SPRINGFIELD - A state official commended the Clark County Board of Developmental Disabilities Wednesday, Jan. 20, for recently receiving a five-year accreditation, the highest level a county board can achieve.
"The Clark County board should be proud of its staff and the wonderful job they have done in all areas of service provision," said Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director John Martin in an e-mailed statement. "Five-year accreditations are rare with few counties achieving that level."
Martin personally awarded the accreditation to local board president Mike Bartee and Superintendent Jennifer Rousculp at an open house and meeting held Tuesday.
It's the first time Clark County has received such a high accreditation, Rousculp said.
"It shows that the best practices are in place - above and beyond a regular county board," she said.
The agency was evaluated in several areas, including its action plan, how the staff delivers services and feedback from clients' families. Clark County scored 99.1 percent on the review.
"(The state) does a very thorough review," Rousculp said. "It's very exciting to get this."
Rousculp also complimented Martin for his work.
"Director Martin has a son with developmental disabilities and has worked tirelessly at the state level to ensure quality services for individuals with disabilities across Ohio," Rousculp said.
Thirty people attended Tuesday's open house from area agencies, including state Rep. Ross McGregor and representatives from the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Foundation.
