1. Superintendent's Family & Advocate Forum held virtually
The quarterly family and advocate forum hosted by Superintendent Lori Mariucci was held via Zoom last. You can listen to excerpts from the forum by visiting our Podcasts page on the Board of DD website. Guests included SALUTE president Nate Turner and Parent Partner Tammy Eisenreich. The forum also included updates from department directors Julie O'Hair, Service and Support Administration; Julie Esparza, Children's Department; and Pat Stephens, Provider Supports.
2. Board of DD seeks family input on communication
The Lucas County Board of DD is asking for your input about communication strategies. How do you like to receive information? Maybe it's by email or maybe in person at open meetings. If you have a concern, do you know whom at the Board to contact? To help the Board understand these and other issues dealing with our communication with families and advocates we are asking you to complete an online survey. Please click here to take the survey. It will only take a few minutes.
3. Service hours for TARPS extended
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- Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m.-8:15 p.m. (expanded as of June 8)
- Saturday: 8:02 a.m.-6:47 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:02 a.m.-6:47 p.m.
- Holidays 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Reservation Line: 419-382-9901. Currently there is no fee to ride TARPS as part of the COVID-19 safety measures.
On the matter of the TARTA proposal to change its funding from a property tax to a sales tax
All TARTA members have now voted to approve putting the sales tax proposal on the November ballot except for Maumee. The Maumee City Council is expected to vote on the issue during its meeting on June 15
4. Statewide coalition brings attention to transportation needs
Over 15 organizations across the state have come together to form The Ohio Aging & Disability Transportation Coalition to educate, inform and advocate for better transportation systems across Ohio for people who are aging and/or with disabilities.
“Transportation is the number one issue concerning individuals with and without disabilities,” said Kathy Foley, Executive Director, Services for Independent Living. “Access to transportation allows people to go to work, medical appointments, school and live in the community. By increasing awareness, we want people to get to where they need to go and also build awareness for expanding transportation services in the state.”
The Coalition is launching its “Let’s Go, Ohio!” campaign, bringing awareness to the needs, barriers and opportunities for transportation access in the state. Through this campaign, OADTC will aim to educate and inform community members and lawmakers of the importance of transportation for Ohioans who are aging and with disabilities.
Specifically, OADTC will bring attention the Ohio Mobility Management Program, led by the Ohio Department of Transportation. The program improves mobility access mobility for Ohioans by increasing understanding and awareness of transportation needs, coordinating transportation options and building sustainable and healthy communities by integrating transportation into planning.
The state currently has 28 Mobility Managers who serve 57 counties and is continuing to expand.
With a grant from the Ohio DD Council, OADTC hopes the awareness campaign will bring attention to the available transportation resources for individuals through the Mobility Management Program..
5. Summer camp options
from Heather McVay, Service and Support Administration Coordinator
Summer camp is often full of opportunities for kids and teens. They are able to gain self-confidence as they learn new skills. They are granted a great setting for exploring social interaction and engagement as well as working on more independence. Summer 2020 will look different for everyone. Thanks to creative thinking, we have some great camp options for parents and kids!
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- Core Success will hold in-person camp starting in June
- Sara’s Garden will hold in person camp – Wauseon6/1 – 6/26 and Holland 7/6 – 7/31
- Toledo Zoo – In person Kids Club opportunities in the evenings when the Zoo is closed, online activities beginning 6/15, Zoo Teen opportunities primarily for those who have already been Zoo Teens in the past.
- Toledo Metroparks – Online Activities (both free and paid versions available to families)
- William’s Homes – in person camp starting 6/15, no transportation and all activities will be on site
- SuperSchades – in person camp starting 7/6, safety measures will be in place, community activities will be modified
- YMCA – virtual daycamp with supplies provided to paying participants. Camp begins 6/22
- Bittersweet Farms – virtual camp ongoing from 6/22 – 7/31. Options for technology loans are available.
- Courageous Acres – Virtual camp through closed Facebook group with supplies provided. Participants would register to receive supplies at no cost.
6. Couple prove Down syndrome, Autism no barrier to marriage
She has Down syndrome. He has autism. They have been married for ten years. Read more.
7. ASNO prepares for its annual walk
It is that time of the year when the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio begins preparations for its annual Walk. This year it will be August 30,2020 at Franklin Park Mall. To registrar follow this link .
8. Courageous 5K is underway
Courageous Community Services is holding its 5K fundraiser virtually. Click here for details and registration information.
9. Ability Center to host webinar on telehealth
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has scheduled another in its series of webinars. The subject for this webinar is how to use telehealth. This webinar, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., will serve as a "How To" guide to access the service on your electronic device. Follow this link for information and to register.
10. Worth Repeating
“I think everything that’s going on right now is powerful. I have never seen us as a culture come together, let alone multiple cultures coming together, so I think it shows a lot of change is coming.” -Clorisa Curtis