Why would I file a complaint or appeal?
You can file a complaint if you are dissatisfied with a program, service, policy or practice of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. You can file an appeal of adverse action (“appeal”) if your request for services is denied or if the services you have been receiving are taken away.
Do I have to file a formal complaint or appeal?
No. If you choose, you can start by trying to resolve your complaint or appeal informally with a supervisor or manager at the Board. You and the supervisor or manager can agree to work together to try and resolve your complaint or appeal. The informal process shouldn’t take longer than 30 days.
Should I try to resolve my complaint or appeal informally before filing a formal complaint or appeal?
That is entirely up to you. Trying to resolve your complaint or appeal informally does not prevent you from filing a formal complaint or appeal.
When should I file a complaint or appeal?
A complaint must be filed within 90 days that you become aware of the program, service, policy, or practice that is the subject of your complaint. An appeal must be filed within 90 days of receiving notice that your services are being denied or taken away.
In most cases, the Board must notify you at least 15 days prior to the date it plans to take away your services. If you file an appeal before the date your services are scheduled to be taken away, your services will stay in place during the appeal process.
How do I file a formal complaint or appeal?
The complaint or appeal must be filed in writing with the supervisor or manager responsible for the program, service, policy or practice of the Board. Staff members from the Board will assist you if you need help.
How will I be notified about my complaint or appeal?
The Board will respond to you in writing. Each response will explain the next step and the timeline for completing it.
What will happen after I file a formal complaint or appeal?
The supervisor or manager will meet with you to discuss your complaint or appeal and will investigate your complaint or appeal. Within 15 days, the supervisor or manager will provide you with a written response to your complaint or appeal. If you make a request, the supervisor or manager will discuss the written response with you.
What if I am not satisfied with the supervisor’s or manager’s decision?
You can file your complaint or appeal with the superintendent of the Board. Your complaint or appeal must be filed in writing within 10 days of receiving the supervisor’s or manager’s written response. Staff members from the Board will assist you if you need help. The superintendent or his or her designee will meet with you within 10 days of receiving your complaint or appeal and will provide you with a written response within 15 days of receiving your complaint or appeal.
What if I am not satisfied with the superintendent’s decision?
You can file your complaint or appeal with the president of the Board. Your complaint or appeal must be filed in writing within 10 days of receiving the superintendent’s written response. Staff members from the Board will assist you if you need help. A hearing will be conducted within 20 days of receipt of your complaint or appeal
What will happen at the hearing?
The hearing could be conducted by the full Board, by a committee of two or more members of the Board appointed by the president, or by a hearing officer appointed by the president. You will have an opportunity to explain your complaint or appeal. You may be represented by an attorney. You have the right to question officials or employees of the Board who have information related to your complaint or appeal. You may be asked questions about your complaint or appeal.
What will happen after the hearing?
You are entitled to receive, at no cost, a written transcript of the hearing. Within 15 days of the hearing or the Board’s receipt of the report and recommendation from a hearing officer, the president of the Board will send you by certified mail the Board’s decision regarding your complaint or appeal. The decision must include a rationale and a description of what you should do if you are still dissatisfied.
What if I am not satisfied with the Board’s decision?
You can file your complaint or appeal with the director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Your complaint or appeal must be filed in writing within 15 days of receiving the Board’s decision. Staff members from the Board will assist you if you need help. The director or his or her designee may request additional information from you. Within 45 days of receipt of the necessary documents related to your complaint or appeal, the director or his or her designee will send you by certified mail his or her decision regarding your complaint or appeal.
What if I am not satisfied with the director’s decision?
You can file a claim through the court system.
Who else can help me with my complaint or appeal?
Arc of Ohio at 1-800-875-2723
Disability Rights Ohio at 1-800-282-9181
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities at 1-877-464-6733