October ‘Aging Gracefully’ now available
The October edition of “Aging Gracefully” is now available. Read this issue to learn about the Lucas County Board of DD “Tech Hub” for SSA’s, providers, and individuals and families served; the Dementia Coalition’s efforts toward making Northwest Ohio a Dementia-Capable Community; the Project Echo program; and more. Read the entire issue here.
Super Saturday Dance tomorrow
The next Super Saturday Dance is tomorrow! Bible study is at 6:15 p.m. and is followed by the dance from 7–9 p.m. This event is held the second Saturday of every month at the Five Lakes Church, 4765 McCord Rd., Sylvania, and is just for special needs individuals and their caregivers. Caregivers must be present for the entire event. Registration is recommended here.
Discussion on pending changes to Personal Funds Rule on Oct. 11
The Ohio Department of DD has agreed to provide an overview of the pending changes to the Personal Funds Rule with an opportunity for questions and answers. Gary Tonks with The Arc of Ohio will facilitate the meeting. Please register in advance here for Tuesday, October 11, at 6 p.m.
ADA virtual seminar Promoting Housing Justice starts Oct. 12
Do you need CLEs? Join us for The Ability Center’s ADA virtual seminar series, Promoting Housing Justice: From Barriers to Full Community Access for People with Disabilities. Earn CLEs and hear from national, state, and local experts about the Fair Housing Act and best practices in housing policy affecting people with disabilities. Seminar sessions are on October 12, 13, 19 and 20. Get the details and register here.
‘Labors of Love’ performance at UT on October 17
Dr. Rebecca Monteleone, assistant professor of disability studies at the University of Toledo, is once again partnering with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ SALUTE self-advocacy group to put on a public storytelling performance about self-advocacy and personal growth. After the success of their spring workshop (watch the performances here), the group of storytellers is currently working with Dr. Monteleone on another workshop, which will conclude with a performance at the University of Toledo. Titled “Labors of Love: Stories of Hobbies and Passions,” this performance will be held Oct. 17 at UT’s Carlson Library. It will begin at 4 p.m. and last about an hour. There will be a 30-minute talkback session with the professor and storytellers after the performances. Click here for more information.
Little Hands Sensory Group starts October 17
YWCA Child Care Resource and Referral has started a new program for families with children who are developmentally delayed. The Little Hands Sensory Group is a once-a-month program offered multiple times in multiple locations in the county to reach more families, starting at the Waterville Library on October 17 at 2:00 p.m. Designed for children 2–5 years of age with developmental delays, the program provides an opportunity for families to connect with each other and engage in fun activities related to sensory needs and play. For more information, contact Parent Outreach Specialist Charlene Brady at 419.255.5519 or cbrady@ywcanwo.org.
SALUTE’s Cops and Conversations on October 18
Cops & Conversations is a partnership between the Board's SALUTE self-advocacy group and local law enforcement agencies. It provides opportunities for law enforcement officials and individuals with developmental disabilities to get to know one another and ask questions of each other. Click here for more information, and click here to join the Zoom call (meeting ID# 810 0377 4890, passcode 804403) on Tuesday, October 18, from 2:30–3:30 p.m.
LCBDD Trunk or Treat on October 19
Halloween is right around the corner and the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited for our very first trunk or treat for all ages. This event takes place on October 19 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. and offers individuals and families a safe and fun way to go trick or treating. Coffee and hot cocoa trucks for you to purchase your favorite beverages will be available. Try your luck at our technology scavenger hunt featuring vendors showcasing the latest and greatest in adaptive technology. Put on your costume and join us at our South Toledo headquarters! For more information, contact Community Inclusion Manager Lori Balogh by email lbalogh@lucasdd.org or call 419-381-5213.
Flu Vaccine Clinics on October 20 and November 3
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department are partnering up once again for their annual Flu Vaccine Clinic. This year, there will be two dates to choose from: Oct. 20 and Nov. 3. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Free monthly Sibshops program starts October 22
Brothers and sisters ages 8-16 who have a sibling with special needs now have a program that’s just for them! At Sibshops, they’ll have a chance to meet other kids whose brothers and sisters have special needs and talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a disability. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio and Education Service Center of Lake Erie West, gatherings are free and run by a team of people who have a professional and, in some cases, personal understanding of the impact a child’s special needs can have on their siblings. Sibshops will have fun, outrageous games, cooking activities and hands-on activities that will keep kids engaged in an energetic way. Gatherings will be in person from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Alternate Learning Center, 3939 Wrenwood, Toledo, with the first to be held on Saturday, October 22. Spaces are limited! For more information and to register, contact Wendy Smenner, Lucas County Parent Mentor, at wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org or 419-214-3066.
Trunk or Treat with LCCS on October 22
You’re invited to join us for the Lucas County Children Services’ Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at the former Libbey High School site at 1250 Western Ave. This event is for everyone, not just for children and families served by LCCS. We’re expecting 1,000-1,500 kids to attend, with 100+ trunks stretching from one end of the property to the other.
FANS Goodwill Donation Drive all day October 23–24
You're already doing some fall clean-up to tidy up the house. Why not help the Board's FANS Network while you're at it? To participate in the FANS Goodwill Donation Drive, just print this voucher and attach it to your Goodwill donations when dropping them off anytime on Oct. 23 and 24. You must have the voucher with your donation for the Board to receive credit for it. Your donations will help get Goodwill vouchers in the hands of individuals in need of clothing and household items. Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is driven to help people with disabilities get jobs by providing vital workforce training programs.
Next LCBDD Board Meeting to be held October 24
The next LCBDD Board meeting is Monday, October 24, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 1155 Larc Lane, entrance O.
Classes for providing direct support to people with DD start Oct. 24
The Lucas County Board of DD is hosting a two-week preparatory curriculum for anyone looking for entry-level employment in the Direct Support field, serving people with developmental disabilities. Starting October 24, those 18 years of age with a HS diploma or GED interested in this field can receive FREE training and be ready for onboarding with employers of Disability services in two weeks. The class is open to up to 12 participants, and those who complete and onboard are eligible to receive an extra $900 sign-on bonus after 90 days of active employment. For class information, contact Provider Development Coordinator Lisa Poiry at 419.380.5167 or dspapplicants@lucasdd.org.
Meet Your US Representative event on October 24
Disability Rights Ohio is partnering with Centers for Independent Living to host meet-and-greets with the in-district offices of Ohio’s U.S. Representatives. Join us for the Toledo-area event on October 24 at The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania, to connect with your district’s congressional office, speak about issues important to the disability community, and learn about what Ohio’s US Representatives do on local and federal levels. Find more information and the link to register here.
Family & Advocate Forum on November 8
The Family & Advocate Forum is hosted by Board leadership and staff and provides an opportunity to meet informally with the Board and fellow families to discuss current topics of importance within the developmental disabilities’ community. The forum is open to family members of persons served by the Board, advocates, providers, and anyone else who is interested in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. The Nov. 8 meeting will also include a presentation and public hearing for the Board’s 2023 Action Plan. So, save the date and stay tuned for the Zoom link!