Photo Provided The Harrison County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrates receiving a three-year accreditation, the highest award given by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The board accepted the news at its November meeting. Those present were, from left: board member Julianna Dulkoski, Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn, Vice President Chuck George, board President Sara Taggart and board members David Koch and David Ossman. Not pictured are Mary Carter and Carolyn Kibble.

CADIZ — Following a comprehensive, on-site review by a team from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Harrison County Board of Developmental Disabilities has received a three-year accreditation, the highest award given by the state.

Conducted in October over the course of two days, the state review team looked at how effective the Harrison County Board is in serving people with disabilities. Areas reviewed were service and support, health and safety, and incident reporting. Interviews with people with disabilities and their families were also conducted.

Harrison DD Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn credited this achievement to an emphasis on a positive customer experience.

“We want people to live their best lives and it’s extremely important that we have relationships with each one in order for that to happen,” Llewellyn said.

The review report states that the Harrison County Board of Developmental Disabilities is resourceful and accesses grants and other sources to help people served. Its support of providers and other community partners was also recognized.

The Harrison County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves over 100 eligible people, coordinating and funding supports like early intervention (birth to 3), school-age assistance, transition from school to work (ages 14-22), job-related skill development, employment, residential, respite and transportation. It also operates three integrated preschool classrooms.

The Harrison County board is led by Sara Taggart, president; Chuck George, vice president; and Mary Carter, secretary. Others serving on the board are Julianna Dulkoski, Carolyn Kibble, David Ossman and David Koch. To learn more, log onto hcbdd.org.