1. Board staff continue operating remotely
Governor DeWine has mentioned May 1st as a date to begin easing the state-at-home directives but that will not mean a quick return to re-opening the Board facilities and an immediate end to staff working remotely. The return to a more normal method of operation will be a process that will not be hurried but will be based on the health and safety of staff and individuals being served. The Board will follow guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health and the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department.
Meantime, Board staff can be reached via email and telephone as always.
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. Ohio launches toll-free COVID-19 Careline
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has a new toll-free Careline to provide emotional support for Ohioans who are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohioans may call 1-800-720-9616 to connect with trained counselors for 24/7 support.
“Coronavirus has undoubtedly affected how Ohioans are living their lives,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotional reactions in adults and children. Reaching out for help to cope with that stress will make you, the people you care about, and Ohio stronger.”
3. Provider Support Information updated on Board website
Information helpful for providers is continually updated on the Board of Developmental Disabilities website. Providers can access this information using the Provider Support drop-down menu.
4. Do you still have questions about the Economic Impact Payments?
Do you still have questions about when you can expect that stimulus payment from the government? Or if you have to apply? Or even if you are eligible? The latest question and answer fact sheet from the Internal Revenue Service is at this link.
5. SALUTE meetings are held via Zoom
The SALUTE self-advocacy group continues to meet through the Internet via Zoom. The group is planning several activities including a upcoming training on interacting with law enforcement. Individuals who would like to join SALUTE now, and have access to the Internet allowing them to use Zoom, can send their email address to Jessica Weinberg to be added to the invite list.
6. You can now find the Board of DD on Pinterest
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities has expanded its social networking with a presence on Pinterest. Pinterest is often called the home for ideas and inspiration. Our Pinterest site offers some helpful ideas on how to spend the weekend as well as ideas on how we can better utilize People First Language. Pats-on-the-back to Board staff members Heather McVay and Emily Hughes for setting this up. If you have ideas what we can "pin," please send suggestions to pinterest@lucasdd.org
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. HBO To Spotlight Young Adults With Autism
A documentary following the lives of five people with autism who are on the cusp of adulthood is headed to television. Read more.
10. Donations are being collected
A big thank you for the generosity shown in donations. Pictured to the left are donations from our friends with the Ohio Highway Patrol. 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!
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. Survey about COVID-19 for caregivers of children with disabilities
To help assure that individuals with special needs and their families are not neglected during the pandemic an international collaboration of researchers from more than 14 countries have joined forces to investigate how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its political, social and economic repercussions are impacting on these individuals and their families. The aim is to contribute to a better understanding of their experiences and influence the design of future interventions to improve their quality of life.
To this end, an online questionnaire can be filled out conveniently from home in about 30 minutes.
You can access the questionnaire also via our website: www.specialneedscovid.org
13. Worth Repeating
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view." -Harper Lee