The Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities has contracted with Mid-East Ohio Regional Council (MEORC) to offer another level of support to our providers. We recognize the hard work and dedication you provide to the people you support. We also recognize that you are going to have questions or need some one-on-one guidance from time to time; therefore, the county board has invested in MEORC to provide that resource.
So, here is what is being offered to you at no cost to you…
- Unlimited access to all of the services in MEORC’s Provider Catalog
- Resource sharing, system updates, and technical support
- Monthly communication with subject matter expert(s)
- Recertification support
- Customized, needs-specific technical support
- A primary point of contact for all provider-related questions or needs:
Pennie Chappell
Provider Resource Manager
Cell (740) 501-0553
Pennie Chappell is the Provider Resource Manager at MEORC. Pennie is a Good Life Facilitator (Level 1 and 2), Person-Centered Thinking Coach, Trauma Informed Care Facilitator, Ohio Self Determination board member, Gathering @ the Grove co-chair and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with concentration in Human Resources and Management. Pennie has an adult son in the DD system and has over 15 years direct experience as a provider.
Athens County Board of DD made a considerable investment in this service, and we hope that you take advantage of these supports. Pennie presented and was introduced at our December Quarterly Provider meeting held yesterday, and she will now begin reaching out to each of you setting up times to meet with agencies and independents in January to get to know your needs, what you do for individuals in our county, and how we can work together to ensure all your needs are being met as you work to support those we serve in Athens County. We are excited for your continued success!
As we move forward with MEORC being available, we are committed to working together to help provide high quality services to individuals in Athens County.
I am also including the link to their Provider Resources web page for you to check out and have easy access.
MEORC Provider Support Services and Resources: https://www.meorc.com/supporting-providers/supporting-providers
Please reach out if you have any questions regarding this additional support being offered, attached you will find the MEORC catalog for providers, as well as the contact info for the MEORC Provider Supports Team.
Quick Access Links:




All Athens County Providers have access to MEORC trainings and these Provider Resources!

Trainings:



Instructions for Accessing DODD-“My Learning” for online training–click the button below.
Billing course for Providers–The DODD Billing Course is a beneficial step-by-step process to learn about the billing procedures to pay Providers. The course is less than 45 mins.; it’s interactive and is very thorough.
Click the black button above. Then, click on LAUNCH on the right, then click on the billing course, and take the course. You will need to log in to your DODD account.
Remember: If you need any help with any Provider processes, call the DODD Provider Support number-1-800-617-6733, ext. 5
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the importance of decision-making and how to support people with disabilities to live independent, self-determined lives. Click the Guardianship/SDM ARC of Ohio button below for more information:
For service dates beginning January 1, 2022, the Medicaid maximum payment rates are increasing for Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC), Participant-Directed Homemaker/Personal Care (PD-HPC).
Only providers who bill DODD claims with a rate that is at least the new maximum payment rate will receive higher payments.
Providers who bill DODD claims with a lower rate than the maximum will be paid at that lower rate.

A primary purpose of the
DSP is to assist people who need support
to lead self-directed lives and to participate
fully in our nation’s communities.
This emphasis on empowerment and
participation is critical. There are numerous
pressures coming from organizations,
government, social policy, and societal
prejudice that can shift focus and allegiance
away from the people who are being
supported. DSPs face ethical decisions on a
daily basis and consistently feel the tension
between the ideals of the profession and
its practice.
In order to maintain the promise of
partnership and respect that must exist in
a supportive relationship, a strong, ethical
foundation is critical to help DSPs navigate
the maze of influences that bombard them.
The prejudices of society form powerful
barriers, yet too often, the very social
policies and service systems designed to
help can create additional barriers that
prevent many people with intellectual,
developmental or physical disabilities from
enjoying a rich and fulfilling life.