1. Conor Smenner launches a new podcast

Ability and Beyond is the name of a new podcast created by Conor Smenner. This weekly podcast will look beyond disability by providing personal experience, community supports, and social engagement for individuals with developmental disabilities to help them better understand and navigate their daily lives. It will be available through Breaker Audio and on the Board of DD website. Click here to listen to the first episode.

2. Board Meeting will simulcast on Facebook

The May 24 meeting of the Lucas County Board of DD will again be a virtual affair on Zoom but also will again be simulcast on our Facebook page. And, if you are not free to watch the meeting live, Facebook will archive it, and you can watch the meeting at your convenience.

3. Technology First

In May 2018, Governor John Kasich signed the Technology First Executive Order, 2018-06K, making Ohio the first Technology First state in the country which emphasizes the expansion of access to technology for people with developmental disabilities. Learn about DODD's Technology First Initiative here. In addition to this anniversary, May is also the 10th anniversary of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

4. New cases down across nearly all age and residence categories as 84 boards report just 11 new infections

News cases of COVID-19 among Ohioans with developmental disabilities declined notably this week after ticking up consistently for the past three reporting periods. Eighty-four county boards of DD reported 11 new cases between May 6 and May 12 with 75 counties reporting zero new cases. The highest number reported by a single county was two—a drop from past reports.

Cases declined across nearly every age group and among people in almost all living arrangements with minor exceptions for Ohioans 71+ and those living in ICFs/nursing homes. No new deaths were reported this week. At least 4,967 Ohioans with DD have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic; 230 have died.

5. Courageous Community Services offers a stay at Cannaley Treehouse Village - June 18th and 19th

Not only will you win a stay at the much sought-after treehouse designed by Nelson Treehouse and Supply, but this prize package also includes a gift certificate to Whitehouse Inn.

You can purchase your tickets here: https://givebox.com/521075.

All of the proceeds support the Courageous Services Services summer camp program. We are looking forward to the return of our campers!

6. Dementia Friends Training: Wednesday, May 19, at 10 am

Everyone knows someone who is living with dementia. Would you like to know how you can better support your friend, neighbor, loved one, co-worker, colleague and even first-time acquaintances? Would you like to join a global effort in reducing the stigma of dementia?

People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. To provide this helping hand, Dementia Friends Ohio aims, through these trainings, to give people an awareness and understanding of dementia and the small things that they can do to make a difference. These trainings are for everyone - not just those who work with people with dementia professionally.

Click here for more about Dementia Friends Ohio.

7. Join the effort to expand federal funding for transit

The National Coalition for Transit Justice is pushing the US Congress and the Biden Administration to increase federal spending on public transportation. If you or someone close to you relies on public transportation, or is facing challenges due to lack of access to it, the Coalition wants to hear your story, to share with staffers in Congressional offices, and in a future op-ed. They also want to hear from organizations interested in becoming part of the coalition. Contact: Akshai Singh, akshai@juststrategy.org