Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

Special Olympics Winter Registration closes Tuesday!

Check your email - the Lucas County Lightning winter newsletter was sent out earlier this week. If you are interested in playing winter sports (swimming, basketball, pep squad or competitive cheer team), now is the time to register!Registration closes on Tuesday, October 10. Click here to see the newsletter online.

Little Lightning Golf Clinic Registration is OPEN!

Lucas County Special Olympics' Little Lighting program is offering free youth golf clinics! Tonight's clinic is full, but there are two more dates available (October 20 and November 3). Must register, space is limited. First come, first served. For individuals with special needs, ages 8 - 16 years old. (They do not have to be receiving services from Lucas DD to attend.) Clinics will take place from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at First Tee in Toledo. All equipment is provided! Clinics are weather permitting; if there are any changes, you will be notified. Click here to reserve your spot.

Youth Special Olympics Winter Sports Registration is OPEN!

To participate in a sport, you must be 8-15 years old, reside in Lucas County, have a qualifying diagnosis and have a current Special Olympics medical form on file with our office. Little Lightning athletes are required to have supervision at all times. Click here to download the New Athlete Packet for Special Olympics and return your completed forms via email to littlelightning@lucasdd.org or conventional mail to: Lucas County Special Olympics, 1154 Larc Lane, Toledo, OH 43614. If you have completed your forms, click here to register for winter sports! Register soon - registration closes next week!

Fall Festival Special Needs Dance tomorrow

The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio and Maumee United Methodist Church invite individuals 16+ to dance the night away at the Fall Festival Special Needs Dance, from 6 - 8 p.m. on October 7! Caregivers are required to stay. RSVP to marthakreuz@aol.com with the number attending (including caregivers). For full details, click here.

Monthly SALUTE Meeting on Monday

SALUTE, Lucas DD's self-advocacy group, will have its monthly meeting from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Monday, October 9. You can attend in person at our Larc Lane Center or via Zoom. The guest speaker this month is Audrey Johnson, Navigator Supervisor at the Ability Center, who will speak about the Center's Navigator Program. Questions? Please contact Deetra Mitchell at 419-380-5141 or dmitchell@lucasdd.org. Click here for full details.

Teen Game Night on Oct. 10

The Ability Center invites teens (13-17) to TRIVIA and GAME NIGHT with tacos! Let’s get together from 6 - 8 p.m. on October 10 for fun, food, laughs and lots of games! We will be hosting trivia, playing video games, cards and board games. Free event, registration required. Click here to register. For questions, contact Laurie Kimura, Youth Employment/Recreation Coordinator, at Lkimura@abilitycenter.org or 419-885-5733 ext. 145.

Lucas DD Flu Vaccine Clinic on Oct. 11

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, is offering a flu vaccine clinic. Vaccines will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Lucas DD's South Toledo headquarters, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O). Must register and bring forms. For full details and registration link, click here.

Workshop for Alternative Caregivers on Oct. 11

Neighborhood Health Association is hosting a support and resource workshop event titled Superheroes Need Support, Too: A Resource Workshop for Grandparents & Kinship Caregivers Raising Children from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 11. The goal of the workshop is to introduce and increase awareness of the resources and support available to grandparents and kinship caregivers while also supporting NHA’s mission to empower, educate, and support personal responsibility for one’s own health through our exceptional healthcare and social services. Grandparents and Kinship Caregivers truly are superheroes for providing children with a home, stability and ensuring their safety and well-being. Please Contact Monica Morales at 419-309-1312 with any questions. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Common Ground on Oct. 12

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. The fall session begins on October 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at our Larc Lane campus. If you are interested in registering for the fall session, please click here to sign up! Questions? Contact your SSA or click here to email Deb Tyree.

OpenSpot Theatre Performance on Oct. 12

The University of Toledo and OpenSpot Theatre Present: Real Magic, an original play created by actors with developmental disabilities. These individuals have been working together for several weeks to showcase their writing, singing, acting, and dancing skills. Come out from 6 - 6:30 p.m. on October 12 to support these awesome actors and enjoy the free show! Click here for more information.

LCCS Trunk or Treat on Oct. 14

Lucas County Children's Services is having their annual Trunk or Treat on October 14 from noon to 2 p.m. Community services information, mascots and costumed characters, and of course FREE CANDY! Click here for full details.

