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 February 21-23, 2020. Click here for more information and when Lucas County athletes will be competing.

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.

2. Upcoming presentations can help parents make informed choices

State Support Team 1 is sponsoring three March 2020 presentations by attorney and disability advocate Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D. Jonathan will present a full-day session in two regional locations as well as an evening session for parents and families. Jonathan gained national and international attention when he represented Jenny Hatch in the “Justice for Jenny” case about the rights of transition-age youth and young adults to use Supported Decision-Making to direct informed life decisions.

During the full-day presentations, Jonathan will help participants achieve a greater understanding of supported decision making processes for students with disabilities. He will address postsecondary independence beyond guardianship and explain how students with disabilities can have equitable postsecondary outcomes regarding competitive integrated employment, further education and training, and independent living.

This full-day presentation will take place in two regional locations: March 25 at the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West in Toledo, Ohio, and March 26 at the Findlay Inn and Conference Center in Findlay, Ohio. The presentations take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at each location.

During an evening session, Jonathan will speak to parents and families about supporting informed choice for maximum student independence through supported decision making for students with disabilities as they prepare to exit school services. Jonathan’s presentation will include information about guardianship, and self-advocacy, and how each tie into the postsecondary transition process. The evening parent session will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 25, at BGSU at Levis Commons in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Information regarding the sessions is available on our website at https://cal.sstr1.org/?page_id=12810 This includes a bio of the presenter and registration details.

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. UToledo 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 from the University of Toledo 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. Updates posted to webpage helping parents find funds

Parent Partner Tammy Eisenreich has updated the page on the Lucas County Board of DD website that helps parents locate funds. This page is a valuable resource in helping families obtain tips on beginning their money search, identify grants, obtain an iPad. Follow this link.

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. Special Olympian Antrone Juice Williams experiences the Super Bowl with Baker Mayfield by his side

View the video on YouTube

8. STIR training begins March 12

The next STIR training (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility) begins March 12. This free advocacy training is provided by the Lucas County Board of DD and by SALUTE. Click here for registration information.

9. Ability Center to host youth open house

The Ability Center will host an information night on our programs and services for youth with disabilities exploring independent living skills, recreation services, transition planning, employment, and the impact of service and therapy dogs in the home and in the school. There will also be an opportunity to see the Agility Angels Program in action.

The event is March 2 from 4:00 to 6:30 at the Ability Center, 5605 Monroe in Sylvania. Parents, caregivers, teachers, support staff, and school administrators looking for more resources to support youth are encouraged to attend.

10. 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.

11. Family Advisory Council to meet on March 12

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.