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Annual Report
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Fiscal Year 2015
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| Karla Rinto, APSI Executive Director and
Tom Gannon, APSI Board President |
Dear Friends,
"Managing Change" has been the operative phrase for APSI for the past several years.
Change is everywhere and is accelerating in the fast paced world we live in. This is certainly true within the Developmental Disabilities system in Ohio and for APSI.
As you will see in our 2015 Annual Report the individuals highlighted have gone through remarkable changes in their lives and this will continue. In this report we celebrate their journey.
How APSI provides supports to the individuals we represent is always changing and evolving. People's needs, wishes, and desires change. Their opportunities and struggles also change. People move and get new jobs and some are successful right away but for most change is not always easy or immediately successful. Finding the right supports (both paid and natural) is often the key to thriving.
In APSI's role we strive to provide guardianship and other protective services while promoting self-determination and self-advocacy with the least restrictive services. We work to balance the probate court directive of making informed consent decisions that are in the person's best interest and basing decisions upon the desires and preferences of the individual. Striking this balance in decision making for others can be challenging.
In addition to the challenges of providing informed consent for close to 4000 people in Ohio, outside forces have influenced change for APSI. The Supreme Court of Ohio has adopted Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, which raise the standards by which guardianship is provided, went into effect in 2015. As a result, many additional requirements had to be incorporated into the reporting APSI does to the local probate courts. Requirements include more reporting of moves, prior consent by the court for more restrictive moves, more annual and ongoing training, additional reporting related to MUI's, additional annual reporting, and increased background checks.
Furthermore, a significant change to the DODD Behavior Support Rule, which reduces the use of restrictive behavior support strategies, also went into effect in 2015. Many of the individuals APSI serves have significant behavior challenges and this new rule requires a great deal of planning to balance protecting health and safety while supporting self-determination. These changes are positive for the people we serve and at the same time place new demands on our APSI staff.
The announced closure of two Developmental Centers and the ongoing downsizing of larger ICFIID facilities, where many individuals served by APSI currently live, has also impacted the services provided by APSI. In 2015 many individuals APSI serves moved and 61 individuals moved to less restrictive settings. These changes are intended to provide more opportunity for adults to live and work in their local communities. As people transition to their communities the role of the APSI staff is to respond with increased visits and planning meetings to ensure their transition is going well.
I know that the APSI staff are up to the challenge of continuing to support the individuals we serve no matter where they live. As the DD system and the courts undergo changes to the way they do business we know we must stay resilient to meet the challenges presented by an ever changing world.
Sincerely,
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Karla Rinto
Executive Director
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Tom Gannon
Board President
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Audrey: Sometimes Less is more
Being self-directed has always been important to Audrey. Recently, she and her SSA from Hardin County, Cheryl Rodriguez, spent time reflecting on how Audrey's life and supports have changed since 2005 when APSI became Guardian of the Person for her.
Audrey:
What would you like people to know about you and your life?
My fiancee and I live together in a house that we rent. I come to work at New Visions in Findlay five days a week.
How has your life changed over the years?
I used to live in a group home and had staff all of the time. Now I live with John and I only have staff three days a week. My staff help me buy groceries and write checks and pay my bills.
Who do you turn to for help if it is needed?
My house manager (Kim), my SSA (Cheryl), and my APSI rep (Kati) all help me with things. I also get help from John's mom (Diane) and the rest of his family.
What are your plans for the future?
- I want to get married "for real"
- I want to have a baby
What steps will you need to take to achieve these future plans?
- Take classes about taking care of a baby
- Learn about my money and benefits
- Save money to pay for wedding and baby items
Who will you ask to help you achieve these future plans?
John, Kim, Cheryl
Do you have any advice for others who are working to be more independent?
- Take some classes
- Ask for help
- Be patient
How do you feel about the way your life is right now?
I feel fine. Being with John makes me happy. I like where I live.
Cheryl Rodriguez, Hardin County SSA:
How would you explain the support Audrey's team has provided to her over the years?
It took some time to find out what kind of support worked best for her. Over time it became clear that "less was more." Audrey learned a lot through trial and error. It took time for her to develop trust in her team and to realize that we were going to be constant and unconditional in our support of her. It was important to keep open communication with Audrey and among team members. She has really matured through the years. We all continue to validate and support her the best we can. She is a true success story.
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Joe: Change Doesn't Happen Overnight
Joe has been working to achieve more independence in his life for a long time. APSI has been part of this work since being appointed as Guardian of the Person for him in 2007. Joe's life has changed
tremendously over the years and he was excited to talk about his journey.
Joe:
What would you like people to know about you?
