1. DoDD Director discusses Workforce Crisis Task Force

Ohio's DD system is supported by thousands of professionals who ensure Ohioans with disabilities and their families receive the supports they need daily. Meeting those needs requires skilled professionals who provide indirect and direct support. The quality of the workforce impacts options for those needing services and the outcomes achieved.

Recruiting and retaining the number of qualified staff required to provide supports has become increasingly difficult. Watch Director Jeff Davis discuss how the task force will address these challenges.

2. Lucas County Commission on Disabilities publishes its annual report.

Read it here.

3. Still time to take the Ohio DD Council Transportation Access Survey

This survey asks questions about your transportation needs, transportation challenges, and what kind of access you currently have to transportation. The survey will remain open through July 31. The survey is for Ohio residents, 19 and older, with disabilities. A family member, friend, or caregiver may respond on behalf of a person with a disability. Take the survey.

4. Special Olympics Softball Schedules are posted online

Batter The 2021 softball schedules are posted on the Lucas County Special Olympics webpage.

5. ADA Anniversary is July 26

July 26 is the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Throughout July, share what the ADA means to you on social media. Use the hashtags #ThanksToTheADA, #ADA31

6. Arc asks for action on federal spending

The Arc is asking us to tell our members of Congress that plans for a $3.5 trillion spending package include Home and Community Based Services.

HCBS programs struggled to continue to provide life-sustaining, daily, in-home services in the face of frontline staff shortages with a long history of low wages. Without the immediate and strong leadership of Congress and the Administration, these problems will get worse.

Senate Democratic leadership announced that they reached an agreement on a $3.5 trillion budget resolution that they will move through the reconciliation process. The outline of the legislative package includes numerous priorities that will support people with disabilities, including the investment in Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS).

Congress is deciding right now whether to allocate the full $400 Billion for HCBS that is in President Biden's Build Back Better recovery plan. The full $400 Billion is necessary to ensure HCBS is accessible and equitable.

7. University of Cincinnati UCEDD is seeking input on a new web-based service

Are you a family caregiver of a child age 2 -6 with Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD)?

Would you like to help us evaluate a new web-based resource being developed for family caregivers of children with IDD?

Our UCEDD is a partner in this study and we are recruiting participants from Oregon and Ohio.

Click here for more information

8. You could win a vacation in a tree house

Courageous Community Services will be drawing one lucky winner to win a 2-night Family Adventure-themed weekend on September 17th & 18th! This prize includes accommodations, board games, a picnic basket, and a VIP tour of Nature's Nursery (featuring some adorable baby animals).

One raffle ticket costs $25 Six raffle tickets cost $100 (best deal!) Raffle tickets make great gifts for colleagues and friends Drawing will take place on August 16th. If you win, you'll have a month's notice!

All proceeds from the sales will support our summer camp and additional programming. Enter the raffle.

9. Job Postings

The Lucas County Board of DD has several open positions. See a list of the positions and review the benefits of employment with the Board at this link.

The Ability Center has an opening for a Disability Rights Advocate. Click here for details.