1. Job postings
For information on open positions with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, follow this link.
2. August is #AbletoSave Month
Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is recognizing the national #ABLEtoSave Month campaign as an important effort to promote financial security for people with disabilities.
“STABLE accounts are an incredibly powerful tool for increasing financial security and providing greater independence for people living with disabilities,” said Treasurer Sprague. “As the nation’s first and largest ABLE program, our STABLE team works hard to grow the program and offer families a reliable way to save money and invest in their futures. I applaud the efforts of the ABLE National Resource Center to inform the public and encourage the usage of the accounts nationwide.”
Established following passage of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, Ohio’s STABLE Account program provides specialized savings and investment accounts for people living with disabilities. The accounts allow them to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain means-tested benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Signing up for a STABLE account is easy – it only takes about 20 minutes and can be done from the safety and comfort of home. For more information about STABLE accounts and to sign up, visit www.stableaccount.com
3. How to access Social Security Services during the pandemic
The Social Security Administration is committed to providing uninterrupted benefits and vital services the public relies on, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic.
The public can speak with a representative by calling (800) 772-1213 or their local Social Security office. Local office phone numbers are available online with the Social Security Office Locator.
SSA’s offices are not providing service for walk-in visitors, however SSA may be able to schedule an appointment for limited, critical issues if they cannot help someone by phone and if they cannot get the information they need or conduct their business online.
Social Security has secure and convenient online services to:
- Apply for Retirement, Disability, and Medicare benefits;
- Check the status of an application or appeal;
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas);
- Print a benefit verification letter; and
- Much more.
Lastly, SSA knows that getting medical and other documentation can be difficult due to the pandemic. SSA continues to extend deadlines wherever possible. Visit www.ssa.gov for more information.”
4. Updated ICF Search Tool Now Available
An updated Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) search tool is available on the DODD website. A tip sheet has been developed to help navigate this search tool.
5. Epilepsy Center offers Freedom Tour
The Epilepsy Center wants to offer a safe event for families to attend.
In lieu of its usual fundraiser, the Epilepsy Center is planning an evening of togetherness at a distance, fun without risk and an opportunity to support the work we do for the epilepsy community.
Join the Freedom Tour 2020 with skydiving, pyrotechnics, music, food and all in the safety of your vehicle. Click here for full details and ticket sales.
6. New podcast gives tips on selecting a provider
The latest podcast from the Board offers tips on how to select a provider. The featured guest is Lisa Poiry, Provider Development Coordinator. To listen to this podcast follow this link. All of the podcasts are available on the Board of DD website. You may also subscribe by downloading the Breaker podcast app.
7. August Aging Gracefully Newsletter
8. Autism Society provides back-to-school toolkit
The Autism Society created the August toolkit to navigate back-to-school adaptive models and IEP planning, as well as information for COVID-19 policy initiatives. Understand your rights, access resources and teaching materials to better support yourself or your loved one during this time. Click here to retrieve the toolkit.
9. Enter to win a weekend in the Cannaley Treehouse Village
Courageous Community Services is sponsoring a fundraiser that gives raffle winners a weekend at the treehouse village at Oak Openings Metropark. All funds raised from this sweepstakes will be used to provide quality programming in the areas of caregiver support, advocacy, and life skills training.
The first winner will be randomly chosen on August 26th, 2020, at 11:59 a.m. The first winner will then be contacted by the sweepstakes organizers to validate their prize and to select the official dates of the stay of their choice from the available options. If the first winner does not respond in 24 hours to the sweepstakes organizers, a new winner will be selected and contacted. In all, four winners will be selected. Register at this link.
10. Loop Ohio brings families and professionals together for candid conversation
Loop Ohio provides a platform for community members and professionals to share ideas and resources, solve problems, break down barriers, connect across distance, and engage in ongoing learning. Join by clicking here.
11. Worth Repeating
"Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble." -John Madden
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 us your email address. You may also read the Friday Update on the Board website and on the mobile app