I live in this apartment by myself and have been here less than a year. I like it here, and I like living alone. I am working on getting a service dog. The dog is in training right now. I am hoping it is a Lab but I will take any kind. It doesn't matter if it is a boy or a girl. I just started going to a new day program were I get to work with animals. I am going to go there two days a week from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm. I like to go clubbing in Columbus every Saturday.
How do you feel about your life right now?
Things are going great for me. I really like where I live and the services I have. I used to have 24/7 staffing and live in a group home. Now I only have staff four days a week and no staffing overnight. My staff help me get to the store, doctor's appointments, and activities in Columbus. I am much more independent than I was when I first got APSI.
Why do you think things are going so well in your life at the moment?
I have a lot of support from my mom, Dean (my APSI rep), and my provider. I ask for help when I need it and I know that changes don't happen overnight.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to pass my own medicine, get a part time community job, and become my own guardian.
What steps do you think you need to take to achieve your goals?
I need to work with the nurse so I can learn about taking my medicine by myself. I also need to get a job before I can work on being my own guardian. I might need a job coach to help me find a job.
Do you have any advice for others who are working to be more independent?
- If you are having a hard time talk to a counselor or a friend
- Sometimes you have to work hard
- Remember that nobody's life is perfect
- Making changes takes time, don't give up!
How has APSI helped you?
APSI helps keep me out of bad relationships and helps me make better choices. They always sign my papers for medical things.
What are you most proud of?
I came a long way and my life is going great. I am very happy!
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Sam: Don't give up on yourself!
APSI became Guardian of the Person for Sam in 2012. It is easy to see from working with her that Sam has big goals for her future and she is determined to reach them. Her circle of support includes paid professionals as well as natural supports in the community. Sam and her team are very focused on working together to help her develop the skills she needs to make her dreams a reality. Sam and Angie Gibbons, the Choir Director from the church Sam attends, were happy to talk about Sam's life and supports.
Sam:
What would you like people to know about you and your life?
I live in my own house with one roommate. I really like to play my Wii games and I love to watch Dance Moms and the Pittsburgh Steelers on TV. I use my Rainbow Loom to make rubber band bracelets. I go to Special Olympics for bowling and basketball. I have also done track and I think I would like to try cross country skiing. I love going to church and singing in the choir. My favorite kinds of music are gospel and country. I LOVE to sing and dance.
What kinds of supports do you currently have in your life?
I have staff at home 24/7 and I just started a new temporary day program. I am going to this program so I can work on ways to be more successful and get ready to go back to my old day program or a job. I am not sure how long this will take.
Who are some of the people who are helping you in your life right now?
I get help from my staff. I have a counselor and I talk to her a lot. I really like talking to my choir director, Angie. I feel comfortable with her and I am not shy or afraid to talk to her about stuff. I also have my SSA and my APSI rep.
What are some of the goals you have for the future?
- Go back to high school and finish it
- Live on my own with my boyfriend
- Get a community job working with animals or as a cook or waitress
- Go on outings with my church by myself
What advice would you give to others who are working to become more independent?
- Don't give up on yourself
- Keep God and Jesus in your life
Angie Gibbons, Choir Director at The House of the Lord:
How did you get to know Sam and in what ways do you encourage her and act as a natural support in her life?
Sam started to attend church with her house manager and it was suggested that she consider joining the choir. Sam did join the choir and now she attends and participates regularly. She will even record the rehearsals so she can practice at home. My goal for Sam is for her to have a place where she can really flourish. I love her to pieces, and I truly try to be there for her. I want her to have a place where she can be safe, where she can sing and feel loved and accepted.
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FY 2015 OUTCOMES
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Statistic
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What It Means
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4240 individuals received protective services from APSI.
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APSI is the only statewide non-profit provider of guardianship services for people with DD in the state of Ohio. There are approximately 90,000 people with DD who are eligible for DD services living in Ohio.
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80 new individuals were awarded to APSI.
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These new awards were primarily via direct appointment by the probate court.
| | 117 referrals were made to APSI. |
County Boards of DD, families, and DD service providers as well as probate courts turn to APSI for help.
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7212 emergency messages were responded to by APSI's after-hours staff.
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APSI is available 24 hours a day to provide informed consent for emergencies.
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26830 visits were made to individuals by APSI staff.
APSI averages 6 visits per year to individuals served.
| Each APSI representative has a caseload of approximately 56 cases. Decreased funding has forced an increase in the staff to client ratio. Representatives complete an average of 31 visits per month. | | 2534 significant medical procedures were authorized by APSI on behalf of individuals served. |
APSI staff members advocate for the medical needs of the individuals we serve and help make decisions about major healthcare needs.