Fall Festival Truck-or-Treat on Oct. 14

Bring the whole fam for a day of costumed fun at The Shops at Fallen Timbers and fill your candy coffers, featuring our fan-favorite Truck-or-Treat, plus fun activities & food trucks! Come on out from noon - 3 p.m. on October 14 to explore all the neat trucks & other cool vehicles! PLUS: Hayrides by Field of Fear, Face Painting, courtesy of PT Link, Chair Massages, courtesy of Massage Envy! Click here for full details.

Spooky Boardwalk on Oct. 15

Join Sunshine Communities at their annual Spooky Boardwalk event! This is a free, public event from 2 - 4 p.m. on October 15 that is great for the whole family. Come in your costume to their beautiful Maumee campus where over 50 vendors and community partners will be handing out candy. No registration needed. Click here to learn more.

Fall Fun & Games on Oct. 15

Join Avenues for Autism at their Fall Fun & Games event! There will be lots of fun at TolHouse on October 15 from 5 - 7 p.m. They hope you can join them to network and grow relationships. Tickets are $30 per adult; all proceeds benefit Avenues for Autism. Click here for more information or to register for this event.

Lucas DD Goodwill Industries Donation Drive

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to partner once again with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. On Oct. 15-16, residents are encouraged to take donations of clothing or household items to any Toledo area Goodwill store or donation station and mention that the donation is on behalf of Lucas DD and its FAN Network. For every donation made, Goodwill is donating a $25 voucher to Lucas DD. Those vouchers go directly into the hands of individuals served by the Board who need them most. Click here to learn more and see donation locations. Want to learn more about the FAN network? Click here.

Free Art Workshop for kids/teens on Oct. 17

NAMI of Greater Toledo is offering a FREE art workshop just for kids/teens on October 17 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. Creative Kids provides an opportunity for children/adolescents (6 to 17 years old) to express themselves creatively through art and identify positive coping skills! It is held 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.

GOAL After School Clubs start Oct. 18-19

GOAL (Green Options for Autism in Lucas County) has an after-school program for children and young adults (with autism as well as other diagnoses)! If there are any behavior concerns, a parent or guardian must be present. Each club separated by age into two different areas of the building. One group for young adults with disabilities and the other is for children with disabilities. All clubs take place at GOAL. Lego Club is on Wednesdays from 2:30 - 5 p.m. and Arts & Crafts Club is from 2:30 - 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Cost is $25 per day. Questions? Contact A. Barrett Academy at 567-304-3428, alecia@abarrettacademy.org or GOAL at 419-720-4350, rparis.goal@gmail.com. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Wealth & Wisdom on Oct. 18

October's Wealth & Wisdom topic is: All about STABLE accounts. This free class is presented by Lucas DD as part of our Wealth and Wisdom series. Class will be held in person on October 18 from 5:30 7:30 p.m. at 1154 Larc Lane, in the Multi-Purpose Room, and includes a free meal (if desired)! Remote option is also available, if preferred. Print materials will be provided. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!Questions? Click here to email the organizer.

People First of Toledo Meeting on Oct. 19

People First of Toledo, affiliated with Courageous Community Services and People First of Ohio, invite you to a Self-Led Disability Advocacy Group on October 19 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Engage with your community, learn self-advocacy skills, meet other people like you! Meetings are $5 (or $50 for 12 months) and open to everyone. Questions? Please click here to contact Quinn Thomas. Zoom option available. Click here to connect via Zoom.

Free Create Now Workshop on Oct. 19

NAMI of Greater Toledo is offering a FREE "Create Now" art workshop from 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. on October 19. Come and explore a variety of art techniques and experience the power of art while connecting with others. This workshop features a different art project/support theme every month and is open for individuals 15+ living with a mental illness and their family/friends. Open to individuals 15+ living with a mental health diagnosis and their family/friends. Registration required. To register and get details about location, please email kzientek@namitoledo.org

Fall Dinner Dance on Oct. 20 - deadline to register is TODAY!

Lucas DD's Community Inclusion Department invites you to a Dinner Dance on Friday, October 20 from 6 - 9 p.m.! Cost is $28.52, EVERYONE must register by OCTOBER 6 (including staff). There will be a photobooth and a prize for the best costume! See the event flyer and full details here. Click here to register!

Trunk or Treat on Oct. 21

Come to Manahan for a free Trunk or Treat event from 1 - 3 p.m. on October 21! Decorate a trunk and Manahan will provide the treats! Or come as a treater and go from trunk to trunk, collecting candy from vehicle owners who have decorated their vehicles to serve as the backdrop for this inclusive, family-friendly event. Must register by October 18. Click here to register.

