1. Stand-by list created for COVID-19 vaccines
We have an opportunity that may speed up you receiving the potentially life-saving COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to get on the stand-by list for vaccinations being given at the Northwest Ohio Developmental Center, NODC. To get on the list you must meet fall into one of the following criteria:
a. Residents or Direct Service Professionals in group 1A (congregate living setting of two or more individuals with a developmental disability)
b. Individuals with Developmental Disabilities who:
• Have a severe congenital developmental or early on-set medical disorder(s) that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, AND/OR
• People with developmental disabilities who are over the age of 65.
You must also be able to get to NODC quickly after being notified your vaccination is ready. To be considered for the stand-by list contact Erin Mayer at emayer@lucasdd.org or call 419-381-3506. Please respond as soon as possible.
2. Recordings Available answering questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
from Family Connection
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities participated in a series of roundtable discussions to discuss and answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. DODD's medical director and other state and community vaccine experts answered questions, and provided input to guide decision-makers. Watch the recordings here.
3. Planning for the Future: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers.
Our latest podcast discusses the upcoming webinar series Planning for the Future developed by the Ability Center of Greater Toledo and the Lucas County Board of DD. It's never too early or too late to begin planning for your child's future. Each webinar is focused on a different topic with a panel of experts who will speak to those topics and then answer questions. Listen to the podcast with Dawn Bentley and Heather McVay at this link. For information about registering for the webinar series click here.
4. Arc seeking information on behavior management plans
The Arc of Ohio is seeking input on behavior support for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Take the survey. The Arc is representing families updating the Administrative Rule regarding how staff interact with individuals who have challenging behaviors.
5. Ohio DD Council Seeks Public Comment on Five Year State Plan
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is seeking public comment on its Five-Year State Plan that will take effect from 2022-2026. Based on survey results collected about the problems or needs of Ohioans with developmental disabilities, the Ohio DD Council drafted the 2022-2026 Five-Year State Plan. The State Plan lists the projects that the Council plans to fund to address the needs identified by people with disabilities, families and stakeholders across the state.
The DD Council is seeking public comment in the following areas:
• Children and Health
• Community Living
• Employment
• Leadership Development
• Outreach
• Public Awareness
• Public Policy
Here's how you can submit your comments:
• Review the draft Five-Year Plan by reading the Executive Summary of the projects; and
• Submit your comments on all projects or the ones that are of interest to you.
The comment period will end on February 28, 2021.
6. Get ready to participate in the Virtual Polar Plunge
Lucas County Special Olympics staff and athletes have created a team and will be participating in the Virtual Polar Plunge through Special Olympics Ohio. A virtual Polar Plunge consists of our team members finding a creative way to plunge virtually in the safety of their own environment (such as throwing a bucket of ice water over their head or jumping in the snow) . We will all be doing our own virtual plunges in February and making a video. Right now our team is working on finding sponsors to support our team. If you would like to check out our team page here is the link https://www.classy.org/team/336806. Our athletes are really excited about this opportunity and coming up with some creative ideas to really make it fun.
7. Avenues for Autism has a new program for young adults
A new interactive program for young adults, ages to 16 to 21, is called Crossing Paths. Follow this link for more information.
8. People First meets via Zoom January 18
Join the discussion about goal-setting, Monday, January 18, and 6:00 via Zoom. Use this link.
9. Special Olympics virtual calendar for the coming week
10. Worth Repeating
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” -
Sherlock Holmes