We would like to communicate a general update on the status of having clients return to work in our ProPak Packaging and Assembly division of Weaver Industries.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) released guidelines on Friday, May 8th 2020 to outline a process for a slow return to work in congregate work settings, which includes all ProPak locations (vocational habilitation settings).
See below for link to Guidelines:
Guidance: Update to Day and Transportation Services Related to ODH Order
The process includes multiple steps for SSA’s and teams to work through, in order to take every individuals’ personal situation into consideration while assessing the risks and benefits of having them return to work. The process also includes “Provider Assurances” forms, which are documents that require providers to attest to a standardized system of protocols and processes that are designed to guide a slow return to facility-based environments - while keeping everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
Aside from the DODD process, I want to clearly state that each client’s return to work at Weaver ProPak is each individual and his/her teams decision. All of us at Weaver will do our best to outline all of our new safety guidelines but ultimately it is your decision as to when you want to return to ProPak. There will be no punitive or negative consequences of your decision. We want you back when you and your team are comfortable coming back.
Weaver is working with county boards and their SSA’s to get the process started with clients, their teams and the risk/benefit analysis. The SSA’s will then let Weaver know who is interested and/or able to return to work at their designated ProPak work location. We are still working with DODD on a few areas. One area is how transportation services can be delivered and what types of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required, as well as how many people can be transported per vehicle or van.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to give a start date or any schedule for ProPak clients to return to work. We will continue to communicate with you through our staff and/or through your SSA’s to keep you informed as things change.
Thank you for your patience as we know many of you are anxious to return to work. It’s critical that we do this right and keep everyone safe.
While companies have made efforts to improve the workplace for those with disabilities, it is still not enough. Businesses must start evaluating their operations and looking for opportunities to include everyone. Qualified people come in many forms, and companies must create a supportive environment for all people.
Weaver has been spotlighting areas of business that have helped maximize impact and grow the mission. One of those areas is our employees, such as our Direct Support Professionals.
Many people wonder how disability accommodations will affect their businesses. Will these accommodations add cost? Will they reduce efficiency? The list goes on, and these are valid questions.