1. Access is still restricted to Board facilities
Governor Mike DeWine has announced the end of Ohio's stay-at-home order and replaced with a health advisory. The lifting of the stay-at-home order follows the phased reopening of many businesses this month. Gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited.
The lifting of the order does not affect the Ohio Department of Health's separate order halting the operation of adult day services centers except in groups of 10 people or fewer (including staff) and with social distancing measures in place. The ADS closure order remains in effect until further notice.
Access to our buildings remains restricted. Staff, for the most part continue to work remotely. When we do begin to ease restrictions to our facilities the process will be very gradual assuring that guidelines are followed for safety and health.
2. TARTA is again pushing sales tax
TARTA again is pushing ahead with efforts to change the primary funding for the transit authority to a sales tax from the present property tax. The issue has already been approved for the ballot by Ottawa Hills, the City of Sylvania, and the City of Toledo. Sylvania Township is expected to vote on the issue June 2.
Community Advocates for Transportation Rights (CATR) is encouraging people to contact their trustees or council members to encourage them to support placing the sales tax on the ballot. If passed, the sales tax would:
- Add Lucas County as a member of TARTA;
- Eliminating TARTA’S 2.5 mill property taxes and substituting a .5% sales and use tax;
- Allocating monies from sales tax to fund TARTA operations; and
- Allocating monies from sales tax to fund municipal TIF projects.
During a recent webinar sponsored by Ability Center, TARTA general manager Kim Dunham referred to the public transit system as “a lifeline for many and a door to opportunity” for many others. That’s a good way to reflect on the importance of public transit for the community as a whole, but especially to individuals with disabilities.
3. House OKs COVID-19 relief plan with more payments for people with disabilities
A fresh round of stimulus checks for people with disabilities and billions for home- and community-based services are part of a $3 trillion relief bill that faces an uncertain future. Read More
4. Board's Annual Report to the Community
The Board's Annual Report to the Community will soon be published in several area newspapers. You can read it now by clicking this link. The Report identifies priorities, goals, and information on the Board's revenue and expenditures.
5. Job postings
Job seekers may want to periodically log onto the Employment Page on the Board of DD website where current job openings with the Board are posted.
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. Use this link for the latest update.
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.
6. Donations being collected
A big thank you for the generosity shown in donations. 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!
7. Listen to our podcasts
Two new episodes of the Board's podcast were added this week. In one episode, Mallory Crooks from the Ability Center discusses a new fact sheet for local businesses to ensure they re-open accessible. In the other, self-advocate Jo Rita Fox also discusses accessibility issues from her personal point of view.
These discussions focus on services and supports that address the Board's mission statement - improve LIFE so individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full potential - and on efforts to make our community more inclusive.
The Talk From the Board podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, Breaker and on the Board of DD Website.
8. Golf Scramble Canceled
The Special Olympics golf scramble this year is canceled. It will not be rescheduled. Lucas County Special Olympics looks forward to seeing everyone next year for the event.
9. Worth Repeating
“Each of us has a responsibility to each other to slow the spread.” -Mike DeWine
The Friday Update is published on Friday mornings by Lon Mitchell, Public Information Manager of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. You may subscribe by sending your email address. You may also read the Friday Update on the Board website and on the mobile app