Autism Night at Imagination Station on Oct. 24

Join Imagination Station for Autism Family Support Group Night from 4:30 - 6 p.m. on October 24, an inclusive evening where individuals identified with ASD and their families can enjoy the science center and learn together. Explore the exhibits, engage in hands-on activities and watch a sensory-friendly film in the KeyBank Discovery Theater. Admission is $5 (free for members). Advance registration required (even for members). Please register/purchase ticket(s) by clicking here.

Young Adult Game Night on Oct. 24

The Ability Center invites young adults (ages 18-24) to TRIVIA and GAME NIGHT with tacos! Let’s get together from 6 - 8 p.m. on October 24 for fun, food, laughs and lots of games! We will be hosting trivia, playing video games, cards and board games. Free event, registration required. Click here to register! For questions, contact Laurie Kimura, Youth Employment/Recreation Coordinator, at Lkimura@abilitycenter.org or 419-885-5733 ext. 145.

Lucas DD Trunk or Treat on Oct. 25

Lucas DD is holding the second annual Trunk or Treat on October 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This FREE event is open to the community. All abilities welcome. If you love candy and costumes, you'll want to be there! There will be a food truck, dance performances, a trunk contest to see whose trunk is decorated the best, and more! Click here for full details.

Trick or Trot Zombie Walk/Run on Oct. 28

On October 28 at 9 a.m. there is a Trick or Trot 5K to benefit the Miracle League. This Trick or Trot 5k run and Zombie Walk is a fun way to show support for our local Miracle League. Registration is $25. The race will take place at Oak Openings Metro Park. Click here to register online now through 10/13/2023.

Sibshops on Oct. 28

Does your child with special needs have a sibling, aged 8-16 years old? This free group is just for them! Sibshops provide young brothers and sisters with peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting. Participants enjoyed some awesome Halloween crafts and making friends last month! The next meeting is on October 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo. Registration required. To register, click here. For more details, click here.

Family & Advocate Forum Nov. 7

The Family & Advocate Forum is on Tuesday, November 7 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. This final forum of the year will serve as a public hearing as we present our Annual Plan for 2024. After the presentation the audience will have an opportunity to provide feedback or comments. We'll also hear from SALUTE self-advocates as they go over their accomplishments in 2023. Click here for full details.

Transition Summit on Nov. 8

Lucas DD is having a Transition Summit on November 8! Stay tuned if you are curious about the transition process and/or are around the transition age (16-20 years old). Pre-register for a chance to win one of five prizes! Click here for more details.

SAVE THE DATE!

The leaves may just be starting to turn color, but Lucas DD's Early Intervention department is busy planning a fun Snowy Social, a celebration of all things snowy and winter! This inclusive, free, family-friendly event is geared towards young children. It will be on December 6 and is open to the entire community! All who pre-register will be entered to win a Kroger gift card! Click here to learn more.

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!

Songs of Love

The Songs of Love Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides uplifting personalized songs for children and teens who are battling serious illnesses, physical disabilities and emotional trauma. Each song contains the child’s name and all of their favorite people, pets and favorite things in their lives. The songs are delivered loaded onto a Songs of Love custom USB drive with accompanying lyric booklet! To request a FREE “song of love” simply go to www.songsoflove.org/request. It’s super simple. Once you apply for a “song of love” then YOU can Play it Forward™!

Angelman Syndrome Foundation

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation Family Fund was created to provide financial assistance to families supporting individuals with Angelman syndrome. Family members can apply for funds that are needed to improve the quality of life for an individual with Angelman syndrome. The application to apply for funds is open now until October 15. Click here to learn more.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation iPads for Kids Program

The iPads for Kids Program is accepting applications! Click here to submit your application before it closes. In the past 11 years, ASDF has provided direct financial assistance, through many different programs, to over 5,000 families who have children on the autism spectrum.

Parker's Purpose iPad Grant Application Open

Parker’s Purpose was founded in May 2008 as a result of people coming together to help out the Inks Family in their time of need. The hope of the foundation is to not only help people that are in need but to also foster as positive self-worth and self-esteem to the individuals giving. Parker's Purpose is currently accepting applications for iPads. Click here to submit an application for a grant.

Free covid tests

Every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Click here to learn more. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

Video of the Week

Our Early Intervention team recently hosted an Open House to showcase the many different services they offer. From the Play Project to addressing specific needs (fine/gross motor, cognitive, etc.), it's easy to see how so many individuals are served in Lucas County!

Click here to watch the video.