1. Jordan Burriola honored as Self-Advocate of the Year

Jordan has been involved in advocacy efforts for several years as a member of Lucas County’s Self-Advocacy group, SALUTE and Lucas County Special Olympics’ athlete leadership program, the Lightning Leaders. In addition to his participation in these groups, he is a 2019 graduate of Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility), which is a training program for self-advocates designed to provide individuals with the tools to advocate for themselves and gain leadership experiences.

The work Jordan has been involved in has the potential to impact many. Read more about Jordan in the nomination document. Click here.

The next "Cooking with Jordan" installment will be on Zoom, Tuesday, May 4. Click here for log in information.

2. Ability Center has extended the deadline

Juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for the Youth Leadership Forum. Students will improve leadership, citizenship, and social skills. The virtual program will run from June 21 – 25.

3. ICF Visitation Order Rescinded

Governor DeWine announced the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has rescinded the Order giving guidelines for indoor and outdoor visitation at intermediate care facilities. Intermediate care facilities should now follow current guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine appropriate access to the facility and resident visitation.

Additionally, certain visits, such as compassionate care visits and end-of-life visits, should be prioritized and permitted at all times.

4. DD Council seeking new members

The Ohio DD Council is recruiting new membership for the following categories:

Individual with a developmental disability, Parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability, and a representative from a private non-profit organization serving persons with developmental disabilities.

The deadline to apply is May 28, 2021! Click here for more information.

5. 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.

6. Inclusion Fair information about summer options is still available online

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.