1. Special Olympics State Winter Games to be held at BGSU

Lucas County will field two basketball teams, swimmers, our competitive cheer team and skills basketball athletes at the State Winter Games competition on the campus of Bowling Green State University.

Special Olympics Ohio’s 2020 State Winter Games will involve six different sports and two different competition events. The indoor sports (Basketball, Competitive Cheerleading, and Swimming) will be hosted at Bowling Green State University February 21-23, 2020.

An estimated 1,500 athletes from all parts of Ohio are expected to compete in traditional and Unified state championship events at the Bowling Green Games.

Meantime, Lucas County Special Olympics Spring Sports will begin soon. The tennis team and one volleyball team are in need of coaches. Tennis Is on Tuesday evenings at Copland Park tennis courts. Practice is 5:30-7. Volleyball practices are held at McCord Jr. High, Monday nights: 6-7:30. If you or someone you know may be interested in helping coach, please contact Liz Lubinski at 419-380-5452 or by email at llubinski@lucasdd.org

2. Ability Center offering college scholarships

March 31 is the deadline to apply for a scholarship from the Ability Center. Scholarships are made available to students in our area with disabilities. Last year four students received scholarships totaling $20,000. Click here to apply.

3. 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!

4. University of Toledo is offering an 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

5. Lucas County Special Olympians recognized by State Senate

Special Olympics

State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and State Senator Teresa Fedor presented a resolution today honoring the Lucas County Special Olympics Flag Football Team for winning the 2019 Special Olympics State Tournament.

“I want to congratulate the Lucas County Special Olympics Flag Football Team on their 2019 Special Olympic State Tournament championship,” Senator Gavarone said. “All of Lucas County is proud of their hard work and dedication.”

The team capped off its season in Cincinnati on November 3rd with a 38-12 victory to claim the championship.

6. 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/

7. Couple of notes from iDance

I Dance has 88 Dancers competing Feb 15th at the ACT 1 Dance Competition at the Maumee HS. Our Super Group is scheduled at 3:00pm. This event is FREE to watch, come out to support!

Drum Circle at the iDance Studios STARTS MARCH 17th and then the Third Tuesday of every month 7-8 pm $5.00 Drums provided, space is limited to 20 people, call to reserve your space 419-309-1610

8. Request a speaker from the Board

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the perfect time for your club, group or organization to schedule a guest speaker from the Board of DD. Please contact our Public Information Office at 419-380-4048 or fill out the online form at this link.

9. Coffee and conversation for parents and guardians

The parent/ guardian group, Coffee & Conversation, sponsored by Courageous Family Services meets on the first Thursday of each month. Topics covered will include managing emotions, self-care, relationships and building a support system. Click here for more information.

10. Family Advisory Council to meet on March 11

Register for the March meeting of the Family Advisory Council (FAC), which will focus on the importance of disability awareness for people with disabilities. Join the stream on Facebook Live beginning at 10 AM.

The Family Advisory Council provides a forum for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to hear directly from family members about the issues that affect their lives and offers the opportunity to learn more about the department's current initiatives from executive staff.

If you can't make it, plan a DODD Watch Party to participate and connect without leaving your own community.