1. Rick Henzler elected President of the Board of DD

Mr. Rick Henzler, who had been serving as Vice-President, was elected Board President at the January meeting. Mr. Henzler was first appointed to the Board in January 2010 by the County Commissioners as the parent representative for an individual eligible for adult services. He has served as a Board member of the Arc of Lucas County and is a founding member of Partners for Inclusion.

"I want to acknowledge the excellent job Mark Frye did during his term as board president," said Mr. Henzler.

Mr. Ron Volk was elected Vice-President. He is a former chair of the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Linnie Willis will continue to serve as Recording Secretary.

2. Donise Woodard honored as Staff Person of the Month

For almost 30 years, Donise Woodard has been a shining star in Early Intervention, and usually maintains the highest caseload. She works tirelessly to empower families so they understand the challenges their little ones face. One of the ways she does this is to link the families with community supports.

Donise is a master at managing playgroups. It is no secret that her ability to incorporate music often makes the playgroups enchanting for the children who attend. As with all top-notch staff, Donise is always willing to share her expertise and experience with newer staff.

Donise is an excellent example of commitment to our Mission Statement – helping individuals reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize Donise Woodard as the January 2020 Staff Person of the Month.

3. TMACOG seeking input on its long-range transportation plan

The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) is holding meetings throughout February to solicit comments on its long-term transportation plan. See the flyer for locations, dates, etc.

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

Texting 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!

5. University of Toledo offering online graduate certificate in Disabilities Studies

As many as one in five people can be considered disabled, making knowledge about disability issues beneficial for all professions. The certificate in disability studies enhances understanding of disability as a unique identity, history and culture. The faculty have been specially trained in online education.

All classes are offered exclusively online, helping students balance work, life and studies. Those enrolled will complete 12 credit hours of courses designed to challenge barriers by promoting integration, inclusive professional practices, the understanding of disability law, and engaging in bold imaginings.

For more information: https://www.utoledo.edu/al/disability/graduate-certificate.html

6. SSA proposing more frequent disability reviews

The Autism Society has issued the following Action Alert.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has proposed a rule that would require complicated paperwork more often and could potentially put benefits for thousands of people with autism and other disabilities at risk. The proposed rule would:Require more frequent "Continuing Disability Reviews" to determine if you or your family member(s) still have a disability;Require people to fill out complicated paperwork 2.6 million more times over the next ten years;Put benefits for thousands of people with disabilities at risk;Cut $2.8 billion in Social Security and SSI benefits

This rule would increase how often adults and children with disabilities must prove that they have a disability. This process is called Continuing Disability Reviews and can be extremely complicated. People with disabilities, their families, their teachers, and their service providers often spend weeks gathering information and making sure forms are filled out correctly. Even minor errors on a form can put Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits at risk, as well as Medicaid services and other benefits. Unfortunately, SSA often makes mistakes in these reviews, forcing people with disabilities and their families to hire lawyers and spend years getting back the benefits they are entitled to.

SSA is taking comments from the public until January 31. Please add your comments explaining why this rule is harmful and burdensome.

For talking points, see the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities comments.

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 Secretary, Community Inclusion and Employment Manager, Early Intervention Developmental Specialist, and Service and Support Specialist.

Preferred Properties is seeking a Service Coordinator.

Bittersweet Farms has openings for a QIDP and a Barn Specialist. Here is the link for both: https://bsf.ninjagig.com/

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

Lott Industries is currently seeking a Medicaid Billing Assistant. https://lottserves.org/carreers/

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.

9. 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.

10. Upcoming Events

February 7 - Anne Grady Frozen Mic

February 9 - Community Film Festival

February 13 - Regional Service Transformation Community of Practice

February 20 - People First

February 22 - SibShop

February 27 - Guys & Gals Night Out

March 1 - Acoustics for Autism

March 3 - Taking the Sting out of Behavior training

March 7 - Arc Night with the Cavs

March 20 - Spring Fling Dinner-Dance

March 22 - Special Olympics Shooting with the Stars