1. March is DD Awareness Month

Board of DD member Nate Turner represented self-advocates in interview on WTOL-TV to mark DD Awareness Month. Watch the interview.

Recognizing DD Awareness Month is the St. Vincent's Histology Department, all decked out in the official orange:

DD Awareness Month

2. 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.

3. Board's monthly meeting will again be via Zoom

The March 22 regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of DD will again be via Zoom. Log-in information is posted at www.lucasdd.org in the Board's virtual calendar.

4. Courageous Acres 2021: "Wild about Camp!"

It’s time that camp makes a comeback...and we’re going to have a wild time of it! And just like camp, it’s time we all make a comeback after the year we’ve had. Parents and caregivers deserve a break from the extra responsibilities they’ve been carrying, individuals with disabilities deserve the summer camp experience they’ve been missing, and our staff and counselors are excited to make that happen! However, we are taking the threat of Covid-19 seriously and have protocols in place to protect the health of our campers. Day camp (for ages 5-21) and overnight camp (for ages 16+) will be available, as well as multiple sessions of virtual camp throughout the summer. Located at 12701 Waterville Swanton Rd. Whitehouse, OH 43571.

You can register now at this link.

5. Emergency preparedness kits now available

Emergency preparedness kits are being offered to individuals with paralysis through a grant provided by The Ability Center. Participants also have the opportunity to attend informational sessions.

6. Update published on Finding Funds

Parent Mentor Tammy Eisenrich has updated her list of funding sources. She has also recorded a session on "Finding Funds for Individuals with Special Healthcare Needs." You can view it on YouTube.

Tammy highlights:

- what families need to have ready before applying for a grant
- how to find appropriate funding sources for what they need
- tips in getting their application to the top of the pile

7. Lott Industries prepares to celebrate 65th anniversary

8. Biden Signs Stimulus Bill Sending Funds To Disability Community

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, significant funds are earmarked for the disabilities community. Read the story from Disability Scoop

9. COVID-19 and Vaccine Survey for Adults with Disabilities

The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) is very concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities and has launched a cross disability survey to look at vaccine hesitancy and access challenges people with disabilities are encountering. The objective of the COVID-19 and Vaccine Survey for Adults with Disabilities is to better understand the reasons adults with disabilities have or will take the vaccine, are not sure about taking the vaccine, or have decided not to take the vaccine. This information will be shared with the disability community, health and public health professionals, policymakers, and researchers. Alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic versions of the survey are available upon request to jditsch@aahd.us

Take the survey.