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Friday Update:

Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

Happy DD Awareness Month!

We still have a few more events left in this month!

Fitness Fun for Everyone is tomorrow!

Get fit and have some fun, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. March 22! Participants will be paired up and work together through various circuit stations at LBs Circuit Training. Complete all the stations and win prizes! This inclusive event is free and open to all ages and abilities. Registration recommended, waiver must be signed to participate.

 

Lucas DD Board Meeting on March 24

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is at 6 p.m. on March 24. It is open to the public at Lucas DD's South Toledo headquarters.

 

Lucas DD Art Show! Meet the Artists on March 30

Next week, we are showcasing artwork created by individuals of all ages at Franklin Park Mall. The art show will officially kick off with a press conference at 11 a.m. on Monday morning. Artwork will be on display all week at the mall, capped off by a Meet the Artists event, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Stop by center court at the mall to be part of this inspiring celebration of creativity and community!

 

Wealth & Wisdom on April 7

Navigating Social Security benefits can be confusing—but help is available! Join Margaret Zotkiewicz, Lucas DD Community Work Incentives Counselor, 5:30-7 p.m. April 7 for an in-depth view of the differences between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Free to attend – open to all! Ages 13 and above – parents may also attend this session. Registration is required.

Multi-County Spring Fling Dance for Special Olympics Athletes

Special Olympics staff from Henry, Lucas, and Wood counties are having a Spring Fling Dance for the athletes, from 6 - 8 p.m. April 25! Get together for an evening of FUN! Be sure to dress to impress and we will see you on the dance floor! Attendance is free, but space is limited and registration required. Note: staff/parents do not need tickets.

 

Inclusion Fair Well Attended

Thanks to everyone that stopped by our Inclusion Resource Fair earlier this week, including our friends at WTOL. Click here to watch the news story.

 

Bowling with Heroes

In celebration of DD Awareness Month in March, individuals served by the Board will bowl with local firefighters and police officers, noon - 2 p.m. March 29. Registration for individuals is now full, but you are welcome to come watch everyone bowl! If you know of any first responders who can participate, please have them contact Kelley Watson.

 

Individuals Seeking Providers

Providers serving Lucas County, don't forget to check out our Providers Wanted page, where we currently have 42 individuals seeking services.

Sibshops is tomorrow

Does your child with special needs have a sibling, aged 8-16 years old? This free group is just for them! Sibshops provide young brothers and sisters with peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting. The next meeting is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 22 at 3939 Wrenwood Road in Toledo. To register, click here.

 

Sensory Playroom on March 23

Occupational therapy students from the University of Toledo will serve as volunteers for the March Playroom, noon - 2 p.m. on March 23. The open playroom session is geared for families who have children with sensory needs! Spots are limited to 10 children to allow for appropriate supervision (parents/guardians are required to stay in the building). Registration required.

 

Special Needs Trusts Information Session

Join NAMI Greater Toledo for an informational session about special needs trusts for your loved ones. This session begins at 7 p.m. on March 25 and is helpful if your loved one receives SSI or SSDI. Presented by Jennifer Antonini, who has over 3 decades of experience practicing law. 

 

Purple Day Egg Hunt on March 26

Join The Epilepsy Center of NW Ohio at 5 p.m. on March 26 for a fun-filled Purple Day Egg Hunt! Purple Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. Bring your little ones for a day of arts & crafts, refreshments, and an exciting egg hunt! Free and open to the public!

 

Sensory Night at Imagination Station on March 26

Sunshine Communities invites you to a free event at Imagination Station, 5:30-8 p.m. on March 26! Dive into hands-on science experiments, engage in sensory-friendly activities, and explore a world of discovery. Come to learn, play, or simply connect.

 

Special Needs Resource Fair April 2

Join Toledo Public Schools for a free Special Needs Resource Fair, 5 - 7 p.m. on April 2! Refreshments provided. Gather information about programs, jobs, and more!

Did you know?

 

You'll find even MORE events on our online calendar, as well as further details on these highlighted events.

 

Click here to view our calendar of ALL upcoming events!

Vision Impairment Simulator

The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio has created a Vision Impairment Simulator because “What do you actually see?” is one of the most common questions asked of people with a vision impairment. The Simulator depicts several of the most common vision impairments, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Glimpse the world through different eyes as you view a face, street signs, landscapes and other images.

 

OADSP Training Series

Join us, 9 a.m. to noon on March 27 for our March OADSP training session; Module #104: Supporting Health and Safety. This module provides an overview of the role of the DSP in ensuring an individual’s health and safety, including the importance of making informed choices. Medication management and administration is covered, as are universal precautions that all DSPs must follow to protect themselves and clients from bloodborne pathogens. Maintaining optimal nutrition and the DSPs role in guiding healthy mealtime choices conclude this module. 3 hours of CEUs for IA, EI, SSA, Adult Services, and Superintendent have been approved. The training meets the requirements of OAC 5123-2-08 Appendix C Annual and OAC 5123-2-09 Appendix A Annual under Components of Quality Care. To register, e-mail drussell@lucasdd.org.  

 

Lucas County Alerts

Lucas County Alerts is an emergency alerts system that allows you to opt-in to receive emergency and/or community event notifications via phone calls, text messages, and/or emails based on the locations you care about. This service is free to users. In the event of an emergency, an alert will be sent to the phone number(s) you provide and/or your email address. Possible emergencies include: tornado warnings, snow emergencies, evacuations, shelter-in-place advisories, etc.

 

Special Olympics Young Athletes at Home Program

Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills and fundamentals like running, kicking and throwing. This program offers families, teachers, caregivers, and others in the community a chance to share the joy of sports with all children at no cost. Click the headline to learn more and apply.

 

People First Advocacy Training

People First of Ohio assists people with disabilities who are self-advocates to talk about their needs and rights with people in their communities. Self-advocates make sure that people with disabilities have the right to do what they want in their lives, are responsible for their own choices, and the right to live and do things in the community like other citizens. Register now for People First of Ohio’s online training! Each month, a wide variety of topics will be covered such as technology, voting rights, supported decision making, connecting with state/national policy makers, plain language, choosing a provider, and more. Sign up today, sessions begin on March 26.

 

Family Engagement Resources 

Parents of children with special needs often seek additional resources and support in different areas of life. The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center has a searchable hub of resources for families. These resources support your child and you as a parent or caregiver, while also helping you, your school, and your community work together better.

Employment Opportunities at the Board

A career with Lucas DD is a rewarding one that goes beyond the competitive pay and outstanding benefits package. We are currently looking for an Investigative Agent, Early Intervention Development Specialist, Service & Support Specialist, Community Connections Trainer, Organizational Culture & Inclusion Manager, and a Speech and Language Pathologist. Learn more and apply at LucasDD.org/Careers

 

Inclusion Fair Survey

Were you one of the many people who attended the Inclusion Fair on Wednesday? If you could take a moment to complete a survey about your experience, it will help us plan for next year. We value your input!

 

Family Ties Survey

Lucas DD's parent group, Family Ties, is now in its second year, and is currently assessing the path forward. If you have been to any of the sessions (virtual or in person), your input would be greatly appreciated. Click the headline to answer a few questions.

 

Can You Hear Us Now?

Ohio State University Nisonger Center is conducting "Can You Hear Us Now?," a health research project designed to amplify the voices of adults with intellectual disabilities. The project aims to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs. The goal is to learn more about the health, mental health, and wellness of adults with IDD so that services are improved.

Friday Update is the weekly newsletter of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

 

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