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County developmental‑disabilities superintendent outlines services, budget and long‑term care trends
Summary
Don Rice, superintendent at the Essebaum Center, described early‑intervention, residential and long‑term services, reporting a budget of about $18.5 million serving 1,133 people and noting that about 80 percent of income comes from a local levy.
Don Rice, superintendent at the Essebaum Center (a regional developmental‑disabilities agency), made an annual presentation to the council on the agency’s services, client demographics and funding mix.
"We spend about 18 and a half million dollars, serving 1,133 people," Rice said. He described early‑intervention outreach for ages 0–3, in‑home therapies (speech, occupational and physical therapy), respite and camp services for families, supported employment for adults and 24‑hour residential care for those with high needs.
Rice said the agency emphasizes early identification so children can access therapy before school age and local schools take the lead for school‑aged services; he added that the agency “comes back into play” around age 14 to plan post‑school transitions, employment and long‑term supports.
Rice described residential arrangements and oversight. He said Maple Leaf Community Residences owns about 28 of the group homes in the region, with private providers or contractors supplying day‑to‑day staffing. He said the agency checks services but does not directly hire most residential staff. Rice also summarized funding: roughly 80 percent of income comes from a local levy; approximately two‑thirds of some program costs are federal (Medicaid) with the village/local share covering the remainder and other state and rental‑income sources making up the balance.
Why it matters: The presentation provided council with current service volumes and funding sources for people with developmental disabilities in the region and highlighted how services shift as people age—from early intervention to school coordination to adult employment and residential supports.
Council members asked about outreach and publicity; Rice said the agency focuses on ages 0–3 and uses word‑of‑mouth, state programs (Help Me Grow), flyers and HOA contacts to reach families. He said last year the agency served 260 children ages 0–3 and that the agency now has about 190 people working in community jobs compared with roughly 35 about a decade ago.
Ending: Council thanked Rice for the annual update and for community service; Rice said he will return next year and urged residents to refer families who may need early‑intervention evaluation.
