Disabled and Proud Festival is tomorrow!

In honor of Disability Pride month, the 2023 Disabled and Proud Festival welcomes those of all abilities to celebrate the disability experience in Toledo! This all-day event at Levis Square in downtown Toledo will have fun activities, live music, food trucks, and an all-abilities 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament for youth and adults! Anyone with or without a disability can come out and play. The festival runs from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on July 8. Click here for full details.

SALUTE Storytellers Live Performance on July 15

The Toledo Museum of Art, in collaboration with the University of Toledo's Disability Studies Program and Lucas DD, present SALUTE Storytellers: Stories of Disability Pride. Join these self-advocates on Saturday, July 15th at 3 p.m. in the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion as they share their stories and celebrate their disability identity. For full details, click here. Free and open to the public! Refreshments provided.

Sip and Paint is tonight

Friends and family are invited to this free event from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 7! Come to Sunshine Communities and paint a 5x7 canvas with simple prompts, led by art studio manager, Larry Knight. Enjoy spirit-free drinks alongside Sunshine friends! Click here for full details.

Positively Portable Preschool tomorrow morning

Bring out your youngsters from 10-11 a.m. on July 8 for an imaginative, playful, engaging, learning, dancing, singing, moving, grooving – but not overwhelming – kind of time. All abilities are welcome! Ideal for ages 0-12 years. Parents and children will be participating together. No registration required. Click here for more information.

Lucas DD Summer Playgroups start on Monday

Come join Lucas DD for a fun summer playgroup from 10-11:30 a.m. on July 10! Open to all families and their children. We will be meeting at Nature's Neighborhood at the Toledo Zoo. Lucas County residents are free from 10am-noon on Mondays at the zoo (parking fees apply). You will need identification to verify your address. No registration is required. If you have a Development Specialist, you can contact them for updates to the playgroup. Click here to see a flyer with information about additional playgroups.

SALUTE Meeting on July 10

SALUTE, the self-advocacy group of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will have its monthly meeting on Monday, July 10, beginning at 5:30. You can attend in person or via Zoom. Jenny Kinney from Provider Supports will be the guest speaker, and the presentation will be a Dementia Friends training. Everyone who attends will receive a certificate for becoming a "Dementia Friend." Questions? Contact Deetra Mitchell at 419-380-5141 or dmitchell@lucasdd.org. Click here to join the Zoom call.

Picnic at the Park on July 11

Play and interact at the playground on July 11 from noon - 2 p.m. at Secor Metropark! The Ability Center Staff will bring chalk, bubbles & games. Suggested age group: Preschool to 12 years. Parents stay with their children to supervise. Click here to register. For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann, Youth Family Services Coordinator at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or 419.885-5733.

Free Adaptive Dance Classes July 10 and 12

Toledo Ballet Adaptive Dance offers individuals who are differently-abled FREE dance instruction! Neurodivergent learning styles such as Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder can experience the sheer joy of dance and music. For ages 10+, Adaptive Dance & Fitness: An introduction to Adaptive Dance with instructor Ann Heckler will take place on July 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Ottawa Park; and July 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Smith Park. No registration is required. Caregivers do not participate but are required to stay onsite. Additional classes available. Click here for full details.

American Sign Language for Teens: Multiple Free Classes in July

Learn the ABCs, how to spell your name and a cool phrase in American Sign Language in this free ASL for Teens class with the Deaf Service Center, held at various locations of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. If you are between ages 11-17 and interested in sign language, this class is for you! Classes offered between July 13-27, click here for the full schedule and location details.

Picnic at the Park on July 11

Free Adaptive Dance Classes July 10 and 12

American Sign Language for Teens: Multiple Free Classes in July

Special Needs Beach Party on July 13

Come enjoy the day with your family without having to worry about the public crowd. GetAway Bay in Milan, Michigan is open on July 13, from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. only to individuals with special needs and their families! There will be a bounce house, paddle boards/boats, and staff dedicated to assisting individuals with water access! Free admission and food provided. Donations welcomed! RSVP for this event at migetawaybay.com/events.

Free Skate Party on July 13

Get your skates ready for three exciting Skate Party dates at The Ribbon in Glass City Metropark! Mark your calendars for the Thursdays of July 13, August 10, and September 14. Admission to the Skate Party Series is FREE! Grab your friends for an evening of roller-skating fun that you won't want to miss. Party Time: From 6 to 9 p.m., you'll have plenty of time to show off your moves and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Rental equipment will be available until 8:30 p.m. Click here for more details.

