Board Special Recognition for May 2023

At its monthly meeting on May 22, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities honored Renee Chamberlain and Melanie Nelson, both Early Intervention Developmental Specialists, as the Staff Persons of the Month. The awe-inspiring team at A Good Life Residential Services received a Special Recognition Award. Click here to read more and see photos of the special evening.

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!

Spring Fling Special Needs Dance tomorrow

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 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 Monday, 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 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 30.

Grant Workshop Wednesday on May 31

The Grant Workshop Wednesday on May 31 at noon will feature our Parent Partner, Tammy Eisenreich, chatting with Monica Shaffer about how she secured funding for a fence for her home to keep her child with autism safe. Click here to join this month's session!

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.

Agility Angels Summer Camp Registration is open

Looking for a summer camp that’s fun, engaging, and inclusive? Look no further than Agility Angels Summer Camp at the Ability Center! Designed specifically for kids with disabilities, our camp offers a wide range of activities to keep everyone moving, learning, and having a blast. Ages 10-15. For details and registration, click here.

Summer Meals Kickoff Event June 1

Gather at the Wayman Palmer YMCA for a free community event on Thursday, June 1, 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. Registration closes TODAY, or earlier if capacity has been met. Click here to see if you can 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 10:30 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.

Super Saturday Dance June 10

The Super Saturday Dance at Five Lakes Church is a time for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to enjoy an evening of music, friends, and food. Whether you prefer to wear a tie, a dress, or your favorite jeans and T-shirt, come enjoy an optional Bible study at 6:15 and then a light dinner and dancing from 7-9 p.m. on June 10. Registration is recommended. Click here for more information.

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.

SALUTE Monthly Meeting June 12

SALUTE, the self-advocacy group of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will have its monthly meeting from 5:30-7 p.m. June 12. You can attend in person or via Zoom. This month's special guest is Lily Abrams, Lead Program Manager in Ohio of Best Buddies International, who will be facilitating a game of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," the advocacy edition. Best Buddies programs help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, and develop self-advocacy and communication skills. Questions? Contact Deetra Mitchell at 419-380-5141 or dmitchell@lucasdd.org

Family and Advocate Forum on June 13

Join us for our quarterly meeting with individuals with I/DD, their families and advocates. The meeting is on Tuesday, June 13 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. 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.

Young Adult Game Night on June 14

Young adults (18-24) are invited to come to the Ability Center for GAME NIGHT on Wednesday, June 14 from 6-8 p.m. Get together for fun, food, laughs and lots of games! At this FREE event, there will be video games, board games, floor games, puzzles, or bring your own. Pizza and drinks are provided! Click here to register. For questions, contact Laurie Kimura at Lkimura@abilitycenter.org or 419-885-5733 ext. 145. 

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.

Summer Concert at Sunshine on June 16

Join Sunshine from 6-8 p.m. on June 16th for another outdoor concert on their beautiful campus. In their “backyard” will be a local band, Arctic Clam, performing pop/rock covers on the boardwalk stage. This event is FREE and open to the public. You are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Click here to visit the event on their website.

Picnic at the Park on June 17

The Ability Center is hosting a FREE event at Perrysburg's Rotary Community Park!

Gather the family and head to the accessible playground from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on June 17th for a fun-packed picnic outdoors, featuring exciting games and activities that are inclusive for everyone to enjoy! Chalk art, bubble blowing, and water activities - don't forget to bring clothes that can get wet or dirty. Stay as long or as little as you want! Bring a picnic lunch - snacks and drinks will be provided. For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or 419-885-5733. Click here to register.

Lucas DD Facilities Closed on June 19

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. On-call staff are available 24/7 on the emergency/after-hours line at 419-380-5100. Regular business hours will resume 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 20.

Toledo Airport Experience Event on June 19

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, June 19, at 10:30 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. Registration required. Click here for more information or to register.

Wealth & Wisdom Class on June 21

June's Wealth & Wisdom topic is: Social Security Disability Insurance: The Basics and More. This FREE class from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on June 21 is presented by Lucas DD as part of our Wealth & Wisdom series. Class will be held in person at 1154 Larc Lane, in the Multi-Purpose Room, and includes a free meal! Remote option is also available. Print materials will be provided. Questions or want to register? Email before June 16th: wealthandwisdom@lucasdd.org

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.

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 lba