Community Experiences Grant (ARPA)

Funder: Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD), funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Award Amount: Varies by activity; fully funds eligible community experiences

Geographic Scope: Allen County, Ohio

Program Focus: Supports community activities and experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their support staff, ensuring affordability and accessibility

Eligible Activities

• Day trips (movies, local fairs, parks)
• Overnight trips and destination travel
• Zoo season tickets and similar passes
• Visits to different states/regions
• Any community-based experiential activities

Key Features

• Stress-Free: Grants cover full costs, allowing beneficiaries to choose activities without financial worry
• Person-Centered: Individuals plan and choose their own activities
• Accessible Application: Easy application process through Support Service Advocates (SSAs)

Eligibility

• Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by ACBDD
• Support staff/caregivers accompanying individuals

Background

• Awarded to ACBDD in late 2023
• Total award: $584,000 in ARPA grant funds
• Designed to improve accessibility and inclusion throughout Allen County
• Funds still available as of August 2024

Contact Information

• Contact: Melissa Ricker, Superintendent
• Phone: 419-221-1385, ext. 3270
• Email: mricker@acbdd.org
• Address: 2500 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio 45801

Application Process

1. Initiation: Support Service Advocate (SSA) informs individual and family of opportunity
2. Discussion: Individual, family/guardian, and provider discuss activity interests
3. Application: Provider or family submits application (specifics not detailed in source material)
4. Grant Coverage: Upon approval, grant covers all activity costs
5. Implementation: Individual plans and executes activity with support staff

Required Information

• Individual's interests and preferences
• Proposed activity details (destination, dates, duration)
• Budget/cost estimates
• Support staff/caregiver information

Note: Source material emphasizes the process is "very easy and accessible" but does not provide detailed application forms or specific required documentation.