Primary Services
Training and Technical Assistance
Business Transformation
Access to a Network of Resources
Professional Growth and Development
opportunities for Members
O.W.N. is committed to working with state officials in cabinet agencies, members of the Ohio General Assembly, local government officials, and other system stakeholders to:
Simplify the system for providers.
Cabinet Agency Lobbying
Policy Development
Administrative Rules
Rate Methodologies
Who are we?
O.W.N. was created to represent organizations who want to work together to advance waiver services for those with developmental disabilities.
We are an organization with members who are passionate about making positive differences in the lives of people we serve.
We believe the future of the system is rooted in person centered, home and community based services.
O.W.N. works under 3 basic principles: Cooperation/Collaboration, System Simplicity, and Quality Outcomes. O.W.N.'s engagement to their vision and mission solidified and membership grew once regular meetings started taking place with the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities,
At the same time, as larger providers started joining, O.W.N.'s voice amplified and their ability to effect change was cemented.
What is our goal?
About Us
The Ohio Waiver Network (O.W.N.) established in 2013 was started by Tom Rickels and Kathy Phillips, who had both worked in the provider field for over 30 years. They felt that providers were being represented by people who either hadn't delivered direct services in the field or those who were too far removed from having provided service to be active and effective.
As O.W.N. became more involved with Ohio stakeholders, we were able to introduce practical ideas on how policies would affect direct support professionals (D.S.P.'s) delivering services and the people they served.
Provide the perspective of people working in this field to State level committees.
Provide training and technical assistance that members need to succeed.
Communication
Monthly Publications
Regional Meetings
Social Media Presence