Friday Update: July 29, 2022

The Ability Center launches Think Differently Then Act! campaign

The Ability Center’s newly launched campaign, Think Differently Then Act!, invites the community to dig deeper, gain a different perspective about disability, and get involved. The campaign features Authentic Authors, a series of stories of disability told by the people who live it, and 60 Words, a monthly podcast about people, places, and spaces doing disability differently. Learn more here.

2022 We Thrive Together Self-Advocacy Tour

Each year, people with developmental disabilities experience many transitions. For example, graduating from school, getting a new job, moving into a new home, setting new life goals, or changing providers or direct support professionals. When you speak up for yourself, you can determine what happens in your life. By being your own advocate, you will unlock your potential and build the confidence you need to live a good life.

Transition planning is a partnership between the individual, their family, service providers, and local community members. It’s a bridge between a person’s current situation and their future. Join us to hear how individuals, family members, and service providers advocate for game changing services. Meet awesome advocates from across the region who lead by example. Have a ton of fun. The next tour date is July 30 at Owens Community College from 1-4:00 p.m. In-person and virtual attendance available. Find more information here.

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.

People First membership, August officer elections and meeting

People First, a self-led advocacy group for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals, is seeking new members and officers. The officers’ election is open to any members, despite length of involvement or membership. Those interested may sign up to run until August 1, and the actual election will be on August 11. Visit the new Facebook page for more information and get involved by attending their next meeting on August 26, which will be a hybrid in-person/virtual event.

‘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.

OACB free virtual DD education series starts August 4

OACB is excited to announce a new virtual education series geared specifically towards families and people with DD. These courses were developed by OACB's Wille Jones, Director of Health, Safety, and Wellness, and Joe Storad, First Responder Liaison. The purpose of these courses is to increase awareness and promote prevention efforts in the area of abuse and victimization of people with developmental disabilities. As you may know, Joe Storad worked in a dual capacity between the Summit County Sheriff's Department and Summit DD for 9 years. Upon completion of his retirement, Joe had over 250 arrests with a 100% conviction rate for crimes committed against people with developmental disabilities.

Sessions include:

• How to Respond to a Law Enforcement Officer
• What to Watch For: Bad People with Bad Intentions
• How to Speak Up When Being Mistreated
• How to Advocate When a Family Member has been a Crime Victim: Insights and Guidance from a Law Enforcement Perspective

The first session on How to Respond to a Law Enforcement Officer starts on August 4. There is no cost to attend these courses. More information about each topic, including a link to register via Zoom, is on the OACB website here.

LCBDD 4th annual ice cream social on August 5

Help the LCBDD celebrate kids and families at its 4th annual ice cream social on Friday, August 5, 2-4 p.m., at the Holland Community Center, 948 Clarion Ave., Holland. Come enjoy free ice cream, games and ZooTeen educational programming!

Toledo Adult Autism Tabletop Group meets every Friday

The Toledo Adult Autism Tabletop Group is for ages 18 and over and meets every Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Toledo Game Room, 3001 W. Sylvania Ave. A variety of games are played as well as Dungeons & Dragons, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase through the store. Upcoming nights are planned as follows:

• August 5 & 19: Board game nights
• July 29, August 12 & 26: Role-playing nights

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.

SALUTE to hold monthly meeting August 8

The SALUTE self-advocacy group for persons with developmental disabilities in Lucas County will hold its monthly meeting on August 8 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). This month’s guest speaker will be Wade Kapszukiewicz, Mayor of the City of Toledo. Open to the public, doors open at 5 p.m. and refreshments will be provided. To RSVP, please contact Deetra Mitchell at dmitchell@lucasdd.org or 419-380-5141.

Final session of financial & future planning webinar series on August 9

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, the final session on August 9 at 6:30 p.m. is on SSI Benefits. Register for this webinar here to learn strategies to help you maximize benefits and plan for your loved one’s future.

Part 2 of brain health education Zoom series on August 9

Part 2 of the brain health education series offered by Senior Committee members Jenny Kinney, Amy Annarino and Claire Copa is on Tuesday, August 9, 10:00-11:30 a.m. This session will discuss Dementia and the importance of brain health. Nutrition, diet, the effect of alcohol and polypharmacy will be discussed. Part 3 is Thursday, September 29, 10:00-11:30 a.m. 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.

8th annual CommUNITY Film Fest on August 14

Join us for the 8th annual CommUNITY Film Fest! The event is at the Maumee Indoor Theatre on August 14 from 2-5 p.m. Be there to watch the red-carpet walk, view selected entries on the big screen, and stay for the awards ceremony at the end of the event! The CommUNITY Film Fest's mission is to celebrate life in our community, promote inclusion, and the everyday lives of people of all abilities. This unique event focuses exclusively on amateur video. The event celebrates contributions made to the community, challenges assumptions, and enhances respect for individuals with disabilities. Find more information here.

LCBDD requests proposals for IT infrastructure & apps management

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) seeks to outsource the management of its Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and applications to a qualified firm or group that can support the public agency's IT environment. Application deadline is 2 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2022. Click here to see the full proposal and apply.

Sunshine Communities’ Sounds of Sunshine Summer Concert on August 19

Sunshine Communities invites you to the Sounds of Sunshine Summer Concert on Friday, August 19, from 6-8pm. Located on the beautiful Maumee campus, Toledo-area 90s-cover-band The Skittle Bots will perform on the outdoor stage. This is a free, family-friendly, public event with refreshments and food available for purchase. Misting fans, industrial fans, and water will be around to keep everyone cool. We encourage you to bring a blanket or chairs and come enjoy a summer evening with us at Sunshine Communities, 7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee. This event is sponsored by Buckeye Broadband.

LCBDD Board meeting on August 22

The next LCBDD Board meeting is Monday, August 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m. This will be in-person only at 1155 Larc Lane, entrance O.

Webinar: Representation of People with DD on Ohio County Boards of DD

Statewide, there are 616 appointments made by county commissioners and probate judges to Ohio County Boards of DD. Very few of those appointments, currently or historically, have been people with developmental disabilities despite state law directing the appointment of such individuals. This webinar, moderated by Nathan Turner, Individual with DD/Member, Lucas County Board of DD, will highlight the importance of appointing people with developmental disabilities to County Boards of DD and why self-representation is important when making decisions about services and supports. Find more information and register here.

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.

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

Rec Jam at the Centennial Terrace on Sept 14

Community Inclusion 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.

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 17, 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.

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.

Vendors needed for 21st annual Toledo Buddy Walk October 1

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) is hosting the 21st annual Buddy Walk at Owens Community College on October 1. The Toledo Buddy Walk is an exciting awareness and fundraising event that brings over 1,200 people together to recognize the abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome. Family, friends, and community supporters come together each fall to share stories, build friendships, and raise money to support the services and programs of the DSAGT. Those interested in becoming a vendor can contact Administrative Director Krista Huff at krista@dsagt.org or Buddy Walk Co-Chair Leah Hughes at leah@dsagt.org; both can be reached by phone at 567.742.4004.