that will impact 23,000 individuals with development disabilities who participate in Ohio’s sheltered workshop and adult day care programs. He commented that “Ohio’s community employment efforts will need to be bolstered significantly as the new federal Medicaid rules are implemented.” ‐more‐ A copy of the full report and its recommendations www.CommunitySolutions.com/developmental‐disabilities‐in‐ohio may be found at A nonprofit, non‐partisan think tank, The Center for Community Solutions focuses on solutions to health, social and economic issues. Community Solutions identifies community issues, analyzes and explains them, and proposes nonpartisan recommendations to improve health, social, and economic conditions. Established in 1913, it is a United Way agency. For more information: www.CommunitySolutions.com. ##