ARPA Projects in Auglaize County Create Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Spaces

DODD allocated approximately $14.9 million in funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to county boards and councils of government. The primary objective is to expand HCBS waiver services, providing important support to people with disabilities and their families.

Westcon, which is a council of government, received $215,500 of ARPA funding specifically for Auglaize County. Auglaize County recently completed two projects using these funds: a universal changing table at the county fairgrounds and a sensory-friendly room at Generations of Love, a non-profit that serves youth and families in need in the community.

The universal changing table at the fairgrounds was the result of community collaboration. When Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities President, Renee Kohler, heard about the new Veterans Pavilion being built, she approached the planning group and encouraged installing a universal changing table.

This new building is a place for veterans to find much-needed services and to connect with other veterans, as well as a safe place for people to utilize the universal changing table during community events such as the Auglaize County Fair. This is the first universal changing table in Auglaize County.

The new sensory-friendly room at Generations of Love has been used by children of all ages. Staff anticipated that the room would be used by the Early Intervention (EI) and OhioRise participants who use their facility as a neutral location for EI visits and supervised family member visits, but the room has also been used frequently by the teens who participate in the summer programs. Some of these teens are served by the county board and have found the sensory-friendly room to be a safe place to take a break and reset.

When asked why she started Generations of Love and where her passion comes from, Paige Fiebelkorn the creator, owner, and manager, shared "It's just normal to me. " Her facility is located downtown where and she plans to coordinate with the community to have the sensory-friendly room open and available during community-wide events as well.

Learn more about ARPA funding on the DODD webpage and follow DODD on social media for more updates on ARPA projects across Ohio.