Counties could see removal of sheltered workshops

YOUNGSTOWN — Sheltered workshops eventually will be removed from the boards of developmental disabilities in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties and throughout the state.

“It’s coming. It’s just a matter of time,” said Ed Stark, superintendent of the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“If a county BDD provides case management and direct services, such as does Mahoning County with its sheltered workshops, we will have to move away from one or the other,” said William Whitacre, superintendent of the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“We give clients great choices. ... Their lives are full. It’s hard for them and their parents to understand that things are changing,” said William Devon, Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities superintendent.

A sheltered workshop is a workplace that provides physically or mentally challenged people an opportunity to acquire job skills and vocational experience.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com