1. Public access to buildings is restricted; staff working remotely
Letter to families from Superintendent Lori Mariucci
I know it seems like an almost impossible task to keep up with all the changing information related to our community response to the coronavirus outbreak. I want to make sure, though, that you are up to date on what we at the Board of DD are doing to reduce risk of exposure but still address the health and safety of the people we serve our employees, and the providers.
First, we have restricted public access to the buildings on the Larc Lane campus. Unless it is necessary, all meetings with our staff will be conducted on the phone or by email. In certain circumstances we might use computer conferencing. Meantime, our main switchboard number is open during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 419-380-4000. For after-hours emergencies call 419-380-5100.
Most of our staff will be working in the field or from home, but you can still reach all staff by phone or email.
For the most part, meetings, activities, and special events have been cancelled. We are updating the list of cancellations and providing information updates on our website (www.lucasdd.org) and on a special hotline at 419-380-4040. Up to the minute information on the community coronavirus response plan is available from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department on its website (https://lucascountyhealth.com/coronavirusupdates/).
We are very much in a situation that is ever-changing and new information is coming in every day. Again, I want to thank you for your flexibility and support. I want to assure you that the safety and the well-being of the individuals we serve is always our primary concern.
2. So?? What is the coronavirus COVID-19?
The Ohio DD Council is providing this easy-to-understand presentation that was created by self-advocates. Click here.
3. Board of DD may meet by teleconferencing
The Lucas County Board of DD is exploring options to conduct its meeting on March 23 via teleconferencing. To address Ohio Sunshine Laws a notice will be published on the home screen of the Board website on Monday with instructions on how members of the public may listen in and contribute.
4. The Ability Center is offering scholarships to students with disabilities
Again this year, the Ability Center of Greater Toledo is offering college scholarships to students with disabilities, recognizing the opportunity to achieve higher education is critical. For more information and the application click here. Last year four students were awarded scholarships totaling $20,000.
5. Special Olympics activities suspended
The Lucas County Special Olympics staff was informed by Special Olympics Ohio that due to the global spread of the coronavirus we are suspending all sport training, competitions, fundraisers and athlete leadership activities at least through the month of March 2020.
Cancellations here in Lucas County include: powerlifting practices, UT unified basketball, the baton clinic, Pep Club practices, the Celebrity Basketball game, the Fall and Winter Sports Banquet and the Healthy Athletes program through UT. Lucas County Special Olympic staff will be available to answer your questions by email kwatson@lucasdd.org or office phone: 419-380-5115.
At this time we are unclear if spring sports will begin as stated in the brochure. If we must delay the start of our spring schedule, Lucas County Special Olympic staff will contact you. We are taking direction from our Local Board of DD and Special Olympics Ohio about how to proceed and are in regular contact with them. Updates will be passed on to you through our website: lucascountyspecialolympics.org and on our Facebook page. Please like us. We will also post to the Facebook page exercises that can be done from home.
6. Job postings
To stay up-to-date on job openings with the Lucas County Board of DD, follow this link.
7. Instant messages from the Board of DD - how to do get them
The Lucas County Board of DD has two ways for you to receive instant messages on your smart phone.
To receive free text messages text to 40404 this message: Follow LucasDDAlert. Make sure you have enabled SMS messaging in your phone settings.
You may also receive free text messages from our mobile app. Download here. If asked to enable push messaging, respond yes.
8. Worth Repeating
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." -C.S. Lewis