1. Board issues urgent call for DSPs via new landing page
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) has called for more direct service professionals (DSPs) to assist individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Lucas County. The Board created a new webpage to help community members learn more and find open DSP jobs within the Board’s provider network.
According to the Board, DSPs are essential to the developmental disabilities service delivery system; they are the front line of assistance for individuals in need of support to live, work and participate in the community at their full potentials.
“We are facing a critical shortage of DSPs in Lucas County and throughout Ohio. The recruitment and retention of DSPs are top priorities. We’re hoping our new landing page will assist community members to find and apply for these much-needed DSP positions,” said Lisa Poiry, provider and development coordinator for the LCBDD.
“The mission of Board is to improve life so individuals with developmental disabilities can reach their full potential,” Poiry continued. “In order for individuals with disabilities to live their lives in the same manner as we do, they require support services and the assistance of DSPs.”
2. Equipment available at The Ability Center
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has a variety of equipment available through its Equipment Loan Program to assist kids and adults with physical disabilities, including:
- Rifton Blue Wave Toileting System
- Rifton Medium Wave Shower Chair
- Shower Buddy
- Stander Buddy Roamer
- Tumble Forms Feeder Chair
- ARJO Standing and Raising Aid
- EasyStand Bantam
- MJM International Aqua Float
- Otter Bath Seat
- Pacer Rifton 501 Gait Trainer
To learn more about sizes and specs, call the Ability Center at 419-885-5733 or click here.
3. Lutheran Social Services announces food pantry hours
Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio (LSSNWO) has announced its final Toledo Emergency Choice Food Pantry hours for November.
The dates for distribution are:
- Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Nov. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon
In observation of Thanksgiving, pantry will be closed Nov. 25-26.
All visitors to the food pantry must preregister by calling 419-283-9178 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in November. To receive food, visitors will need a photo ID, proof of Toledo residence, and a social security or Medicaid number.
The Toledo Emergency Choice Food Pantry is located in the LSSNWO offices at 2149 Collingwood Blvd. in Toledo. This is not a drive-through pantry. You will need to enter the building; therefore, masks are required.
Further information can be found on the LSSNWO website.
4. Coffee, Tea and Autism set for Mondays in November
The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio invites you to a virtual chat every Monday in November at 7 p.m. Coffee, Tea and Autism is designed as a resource for people feeling overwhelmed, alone or confused about what to do next. If you seek others who understand your situation, join Coffee, Tea and Autism every Monday to chat.
Coffee, Tea and Autism can be joined via Zoom here.
5. DODD encourages the use of individualized emergency strategies
While acknowledging the crisis caused by reduced staffing, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has recommended that county boards of developmental disabilities have important conversations with people receiving services and their teams to develop individualized emergency strategies that will ensure health and safety in the event of a staffing emergency. The DODD has developed a template that can be used to develop and revise these individualized emergency plans. In addition, the DODD encourages the use of technology to bridge the gaps created by the staffing shortage. The full statement from the DODD can be read here.
6. Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
The Ohio Department of Health has issued the following updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses:
- Certain recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are eligible for booster doses to prevent serious outcomes from COVID-19. Eligibility for booster doses is currently limited to individuals at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 based on their age, certain underlying medical conditions, or occupational/institutional settings.
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen booster doses are now authorized for all recipients of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone age 18 or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a second booster dose at least two months after the initial dose.
- Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. This mix-and-match approach only applies to booster doses. A primary vaccination series should be completed using the same product.
Click here for the booster dose fact sheet.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave final authorization of the pediatric dose for children age 5-11 in early November. Children can be vaccinated through many different providers, including local health departments, pediatricians, family physicians, community health centers, adult and children’s hospitals, and pharmacies. Click here to find a provider or here for the pediatric dose fact sheet.