Employers Working with Persons with Developmental Disabilities (EWPDD) Grant Program

Employers Working with Persons with Developmental Disabilities Grant Program

Funder: Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), promoted by Ohio Council of Retail Merchants

Purpose: Provides financial assistance to employers to purchase training and/or equipment to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries or illnesses associated with working with developmentally disabled children and adults.

Award Details

• Maximum Award: Up to $20,000
• Match Requirements: 5-to-1 match for equipment OR no match required for training
• Duration: For the duration of the EWPDD grant program

Geographic Scope

• Ohio only

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a state-fund private or public employer or taxing district employer
• Work with children/adults with disabilities (must describe services in application)
• Have active Ohio workers' compensation coverage and maintain continuous active coverage while participating
• Not have more than 40 days of cumulative lapses in workers' compensation coverage within prior 12 months
• Be current with all BWC payments as defined in Ohio Administrative Code 4123-17-14
• Have been in existence for at least two years
• Have reported payroll for at least one full policy year
• Timely report actual payroll for preceding policy year and pay any premium due
• Safety Intervention Grants (SIG) program participants must be current on receipt documentation and reporting

Eligible Purchases

Equipment:

• Ceiling lifts
• Floor-based lifting devices
• Ambulation devices
• Bathing and toileting chairs
• Hi-low tables
• Multi-sensory environment equipment

Training:

• Non-violent de-escalation training
• Trauma-informed care training and certification

Additional Information

• Applicants may apply for EWPDD grant even if they have received $40,000 or less in their current SIG program eligibility cycle
• Recipients agree to share results in the form of best practices

Contact Information

BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene:

• Phone: 1-800-644-6292
• Fax: 614-365-4972
• Website: www.bwc.ohio.gov

Application Process

1. Gather information for application
2. Access BWC's website to download the PDF application
3. Complete application and mail it to BWC
4. BWC reviews grant application
5. BWC approves grant
6. BWC distributes funds
7. Purchase training and/or purchase and install equipment
8. Submit proof of spending
9. Submit one-year case study

Timeline Notes

• BWC will issue grant funds approximately 2-8 weeks after approval
• Must make approved purchase within 3 months of grant check date
• Submit receipt documentation within 120 days to BWC