DODD announces quarterly payments to retain DSPs
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is excited to announce that federal approval has been received to proceed with an investment by Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities to support the direct support professional (DSP) workforce. The goal of this investment is to assist Ohio's developmental disabilities system in addressing the workforce crisis through retention incentives for DSPs. Retention payments will be distributed quarterly from DODD to participating providers, and providers will then send retention payments to each eligible DSP. For more information, visit the DODD website here.
LCBDD announces new Providers Wanted page on website
The Board is excited to announce the new “Providers Wanted” page on our site, a centralized location where individuals seeking providers are regularly added and providers can search by funding or service type. The new page allows for an enhanced user experience, search functionality and the ability to electronically submit a form showing your interest in assisting the individual. We are excited about launching this page and the improved access it allows all our provider partners and, ultimately, giving the best and most efficient service possible to the individuals we serve. For more information, contact Brenda Sawyers, Service & Support Administration Secretary, at bsawyers@lucasdd.org or 419-380-5447.
‘Tools for School’ Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway August 3
The Salvation Army will be distributing backpacks and school supplies for Lucas County children in grades K-12 on Wednesday, August 3, at 620 N. Erie St., Toledo. Required documents: photo ID, proof of address (i.e., utility bill), birth certificates/JFS printout/medical cards for children, plus must provide last four digits of each child’s social security number. If parent is not birth parent, proof of custody is required. It is important to note that assistance will not be provided if any of the above documentation is missing at the time of distribution. For more information, call 419.241.1138.
LCBDD newsletter ‘Aging Gracefully’ July issue now available
The July issue of Aging Gracefully, the monthly newsletter from the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is now available. Read the latest issue here.
Brain health education Zoom series starts today
Part one of a three-part brain health education series offered by Senior Committee members Jenny Kinney, Amy Annarino and Claire Copa is starting today at 10 a.m.
- Part 1: Friday, July 15 (10:00-11:30) This session will educate adults and their caregivers about brain health, including ways to promote healthy aging and reduce potential threats.
- Part 2: Tuesday August 9 (10:00-11:30) This session will discuss Dementia and the importance of brain health. Nutrition, diet, the effect of alcohol, and polypharmacy will be discussed.
- Part 3: Thursday September 29 (10:00-11:30) This session will explore living a brain-healthy lifestyle. Physical, emotional, cognitive and social engagement techniques will be shared.
Continuing Education Units are being offered for LSW, LPC and DODD – SSA/AO. Register to attend by contacting Sara Gardner at sagardner@lucasdd.org or (419) 380-5164.
LCBDD Family Fun Festival scheduled for July 24
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited to host its first Family Fun Festival at the Larc Lane Campus in South Toledo. Come one, come all from 12-4 p.m.! Enjoy food truck fare, carnival games, music, unified kickball and cornhole events, plus learn about fire and police safety. There may be some surprise guest appearances on what is planned to be a fun-filled day! This event is for all Board staff and their families, our individuals and their families, our providers and their families and, really, our entire community — everyone is welcome!
Toledo-Lucas County Health Dept. Back-to-School event on September 17
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Dept. is hosting a Back-to-School event on September 12, 10am-2pm, at 635 N. Erie, Toledo. This event will offer birth certificates for $25, Shots 4 Tots n Teens and more, including a backpack giveaway for those who receive a vaccine or purchase a birth certificate.
Free financial Q&A dinner for young adults on July 27
Young adults who are working or entering the workforce soon are invited to join us at the Lucas County Board of DD for a free dinner on Wednesday, July 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss important financial topics such as tracking and reporting income and SSI guidelines. Those interested in attending this event can sign up by contacting Sherrie Hathaway at shathaway@lucasdd.org or calling 410.380.4021.
Grant Workshop Wednesday$ with Aubrey Rose Foundation on July 27
Are you looking for help funding specialized schooling, alternative therapies, summer camp, respite, sensory items, home modifications, or something for your loved one with special healthcare needs that isn't covered by your medical insurance? Well, thankfully, there are so many funding organizations out there that want to help. Join us the last Wednesday of every month and meet a different organization that can help. Hear about how they are helping families, what they fund, what their criteria is to apply and what supporting documents are needed. This month's guest is Nancy Hollenkamp, Vice President of the Aubrey Rose Foundation, which helps families caring for children with life-threatening illness by providing emotional and financial support. Click on this Zoom link to join the session on July 27, 7-8:00 p.m.
Financial & future planning webinar series starts July 19
The Center for Disability Empowerment is hosting a Financial & Future Planning webinar series for people with developmental disabilities. Parents of an individual with developmental disabilities have a variety or personal and financial implications to consider. From guardianship and supported decision making to waivers and government benefit programs, parents should understand how their actions (or inaction) can impact a child’s eligibility for various benefits. Presented by attorney Derek Graham, each session starts at 6:30 p.m. with the first on July 19 to focus on Advocacy. The next session on July 26 is centered on Guardianship, and the final session on August 9 is on SSI Benefits. Register for this webinar series here to learn strategies to help you maximize benefits and plan for your loved one’s future.
DODD to provide free provider training
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities’ Office of System Support and Standards is offering free online provider training on the last Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. All training will be recorded and available to view any time after the event via the same registration link. For more information and to register, click the title below.
