1. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

As part of our kick-off to March as DD Awareness Month, Michele Myerholtz, Assistant Superintendent, was interviewed on WTOL-TV discussing the Board's Mission. Watch the interview at this link.

2. Lucas County Commissioners proclaim March as DD Awareness Month

Lucas County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Superintendent Lori Mariucci declaring March as DD Awareness Month. Commissioner Gary Byers said the work done by the Board of DD is essential “and we are proud of what we have here in Lucas County.” Commissioner Peter Gerken added, “You have our support and the support of the community. We will continue to be your allies.”

The Proclamation notes that "individuals with developmental disabilities should be included, accepted, and be able to participate in everything that Lucas County has to offer and to know they have the community’s support to have their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives"

Read the entire Proclamation.

3. Ohio Treasurer promotes STABLE accounts during DD Awareness Month

"Financial empowerment and independence are key to building stronger, more inclusive communities," said Treasurer Robert Sprague. "By breaking down financial barriers to employment and allowing people to earn and save more money, STABLE account holders and their families can take better control of their finances.

Accountholders can save up to $15,000 each year without jeopardizing federal assistance programs. And if the accountholder is employed, they can save an additional $12,760 each year. Earnings on STABLE accounts grow tax-free, as long as funds are spent on qualified expenses, such as housing, transportation, healthcare, assistive technology, living expenses, and many others. Through the STABLE Account program, people with disabilities are now more easily able to join the workforce and save what they earn.

For more information, or to sign up for a STABLE account, visit www.stableaccount.com.

4. Superintendent's next Family & Advocate Forum will be March 9

Family Members, Advocates and Providers are invited to join Superintendent Lori Mariucci for her next Family & Advocate Forum on Tuesday, March 9th, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The Superintendent hopes the evening time will enable more families to participate. Topics include:

• How we are commemorating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Two new Board members take office: Nate Turner and Cheryl Tyler-Folsom
• Status of our COVID-19 vaccination clinics
• Move to a virtual calendar instead of the printed calendar
• Special Olympics during the pandemic

Please use the zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83205469278?pwd=aXliZXVkUlFXbWl2dkhvN2g1V2tTdz09
Meeting ID: 832 0546 9278
Passcode: 597322

These forums are opportunities to meet informally with me to discuss current topics of importance with the developmental disabilities community. Invited to attend are family members of persons served by the Board, advocates, providers, and anyone else who is interested in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Please extend this invitation to others you know who are interested in services to persons with developmental disabilities. In the meantime, feel free to check out our website at www.lucasdd.org or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LucasCountyDD for information and events.

5. CATR will host forum on transportation

Community Advocates for Transportation Rights (CATR) is hosting a Transportation Forum on Tuesday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. The focus will be to increase our understanding of how important public transportation is for our community. Speakers will include representatives from local and state organizations and individuals with a stake in ensuring adequate funding in the 2022-23 Ohio Biennial Budget. Register here. Captioning and ASL will be provided.

6. Northwest Ohio Tech Ambassadors Webinar will be March 16

This event will be hosted by Tech Ambassador and Board of DD member Nathan Turner and will feature the topics below as well as live Question and Answer segment where attendees will have a chance to ask Nathan about his experiences and about using technology in your own life!

7. Department of DD asking for input on proposed changes to HCBS waiver

Changes to HCBS Waivers in Ohio are being discussed. Those who are part of the workgroup (to figure out these changes) want to hear what you have to say about the Level I and SELF Waivers.

To make it easy for you and to hear from many, the Department of DD is asking that you complete a survey. You can answer the questions right now. Just click this link for the survey.

8. March Aging Gracefully newsletter

Follow this link.

9. Manahan Executive Director retires

Michael Malone, longtime executive director at Manahan, is retiring.

When Michael Malone’s sister was born with Down syndrome, he had no idea the lessons she taught him would result in a career focused on serving others. “It made me realize that there were people that were different and needed special care,” he said.

Michael began his career at Northwest Ohio Developmental Center in 1977. He started at Manahan, formerly Josina Lott, as a direct-support professional two years later.

Mr. Malone would go on to perform a number of roles before becoming executive director during the mid-1990s. He served in that role for 25 years. In his retirement, Mr. Malone said he plans to improve his golf game, catch up on the stack of books he’s always meant to read, and give back in whatever way he can.

“In this day and age, we all need to be more tolerant with each other and we need to be more tolerant of those people who are different from us, no matter what, because they’ll make your life better without a doubt. I’m going to miss these guys,” he said.