Highland and Fayette County Boards of DD announces new superintendent
The Highland and Fayette County Board of DD is under the direction of a new superintendent as of January 1, 2024. Previous Superintendent, Debra Buccilla, announced her retirement after dedicating nearly 40 years of work to the field of developmental disabilities. Larry Gray has been named as the successor superintendent.
Larry previously worked for both county boards and has extensive experience in several areas specific to county board service and operations. His knowledge in these areas as well as his familiarity and work history in both Highland and Fayette Counties will serve him well in his new role. Larry worked for over 30 years at ABX Air prior to coming to the county boards. Most recently, Larry was the Executive Director of the Fayette/Highland Metropolitan Housing Authority before returning to the county boards to serve as superintendent.
Larry stated that he is honored to have been selected as the next superintendent for Highland and Fayette County Boards of DD and is looking forward to working with both boards in 2024.
Highland County Board of DD Superintendent set for retirement.
After nearly 40 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities in both the public and private sector, Superintendent Debra Buccilla has announced her retirement for the end of February 2024.
Deb has served as the Superintendent for both Fayette and Highland Counties since September 2014. During her time in Highland County, she had oversight of numerous changes and expansion in services. Significant strides were made in housing for adults, programming for youth transitioning into adulthood and early childhood services including Early Intervention, Help Me Grow and Preschool Services.
Prior to 2014, Deb served as the Chief Operating Officer for Alvis Inc. overseeing all programmatic services provided to both individuals with developmental disabilities as well to all special populations being served by the agency. Prior to this, Deb worked for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as a developmental center superintendent and an assistant deputy director overseeing all developmental centers in Ohio. As an advocate for individuals with disabilities, Deb has worked on a local, state and national level to promote policy change to benefit those with developmental disabilities.
Deb was past president of the Fairfield County Board of DD, the past president of the Ohio Community Corrections Association and a former board member for Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (APSI).
In recent years, Deb received the Self-Advocacy Hero Award from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and the Ron Kozlowski Advocacy Award from Advocacy and Protective Services for her work in supporting statewide advocacy efforts.
Highland County has benefited from her guidance and leadership over the past nine years. Deb’s passion for the field and ensuring individuals have the highest quality of care and supports shine through her work every day. Thank you, Deb, for your dedication and impact on so many over the years.
Preschool Grant information
Preschool Grant information
2023-2024 Preschool Families,
Our facility has been awarded grant funding from the Ohio Department of Education for 4-year-old students of families who meet the qualifying income guidelines. If your child qualifies and their application is accepted, their tuition would be paid for through the grant. This would cover all tuition cost for the 2023-2024 school year. Below you will see the requirements to qualify for the grant. If you feel you meet these requirements, please reach out to our preschool office.
•Child must be four years of age by October 1, 2022
•The program must have a copy of the child’s birth certificate and social security card on file.
•Parents must provide proof of income or no income to keep on file at the program.
•Family income must fall at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The household includes anyone living in the home.
oFollow the link below to determine federal poverty level
We have a limited number of spots available. Those spots will be filled in the order that we receive eligible applications. Please email the preschool office at nhaines@highdd.org if you have any questions or would like to request an application. More information is available by following the link below.
Want to become an Independent Provider?
Want to become an Independent Provider?
The Highland County Board of DD (HCBDD) provides coordination, oversight, and funding to eligible individuals with developmental disabilities. Providers are selected through an interview process from an agency or can be an independent provider. An Independent Provider (IP) is a self-employed person who provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, please click on the resources tab, then visit the provider information folder. Details about how to become an IP are listed there. You may also reach out to us if you have additional questions or need assistance.
STABLE Accounts
STABLE Accounts
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The STABLE Account provides people living with disabilities the financial independence they hope to obtain.
