1. Monthly meeting of the Board of DD will again be online

The Lucas County Board of DD will again hold its monthly meeting virtually, May 24 at 6:00. The Zoom link will be posted in the Calendar on the Board of DD website. During the meeting the Board will present its Special Recognition Award to three providers. Please join us.

2. Superintendent reaffirms mask usage

The State of Ohio and the City of Toledo are dropping their mask mandates beginning June 2. "We, at the Board of DD, have not yet made that decision," said Superintendent Lori Mariucci. "For the foreseeable future Board staff will continue using a mask, especially when making direct contact with individuals we serve. We also will keep activity within our buildings at a minimum. Most staff will continue working remotely.

"Any future decisions will be made after careful contemplation of all variables. I welcome your input. Email ert@lucasdd.org. Thanks."

3. Ability Center awards scholarships

The Ability Center presented college scholarships to individuals with disabilities this past week with funds raised from our annual Auxiliary to The Ability Center Style Show. This year’s Auxiliary Style Show will take place on Oct, 6, 2021.

4. A discussion about Technology First

In this week's installment of his podcast, Conor Smenner discusses with Nathan Turner accessible technology. They talk about about how accessible technology promotes independence and self advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities as well as how a person can acquire accessible technologies to make themselves more independent and to become a better self advocate. Listen here.

5. Facial coverings still required on the bus

“Facial coverings are federally mandated for public transit though Sept. 13, 2021 by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Free masks are available to all passengers. For questions, please contact TARTA at (419) 243 RIDE (7433) or TARPS at (419) 419-382-9901.”

6. Disabilities Council taking a survey on transportation needs

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting you to participate in a survey about transportation access for people with disabilities in Ohio. You are asked to take the survey if you live in Ohio ages 19 and older with a disability, a family member, friend, caregiver, or other person who is helping a person with a disability, or a transportation provider who provides services to Ohioans with disabilities. Take the survey.

7. Deadline for completing survey for the Ability Center is May 31

The Ability Center's Advocacy Program is gathering responses for a Disability Needs Survey regarding barriers to independent living for people with disabilities in Ohio. Our continued goal is to reach a wide and diverse group of respondents across the state. Take the survey.