Community Services

Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities
1701 Colegate Drive, Marietta, Ohio 45750
740-373-3781

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Residential Services
The WCBDD helps to make community living and other residential options available to individuals and families within Washington County. The County Board, though not directly operating any facility, does monitor three licensed ICF/MR homes serving 24 individuals.

For the individuals currently residing in their homes, services are provided through the Supported Living Program and The Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program. These programs provide support and training to individuals which allow them to continue to live in settings of their choice.

Available services are flexible and determined by the individual, family, advocates, and/or staff. Supported Living and Waiver Services are not grounded in a concept of "readiness" or in a continuum of progressively less restrictive environments.

Special Olympics
The Washington County Special Olympics is designed to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities who would like to participate in sports. Washington County Special Olympics is open to all people ages 8-99 who have developmental disabilities.

Events sponsored by Washington County:

Track and Field - Begins in the spring. Practice takes place on the grounds of the WCBDD.

	Walking - various distances
	Running - various distances
	Shot Put
	Softball Throw
	Standing Long Jump

Aquatics - Begins in the fall. Practices take place at Ewing School - Sectional meet is held at the Marietta Family YMCA.

Bowling - Begins the first part of each year. Practices and tournament take place at the North Hills Lanes in Marietta.

Anyone interested in participating in Special Olympics or volunteering for Special Olympics can call Jan Powell at 373-3418.

Genetics
The Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosts a Children's Hospital Genetics Clinic in Marietta on a quarterly basis.

Genetic problems and birth defects are far more common than most people realize. About 20% of birth defects are inherited. Other causes could be environmental influences, maternal drug use, infections, and maternal metabolic conditions. Some birth defects are not apparent at birth, but are realized months and years later. There are many different genetic disorder that vary greatly in severity of symptoms. Some can be life threatening. Others can be treated if detected early.

The Regional Genetics Center at Children's Hospital provides genetic services including consultation, diagnosis, treatment, referrals, genetic counseling, and education. These services are available to children and families with genetic disorders, developmental difficulties, and birth defects throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio, regardless of ability to pay.

Individuals and couples seek genetic counseling for many reasons. Genetic counseling can help:

	Families with a history of birth defects or genetic disorders.
	Parents of a child with birth defects or developmental disabilities.
	Some racial and ethnic groups have a higher risk of certain genetic disorders than others.
	Older parents.
	Women with a history of two or more miscarriages or stillbirths.
	Persons concerned about the outcome of a pregnancy because of exposure to infections, medications, and alcohol.

At the first visit to the genetics clinic, the patient or family member will talk with a genetic counselor to share information about family history and patient symptoms. This counseling session is followed by an examination by a physician who specializes in genetic disorders. There may be tests ordered by the physician, which are scheduled prior to leaving the appointment.

Contact Jan Powell, RN at the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities to inquire about genetic services in Marietta, or to make an appointment for the clinic. 740/373-3418

Last Modified: 1/26/2012