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34 successor guardianships were completed as a result of APSI's efforts.
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APSI wants to be the guardian of last resort and seeks family members or other entities to serve as guardians whenever possible.
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14 individuals were restored to competency and are making their own decisions with the help of APSI's advocacy.
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It is always APSI's goal to restore the individuals it serves to competency whenever possible.
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61 individuals moved to a less restrictive residential setting.
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APSI consistently works to assist all individuals it serves to find the least restrictive residential placement possible.
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APSI BOARD OF TRUSTEES FY 2015
Thomas A. Gannon, President (North Central)
Retired Outreach Coordinator
Cincinnati Children's Hospital |
Kevin Hayde (South West)
The Disability Foundation, Inc | Donna M. Owens, Vice President (Central)
Retired
Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence | Robert Jennings (Central)
Director of Information Systems
CareWorks Family of Companies | Becky Campbell, Treasurer (Central)
Chief Financial Officer
Community Living Experiences | Naeem Khan, Ph.D. (Central)
Psychologist
Retired State of Ohio | Patrick Rafter, Secretary (Central)
President
Creative Housing, Inc. | Larry Martin, CPA (Central)
CPA Consultant | |
Carolyn Borden-Collins (Central)
Retired Assistant Deputy Director
Ohio Dept of Jobs and Family Services
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Fred O'Dell (East Central)
President and Chief Executive Officer
North Valley Bank
| Blaine P. Brockman, Esq. (Central)
Attorney
Brockman Legal Services
| Susan Payne (South Central)
Retired Educator
Ohio University Adjunct Professor
| Shari Lynn Cooper (South West)
Community & Staff Relations Associate
Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
| Edward Sterling, DDS (South Central)
Retired
OSU Nisonger Center
| Dave Dohnal, Esq. (North Central)
Retired Counsel
Goodyear Tire & Rubber
| Rebecca Strafford, M.D. (South Central)
Medical Director
Retired State of Ohio
| Brad Eberhard, CPA, CVA (Central)
Audit Manager
Clark Schaefer Hackett
| Ellen Williams, Ph.D. (North West)
Retired Professor
Bowling Green State University
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Current Board Members
Seated L to R: Shari Lynn Cooper, Robert Jennings, Blaine Brockman, Larry Martin, Brad Eberhard, Dave Dohnal, Becky Campbell
Standing L to R: Ellen Williams, Nate Griffin, Donna Owens, Ed Sterling, Tom Gannon, Pat Rafter, Fred O'dell
Board Members Not Pictured: Caroyln Borden-Collins, Kevin Hayde, Susan Payne, Rebecca Strafford
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APSI FY 2015 DONORS
| AmazonSmile Foundation | Carolyn Borden-Collins
| Blaine & Catherine Brockman
| Becky & Corky Campbell
| | Dave & Susan Dohnal | | Brad Eberhard | | Tom & Barb Gannon | | Angela Gerding | | Harry C. Moores Foundation | | Kevin & Julia Hayde | | Cindy Ison | | Robert & Anita Jennings | | Deborah Kinzer | | Kroger Community Rewards Program | | Larry & Peggy Martin | | Nevalyn Nevil | | Fred & Judy O'Dell | Donna Owens
| | Sue & Larry Payne | | Pat Rafter & Maureen Corcoran | | Karla Rinto | | Ed Sterling, DDS | | Pat & Mike Uhlenhake | | Jamie Vandenbark | | John M. Vlasko | | Ellen Williams, Ph.D. | | Dave Zwyer |
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Revenue Sources FY 2015
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State of Ohio General Revenue Fund
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$4,710,518
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Title XX
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$609,000
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Donated Facilities
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$300,524
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Other (including donations, interest, and dividends)
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$12,825
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Total Revenue
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$5,632,867
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Expenses by Function FY 2015
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Program Salaries, Taxes, and Benefits
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$4,072,960
| | Program Auto and Travel |
$322,667
| | Program Depreciation Expense |
$38,062
| | Other Program Expenses (includes rent, telephone, office expenses) |
$805,742
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Administrative Salaries, Taxes, and Benefits
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$334,357
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Administrative Depreciation Expense
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$17,198
| | Other Administrative Expenses (includes telephone and office expenses) |
$150,235
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| | Total Expenses |
$5,741,221
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APSI Protective Service Representatives work very hard to include the family members of those we serve in the decision making process whenever possible. Below is a recent testimonial from the mother of someone who is served by APSI.
"I think they (APSI) do a great job. They work with me. I get information when I need it. They do a good job getting back with me and my daughter. They do a good job going out to check on her..."
- Mary (Amber's mom)
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