For Support Administrators

Referrals for Service and
Support Administrators (SSAs)

Partnering with you to support individuals with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio.

As a Service and Support Administrator (SSA), your mission is to connect individuals with the services that best support their goals, needs, and independence. At Blossom Hill’s Abilities Enrichment Center (AEC), we share that mission — and we’re here to make the referral process smooth, responsive, and person-centered.

Located in Middleburg Heights, AEC serves individuals from across Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Lorain, Lake, Portage, and Geauga counties through their respective County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDDs). Whether you’re seeking a non-vocational day option for someone aging out of school or a participant who needs more support than a typical program can offer, AEC provides a safe, enriching alternative that empowers choice and community connection.

Download Service Support Administrators Fact Sheet
Why SSAs Choose AEC for Referrals
  • Truly participant-led programming. Each day is shaped by the individual’s interests, goals, and ISP priorities.
  • Ideal for medically fragile individuals. AEC offers nursing oversight through Blossom Hill’s Director of Nursing and highly trained DSPs familiar with complex care.
  • Non-vocational focus. AEC is designed for individuals who are not pursuing employment but still want to engage socially, creatively, and meaningfully each day.
  • Community integration at its best. Outings, partnerships with Rec2Connect and Jacob’s Ladder, and activities that connect participants to their community.
  • Trusted partner in the DD network. Backed by Blossom Hill’s 55+ years of service in residential, respite, and supported living care.
Referral Process: Step-by-Step

We know SSAs juggle dozens of cases. That’s why we make our process as efficient as possible:

  1. Submit the AEC Admission Referral Form
    Download or complete the online referral form, providing contact information, ISP details, and county of residence.
  2. Attach the Current Individual Service Plan (ISP)
    This helps us align goals and supports. If ISP updates are pending, we can still start the conversation.
  3. Include Physician and Medication Orders (if applicable)
    Our nursing team reviews all medical documentation to ensure we can safely meet care needs.
  4. Our Team Reviews and Responds Quickly
    AEC staff evaluate the referral, confirm funding status (IO, Level One, or SELF Waiver, county-funded, or private pay), and contact the SSA to discuss next steps.
  5. Schedule a Tour or Virtual Visit
    We encourage SSAs and families to tour the center before admission. Seeing AEC in person makes all the difference.
  6. Finalize Enrollment and Start Date
    Once approved, we confirm transportation availability, establish start dates, and introduce families to the AEC team.
When to Consider Referring to AEC

AEC is the right fit for individuals who:

  • Are retiring from or reducing hours in vocational programs
  • Are recent or soon-to-be graduates of a high school, vocational transition, or educational program and need the next step in their daily structure and support.
  • Require a higher level of medical or personal care support than other day programs can provide.
  • Would benefit from smaller group settings and structured socialization
  • Thrive when given choice, creativity, and connection
  • Need daily engagement but not employment obligations
Our Commitment to SSAs

We value our county partners and understand your workload. That’s why AEC provides:

  • A dedicated referral contact for quick turnaround and status updates
  • Flexible intake scheduling
  • Transparent communication from first inquiry to first day
  • Consistent follow-through and documentation
Counties We Proudly Serve

We regularly coordinate referrals with:

  • Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)
  • Summit DD Board
  • Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Murray Ridge Center)
  • Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Deepwood)
  • Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Metzenbaum Center)
  • Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Let’s Work Together

If you’re an SSA or case coordinator in Northeast Ohio looking for a day program that prioritizes enrichment, safety, and
true individuality, let’s connect.

Start a referral: Admission Referral Form

Contact us directly: 440.389.3490

Email: blossom-hill.org/abilities-enrichment-center

Abilities Enrichment Center location: 7080 Engle Rd. Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Middleburg Heights, OH — minutes from I-71 and easily accessible from surrounding counties

Blossom Hill’s Abilities Enrichment Center is redefining adult day programming in Northeast Ohio — one individual, one choice, and one meaningful day at a time.