Thankful for Tech: How DODD’s Data Team Uses Information to Improve Services for Ohioans

November is #ThankfulforTech Month. At the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), technology plays a big role in helping people across the state. The DODD Data Team supports staff, county boards, providers, and community partners by collecting and using data and technology to improve services.

Hope McGonigle, DODD's Chief Data Officer, shares how her team turns data into tools that support Ohioans.

What kind of data does your team use?

McGonigle: "DODD manages more than 100 sets of data that support our service system. Each division collects data to help with its work.

When a person starts receiving services, county boards collect basic information and assessment data to see what support is needed. Once enrolled in a waiver, we collect data about service needs (OhioISP), annual budgets, and track how funds are used.

Our data helps counties manage individual and county budgets. We also help providers by maintaining their billing and incident Major Unusual Incident (MUI) reports.

Inside DODD, we study data from all Ohio counties to see what services people use, how much money is spent, and whether services match the budgets. This data helps us plan, make policy decisions, and run statewide surveys."

What did the Stat team present on at the Data Analytics Forum?

McGonigle: "The Data Analytics Forum is hosted by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). It brings together data professionals from other state agencies to share ideas and learn from each other. Every agency does unique work with data, so it's a great chance to learn about new trends and tools.

I participated in a panel about how state agencies use a tool called Alation, which works like a guide to our data sets. Rachel Blick, DODD Strategy and Innovation Manager,spoke on a panel about improving processes with data. She talked about why it's important to get feedback from users when designing something new."

How does this event help improve Ohio's data work?

McGonigle: "Events like this help data teams connect and learn new skills. One panel focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) safely and effectively.

Our goal is to use data better across Ohio and move toward predictive analytics, which helps us plan for the future instead of only looking at the past."

How does data help everyday Ohioans?

McGonigle: "Having the right data at the right time helps our system run more smoothly. It helps us find out who needs support and how to provide it faster.

Data also helps us share our story, build community support, and measure progress. It shows what we're doing well and where we can improve."

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of data in Ohio?

McGonigle: "I am excited to use AI, Tableau, and predictive analytics to help DODD plan. As the demand for services keeps growing and changing, data will be the key to solve problems and find new opportunities."