Area counties receive ARPA funding for development disabilities initiatives

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has awarded $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to 67 counties to better support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Coshocton County received $299,800, Guernsey County received $95,536, Holmes County received $30,773, Morgan County received $290,065 and Tuscarawas County got $521,000.

“These investments are truly going to make a difference for people with developmental disabilities and their families by giving them more access to the communities where they live,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in a press release. “People with developmental disabilities deserve opportunities, a reliable workforce and an accessible state to live, learn, work and succeed in.”

These funds are part of $56 million in total ARPA Home and Community Based Services money allocated to DODD in the state budget signed this past July. All county boards of developmental disabilities and Councils of Government (COG) could apply for funding. With these funds, people with developmental disabilities, their families and Ohio communities will see investments in things like universal changing tables and accessible public places and parks.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: State awards ARPA funding for development disabilities initiatives