1. Board member resigns
Board member Scott Noonan has resigned. He was appointed by the County Commissioners to the Board in 2017. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities has seven members. Five are appointed by the County Commissioners, two by the Probate Judge.
2. Ability Center hosts webinar on back-to-school
The Ability Center has wrapped up is first Back to School webinar. Recording of the presentation and tips and tricks will be available at the webinar series page.
The next webinar hosted by the Ability Center is Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. The discussion will be on ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to best support students with disabilities. Learn about parent rights and ways to advocate for your child's particular needs.
3. Nisonger Center seeking participants for study on health care
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center is looking for participants in an ongoing study on how people with intellectual/developmental disabilities feel about their health and health care with the long-term goal of improving how the medical field assists people served.
People with developmental disabilities are the study's primary focus, but family members, friends, and DD support professionals are welcome to take part. Participants will be asked to answer a series of interview questions and share their feelings about their health and health care. Those who take part are eligible to receive a gift card worth up to $75.
If you are interested in taking part in the study, call 833-678-7782 or send an email to rrtcnisonger@osumc.edu.
4. Online or In-School Learning?
Parents and guardians may be faced with the difficult decision of choosing the best and safest learning environment for their child with special education and/or special healthcare needs.
These two resources are created to give parents information related to rights within school for children with disabilities at this time, as well as things for them to consider when determining whether online or in school learning is the most appropriate for their child.
5. Epilepsy Center cancels Freedom Tour
Roy Cherry, CEO of the Epilepsy Center, says they must canceled their Freedom Tour fundraiser because the vendor who was staging the event had to pull out. Coronavirus concerns are responsible.
6. STABLE accounts increase financial security
by Robert Sprague, Ohio Treasurer
July also marked the fifth anniversary of Ohio House Bill 155, which authorized the creation of the STABLE Account program.
STABLE accounts are an incredibly powerful tool for increasing financial security and greater independence for people with disabilities. Before, people living with disabilities could only save a total of $2,000 before losing their benefits. However, that’s no longer the case. Earnings on a STABLE account grow tax-free and are not subject to federal income tax, so long as they are spent on Qualified Disability Expenses. Qualified Disability Expenses include education, housing, transportation, healthcare, assistive technology, basic living expenses, and many other items.
We are proud to now serve nearly 18,000 STABLE account-holders who have made over $150 million in total contributions. Today, our program accounts for 25 percent of account-holders nationally – proving that Ohio leads the way in creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Opening 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, or to sign-up, please visit the STABLE Account website at https://stableaccount.com, or call our team directly at 1-800-439-1653.
7. Job postings
For information on open positions with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, follow this link. Current postings include: Service& Support Specialist, Recreation Specialist, Business Manager, and Speech/Language Pathologist.
8. 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.
9. Worth Repeating
"We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it." -John Lennon
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