The Belmont County Board of
Developmental Disabilities provides or links children and
adults with disabilities to services and supports they need
for their lives. The County Board is funded by local, state
and federal sources and most services are provided at no
cost. A seven-member board governs the organization. Five
members are appointed by the County Commissioners and two
appointed by the Probate Judge. By law at least three of the
board members must be family members of individuals who
receive or are eligible to receive services from the County
Board. Board members are volunteers and receive no
compensation for their services.
The Belmont
County Board meets on the first Thursday of each month in
the conference room at the School of Hope, 330 Fox-Shannon
Place, St. Clairsville. The meetings are called to order at
4:30 p.m.
OVERVIEW OF SUPPORTS
ADULT SERVICES
Adult Services are for people with
developmental disabilities ages 22 and older. Services
include work skill development, service coordination,
employment, occupational, physical, and speech services,
emotional, physical and personal development, and 24-hour
crisis intervention.
RESIDENTIAL
The County Board works with other
organizations like Eastern Ohio Housing Development
Corporation, Sunrise Acres Ranch, ResCare and Paramount
Support Services to develop community living options for the
people it serves. The County Board also provides residential
supports through various funding sources that help people
remain connected to family and friends.
BELCO WORKS, INC.
Belco Works, Inc. is a non-profit
organization that provides employment opportunities for
adults. Jobs in packaging, assembly, document shredding, and
wood products are found in this light industrial setting at
340 Fox-Shannon Place while others are employed in the
community where they are supported by job coaches.
TRANSPORTATION
The County Board logs about 2000 miles
per day taking people to school, work, medical appointments,
recreational activities and Special Olympics’ events.
Children ride familiar yellow school buses while adults are
transported in light transit vehicles or cars. Specialized
equipment ensures the highest level of safety in transport.
EARLY INTERVENTION
Services for children ages 0 to 3 who
are at risk for or have a developmental disability are
provided through Early Intervention.
INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL
Children with developmental
disabilities ages 3 to 5 and their typically developing
peers are educated in the Integrated Preschool program at
the School of Hope. Two intervention specialists (teachers)
and two instructor assistants teach classes four days per
week.
SCHOOL OF HOPE
Children ages 6 to 22 years with
developmental disabilities are referred by the public school
systems to the School of Hope where classes are held five
days per week. The school has four intervention specialists
(teachers), 10 instructor assistants, one (1) speech
therapist, one physical therapist (contracted service), one
PT assistant, and one occupational therapist.
STAFF
There are 208 people employed by the
County Board and Belco Works. That number includes direct
care providers, intervention specialists (teachers),
instructor assistants, service and support administrators
(case managers), bus drivers, maintenance/janitorial, food
service, and administrative personnel.
FACILITIES
The County Board’s campus located at
330-340 Fox-Shannon Place includes the Early Childhood and
Family Center, where the School of Hope is located, and
Belco Works, Inc. The Service and Support Administration (SSA)
and Transportation departments are located on Pogue Road,
St. Clairsville.
