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Family Support Services (FSS)

Note: FSS is not an available service for individuals who are currently enrolled on a DD waiver.

Family Support Services Program is a county board funded and implemented program which assists the family who lives with an individual who is eligible for services from the local county board of Developmental Disabilities. The goals of the Family Support Services program are to promote family unity, to maximize self-sufficiency and to prevent inappropriate institutionalization by accessing an array of supports that can be tailored to the unique need of the individual in need of services.

Assistance may be provided in the areas of in-home respite, out-of-home respite, home modification or adaptive equipment, incontinence supplies, special diet needs, camp, and adaptive therapies. 

FSS is available to families who receive services from the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD).

Contact Us For More Information

Should you have questions or concerns about the FSS program, please feel free to contact:

Stephanie Williams

4791 Woodridge Drive

Austintown, OH  44515

Phone: 330-799-9037
Fax: 330-799-2171
Email: MCBDDFSS@mahoningcountyoh.gov

Melissa Leighton (Ages 0 - 2)

130 Javit Court

Austintown, OH  44515

Phone:  330-799-2967

Email:  mleighton@mahoningcountyoh.gov

The Mahoning County Board of DD Family Support Services Program allows for the items and services listed below (not to exceed $1,000 annually for eligible participants):

Respite

  • In home
  • Out of home
  • Day care
  • Special needs camps

Counseling/Training

  • Assessments
  • Therapies:
    • Speech / OT / PT
  • Family/Individual counseling
  • Therapeutic Horseback riding
  • Music Therapy
  • Computer software with recommendations

Adaptive Equipment

(with Physician order or Therapist recommendation as appropriate to diagnosis)

  • Wheelchair lifts (stair/van)
  • Wheelchairs
  • Ramps (portable)
  • Adaptive bed
  • Monitor
  • Adaptive car seats age 5+
  • Stroller age 5+
  • Bib/clothing protector age 3+
  • Adaptive Utensils/plates
  • Weighted blankets/vests
  • Therapy ball
  • Adapted swing
  • Communication devices
  • Personal Emergency Response System (may include fire/CO2 detection – Home invasion is home owner responsibility)

Home Modifications

(with Physician order or Therapist recommendation as appropriate to diagnosis)

  • Ramps (permanent)
  • Fence
  • Shower/bathroom modifications
  • Overhead lifts

Incontinence Supplies (after age 3)

  • Diapers
  • Bed pads/mattress liners/covers
  • Wipes
  • Briefs
  • Liners for undergarments
  • Hygiene gloves
  • Swim diapers
  • Diaper rash ointment/cream

Special Diets

(with Physician orders as appropriate to diagnosis)

  • Pediasure/Ensure
  • Regular formula (after age 1)
  • Specialized formula

Medical

(with Physician orders as appropriate to diagnosis and not covered by insurance or any other 3rd party source (e.g. Medicaid)

  • Braces (dental/co specific health/safety issue)
  • Orthotic braces/walkers/standers
  • Shoe inserts
  • Medications
  • Ambulance fees
  • Air conditioner/dehumidifier/humidifier
  • Generator
  • Dental services beyond routine cleanings
  • Special Eye Glasses

Other Requests, Such As:

  • Guardianship fees

Should you have a request for an item or service not listed, please contact Linda Reigelman to discuss the special request process.

 

Services

FSS is available for services in which there is no other available funding source.

The FSS Program can be used for respite, out of home activities, supplies (such as diapers and wipes) as well as adaptive equipment, counseling/training, home modifications, and special diet needs.

All special requests should be addressed to the Mahoning County Board of DD to the attention of Stephanie Williams, for consideration prior to receiving services or purchasing of goods.

  • Please note that there is no carryover of funds from the previous year to the next year.
  • Usage of the yearly allocation in the beginning of the year requires pre-approval.
  • The FSS program operates on a calendar year, or until all FSS funding is exhausted for the year.

Forms

Reimbursement Request Forms for Goods/Services and Respite (these forms can be printed from this site)

FSS Invoice - Goods and/or Services

FSS Invoice - Respite

Attestation Form for Medical - Related Expenses

W-9 Form (please fill out all highlighted fields)

FSS Email address to submit reimbursement requests:  MCBDDFSS@mahoningcountyoh.gov

Stephanie Williams' phone number:  330-799-9037