People First of Toledo Summer Picnic on July 14

It's People First of Toledo's 25th chapter anniversary! On Friday, July 14 from 4-7 p.m. there will be a cookout at camp, music, games, and a bonfire with s'mores. Feel free to bring your own favorite game. The picnic will be held outdoors under the camp pavilion, weather permitting. Dinner will be served at 5:00. This is a free event, no registration required.. For full details, click here.

Water Blast Day at Special Ninjas on July 14

Special Ninjas Therapeutic Martial Arts School invites you to bring your beach clothes and join in some fun! There will be water blasting drills, games and more right outside of their dojo! This event on July 14 from 5:30-6 p.m. is for ages 8 and up. Click here for more details. You MUST RSVP for this event. Click here to sign up.

SALUTE Storytellers Live Performance on July 15

To commemorate Disability Pride Month, The Toledo Museum of Art, in collaboration with the University of Toledo's Disability Studies Program and Lucas DD, present the SALUTE Storytellers: Stories of Disability Pride. Join these self-advocates on Saturday, July 15th at 3 p.m. in the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion as they share their stories and celebrate their disability identity. Program will feature a special performance by iDance as well as artwork created by individuals served by the Board! For full details, click here. If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please click here to e-mail Katie Shelley. The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided. Registration is encouraged. Click here to register.

Teen-Tastic Social Group on July 17

Gigi's Virtual Playhouse is hosting a social night especially for teens on Monday, July 17 from 7-8 p.m.! This free, 1-hour group session focuses on building social skills with friends (with and without Down syndrome) by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking and problem-solving abilities. The theme for the 17th is WILD AND WACKY! Please have paper and a writing utensil for the meeting. For full details, click here. To obtain the link, you must register for a (free) My GiGi's account, which you can do by clicking here. If you have any questions about signing in, please email virtualprograms@gigisplayhouse.org.

Picnic at the Park on July 18

Play and interact at the playground on July 18 from noon-2 p.m. at Pearson Metropark! Ability Center Staff will bring chalk, bubbles & games. Suggested age group: Preschool to 12 years. Parents stay with their children to supervise. Click here to register. For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann, Youth Family Services Coordinator at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or 419-885-5733.

New Common Ground Social Skills Group for Adults begins July 18

Lucas DD is proud to announce a new adult social skills group. This group is ideal for individuals who are interested in simply hanging out, while also enjoying some structured social skills training, games, activities, and snacks! The Common Ground and Friend Network will help individuals build lasting and sustainable friendships and connections, whether they are looking for friends, roommates, dating interests, or other relationships. The summer session will meet from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 18, August 15, and September 19. Click here for full details.

Free Youth Art Workshop on July 18

NAMI of Greater Toledo is offering a FREE art workshop just for kids/teens. Creative Kids provides an opportunity for youth (6 to 17 years old) to express themselves creatively through art and identify positive coping skills! This class will be on July 18 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the NAMI Office - 4334 Secor Rd. in Toledo. Limited space and registration is REQUIRED to attend. To register your child(ren), please click here to email Kristen Zientek.

Plein Air in Pastel Art Class on July 19

Discover the art of Plein Air painting with Red Bird Sylvania! Join instructor Mary Jane Erard for a special, FREE course designed for all skill levels and abilities on July 19 from 1-3 p.m. Learn composition, color, and technique while exploring the beautiful landscape. No experience needed; all materials provided. Reserve your spot now! Ages: Mature Teens 14+ and Adults. Click here to register.

Inclusive Book Reading on July 20

The Ability Center presents: a DREAM book reading and activities for children of all ages and abilities. In this story called Look Out For Sarah, you'll enjoy a tale about friendship, loyalty, and trust, as you spend a day in the life of Sarah and her guide dog, Perry. Sarah, a blind musician and teacher, entertains the children she teaches and tells them about the time she and Perry walked from Boston to New York to show the world what a blind person can accomplish with the help of a guide dog. Come to the Swanton Library at 3 p.m. on July 20! Click here to see the event on their website.

Unified Bowling League Meeting on July 22

The unified bowling league will be back in action for the 23-24 season. Please plan on attending the informational meeting on Saturday, July 22, 11:15 a.m. at the New Glass Bowl Lanes. The unified bowling league consists of individuals (ages 16+) with intellectual or developmental disabilities bowling with "partners" who want to bowl and have some fun! Information regarding costs and start date will be discussed at the meeting. Click here for more details. Any questions, please contact Kelley Watson at 419-380-5109.

The Ability Center takes over the Main Library on July 22

Empower, Educate, and Explore: The Ability Center Takes Over Toledo's Main Library! Toledo's downtown branch will host fun and educational activities during this family-friendly event to empower, educate, and include people of all abilities. Activities include: Dog Demonstrations, Celebrity Book Readings, Basketball (Wheelchair), Art installations + Adaptive Art Tools, Disability-Friendly Awards Winner Announcement, Resource Vendors, Hands-on Activities, Yoga (Wheelchair), Sensory Spaces, and Exploring Various Ramp Angles: Testing the Limits. No registration needed, just come to the Main Library between noon and 4 p.m. on July 22! Click here for full details.

