Applications being accepted for Lucas DD Adult Day Program Grants

Adult Day and Employment Service agency providers within Lucas County are eligible to apply for funding to expand existing services and/or enhance their current program to be in line with DODD and Lucas DD’s vision for enhanced Adult Day and Employment Services. Each agency is eligible to receive up to $10,000 in funding that helps expand and/or enhance Adult Day and/or Employment services, promote community integration and community employment, and/or helps people achieve their goals related to Adult Day/Employment services & supports. Click here to learn more and apply!

Popup Preschool Tomorrow

Bring out your youngsters for a fun, imaginative, engaging, learning, dancing, singing, moving and grooving time! This free lesson is at the Ability Center on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. and is led by Teacher Denice, a talented Early Childhood Teacher. Families and children of all abilities are welcome. Registration is not required. This event is brought to you by Positively Portable Preschool and The Ability Center.

Inclusion Resource Fair Tomorrow

Local organizations come together to connect with families for a day of fun, family resources, networking and more. This FREE event is at the Perrysburg Inclusive Playground from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Resource and service providers will be on site to speak with parents and provide helpful information for children of all ages and abilities. Family-friendly games, crafts, and food trucks will also be part of the festivities. There will be a parent support group at 11:30 a.m. Click here for full details.

Walk MS: Toledo on Sunday

Walk MS® brings together passionate people for a powerful purpose: to end multiple sclerosis forever. Feel the support that can only come from a community whose steps fuel breakthroughs, solutions, and a cure. Join the movement today to show that together, we are stronger than MS. Register online by clicking here or at the Huntington Center in Toledo on Sunday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Lucas DD Board Meeting May 22

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will hold its monthly Board meeting at the Larc Lane Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O) in Toledo. This public meeting is on Monday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. and is in-person only. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Sibling Perspective Webinar May 24

Avenues for Autism presents a FREE informational and informal webinar titled, "Sibling Perspective." Three community siblings will share their views on autism through a panel discussion on Wednesday, May 24 from noon-1 p.m. Click here for more information or to register.

Spring Fling Special Needs Dance May 27

Individuals 16+ are invited to dance the night away at the Spring Fling Special Needs Dance! This FREE event is on May 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the Maumee United Methodist Church. Caregivers are required to stay. Pizza will be served. Guests with last name beginning with A-M should bring a snack to share, and guests with last name beginning with O-Z should bring a dessert to share. RSVP to marthakreuz@aol.com with the number attending (including caregivers). Click here for full details.

Lucas DD Closed May 29

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. On-call staff are available 24/7 on the emergency/after-hours line at 419-380-5100. Regular business hours will resume on May 30.

ASNO Ohio Camp Registration is open

The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio's summer camp is almost here! You'll find the details including dates, location, and cost, plus the application by clicking here.

Summer Meals Kickoff Event June 1

Gather at the Wayman Palmer YMCA for a free community event on Thursday, June 1, 2023, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Taste some of the summer menu items, enjoy kids' games and activities, check out resources for parents/caregivers, and more! There will be a bicycle giveaway and other raffles. Space is limited, RSVP required. Register by Friday, May 26. Click here to register.

Storybook Festival on June 3

The East Toledo Family Center is hosting their annual Storybook Festival on June 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waite High School. This free event will be filled with early literacy awareness, fun and interactive games for all ages, as well as prizes and raffles. There will be over 30 local agencies providing a variety of literacy activities! There will be a bounce house, corn hole, Laurel’s Princesses, Eric Chase from Q105, face painting, hopscotch, and much more! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Click here for details.

Overcoming Obstacles Event on June 3

Team Recovery is partnering with The Program Inc and Alpha Omega Gym for a kick-off event called "Overcoming Obstacles" for youth ages 10-18, on June 3 from noon - 3 p.m. This FREE event features a series of interactive obstacles and group activities that are designed to help young adults and youth develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive relationships, manage stress, and achieve their goals. Click here to register now.

Musically Me on June 5

Move, sing, clap, dance and listen to music together with your child! Music is a whole-body activity for children and their caregivers. The Ability Center is hosting this activity session that is designed for babies and toddlers who are accompanied by a caregiver. There are two sessions offered on June 5, between 10:30 a.m. and noon, based on age. Click here for full details and registration link.

Mud Hens Field of Dreams Special Needs Camp on June 9

The Mud Hens Field of Dreams Special Needs Baseball Camp introduces kids to baseball in an exciting and non-competitive environment. It is the perfect for first timers looking to learn new skills, make new friends, and grow their love for the game. The camp takes place Friday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. It is for boys and girls ages 5 and up with special needs. Click here for more details or to register.

Outdoor Expo at Glass City Metropark on June 11

Join Metroparks Toledo at Glass City Metropark between noon - 5 p.m. on June 11 for an exciting Opening Weekend celebration. Metroparks is for everyone, and Outdoor Expo invites the community to try kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, Kids Zone and much more. Metroparks staff will be on site to showcase the new park and guide you as you discover your next outdoor passion – regardless of ability. This is an inclusive event and staff are trained and ready to make accommodations. A low sensory zone will be available at the Glass City Pavilion. Adaptive equipment will be readily available. Click here for full details.

Family and Advocate Forum on June 13

Join us for our quarterly meeting with individuals with I/DD, their families and advocates. Along with hearing updates from Board leadership, you'll meet Sam Melden, Toledo City Council Member, representing District 5. He'll speak about his experiences as a parent of a child with I/DD.

Spectrum Sailing Camp June 13-15

Spectrum Sailing provides maritime education, programming, and outreach for autistic individuals. They run a FREE, 3-day sailing camp June 13-15 for 10–17-year-olds. Sessions run morning or afternoon. Campers learn knots, parts of the boat, why the boat sails, and most importantly how to sail! Space is limited. Click here for details and here to register.

Celebrate the Community Kickoff for a Dementia Friendly Toledo

MemoryLane Care Services is having a Dementia Friendly event on June 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Glass City Pavillion in Toledo. The event goals include raising awareness of dementia, providing practical resources for businesses to incorporate dementia-friendly practices, and offer information about local resources that support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Registration is required and space is limited! Please click here for full details.

Lucas DD Spring Dinner Dance Deadline Thursday

Adults are encouraged to get their dancing shoes ready and join us for our spring dinner dance from 6-9:30 p.m. on June 16 at the Premier! Both attendees and any necessary caregivers are required to register! Now is the time to get your tickets because the deadline to register is this Friday, May 26! Click here to learn more and register now.

TARTA Youth Summer Blast Pass Available for free

TARTA is now accepting applications for its Youth Summer Blast Pass at

https://tarta.com/blast. These passes will allow youths ages 6-19 to ride all TARTA services FREE of charge for all of June, July, and August. For full details, click here to go to their website. If you'd like help setting up the Blast Pass, come to the summer showcase in Toledo on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Full details here.

Passenger Rail in Northwest Ohio: Survey

Governor DeWine has approved funding for the development of Intercity passenger rail in Ohio. Help The Ability Center advocate for expanding passenger rail in Northwest Ohio to increase access to transportation for Ohioans with disabilities. Click here to take the survey to help advocate for passenger rail in NW Ohio.

Calling all Artists!

We are looking for individuals served by the Board to showcase their artwork in a special exhibit at the Toledo Museum of Art! In conjunction with the SALUTE Storytellers performance on July 15, there will be an exhibit showcasing artwork by individuals with disabilities. If you, or someone you know, would like to participate in this event, please contact Lori Balogh at 419-381-5213 or lbalogh@lucasdd.org by July 8.