1. Board of DD leadership is monitoring the impact of the coronavirus
With news breaking daily about COVID-19 coronavirus, the Board of DD is monitoring the situation and making the necessary preparations in case the coronavirus becomes more prevalent in our community.
In following the Governor’s lead “to slow the spread of the virus” events that will be drawing a large number of people are being canceled, including: the March 20 Dinner-Dance, the March 22 Special Olympics Shooting with the Stars, and the March 24 Inclusion Fair. All Special Olympics and Healthy Athlete activities have been suspended. We can expect other cancellations to be forthcoming.
It would be safe to assume that some adjustments may be necessary, but it is the intent for the Board to remain operational and to provide the supports to the individuals we serve, but also to provide a safe and healthy environment.
For the most current information please visit our website (http://lucasdd.org) or call our hotline at 419-380-4040. We will also post updates to social media. I wouldlike to encourage you to add our mobile app to your cell phone or to subscribe to free text messages from us by texting this message to 40404: follow LucasDDAlert.
The Ohio Department of Health has a special hotline if you have questions related to the coronavirus at 833-427-5634. Information about the coronavirus is also available from the CDC at coronavirus.gov and at coronavirus.ohio.gov from the Ohio Department of Health.
"Let me assure you that our actions are in coordination with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Lucas County," said Superintendent Lori Mariucci in a letter to parents and guardians. "As we work through the situation I will continue to communicate with you in the days and weeks to come on this important topic."
2. Video denounces the use of the "R" word
To mark DD Awareness Month, Assured Health Services has produced a video to remind us of the ongoing efforts worldwide to end the use of the "R" word. Click here to view their video.
3. 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.
iConnect, a division of iDance, is hiring Direct Support Professionals. Visit www.idanceAPAC.org to apply or call 419-309-8423 or 419-309-1610.
The Ability Center is recruiting for two key positions - Director of Community Living and Community Engagement Specialist.
4. DODD survey on transition from vocational habilitation to BEST service due March 30
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is conducting a survey to gather public feedback on upcoming changes to vocational habilitation services. Responses must be submitted by Monday, March 30. Last year, DODD's vocational habilitation workgroup proposed a replacement for traditional vocational habilitation services. This new framework, which will be called Basic Employment Skills Training (BEST), is targeted to become available in December 2020, after which there will be no new entries into the old vocational habilitation service. Click here to read DODD's memo. Click here for details on BEST.
As the state prepares for implementation, the department wants to hear from people with developmental disabilities, family members, providers, and board/COG employees on their current level of understanding of BEST, what tools they think would be useful to help others understand the new service, and how they would like DODD to communicate with them about these changes. Click below to take DODD's survey.
5. Bittersweet’s Social Recreation Program to Offer Golf Series for Teens with Autism
The Social Recreation Program (SRP) at Bittersweet Farms, in partnership with First Tee of Lake Erie, is offering a six-week Golf Series for teens (ages 13-22) with autism. This series will take place at Brandywine Country Club in Maumee. Bittersweet’s SRP consists of therapeutically-based programs and activities that focus on community integration and social interactions, as well as developing independence. To register contact Meghan Oberle at moberle@bittersweetfarms.org or 419-875-6986, ext. 1209
6. Upcoming Events (Check ahead first to make sure the event is still happening.)
March 23 - Monthly Board of DD Meeting
March 27 – Arc of Ohio Spring Conference
April 5 - Autism Awareness Night with the Walleye
April 15 – Rec Jam
April 19 - Autism Awareness Day with the Mud Hens
May 1 - Luther Home of Mercy Bid for the Roses
May 9 - Touch a Truck
7. Worth Repeating
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” —Arnold Schwarzenegger