Friday Update: February 17, 2023

Covid SNAP Emergency Benefits expiring on February 28

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/.

Board Game Night tonight

The Toledo Adult Autism Tabletop Group for ages 18 and over will be meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Toledo Game Room. Members bring their favorite non-traditional board and card games to play. Introductory games available for learning and play. Join us for a fun evening! Click here for more information.

A Good Life, Good Food Program running Feb. 18-19

The “GOOD LIFE, GOOD FOOD” initiative provides transportation to those who live in areas where there are limited grocery store options. Transportation is offered to and from grocery stores, every other weekend. After shopping is completed, passengers are dropped off at their homes, and assisted with groceries to the door. The price for this service is $15 per passenger and must be scheduled in advance. Click here for more information or to schedule.

Imagination Station's Superhero Day on Feb. 18

Superheroes come in all shapes, sizes and species and Imagination Station is bringing them to you for Superhero Day at the science center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. Visitors can meet the front-line heroes of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, an amazing Assistance Dog from the Ability Center and special guests from Laurel’s Princess Parties. Superhero Day is free with admission to the science center. Click here for more information.

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.

Grant Workshop Wednesday$ on Feb. 22

February's session will be on Feb. 22 at noon with Katalin Daigle, from AngelSense, about their GPS tracking device, assistive speakerphone, live monitoring and proactive alerting system. She will share how they are now Ohio DD Waiver approved for funding and other ways to cover the cost. Grant Workshop Wednesday$ is a monthly series of a live virtual conversation on how to find funding for children with developmental disabilities. Click here to join this month's session or watch previous sessions.

Wealth & Wisdom class scheduled for Feb. 22

Do you have questions about Social Security benefits? Do you want to know more about the difference betw een 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 Wednesday, 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? Click here for more information.

Unlocking Web Accessibility for Everyone

The Ability Center is hosting a Lunch & Learn event on Feb. 23, from 11 a.m.- noon. 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.

Job Fair on Feb. 23

Assured Home Health Agency will be accepting applications for Direct Support Professionals and Residential Coordinators at 5902 Southwyck Blvd, Toledo on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 3-6 p.m.!

Free Bowling Event on Feb. 26

RallyCap Sports of BG is hosting a free bowling party at Al-Mar Lanes in Bowling Green on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 3-4 p.m.! For more information, email bgsu@rallycapsports.org or click here to register.

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.

Special Olympics Ohio Winter Games March 3-5

The Special Olympics Ohio Winter Games are taking place March 3-5 at Bowling Green State University. Lucas County Lightning athletes will compete in Swimming, Cheer, and Basketball Skills!

Acoustics for Autism Event is March 5

Project iAm presents its 16th annual Acoustics for Autism event on March 5, 2023 beginning at noon at The Village Idiot and surrounding areas. All ages are always welcome at this free event. See 90 bands and musicians rocking 8 stages. For all up to date information, click here for the event website!

Goodwill Donation Drive on March 6

Your spring clean-up and donation of gently used items can help individuals served by the LCBDD! Each person who brings in items will count as one “donation,” so tell everyone you know to stop in and donate! Don’t forget to let the site know you are donating for LUCAS COUNTY FANS. Your donations help get Goodwill Vouchers into the hands of individuals in need of clothing and household items. Click here for more details.

Reading Playgroup Extravaganza on March 6

Come enjoy a fun morning at the King Road branch of the TLCPL! We are having a community playgroup for children and their families with a couple of “celebrity” book readers from 10 a.m. to noon on March 6.

Family & Advocate Forum March 14

There will be an in-person only forum for families and advocates to collaborate and discuss topics with Lucas DD leadership at the Larc Lane Center from 9:30-11 a.m. on March 14.

Inclusion Resource Fair is March 15

The LCBDD's 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 Wednesday, March 15, from 5-7 p.m., at Bowsher High School. Click here to learn more.

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.

Bowling with Heroes on March 19

Individuals we serve will bowl with members of the TFD, TPD and other local celebrities! The event will take place at Glass Bowl Lanes on Telegraph Rd from noon-2 p.m. on March 19.

Peanut Butter Falcon Movie Event on March 25

The LCBDD is hosting a movie event at the Maumee Indoor Theatre on March 25 from 3-7 p.m. The movie "Peanut Butter Falcon" features a main character with a disability. This event is free and open to the community.

Rec Jam on March 29

The LCBDD presents ‘Rec Jam’ from 7-9 p.m. on March 29 at The Venues, downtown Toledo. This fun event is 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!

Immersive DD Experience on March 31

Come learn more about developmental disabilities through interactive DD Awareness activity stations between 12:30-4:30 p.m. on March 31. This event is free and held at Larc Lane Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O) in Toledo.

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. Submissions will be accepted from March 1 to May 31. Learn more and view previous films at CommunityFilmFest.org.