July 28, 2022 – Medication Administration
Aug. 25, 2022 – Billing & Claims Process and Cycle
Sept. 29, 2022 – Behavioral Supports
Oct. 27, 2022 – Unusual Incidents and Major Unusual Incidents
Please address any questions to OSSAS@dodd.ohio.gov.
Lucas County Special Olympics Golf Scramble to be held August 28
The 3rd Annual Lucas County Special Olympics 18-Hole Golf Scramble is happening on Sunday, August 28, at the South Toledo Golf Club at 3915 Heatherdowns Rd. Registration fee is $320 per team and $80 per person. Lucas County Special Olympic athletes benefit from 100% of the proceeds raised, which will help cover the cost of sending athletes to the annual State Special Olympics Summer Games in Columbus, Ohio. Registration forms and payment should be returned by August 19 to:
Lucas County Special Olympics
Attn: Kelley Watson
1154 Larc Lane
Toledo, OH 43614
Golf outing fundraiser for Gabbey Segura’s service dog on July 30
Gabbey Segura, an individual served by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is putting on a golf outing fundraiser to help bring a new service dog home. The event is scheduled for July 30 at South Toledo Golf Club. Wilbur, as the dog is named, will allow Gabbey to live a more independent life as she starts her journey as a freshman at Ohio State University in the fall. The family is looking for golfers, hole sponsors and anyone who can donate items for gift baskets as part of a silent auction. Click here for more information on Gabbey’s story and the golf outing.
Avenues for Autism 9&Wine + The Party IS to be held August 5
Join Avenues for Autism on August 5 at Brandywine Country Club for the 9&Wine + The Party IS event. The event will allow golfers to enjoy 9 challenging and unique holes with prize opportunities and wine tastings on selected greens. Afterwards, players and other guests will get to attend The Party IS and enjoy delicious food and drinks, as well as opportunities to win prizes, enjoy a photo booth and dance.
The shotgun start for the scramble is scheduled for 4pm, with the party starting at 7pm. Cost is $500 for a foursome or $125 for an individual, and The Party IS tickets are $75 each. Click here for more information on the outing and party. Scholarships are available; for more information, email Stacy at sharper@avenuesforautism.org.
ODM single-entry Provider Network Module (PNM) October rollout
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) will roll out a single-entry Provider Network Module (PNM) in October. DODD's Provider Services Management (PSM) system will directly interface with PNM, which will become the single-entry point for all DODD providers. In preparation for this implementation, PSM will undergo modifications for PNM to become the single-entry point. As a result, it is necessary for DODD to stop accepting applications. The last date to submit applications and the associated application type are listed below:
- PAST DEADLINE – 6/26/2022: Initial applications for agency providers, and for ICF Change of Operator (CHOP)
- 8/05/2022: Initial Applications for independent providers and renewals for ALL providers, including add-ons, and demographic changes.
- 8/24/2022: Voluntary Withdrawal and Self-Service (i.e., Email and phone updates, etc.) applications
On the dates identified above, all draft applications will be deleted from PSM. Only complete applications, with all required and accurate documentation including submission of supplemental applications, will be processed. For any incomplete or draft applications, providers and/or applicants will need to re-start their application process in PNM after it goes live in October 2022. Email questions to:
- PSM: provider.certification@dodd.ohio.gov.
- Licensure development: licensuredevelopmentapps@dodd.ohio.gov.
- PNM: PNMCommunications@medicaid.ohio.gov.
Building Bridges project seeks participants for focus groups
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center is seeking adults with ID/DD and MHD, caregivers of adults with ID/DD and MHD and providers in the mental health and developmental disabilities workforces to participate in focus groups. There will be 6-8 participants in each focus group and participants will be asked to describe their experiences with mental health and developmental disabilities services and supports, barriers to getting services and training needs for professionals within these systems. Each 1.5-hour interview will take place on Zoom, and participants will receive a $25 gift card. For more information or to sign up, contact Jessy Thomas at jessy.thomas@osumc.edu or 614.688.3214.
The White House holds disabled stakeholder calls for Disability Pride Month
The White House Office of Public Engagement is holding weekly stakeholder calls for Disabled Americans on Thursdays throughout July in recognition of Disability Pride Month. These calls serve as an opportunity to hear directly from Administration officials on initiatives and announcements that directly impact Americans with disabilities. Calls are closed press, open registration, and free to share widely with your networks! ASL and CART will be provided. Find call information and register to attend here.
Next ‘People First of Toledo’ meeting slated for July 21
The July meeting for People First of Toledo is on Thursday, July 21, 6-7:00 p.m. at the Ability Center, 5605 Monroe Street, Sylvania. Katie Shelley is the guest lecturer to speak about common accommodations that you can expect in most places and how to access them. Contact Quinn Thomas at quinnt@ccsohio.org with questions.
Rec Jam at Centennial Terrace on Sept 14
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities presents ‘Rec Jam’, an event that creates a place for our individuals 18 and over to come together to dance and socialize. Admission is free — just show up as you are and have fun! The next Rec Jam is taking place at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, on September 14 from 7-9:00 p.m. Concessions will be selling food and drinks, with the exception of alcohol.