19-04-2025
ACBDD-supported person appointed to its board
KINGSVILLE — Ryan Jenks was recently appointed to the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Jenks is the first person served by the Board of DD to be appointed to serve on the board.
'I am proud to be part of the Ashtabula Board of DD,' Jenks said in a Board of DD press release. 'I can bring my thoughts and input on what needs to be done.'
Board of DD Director of Quality and Community Outreach Manda Jackson said Jenks' appointment is a historic moment.
'It's really exciting for us to be a part of this movement, and really lead by example of encouraging people with disabilities to be a part of the decision making process,' she said.
Jackson said this is a prime opportunity for someone to advocate for themselves.
'Somebody served has a position at a table that can lead to true decision making and change within our system,' she said.
Jenks went through a formal interview process, Jackson said.
'The structure of our board appointments [is that] two come from the probate judge and five come from our commissioners,' she said. 'Ryan is an appointment through probate.'
Jenks met with Probate Court Judge Albert Camplese and Board of DD Superintendent Toni Scurpa, then was formally sworn in, Jackson said.
'The county board for a long time has promoted advocacy and supporting people we serve to know their rights, responsibilities and be able to advocate for what's important in their life,' she said.
There were some state policy changes that led to Jenks coming to the board, Jackson said.
According to the Board of DD press release, new state legislation takes effect July 1 that emphasizes including someone who receives a board's services on the board.
The Ohio Revised Code has called for county boards to include people they serve for a long time, Board of DD Director of Operations and Human Resources Matthew Glidewell said.
'The new emphasis came with the 2023 biennium budget, where now the board is required to look for a capable individual served to serve on our board,' he said.
Glidewell said it is great to have Jenks on the board as a representative for his community.
'We may think we have the best intentions of the individuals that we serve at heart, but who better knows what people served need than people served themselves,' he said.
Jenks will bring a new and welcomed voice to the board, Glidewell said.
'We look forward to working with Mr. Jenks in the years to come,' he said.
Jenks will be a great addition to the board, Jackson said.
'He does actively receive our services, and he will bring new light and perspective to the initiatives that we focus on,' she said.
