1. Disability groups work to make Solheim Cup most disability friendly event ever!

Local disability and aging organizations have joined forces to develop a presence at Solheim Cup that encourages inclusivity for every age. Booklet and event details including accessible parking, on-course shuttle service, KultureCity Sensory Activation Vehicle, campus map with ADA seating and more can be found at www.ToledoIsForEveryone.com.

2. How should the media portray persons with disabilities?

Join The Ability Center and local advocates for a conversation with media outlets on August 26 at 10:00 to discuss language, narrative and imagery of folks with disabilities. The purpose of the webinar is to create an open dialog for individuals to share how they want to be referred to in the media. Register here.

3. DODD Family Advisory Council Presents OhioRISE: A General Overview for Families

OhioRISE is a forthcoming specialized managed care program being designed to provide services for youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs. OhioRISE aims to shift the system of care and keep more kids and families together by creating new access to in-home and community-based services and strengthening care coordination.

Join members of the Ohio Department of Medicaid at 1 PM on Monday, August 30, 2021, as they provide an introductory overview of OhioRISE, including why OhioRISE is needed, the vision for the program, a status update on the project as it evolves in development, and a general timeline of when services will begin to be implemented. There will also be time for a brief Q & A session for presenters to answer family questions about OhioRISE. More information and registration are available here.

4. August is #ABLEtoSave Month

The goal of #ABLEtoSave is to increase public awareness around the benefits of tax-advantaged ABLE savings and investment accounts to increase the financial well-being of people with disabilities. ABLE accounts offer eligible individuals a path to “Achieve a Better Life Experience (ABLE)” through the ABLE Act legislation of 2014. This includes a focus on the ways ABLE accounts can help address the needs of all individuals with disability, including Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) community members with disabilities, who are eligible for ABLE accounts.

A podcast with Board member and self-advocate Naate Turner for #AbletoSave Month with the Able National Resource Center is live on its website. Click here to listen.

5. SALUTE offers testimony to TARTA Board

TARTA bus The self-advocacy group SALUTE has offered testimony to the TARTA board on its thoughts about how public transit should proceed into the future. Read the written testimony here.

In compliance with a new federal mandate, wearing masks will be required on all TARTA vehicles through at least January 18.

Michele Shepler, Community Travel Specialist, tells us, " The TARTA board of trustees voted yesterday that TARTA/TARPS will remain fare free through 12/31/2021. This is an extension of the previous date which was mid-September."

6. We Thrive Together Carnival is today!

We Thrive Together believes no one should suffer from social isolation or loneliness. Since March 2020, We Thrive Together has hosted over 2,800 free virtual events for seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities with participants in all 88 Ohio counties. They are hosting a virtual fundraiser, the We Thrive Together Carnival, on Friday, August 20th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. to support ongoing virtual programming.

Please consider showing your support of individuals with developmental disabilities by participating in one of the following ways:

1. Attend the event
2. Bid on the silent auction and Chinese raffle packages
3. Participate in the 50/50 Super Raffle (Pot currently over $500)

Use the links above to purchase event and raffle tickets and give yourself a chance to win some awesome prizes listed below. You can even win without being present at the event. Feel free to share this information to anyone that enjoys raffles and carnival fun!

7. Rental assistance available

The Toledo Lucas County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TLCERAP) will assist eligible households with up to 12 months of assistance, including current and future rent, past due rent, late fees, new renter fees, security deposits, utility deposits, and utility payments. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. Ohio Department of DD offers tips on suicide prevention

The challenges and stress among people with disabilities and families throughout the pandemic have been tremendous. Unfortunately, unanticipated suicides among people with disabilities have increased throughout Ohio. There are ways we can help prevent suicides. Watch the video with suggestions produced by the Ohio Department of DD at this link.

9. Arc of Ohio urges advocacy action

Members of Congress are back home in their states and districts for August Congressional recess, and we need them to hear from YOU! We have a BIG opportunity for historic investments in disability services on the table in the coming months, and your opinion can help influence how your elected officials vote.

Take the three steps below to make sure your members of Congress know what’s on the line for people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support workforce. We need them to keep your needs in mind when they head back to Washington!

- STEP 1: Tell Congress that #CareCantWait!
  Contact your members and tell them you support investments in disability services and a national paid leave program for ALL workers!
- STEP 2: Share your story!
  Tell Congress how much these changes would mean in your life. We need to send thousands of stories to help move the needle!
- STEP 3: Get your community involved!
  We need as many people as possible taking action so that members of Congress know what’s at stake. Check out our toolkit for resources to get your community involved!

10. Work Benefits You

Dollar Bill Confused about keeping your SSI/SSDI while working? Keeping your Health benefits? Reporting your income? You are not alone! Join us for dinner, get the answers and more during a free, one-night session on: Tuesday, August 31st from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. Click here for more information.

11. Board of DD meeting is this Monday

The Lucas County Board of DD Board Meeting is scheduled on Monday, August 23rd, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. We have returned to in-person Board meetings. To allow for social distancing, we are hosting the monthly Board meetings at the Larc Lane Center in the Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane, Toledo, 43614 until further notice. Please use Door O. Masks are required in the facilities. Temperatures will be taken upon entering as well as the COVID-19 Screening Form will need to be completed. Click for the agenda.