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 the 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. 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.
3. December’s ‘Aging Gracefully’ now available
The latest edition of “Aging Gracefully” is now available. This issue covers the Home Energy Assistance Program, nonprofits offering assistance with food and other household items, the future of TARTA, upcoming webinars and training opportunities, and more. Read the entire issue here.
4. Family Resource Network of Ohio presents ‘The Integrated Support Star’
The Family Resource Network of Ohio will present “The Integrated Support Star” on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 9 a.m.
During this Charting the LifeCourse live event, attendees will learn how the Integrated Support Star can help with identifying and evaluating support, planning and problem-solving.
Charting the LifeCourse was designed to support families as they maximize their capacities, strengths, and unique abilities to best nurture, love and support their family members to achieve goals.
This 60-minute virtual event is free and open to everyone. To register, click here.
5. Board member Nate Turner meets with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
Board member Nate Turner recently met with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to discuss disability issues, including inclusive education, employment and workforce development, the direct care worker shortage, and how each of these intersects with assistive technology. Turner (center) is pictured with his support person, Steve (right), and DeWine (left).
6. Super Saturday of Toledo to hold monthly dance
Super Saturday of Toledo will hold its monthly Super Saturday Dance on Dec. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.
This dance is for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. (Caregivers must be present.) All Super Saturday Dances take place in the Five Lakes Church gymnasium at 4765 McCord Road in Sylvania. Admission is free, and a light meal will be served.
For more information, check out the Super Saturday of Toledo Facebook group.
7. The next Sibshops is Dec. 18
Brothers and sisters of individuals with developmental disabilities are invited to attend the next Sibshops meeting on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These free gatherings give kids the chance to meet other kids and talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a developmental disability. Sibshops also feature fun games, cooking activities and hands-on activities that will keep your kids engaged in an energetic way.
Sibshops are for 8- to 16-year-old brothers and sisters who have a sib with developmental disabilities. The events are run by a team whose members have a professional or personal understanding of the impact a child’s developmental disability can have on brothers and sisters. Equally important, they have great kid skills!
All Sibshops take place at the Alternate Learning Center at 3939 Wrenwood in Toledo, Ohio. CDC prevention guidelines will be followed. Sibshops are free!
For more information and to register, contact Wendy Smenner, Lucas County parent mentor, at 419-214-3066 or wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org. Space is limited, so register today.
8. We Thrive Together to present Speed Friends
We Thrive Together will present Speed Friends on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.
During Speed Friends, you’ll have the chance to virtually meet a new group of people in less than two hours.
Speed Friends promises no pressure, no rejection and no embarrassment. Here’s how it works. During the event, you’ll be paired with another individual in a virtual breakout room. You’ll then have five minutes to chat and get to know each other. When time is up, you’ll rotate to another room. After you’ve met with everyone, you’ll be able to request to get to know certain people better. If one of those people selects you, too, you’ll receive each other’s contact information. After that, it’s up to you!
There are multiple ways to register for Speed Friends. You can call 866-584-5640 or email Alyssa@WeThriveTogether.org. You can text your name, county and contact information to 440-478-5640. Finally, you can register online here.
9. Toledo Lucas County Emergency Rental Assistance Program to reopen soon
The city of Toledo and its partners will soon reopen the Toledo Lucas County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which can be used for rent, utilities, water and the internet. Funding is first come, first served, so interested individuals should visit the program’s website for additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process.
The new portal is expected to open before Christmas.