**UPDATE: If you or a loved one currently uses a medically necessary safety bed in Ohio (or you were in the process of obtaining one) and you would like to join in on the upcoming actions challenging this dangerous new policy, contact us at ohioparentpenalty@gmail.com to find out how to get involved.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has issued alarming new guidance targeting the use of enclosed beds—a vital safety tool for individuals with profound disabilities, including those with severe autism. These beds, recommended by leading institutions such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, are often a medical necessity, prescribed by doctors to prevent elopement, injury, or even death. Despite their proven benefits, DODD is seeking to eliminate their use under the guise of “restrictive measures” and provider convenience, disregarding the lived realities and safety needs of the individuals and families affected.
What Are Enclosed Beds, and Why Are They Essential?
Enclosed beds are complex rehab technology (CRT), specially designed to prevent individuals from leaving the bed unsafely. They are not used for convenience but to protect people who might otherwise end up in dangerous situations such as falling, eloping into traffic, or drowning. For many families, these beds are the last line of defense, ensuring their loved ones remain safe overnight while they get desperately needed rest.
DODD's position, as outlined in their recent alert, labels these beds as a form of “mechanical restraint” and says their use should be phased out. The alert further states that these beds are presumed “not to be medically necessary” unless prior authorization is granted—ignoring the fact that many physicians and hospitals consider them essential and prescribe them for their patients.
The Dangerous Alternative: Intrusive Surveillance
Sources reveal DODD’s push to replace enclosed beds is based on their desire to place awake staff in individuals’ bedrooms to monitor them throughout the night. This drastic measure, presented as an alternative to enclosed beds, is not only invasive but also unrealistic for families. It raises severe concerns about privacy, trauma, and the emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities, especially those who may find the presence of a stranger in their room distressing.
This misguided policy appears to prioritize expanding DODD's jobs program for unskilled workers over the safety and dignity of individuals with disabilities. For many, these policies will not lead to greater independence but rather to increased risk and harm.
Whistleblower Concerns: A Systemic Threat
A whistleblower has revealed that county boards are discouraging waiver services for children with disabilities because they live too long and are thus more expensive to the county over time. In a chilling statement, a county representative said, “You have to look at how will you sustain that waiver for the rest of their lives… Especially people with medical issues are living so much longer.” The implication is clear: DODD policies like this safety bed ban appear to be a calculated effort to reduce the number of people requiring services by allowing preventable tragedies to occur.
Why This Matters
Restricting or banning enclosed beds is more than a policy change—it’s a direct threat to the safety and lives of those with profound disabilities. Without these beds, individuals prone to wandering, falling, or other nighttime dangers are at a significantly higher risk of injury or death. This move contradicts medical advice and fails to respect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, potentially setting families up for devastating consequences.
Call to Action
We cannot let this happen. Families, advocates, and allies must stand together to demand that DODD:
Recognize enclosed beds as medically necessary complex rehab technology and respect doctors' recommendations.
Halt policies that endanger individuals with disabilities under the guise of behavioral supports or convenience.
Prioritize the input of families and medical professionals over bureaucratic decision-making.
The right to safety is non-negotiable. Please contact your state representatives, share this message widely, and stand with families to protect the lives of Ohioans with disabilities.
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