Newsletter and Publications

Recap of the September Dementia Coalition quarterly meeting o presentation on people with dementia wandering o information on the upcoming Dementia Coalition presentation at the Fall Ohio Provider Resources Association (OPRA) conference · Department of DD Health and Welfare Alert on Fall Prevention · Section Added - Opportunities not always available, but going on for several months - Trainings and Engagement Opportunities continued from last month – updated to highlight the October sessions of each series

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) - a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities. NDEAM also highlights the importance and benefits of inclusive workplaces...

This Sunday, September 19, come to Rolf Park in Maumee at noon to watch our Special Olympics athletes team up with the Toledo Police Department and the Lucas County Sherriff’s Department in a unified softball game...

Family Members, Advocates and Providers are invited to join Superintendent Lori Mariucci for her next Family and Advocate Forum on Tuesday, September 14th, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom...

A rather bittersweet moment. This is my last Friday Update newsletter as your editor. I am stepping back from the keyboard and capping the lens on the camera. It is time to retire...

The last 18 months have not been easy and as a DSP taking care of oneself is usually on the back burner. As we move into the fall months it important to get fresh air before we head inside for the majority of the time.

· The effort to make the Solheim Cup event inclusive and disability-friendly, and accommodations being offered · Upcoming webinars hosted jointly by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) and the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, about supporting people with IDD and dementia · Jennifer Wolfe and staff from other dementia grant partner organizations have been selected to present about the grant project at the November Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) · Additions to the Ongoing Resources section o Legal help and legal resources from ABLE, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Toledo Bar Association, featured in August, have been added to the ongoing resources o TARTA Next web site – web site launched by TARTA to engage the community in their system re-design and receive feedback – this is in ongoing resources because it will be ongoing at least through mid-2022

Fall sports this year include  flag football, corn hole, and walking...

Local disability and aging organizations have joined forces to develop a presence at Solheim Cup that encourages inclusivity for every age...

In response to the substantial community spread of COVID-19, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is issuing a mask advisory urging everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccination status until further notice. The advisory follows the Center of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance for areas with substantial spread...

Ohio’s system of support has endured through the pandemic and has kept people with developmental disabilities and their families as safe as possible through innovative practices and supports provided in ways not imaginable just a few months ago...

August 18 is “Never Give Up Day”. This day is about a mindset of determination to help us get through even the hardest of challenges. It is about motivating others and inspiring ourselves. Of course, we should try to keep this mindset all year round, but this day can help us get us back in the game and refresh us to keep going. To quote Thomas Edison, “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”.

AAA ‘Round Town Transportation Program for Seniors o Rides Free for those 65 and up until September 13 o Rates after September 13 TBD · Legal concerns and issues for aging people and those caring for loved ones with disabilities, and where to find help with those issues · Article about potential of using light and sound to treat Alzheimer’s

The goal of #ABLEtoSave is to increase public awareness around the benefits of tax-advantaged ABLE savings and investment accounts to increase the financial well-being of people with disabilities. ABLE accounts offer eligible individuals a path to “Achieve a Better Life Experience (ABLE)” through the ABLE Act legislation of 2014...

Ohio's DD system is supported by thousands of professionals who ensure Ohioans with disabilities and their families receive the supports they need daily. Meeting those needs requires skilled professionals who provide indirect and direct support...

Last week, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 110, the state’s operating budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. This bill includes funding for the next two years for initiatives that build on historic investments in the previous budget...

Late last week, Governor Mike DeWine signed the final version of HB 110, Ohio's proposed two-year budget, into law. The final bill, which sets statewide spending for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, maintains all the county board policy priorities pursued by the OACB advocacy team throughout the budget process...

Our staff, for the most part, are still working remotely, but we are planning to ease our way into greater use of our facilities and more face-to-face meetings.  We are still wearing masks and continuing social distancing...

Social Wellness means nurturing yourself and your relationships. To have a network of friends, family and other people that can provide social support. Social support helps to enhance the quality of life and positive self-image. Social support can come in different forms from emotional to physical support (lawn care or housekeeping).

· Upcoming free webinars about strategies for supporting those with DD who also have dementia or are at risk, offered by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) and the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association · Information about Aducanumab – new drug approved by the FDA which may slow Alzheimer’s-related decline · Ultra-violet ray and sun safety · Health and Welfare Alert on Summer Safety from the Department of DD