DODD Compliance Forces Hard Choice

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In the world of art, every creation is a testament to the artist’s unique vision and creativity. At We Care Arts, we have always celebrated the diversity and talent of ALL the artist-clients, who have enriched the lives of so many through their remarkable creations. Truly we enjoy having the privilege of empowering ALL of our artist-clients who choose to enroll in our ArtWorks classrooms, as well as offering their artworks in our shops to highlight their accomplishments as talented artists to our patrons across the Greater Miami Valley.

With that said, we are writing to share with you a recent challenge that has arisen due to DODD (Department of Developmental Disabilities) Compliance regulations. This year the Compliance Department interpreted DODD rules and regulations to mean that We Care Arts has to make a hard choice between classifying the DODD artist-clients as either:

Allowed by DODD to Receive Commissions BUT Time Limited –
Vocational Habilitation
Which means in our ArtWorks classes that the DODD artist-clients are on an “employment path” towards finding and maintaining meaningful work as artists.

While this option does allow the DODD artist-clients the same opportunity as their classmates to potentially have their art sold in our shops and earn a commission,

UNLIKE their classmates, the DODD artist-clients time at We Care Arts would have a DODD State mandated time limit to their art classes that is not up to them.

Allowed by DODD to Continue Classes for as Long as They Want BUT NOT Permitted to Earn Commissions
Adult Day
Which means that in our ArtWorks classes that all artist-clients are free to decide for how long they wish to attend their classes.

While this option does allow the DODD artist-clients the same opportunity as their classmates to make up their own minds regarding their artistic journey,

UNLIKE their classmates, the DODD artist-clients may NOT earn any commissions for their art.

As you can imagine, this has been a VERY difficult choice for We Care Arts. Either way, the frustration has been that we feel that we are being…

state mandated to treat the

DODD artist-clients differently

than their non-DODD classmates.

At the end of the day for Katie Neubert, our Executive Director, this choice came down to our mission and being able to provide ongoing service to anyone who needs us for as long as we are helpful to them in their artistic pursuits. This means that our DODD Plan of Correction includes a Compliance Implementation date of September 1, 2023, that in effect changes all DODD artist-clients classification to Adult Day and therefore NOT ALLOWED by DODD to earn any commissions from their artwork sold in our shops. This means that as of August 25th, 2023, We Care Arts will not be selling art made by our amazing DODD artist-clients who are currently in our programs.

SHOP

The DODD interpretation of their regulations has presented obstacles, but they have also ignited a spark of determination within We Care Arts to support our artist-clients in new and meaningful ways.

The first of which is to show our unwavering commitment by announcing a sale of 25% off on all artworks produced by our DODD artist-clients through August 24th which will give us time to process and cut their well-earned commission checks prior to the September 1st deadline.

This 25% off will not impact the artist-clients commission.

Instead, the 25% off sale is meant to encourage our community to show their support of ALL of our artist-clients and a testament to the unwavering bond between art, compassion, and community. Let us come together to celebrate the resilience of our artist-clients and ensure that their creative journeys continue to shine brightly, no matter the circumstances!

Please support our DODD Artist-Clients TODAY by shopping and purchasing their art before the DODD regulation is effective. The following links will take you to some of their work. If there is a DODD artist-client that you do not see listed that you are interested in supporting their work, please reach out to Curator@WeCareArts.org.

Brendan M – Abstract Found Object Painting – We Care Arts

Brooke H – Abstract Found Object Painting – We Care Arts

Star M: Black and Gold Tumblers – We Care Arts

Aaron B – Abstract Painting – We Care Arts

Caroline L: Impressionist Landscape – We Care Arts

WCA: Assorted Artist-Clients Painted Wood Frames – We Care Arts

SEND A MESSAGE

As you can tell, we are extremely upset about this new interpretation of DODD regulations and although we are working to be DODD Compliant, we are also strategizing. We believe that the Ohio DODD is designed to empower not discriminate against Ohio adults who are living with developmental disabilities. Therefore, we will be working behind the scenes to see who we can talk to in order to advocate for our DODD artist-clients, so they have all the same opportunities as their ArtWorks classmates.

If you would like to help us advocate for our DODD artist-clients please send a respectful and signed letter addressed to “To Whom It May Concern” to:

Artists are Artists!

We Care Arts

3035 Wilmington Pike

Kettering, Ohio 45429

We will happily share your thoughts and opinions as we begin our campaign to have this ruling reversed.

The fact is we may be “tilting at windmills” but how could we be who we are and not advocate for our amazing artist-clients. It is practically in the DNA of We Care Arts. However, even if that was not true, standing up to perceived injustices is just the right thing to do. The crazy thing is that we believe that advocating and standing up against perceived injustices is also key to why the Ohio DODD was even created in the first place.

We all know that the joy of selling one’s artwork is indescribable. It is not the dollar amount but the recognition, the idea of being seen as an artist first. It is a culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion. Our artist-clients are grateful for your support which enables them to continue creating and sharing their art with the world. Thank you for being a part of their journey and helping to make their dreams a reality.

Thank you for taking the time to READ, SHOP, & SEND A MESSAGE.

Your friends at We Care Arts,

Katie Neubert, Executive Director

Carlette Jewell, Program Director

Brenda Thieman, Bookkeeper

Kelli Campbell, Marketing Coordinator

Micah Karr, Special Events & Development Coordinator

DOES ANYONE ELSE WANT THEIR NAME HERE???