Friday Update: August 12, 2022

LCBDD newsletter Aging Gracefully August issue now available

The August issue of Aging Gracefully, the monthly newsletter from the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is now available. Read the latest issue here.

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 12 & 26: Role-playing nights
• August 19: Board game night

Next Super Saturday Dance to take place tomorrow

The Super Saturday Dance is just for special needs individuals and their caregivers. The dance is held every second Saturday, 7-9:00 p.m., at the Five Lakes Church at 4765 McCord Rd., Sylvania. Registration is recommended here.

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)
• PAST DEADLINE – 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.

Metroparks Toledo Outdoor Expo at Glass City Metropark on August 14

Join us at Glass City Metropark on August 14 from 3-6:00 p.m. for Outdoor Expo, where everyone has the opportunity to try out fishing, kayaking, and archery—regardless of ability! Metroparks outdoor skills experts are on hand to guide you through activities. This is an inclusive event and staff are trained and ready to make accommodations. Adaptive equipment is readily available.

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.

Emerging Advocates meeting on August 15

Everyone is invited to the Emerging Advocates meeting on August 15 from 6-7:00 p.m. at the Larc Lane Center Training Center, door 0, at 1155 Larc Lane. Guest Speakers will be Ohio Tech Ambassadors, including Nathan Turner of Lucas County, and George Myers, who directs the Tech Ambassador Program. Ohio Tech Ambassadors teach their peers about Supportive Technology through peer mentoring sessions, using their own personal experiences (see list of Ohio Tech Ambassadors). While Emerging Advocates is a new self-advocacy program for transition-age youth (ages 14 to 22) with developmental disabilities, this session on August 15 is open to all!

IDD Support Group Sharing Solutions meeting on Aug. 15

Join Sharing Solutions on Zoom or in person at Walthers Twin Tavern, 430 Applegrove St NW, North Canton, on August 15 to learn what is going on at the local, state, and federal levels of our government that is affecting our IDD individuals and their benefits. Sharing Solutions is a monthly IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) support group for transitioning high school students, adults, their families, caregivers, and the professionals who serve them in Stark and the surrounding counties. Each meeting will focus on education while guiding the group through the everchanging world of community supports, services, and beyond. The topic of this meeting will be Catching Up with Gary Tonks, who is the CEO of the ARC of Ohio and the meeting presenter. Social Hour starts at 5:00 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP at jodi@sharingsolutions.info.

LCBDD requests proposals for IT infrastructure & apps mgmt. by Aug. 18

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 our 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. Bring a blanket or chairs and come enjoy a summer evening with Sunshine Communities, 7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee. This event is sponsored by Buckeye Broadband.

Lucas County Special Olympics Golf Scramble Registration Deadline August 19

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

Metroparks Toledo Inclusive Archery on August 20

Nock, draw, loose! Metroparks Toledo offers the opportunity for you to explore archery regardless of ability. Start building your technique with an Inclusive Archery class on August 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m., at Westwinds Metropark. Learn more about the Metroparks archery program and see the full schedule of events here.

8th annual Courageous Community Services Poker Run on August 20

Grab your bike, Jeep, or anything with wheels and join us for five stops around town during the 8th annual Courageous Poker Run. The after-party will take place at Whitehouse American Legion 384, 6910 Providence Street, for a chicken dinner, music, and raffle prizes. The best hand wins a Viking backpack and Jeep merch! Register in person at Signature Harley Davidson - Perrysburg the day of the event or https://givebox.com/522532. Dinner is included for riders and passengers. The first 25 registrants will receive a Courageous Acres shirt and a koozie. All proceeds benefit our camp program for individuals with disabilities at Courageous Acres.

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 August 24 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 offering 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.

People First membership and monthly meeting on Aug. 26

People First, a self-led advocacy group for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals, is seeking new members. 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.

Grant Workshop Wednesday$ with Special Spaces Toledo on August 31

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? Join us the last Wednesday of every month for a live virtual conversation with 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 Patti DeHenning from Special Spaces Toledo. Special Spaces creates dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer. Click on this Zoom link to join the session on August 31 from 12-1 p.m.

Next OACB free virtual DD education session September 8

The next session of OACB’s new virtual education series geared specifically towards families and people with DD is scheduled for September 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m. 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. The next session is on What to Watch For: Bad People with Bad Intentions. 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.

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.

Metroparks Toledo Glass City GLOW-tacular event on September 17

Light up the night with glow archery, rock climbing, biking, and paddling at this family-friendly event. Metroparks outdoor skills experts will be on hand to guide you as you discover your next outdoor passion. Family Friendly Activities to include:

• GLOW Kayaking in the pool
• GLOW Paddling on the river, Middlegrounds to Glass City
• GLOW Archery
• GLOW Rock Climbing
• GLOW Mountain Biking
• GLOW Road Biking with Bike Rides Matter

This is an inclusive event and staff are trained and ready to make accommodations. Adaptive equipment is readily available.

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.

Save the date! Annual Voters Forum on Disabilities Issues on September 28

Please plan to join the Toledo/Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, The Ability Center and Maumee Valley Chapter of Partners for Inclusion for the annual Voters Forum on Disabilities Issues. To be held September 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. online and in person at the TARPS building, 130 Knapp Street, the Voters Forum is an opportunity to discuss how your votes for county commissioner, state legislature and local levies will benefit the disabilities community.

Part 3 of brain health education Zoom series on Sept. 29

Part 3 of the brain health education series offered by Senior Committee members Jenny Kinney, Amy Annarino and Claire Copa is on 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.

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.