1. Ohioans with Disabilities, Make Your Voice Heard!

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council wants to know what issues are important to you -- transportation, employment, housing, other? Click here to complete the Five Year State Plan Survey to provide feedback on issues and problems that affect people with developmental disabilities. Deadline is January 31! The input will then be used to develop the next five-year plan (2022 - 2027) for the DD Council that will allow it to develop grants and projects that benefit the developmental disability community across the state.

2. Request a speaker from the Board

If you would like a guest speaker from the Lucas County Board of DD at your club, group or organization, please contact our Public Information Office at 419-380-4048 or fill out the online form at this link.

3. January 25 Polar Plunge will benefit Special Olympics

On January 25 people will be encouraged to do some Freezin’ for a Reason at the 15th annual Sandusky Polar Plunge. Warm-hearted participants will take a chilly dip to raise money for Special Olympics Ohio.

For their Polar Plunge experience, participants raise money to earn the privilege of jumping into the frigid waters of the Polar Plunge Pool which will be set up in the parking lot of the Thirsty Pony. But first Plungers are encouraged to enter the annual Polar Plunge Costume Contest in which prizes are awarded for creativity and overall wackiness.

Anyone afraid to jump into the icy water is invited to register as Too Chicken to Plunge. Chickens are awarded a t-shirt and official permission to NOT Plunge.

The Sandusky Polar Plunge is a family-friendly event and spectators are welcome to come and witness it all, free of charge. There is more information and participants can register at SanduskyPolarPlunge.org.

At the 2019 Sandusky Polar Plunge nearly 100 brr-ave participants raised nearly $20,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics Ohio.

4. You can receive free text message alerts from the Board of DD

Mobile Phone You can sign up to receive text messages from the Lucas County Board of DD by sending this message to 40404: follow LucasDDAlert . This is an immediate and cost-efficient way for you to receive information about inclement weather closings, important meetings, or other significant notices about Board of DD operations. And it's free!

You can also get immediate messaging from the Board of DD via our mobile app. You can download the app to your smart phone by entering your phone number at this address: https://app.appinstitute.com/lucascou

5. Courageous Community Services continues Life Skills classes

Courageous Community Services has changed the name of its What Next Life Skills classes to Adulting101 LifeSkills Classes! Click here for more information.

6. A quarter of the children with autism are not being diagnosed

A substantial number of children who meet the criteria for autism are failing to receive a formal diagnosis, according to a new study based on data from the CDC. Read more.

7. Job postings

To stay up-to-date on job openings with the Lucas County Board of DD, follow this link. The Board is currently taking applications for Early Intervention Coordinator, Speech/Language Pathologist, Investigative Agent, and Service and Support Specialist'

Manahan, formerly Josina Lott Residential, has openings for 2nd and 3rd shift DSP’s. The updated website includes the new employment application at www.manahanlife.org

iDance is now hiring Direct Support Professionals part time with flexible hours. Call
419-309-8423 or 419-309-1610 for more information or apply online.

8. Why Work Benefits You sessions scheduled for February

Dollar Bill Confused about keeping your SSI/SSDI while working? Or about keeping your health benefits? Join the discussions and dinner on Tuesday evenings in February. Click here for all the information.