1. You're invited to join focus groups to discuss communications strategies
As a follow-up to our recent survey on communication strategies, we would like to invite you to participate in an online focus group. We have two sessions scheduled. One on July 14 at noon, the other on July 15 at 7:00 p.m. You only need to attend one. We would like to learn more about how you wish to receive information from the Board and the kinds of information you want to receive.
While we did get much information from the online survey, we want to dig deeper and listen to your ideas and feedback. The best way for us to that is through focus group discussions. You may join a session for the entire time or for as long as your schedule allows. And, we are asking you to share this information with families you know that are connected with the Board and encourage them to participate, as well.
Please join us. To register please email Michele Myerholtz at mmyerholtz@lucasdd.org
2. Synergy Conference canceled
The Synergy conference for this year is canceled. Energy will be focused on the 2021 conference.
3. Ability Center continues its webinar series on ADA
Thursday, July 16, the Ability Center of Greater Toledo will continue with its series of webinars on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Director of Special Projects, Dan Wilkins, will share photographs taken by Tom Olin, a photojournalist who has long been involved in the disability rights movement. The two will travel back in time to recount turning points in the disability movement and reflect on leaders in the fight for accessibility and inclusion for all Americans.
Follow this link to register for the webinar.
4. Autism Society plans classic car show
Sunday, July 12, the Autism Society will be holding a classic car show from 9:00 to 2:00 in the parking lot of Ralphie's, 5702 Monroe in Sylvania. Click here for more information.
5. Governor establishes Public Health Advisory System
Governor Mike DeWine has announced the creation of Ohio's Public Health Advisory System, which consists of four alert levels that provide Ohioans with guidance as to the severity of COVID-19 spread in the counties in which they live. Residents living in the Code 3 counties must wear face masks. Click here for updates.
6. National Disability Voter Registration Week
The week of July 13 is National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW) to increase the political power of people with disabilities. The effort, to share information about voter registration, is coordinated by the REV UP Campaign.
The disability community will play an immense role in upcoming local, state, and federal elections. In 2020, over 35 million people with disabilities are eligible to vote, a number which increases to 62 million when including family members in the same household. The power of the disability vote can hold our elected officials accountable for decisions that directly affect the programs and services people with disabilities rely on to live independently in the community of their choice.
Justin Dart, father of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), said it best: “Vote as if your life depended on it, because it does.”
7. New fact sheets prepared on the COVID-19
The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities is a national coalition that was established to identify and reduce life-limiting healthcare inequities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by improving access to medical protocols that reduce medical discrimination.
The coalition has created a fact sheets on how to safeguard against disability discrimination during COVID-19
- Fact sheeet for Healthcare Professionals
- Fact sheet for People with Disabilities and Their Family Members
8. Worth Repeating
"When you are kind to someone in trouble, you hope they'll remember and be kind to someone else. And it'll become like a wildfire." -Whoopi Goldberg
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