1. Circle the date for the Board of DD Annual Meeting – April 26

Barbara This year the Board’s Annual Meeting will be streamed live on Facebook on April 26 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker this year will be Ms. Barbara Sapharas, an Independent Consultant working with the Nisonger Center to share information about Charting the LifeCourse. She has worked in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) for over 45 years with a focus on empowering and supporting people with disabilities and families, driven by her experience as a sibling. Barb was a founding member of both Ohio SIBS and the Sibling Leadership Network. She is currently a Board Member of the Ohio Self Determination Association.

Also at the Annual Meeting the Board will present several honors to Community Partners, name its staff member of the year, and present the award for Self-Advocate of the Year.

2. Charting the LifeCourse webinar scheduled in June

Charting the LifeCourse Framework training is coming to Lucas County. Families, individuals, providers, and caseworkers from Mental Health and Children's Service are all welcome and encouraged to attend. More information.

3. Ohio DD Talks looks at assistive technology

Last week, Governor Mike DeWine declared April 14 as Assistive Technology Awareness Day! An Ohio DD Talks video welcomed William Darling from Assistive Technology of Ohio who discussed the benefits of assistive technology & how it supports people with disabilities in their everyday life! Watch on YouTube.

And, in case you missed it, welcome Nathan Turner as Ohio DD Talks' new co-host!

4. Learn how to be a better parent advocate

Parent Advocacy sounds great but how do some parents get there so much quicker?

The sense of powerlessness can be immensely frustrating.

Personal empowerment means giving yourself permission to succeed. But it doesn't mean "going it alone." Chances are, you'll need the input, support and guidance of others to achieve your objectives. Who better to help build your confidence, attitude and knowledge than other empowered parents?

Join us on Tuesday, May 4th from 11:30am to 1:00pm for a virtual workshop on Advocacy, Support and Communication.

Learn techniques, methods and skills that work. Plus, the support of parents just like you.

Please register by e-mailing teisenreich@lucasdd.org or calling 419-356-3824.

5. Inclusion Fair information still available

Parents who are looking for information on summer options will find a wealth of information at inclusionfair.org The fair may be over, but the information from the multitude of participating vendors is still available online.

6. COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board is offering Lucas County Board of DD staff an opportunity to get the Moderna vaccine at an upcoming vaccine clinic in the Toledo area. Details regarding the clinic are listed below. They will be issuing $10 gift cards at the clinic to those who show their vaccination card after each dose is received, and a complimentary t-shirt for completing the vaccine.

Below you will find the link you can use to register for the first dose of the COVID vaccine on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Toledo Clinic Main Campus located at 4235 Secor Rd, Toledo, OH 43623.

In order to register please type into your computer: gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov

Once you enter your information, you will be asked for an access code. The code is: XBYE1JXHIC

Then you will be asked to search for the city, which is Toledo. Then you will see The Toledo Clinic. A verification code will be sent to your email once you have completed registration.

They are asking everyone to register but will also accept walk-ins. Those who have scheduled an appointment will have priority. You must have availability to receive the second dose 28 days (4 weeks) after the first dose. For April 24 appointments, the second dose appointment is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at the same location from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

7. Making memories at Summer Camp!

camping Summer is prime time for adventure, building new skills, making memories and learning about the natural world around you. Metroparks with a grant provided by Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will provide additional support and assistance to campers with special needs. Whether it's kayaking at Oak Openings or chasing insects through the meadow at Wildwood, Metroparks offers opportunities for all kids to connect with nature and get outside this summer. Click here for camp session information.