T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Superintendent of the Belmont-Harrison-Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities Gloria Llewellyn, standing, describes upcoming improvements. Belmont County Commissioner Jerry Echemann observes.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The boards of developmental disabilities of Belmont, Harrison and Noble counties will be seeing some upgrades and offering new services in the near future, thanks to American Rescue Plan dollars.

The Belmont County Board of Commissioners heard an update from Gloria Llewellyn, superintendent of the BHN Alliance, on Wednesday. She said the boards had received a grant of $487,000 through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to improve accessibility and community connections.

She said there was $14.2 million in grant funding available for Ohio’s 88 counties to apply. The opportunity to apply occurred in December, and officials had less than two weeks to seek the funding.

“They’re one-time funds … that was made available that needed to be spent, and we have until the end of this year,” she said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our communities.”

She said the agency was awarded $344,700 to provide accessible restroom facilities in the community. Llewellyn said the alliance is partnering with Momentum Refresh Van Services for a mobile restroom that will be present during county fairs, street festivals, concerts and other live venue events.

Llewellyn said a Winnebego has been selected.

“The amenities are amazing,” she said, adding that restrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act can sometimes lack privacy and space.

“We can use this vehicle in our communities, whether it’s at the fair, the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival. It can be parked there. It will be staffed the entire time of the event. It has a lift system,” she said. “It has a large adult changing station, as well as a height-adjustable sink and a single toilet, so it’ll be clean, roomy and afford the privacy that’s needed for adults in our community. … Those are the folks that we want to ensure have those opportunities to participate in the fair. You could have someone who might not be able to come to the fair.”

The mobile station will be used at Belmont, Harrison and Noble county events. She said the boards will acquire it in the next six to nine months and get it up and running.

“Hopefully this coming year, you’re going to see this vehicle out in the community.”

She said Momentum will provide staffing during special occasions.

Llewellyn said the agency also received $10,000 for supportive connections.

“Which will provide funding for youth to attend summer camps,” she said. “We were awarded $125,000 in building enhancements, community accessibility. The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities has great, fantastic amenities.”

She said these include a swimming pool, a sensory room and a gymnasium.

“We are working on our playground location to make it accessible for people with all abilities, especially anyone who has a mobility issue. Someone in a wheelchair can truly be involved in the play,” she said.

Work will likely begin in the spring or summer, with completion by October.

The rest of the funding will go toward a single stall unit restroom.

“It’s quite large, and it will allow a person and even if their caregiver as needed to go into that bathroom. The upgrades will include an automatic button, a lift system, an adult changing station, and an accessible sink that’s totally hands-free, water, air and soap,” she said.

“This is quite an exciting opportunity. We have so many people that use our building on a daily basis. We have people with disabilities and their families. We have public school students that come into our building. We have other disability groups. We have the general public, as well as youth groups that are constantly in there on a regular basis.”

Finally, the alliance received $7,000 to help people with disabilities and their families participate in conferences, meetings, and training in Ohio. The funds will pay for registration fees, accessible transportation and lodging accommodations.

Commissioner Josh Meyer commended their work.

“I know that’s a huge help to you guys, and I know you’ll put it to great use,” he said.

Pamela McCort, director of communications for the three county boards of developmental disabilities, said coordinated support and communication is key.

“You have to be on the same page,” she said.

The Belmont, Harrison and Noble county boards coordinate and fund support for more than 800 children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy across the three Appalachian counties. More information can be found at the websites bcbdd.org, hcbdd.org and ncbdd.org.

The Belmont County office is located at 68421 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville.