1. Ability Center presents Social Security webinar
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo presents “Social Security: 2022 Updates and Understanding the Basics” on Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.
This webinar will be led by Erin Thompson, public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration.
Thompson will cover benefit basics, COVID-19 programs, how to order replacement Social Security cards, navigating "My Social Security Account” and more. She also will take time to answer questions.
Click here to register for this webinar.
2. TARTA seeks feedback on upcoming service changes
The last chance to give feedback to TARTA about its upcoming service changes is Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 5 p.m. For more information about this virtual meeting, please visit the TARTA website.
3. TARTA presents human trafficking webinar
TARTA has partnered with the University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute to host several events to call attention to human trafficking.
The next event will be a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon on human trafficking awareness and the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of survivors.
Presented by the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, this webinar will feature Dr. Jared Rose and Pastor Chuck Campbell.
For more information and to register, click here.
4. Super Saturday of Toledo to hold monthly dance
Super Saturday of Toledo will hold its monthly Super Saturday Dance on Jan. 8 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.
5. The next Sibshop is Jan. 15
Brothers and sisters of individuals with developmental disabilities are invited to attend the next Sibshop meeting on Saturday, Jan. 15, 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.
6. Salute to meet Jan. 10
Salute will hold its next meeting Jan. 10, 2022, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the training room of the Lucas County Board of Development Disabilities’ Larc Lane Building. (Use door O.) During this meeting, Salute will plan its activities for 2022.
You’re welcome to bring another staff member or support person; please mention your guest when you RSVP.
If you do attend in person, you must wear a mask (when not eating or drinking) and maintain social distancing practices. Temperatures will be taken on arrival; those with high temperatures will not be allowed to enter the training room. If you don’t feel well that day, please stay home!
Doors open at 5 p.m., and light snacks will be provided. To RSVP, please contact Deetra Mitchell at dmitchell@lucasdd.org or 419-380-5141.
7. Board issues urgent call for DSPs via new landing page
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities 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.”