1. Our commitment to quality service has not changed
from Superintendent Lori Mariucci
As we continue with life under the Governor’s stay-at-home directive, I want to acknowledge how remarkable the Board of DD staff has been in addressing needed services and supports. And I want to thank the family members for their support and understanding as we move through these challenging times.
Our buildings on Larc Lane and the EduCare Center remain closed. Staff are working remotely. But our commitment is to quality service has not changed. You may still reach staff by phone or email.
We are working to keep everyone up-to-date and have a wealth of information on our website at www.lucasdd.org I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the information we are posting on daily basis though social media on Facebook and Instagram. And I also want to encourage you to share this information with those you know who do not have internet access.
I also want to give a shout out to our providers who are doing amazing work often working short of hand. We are assisting the providers recruit more direct service staff. Daily, we are posting on our website the names of providers who have immediate job openings.
Two final reminders. With the changes we have all made to our lifestyles it can be easy to forget to fill out our Census forms and vote. Census data is used to direct hundreds of billions of dollars a year in federal funding. Mail-in ballots for voting can be found at this link. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by April 27.
These are incredibly challenging times, but please know that we are here for you.
2. Special Olympics continues suspension until July 6, cancelling Summer Games
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and our focus on the health and safety of our athletes, families, volunteers, and our entire community Special Olympics Ohio has extended the suspension of sports training and competition, including the State Summer Games, through 6 July 2020.
“This is the first time in more than 50 years that Special Olympics Ohio will not hold State Summer Games. We understand the impact of this is significant for athletes who were planning to compete and who also look forward all year to reuniting with their friends off the playing field,” said Special Olympics Ohio Chief Executive Officer Jessica Stewart. “While this is disappointing we know that our love of sport does not compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of our community. We are in this together and we will come out of this together, and stronger.”
“The decision to cancel Summer Games for the first time in the history of Special Olympics Ohio did not come lightly,” added Geoff Kunkler, Chair of the Special Olympics Ohio Board of Directors. “We understand how hard our athletes train to prepare for this event and how much they look forward to it, along with their families and friends. However, given the unprecedented circumstances affecting our community and nation, the leadership within this organization believes it is of paramount importance to protect the safety and wellness of our athletes, coaches, and volunteers. We are looking forward to resuming normal activities as soon as it is deemed safe, and are excited for the many competitions and events to come.”
3. April is Autism Awareness Month
The theme this year of Autism Awareness Month is"Know More. Do More." This is the time to work at creating more awareness about autism. OCALI, the Ohio Center for Low Incidence has an in depth selection of materials about autism that can be used in educating the public about autism. Click here.
4. SALUTE stays busy during Stay-at-Home
A message to advocates from the president of the self-advocacy group SALUTE, Nathan Turner
I hope this finds you all well and enjoying yourselves during this hard time.
I personally wanted to say thank you to each of you for leading by example with social distancing to help keep everyone safe. I know it can be tough and feel lonely, so I am finding comfort in my favorite books, games, and connecting over the Internet.
I encourage you find ways to stay connected with your family, friends, and maybe someone new. Our advocacy contacting state senators and representatives is good to make our voices heard. The buddy wellness calls are also helpful because not everyone has the things they need or friends to support them. So please continue these kind acts as helping others now is very important. We are strong and creative group of advocates and will get through this together. I send you all my best wishes and cannot wait to meet you all again soon.
5. Donations are being collected
Since the request went out last week, donations of personal items and cleaning supplies have been so good they have been dropped from the list of items needed. The following items, though, are still requested:
• Toilet paper
• Hand Sanitizer
• Paper towels
• Cleaning supplies: Multi-purpose cleaner 99.9 % Household germs/Disinfectant spray
• Clorox wipes
• Bleach
All other items on the list are stocked and the store room is full. The times to drop off donations are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and noon to 1:00 pm. You have all really stepped up and should be very proud of yourselves.
6. NAMI Walks goes your way ...virtually
On May 30, NAMIWalks will become a virtual experience joined by NAMIWalks across the country. NAMIWalks Your Way means what it sounds like: you get to make NAMIWalks your own. You can walk a 5K at home or do something else meaningful and fun. So, what kind of activities can you do? Anything, really! Here are some ideas:
• Walk 3,500 steps for a 5K your way
• Plan a craft day with your kids
• Hold a virtual bake-off with your walk team
• Practice self-care with your favorite hobby: yoga, gardening, knitting
• Do a 5K on your treadmill or stationary bike
• Host a virtual paint and sip party
Take photos and videos and share your activity on a favorite social media with the link to your walk fundraising page and the hashtag #GETLOUD #NotAlone and #MentalHealthForAll. Together we can make May 30 a day to remember - Mental Health for All: A National Day of Hope.
7. Job postings
Many providers in Lucas County are adding staff. We have up-to-date information on who is hiring on the welcome page of the Board of DD website.
Providers are also encouraged to post job openings with ohiomeansjobs.com. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is working with the Department of Jobs and Family Services in a marketing campaign urging people to become Direct Service Professionals.
8. 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.
9. Worth Repeating
“You've got to get good habits of working hard so that when that play comes up during the regular season that you're able to complete it and do it the right way." -Al Kaline