Making it Work in a Community Setting

Living in a community is one thing, but becoming a part of the community and a neighborhood is quite another.  For many people, this task is often challenging.  For those with mental handicaps, however, this challenge is even further pronounced.  At OVRS, the staff training includes introducing Individuals served to the numerous opportunities of seeing and experiencing distinctive and self-chosen activities - the seeds of friendship.

To establish an enriching home environment, the staff of OVRS works along with:

1. The Individual needing services

2. The family

3. Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (HCBMRDD)

4. Many other community resources

This effort allows the OVRS staff to assess the Individual’s needs and aspirations in order to determine the best supportive arrangement.  For one Individual, this might be a highly intensive staff-supported group home.  For another, it may be a supervised apartment with a minimum level of staff support.  The potential for growth and overall satisfaction relies on appropriate individualized supports.