Friday Update: February 3, 2023

Covid SNAP Emergency Benefits expiring in February

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will find a reduction in their monthly benefits this spring. Added emergency allotments have been in place for two years but are due to expire at the end of February under a new government spending bill. Since January 2021, eligible families have received a 15% boost in SNAP benefits, with a maximum benefit based on household size instead of income. Your last SNAP emergency allotment will be in February 2023, and your benefits will be reduced to your normal amount beginning March 2023. Your normal amount is the first SNAP benefit you receive each month- the emergency allotment has been the second SNAP benefit issued at the end of the month. You will continue to receive your normal SNAP amount; only the emergency allotment SNAP benefit you received at the end of each month is stopping. Learn more at https://benefits.ohio.gov/.

iDance APAC Annual Showcase is Feb. 5

With the theme of "Love Can Build a Bridge," iDance presents its annual showcase, open to the public, Sunday, Feb. 5 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Maumee Indoor Theatre! General admission is $10 (via cash, check, or card) and includes popcorn and a small fountain drink. Reservations can be made in the office during studio class times or via email at iDance@bex.net. You can also call 419-787-1552 after 5 p.m. All purchases are non-refundable.

DD Crisis Advocacy Webinar- Two sessions on Feb. 6

Professionals, family members, and people served in Ohio's DD system are all invited to attend each webinar, which are at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6. In addition to reviewing updated advocacy messaging materials, attendees will receive information about how they can get involved, sign up for regular updates and action alerts, and perhaps most importantly, share their own personal stories about ways in which Ohio's DD workforce crisis is impacting their lives. Click here for the zoom links for the 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. sessions.

Valentine's Day Dance on Feb. 10

SALUTE, the self-advocacy group of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities presents a Valentine's Day dance on Friday, Feb. 10, from

6-8 p.m. Sweet snacks, karaoke, and dancing will be offered as well as a performance by iDance! Attendance is free. Located at iDance, 151 N Michigan St, Toledo. Click here to RSVP.

Super Saturday Dance on Feb. 11

This month's Super Saturday Dance and Bible Study is scheduled for Saturday, February 11 from 7-9 p.m. The dance is on the second Saturday of every month and is just for special needs individuals and their caregivers, who must be present. Bible study starts at 6:15 p.m. followed by the dance with a light meal at 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. Click here to register.

Board Closed Feb. 20 for Presidents Day

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. On-call staff are available 24/7 on our Emergency/After Hours line at 419-380-5100.

Toledo Airport Experience Event on Feb. 20

AccessTOL is a program designed to ensure that travelers with disabilities have able access to all services at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. The Airport Experience Event is hosted on Monday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. by the Toledo Express Airport to provide individuals with special needs the experience of traveling through an airport and identify potential challenges that may arise. At the event, individuals will learn how to visit the ticket counter to receive a boarding pass, get screened through TSA, check-in at the gate, walk through the jet bridge, and retrieve a bag at baggage claim.

Interested in attending? Click here for more information and to register.

Wealth & Wisdom class scheduled for Feb. 22

Do you have questions about Social Security benefits? Do you want to know more about the difference between SSI and SSDI? Would you like to learn how you qualify for these benefits, and importantly, what happens to your benefits if you get a job?

Join us Feb 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. via Zoom for “Supplemental Security Income: the Basics and More.” This free class, presented by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities as part of our Wealth & Wisdom series, will provide an overview of the SSI program, and give participants the opportunity to interact with the instructor and work with one another on case examples. Classes are free and print materials will be provided. Questions? Email wealthandwisdom@lucasdd.org.

Unlocking Web Accessibility for Everyone

The Ability Center is hosting a Lunch & Learn event on February 23, from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. On the menu is Website Accessibility. Accessibility for websites can seem intimidating, however, our specialists – who have both local and national experience – can offer specific guidance to help make your site compliant. Topics to include basic concepts of web accessibility from local expert from The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio + Josh Basile, Community Relations Manager at accessiBe, an accessibility widget that can be installed on your website for easy use access.

Limited seats available. RSVP required. Click here to secure your spot.

Lucas DD Board of Directors Meeting Feb. 27

The Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at its Larc Lane Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O) in Toledo. This public meeting is in-person only, and the public is welcome to attend.

February Aging Gracefully Newsletter Published

The Aging Gracefully Newsletter for this month provides a plethora of guidance for seniors. Highlights include information about Tarta, epilepsy, emergency home repair help, and more! Check out the issue by clicking here.

Save the Date! Inclusion Resource Fair is March 15

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities' annual Inclusion Resource Fair offers something for everyone. By attending this free event, you'll get to network with specialized schools, after school activities, summer camps, transportation options, funding organizations, and more! The 2023 Inclusion Fair is March 15, from 5-7 p.m., at Bowsher High School. Learn more at LucasDD.org/Inclusion-Fair.

OPRA seeking artwork to feature

The Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) is seeking artwork to feature on the cover of its 2023 Spring Conference Guide. Individuals with disabilities can email their submission for consideration to mfannon@opra.org. Deadline is March 15.

Ability Center offering scholarship opportunities

The Ability Center and its Auxiliary is once again offering college scholarship opportunities to area students with disabilities. Open to all students with a disability and a permanent address in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, or Williams counties in Ohio and Monroe or Lenawee counties in Michigan. Click here to learn more and download an application. Application deadline is March 31.

Entries sought for 2023 CommUNITY Film Fest

Calling all filmmakers! We are looking for you! If you are interested in making a film for the 2023 CommUNITY Film Fest, contact Board Community Inclusion Manager Lori Balogh at lbalogh@lucasdd.org. The CommUNITY Film Fest, scheduled for Aug. 20 from 2-5 p.m. at the Maumee Indoor Theatre, celebrates life in our community, promotes 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. Learn more and view previous films at CommunityFilmFest.org.