1. Time to chip away at the pension

Lon Mitchell A rather bittersweet moment. This is my last Friday Update newsletter as your editor. I am stepping back from the keyboard and capping the lens on the camera. It is time to retire.

Before I came to work at the Board, some 34+ years ago, I don't believe I had ever been in the same room with someone who had a developmental disability. Those first few days on the job were incredibly eye-opening. It was soon obvious we had success stories to tell, legions of dedicated staff to admire, and opportunities waiting in the future. I hope my narratives, interactions with the communities, videos... and yes, this newsletter... have helped make our community one that is more inclusive. I fully believe that whatever contributions I have made over the years could not have served a better cause.

I want to especially acknowledge the special recognitions I have received on behalf of the Board from the Arc, the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD, Women in Communication, Ohio Public Images, and

I will still be around and hope to continue to serve the disabilities community. Please reach out and stay in touch on Twitter, Facebook, and through email at Lon@londonmitchell.com And, I plan to stay active with Partners for Inclusion. Thanks for all the support. I could not have asked for a better career!

Best always, Lon

2. Register for Special Olympics fall activities

Fall sports this year include flag football, corn hole, and walking. Take this link for the registration form.

Click here to read the fall newsletter.

3. Toledo Department of Neighborhoods Encourages Public Comments

The City of Toledo Department of Neighborhoods is seeking comments on its draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

Residents are invited to participate in a virtual public hearing and learn more about how the city used federal funding to benefit of low- and moderate-income residents during the program year 2020, which ended on June 30, 2021.

A summary of the draft CAPER will be presented at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2. The public may attend the meeting virtually at this link: https://toledo-oh-gov.zoom.us/j/83764727325, or by calling 866-528-2256 with conference code 800378.

Comments on the 2020 draft CAPER are welcome during the public hearing. The City of Toledo will accept written comments from the public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 31 through Tuesday, Sept. 14 at this address: City of Toledo, Department of Neighborhoods, 2020-2021 CAPER, One Government Center, Suite 1800, Toledo, Ohio 43604, or by email to monica.brown@toledo.oh.gov.

4. SSA identifies resources to help with the transition from youth to adult

The social Security Administration is mailing a notice to more than 337,900 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients between the ages of 14 and17 (transition-aged youth) and their adult representatives to help them identify policies and other resources to assist youth in their transition to adulthood. These mailings include a notice introducing our annual informational publication, What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (Publication No. 05-11005). We encourage caregivers to review it with the child, if possible.

This publication helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life. It provides information about SSI work incentives primarily affecting youth, as well as information about common programs, services, and supports that parents, guardians, and youth may find helpful.

Specific programs covered include:

- Student Earned Income Exclusion;
- SSI Continued Payments (Section 301);
- Vocational Rehabilitation Programs;
- Department of Education’s Parent Centers; and
- Medicaid -- including the importance of keeping health insurance and having a primary care provider.

5. Disability Vote Summit will be virtual

The National Disability Rights Network and the American Association of People with Disabilities will be hosting the 2021 Disability Vote Summit on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM EST. At the virtual Summit, discussion will focus on:

- The power of the disability vote
- Lessons learned from 2020 turnout
- How to use data to mobilize the disability vote

6. Aging Gracefully newsletter for September

Follow this link

7. The Arc’s 2021 National Convention Has Gone Virtual

If you haven't registered for The Arc's upcoming National Convention in September, it’s not too late—and, there are no travel arrangements required. The event will be held on the same dates (September 27–29).

Full event:

- Member: $315
- Non-Member: $435
- Self-Advocate, Personal Care Attendant, Direct Support Professional: $195

One day:

- Member: $165
- Non-Member: $210
- Self-Advocate, Personal Care Attendant, Direct Support Professional: $120

The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 22. Register here.

8. Seminar scheduled on public transit

Public transportation is a lifeline for people with disabilities - a gateway to the entire community. Join us as we explore ways to make public transportation more available and accessible to those in northwest Ohio through a series of speakers and local panelists.

The ADA Seminar, september 30, is presented by The Ability Center annually and will provide an opportunity for professionals to learn about best practices in access to public transit for people with disabilities. ADA coordinators and anyone interested in disability rights advocacy should attend. Click here for the agenda and links.

9. TARTA/TARPS on holiday schedule for Labor Day

Fixed-route bus and Call-A-Ride services from the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) will not operate Monday, Sept. 6, in recognition of Labor Day.

TARTA’s paratransit service, TARPS, will operate Monday on a holiday schedule, with hours of 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Door-to-door TARPS transportation is available for registered customers with a qualifying disability.

10. Shining Star cancels talent show with a live audience

Shining Star’s Talent show to be held at the Maumee Theatre on September 14 will not have a live audience. Due to the pandemic they have reconsidered and will not be hosting the show in person. There will be a recording of the show shared following.