1. Removing Barriers to Employment with STABLE Accounts

by Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) - a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities. NDEAM also highlights the importance and benefits of inclusive workplaces.

This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” As our economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to recognize that a strong economy must include opportunities for American workers with disabilities.

2. DSP shortage threatening DD service delivery

The shortage of DSPs (Direct Support Professional) is threatening Ohio’s developmental disability service delivery system to continue meeting needs in the weeks, months, and years ahead. The system has been struggling with a workforce crisis for a long time. Unfortunately, with the end of the pandemic now predicted to be much later than we expected due to the Delta variant and other factors, and with direct support professionals (DSPs) leaving our field for jobs in other industries that have significantly increased their wages to attract new employees (like restaurants, retail stores, warehouses, and others), our system is entering a new, much more difficult phase of its workforce shortage. Read more.

3. Board of DD hosting flu clinic on September 29

Flu Clinic

Click here to register.

4. Ability Center hires new executive director

The Ability Center announced today that Stuart James will be the new Executive Director of the organization. Following an extensive nationwide search that began in November 2020, James was selected to lead the organization into its next century of service supporting individuals with disabilities. He came to the independent living movement seven years ago as the Executive Director at the historic Center for Independent Living in Berkeley (TheCIL). Read more.

5. Registration for Future is Now Events Available

October 6, 2021, 1 - 2:30 PM or 5:30 - 7 PM

Planning for a good life for your loved one is a journey. Carolyn Wheeler, who has spent too many hours to count around kitchen tables assisting families to plan for the future, will highlight five areas to figure out as families plan as well as tools that may be useful along the way. Also hear from family members, including siblings, who know the “future is now” and have taken big and small steps to plan for a good life for their loved ones.

6. Capabilities Charitable Fund Grant Opportunity

Capabilities Charitable Fund is awarding mini grants to people with disabilities, ages 14+ years, to help them achieve their community employment goals. The mini grants can be used for, but not limited to, accessing transportation, interview clothing, tools needed for work, professional services to help someone fin employment, assistive technology, etc.

Applications are available here or on the CCF website. The deadline for the application is September 30, 2021. Submit applications and/or questions to ccfgrants@19servicesinc.com. Review the application at this link.

7. Register for Special Olympics winter activities

Winter sports this year include swimming, basketball, powerlifting and pep. The deadline to register is October 4. Take this link for the registration form.

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. Looking for a new career? The Board has several open positions.

Current open positions with the Board are listed on our website. In addition to finding links to apply online there is also a list of benefits. Open positions include: Service and Support Specialist, Assistant Director of Service and Support, Early Intervention Developmental Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Data Analyst, and Service and Support Specialist Substitute.

10. Alzheimers' Walk is October 9

The 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's® is Saturday, October 9. Walk with the Alzheimer's Association, walk in your neighborhood, or join virtually.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Promenade Park | 400 Water St., in downtown Toledo.

11. TARTA is hiring paratransit drivers

TARTA is looking for hard-working, compassionate people to join its paratransit service, TARPS. Click here for details.

12. Inclusive Recreation & The Importance of Play

Susan Monegan founded Mila's Hope and Rowyn's Dreams Playground, the first all inclusive playground in ALL of Portage County, Ohio. She spoke on inclusive recreation & why play is important for kids with & without disabilities. Watch the latest episode of Ohio DD Talks.