Save The Dates!

Lucas DD has two exciting events coming up next month! The 4th annual Golf Scramble (that benefits Lucas County Special Olympics) will be on Saturday, August 19 and the Summer Rec Jam will be on Wednesday, August 30.

Did you know?

You'll find even MORE events on our online calendar, as well as further details on these highlighted events.

Click here to view our calendar of ALL upcoming events!

Computers for Ohioans with Disabilities

Assistive Technology of Ohio has a statewide program that helps people with disabilities obtain their own computer. Knowledge of how to use a computer, the Internet, e-mail and social networking are becoming fundamental, basic skills necessary for community living, employment and education. Recent studies have shown that, due to financial considerations, people with disabilities are among the most likely group of people to not own a computer. Any legal Ohio resident with a disability, any age, with a need for a computer, is eligible for the program. Click here for full details, including the cost and the application process.

Aging Gracefully July Newsletter is available

The July issue of Aging Gracefully is now available! This valuable resource for the aging population is now being published every other month. In this issue, you'll find information about July events, some medical articles, healthcare worker shortage, and more. Click here to see the latest edition.

Local Resource Especially for Families with Autistic Individuals

The Autism Counseling and Support Services program at Avenues for Autism specializes in providing autism-focused counseling to autistic individuals and their families. Our expert therapists support clients to improve coping tools, develop new communication strategies, and build skills to create emotional connections with others and promote independence – all while embracing neurodiversity. Sessions are provided via telehealth with flexible scheduling options available. Life can be overwhelming, with many forks in the road. You’re not alone. Avenues for Autism will be with you every step of the way. To learn more or request services, please visit avenuesforautism.org or call (419) 210-5095.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. This program provides $50 worth of coupons to eligible adults 60+ years of age to purchase locally grown produce from local farmers. This USDA program serves our Northwestern Ohio counties of: Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Williams, and Wood counties. Contact the agency office at 419-382-0624 with any questions, or click here to submit your application.

Self-Advocacy Weekly Meeting with OSDA

Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) is a non-profit organization that empowers people with disabilities and their families. Their goal is to expand awareness of self-determination principles, provide valuable training resources, and promote advocacy efforts. Join them for an online meeting every Wednesday at 11 a.m. to learn more about self-advocacy skills and how to speak up for yourself and others! Below, you'll find the planned topics for each week. To see the topics for the week, simply click here. You can RSVP through the website at www.WeThriveTogether.org, by email at alyssa@WeThriveTogether.org, or by phone at Toll Free: 1-866-584-5640.

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!

New Local Podcast Seeks Individuals to Tell Their Stories

A new podcast, Telling It Our Way, is looking for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their stories about family, work, advocacy, and more. The podcast is part of WGTE's "Voices Around Us" Podcast Series. Recordings start in July, and the podcast is scheduled to debut on August 8. Please email Ally Day or Becca Monteleone if you are interested in learning more.

Opportunity to Nominate Outstanding Organizations and/or Individuals

Do you know of an individual or organization that has had a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities? Courageous Community Services is seeking nominations for their annual awards celebration. You can make nominations in the following categories: Outstanding Community Service, Outstanding Employer, Outstanding Self-Advocate, and Outstanding Direct Support Professional. Click here for full details.

OSU Study Seeks Families who need/use Home Care Nurses

Ohio’s developmental disabilities community has long struggled with a shortage of nurses to provide care to people with developmental disabilities living in the family home. The pandemic, coupled with significant pay increases for travel nurses, has heightened the nursing workforce shortage crisis across the state. Families are often having to consider out-of-home options for their loved ones with developmental disabilities, which range from small private providers to large intermediate care facilities (ICF), and state developmental centers. The goal of the study is to assess and report on the home care nursing crisis and formulate recommendations to key stakeholders to reduce the nursing workforce shortage in the field of developmental disabilities. For more information and the study link, click here.

Golf Scramble Sponsors Needed

Do you have a business or know of a business that would be interested in being a sponsor for The 4th Annual Lucas County Special Olympics Golf Scramble on August 19? Access the form here or email us at specialolympics@lucasdd.org!

Video of the Week

In this Disability Pride Month, we at Lucas DD are proud of our partnerships with 600 providers across Lucas County helping us serve nearly 5,000 individuals. So we wanted to spotlight a couple of them. Meet our friends at Manahan and Thompson Total Home Care!