1. Essential work of the Board of DD maintained
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities continues to operate in compliance with the Governor's stay-at-home directives. That means facilities are closed and staff are working remotely. The essential work of the Board, however, continues. You may still reach Board staff by using the same telephone numbers and email addresses. The Board is posting daily through Facebook and Instagram the latest information about our local DD community.
The Board of DD will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, April 27th, using teleconferencing. In compliance with Ohio's open meeting rules, instructions on how the public can join in the teleconference will be published on the Board's website the afternoon of the 27th.
2. SSI recipients will receive stimulus payments
The Social Security Administration has confirmed that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department. These automatic payments should be expected no later than early May. Click here for the latest information.
3. Financial help available for families with children
The Lucas County Commissioners have approved direct payments to families that have been financially hurt by the present coronavirus outbreak.
The following eligibility criteria must be met to receive the benefit:
• A minor child (including pregnancy in third trimester) living in the household
• Family income that does not exceed 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
• Lucas County residency
• Loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Administration of this benefit is possible through a partnership between Lucas County Job and Family Services and the United Way of Greater Toledo, the organization issuing direct payments to eligible families.
Applications are available at this link and also at the document stand located in front of the LCJFS building at 3210 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio 43606 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4. SALUTE advocates stay connected via the Internet
The SAUTE self-advocacy group stays in contact with each through Zoom. The group plans to meet monthly through the Internet. During its first Zoom meeting, the advocates shared information about the government stimulus checks.
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
• Clorox wipes
• Bleach
The times to drop off donations are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and noon to 1:00 pm. Thank you for the tremendous support that has been shown. You make a difference!
6. The FANS Network remains active
A cooperative effort by the FANS Network and Lucas County Special Olympics resulted in Jordan receiving a basketball hoop for his home. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities created its FANS Network: (Friends, Allies, and Neighbors) to help address unmet needs. The idea was simple – create a network of community members who were willing to give time or resources to helping people with disabilities. Since its inception, the FANS Network has successfully responded to a range of requests from individuals served by the Board - from furniture to recreation to social activities. For more information about FANS click here.
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. Free 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. 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.
Lon Mitchell's radio interview with Kate Schwartz, executive director of the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio (ASNO) will air Sunday on the Cumulus radio stations in Toledo. After Sundaym, you may also listen to the radio interview at this link.
10. Abilities Center hosts Internet discussion on voting
It is still not too late to cast your mail-in ballot. The Ability Center conducted an interview discussion on addressing questions people with disabilities have about the voting process. You may view a recording of the interview at this link.
11. iDance works to keep us healthy
iDance Adaptive Performing Arts & Fitness Center is keeping us active by posting 2 videos per day to help you stay fit and healthy. Every Saturday at 10am there is a Live streaming class. Visit Facebook for the code to join. Everyone is welcome to share these videos with others to keep us moving. Keep Smiling! Be Proud of Yourself! Click here for the iDance videos on You Tube.
12. Maumee Police Officer answers the call
Hats off to Officer Wendy Newsome of the Maumee Police Department. She put together some leisure activity options together with items from the Maumee Police Department. These items will be added to the activity bags being distributed to people served by the Board of DD.
13. Worth Repeating
"Insufficient facts always invite danger." Mr. Spock