Skip to main content

Friday Update:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER ONLINE.

Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

A Boo-Tiful Halloween this afternoon

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Toledo invites you to enjoy an evening of office trick-or-treating, Halloween crafts, and resource vendors! Come to the NAMI office on October 27 from 3 - 6 p.m. Click here for full details. If you have any questions, please contact Sonya Quinn at 419-243-1119 ext 103 or squinn@namitoledo.org

Trick or Trot Zombie Walk/Run tomorrow

On October 28 at 9 a.m. there is a Trick or Trot 5K to benefit the Miracle League of Northwest Ohio. This Trick or Trot 5k run and Zombie Walk is a fun way to show support for our local Miracle League. The race will take place at Oak Openings Metro Park. Click here to visit the race information page.

 

Positively Portable Preschool tomorrow

The Ability Center is having a Positively Portable Preschool! Bring your youngsters to the East Toledo Family Center from 10 - 11 a.m. on October 28 for a fun, imaginative, engaging, learning, dancing, singing, moving and grooving time. Lead by Teacher Denice, a talented Early Childhood Teacher. Families and children of all abilities are welcome. Registration is not required - caregiver must stay for event. For questions, click here to email Jennifer Engelmann or call 419.885-5733. 

Sibshops tomorrow

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., and a trip to Trabbic Family Pumpkin Farm is planned (open to all family members to attend). There will be a hayride, popcorn, pumpkin, donut and a drink for all who register! (If there's bad weather, the meeting will be at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo.) Registration required. To register, click here. For more details, click here.

 

RallyCap Sports Halloween Party Sunday & Volleyball Registration

The BGSU chapter of RallyCap Sports is having a Halloween party on October 29 from 3 - 4 p.m. Come in your costume or Halloween outfit to mingle with friends and have some FUN! Click here to sign up for this FREE event. RallyCap volleyball registration is also OPEN! Dates are November 5, 12, 19 from 3 - 4 p.m. Must register (use same link as the Halloween party).

 

Disability Connect Meeting (Virtual) on Oct. 30

Disability Connect is a gathering for DODD leaders to hear directly from the people we support about issues affecting their lives. It is also a chance to learn more about different projects and resources at DODD and across Ohio's government while making connections to help everyone live their good life. Please send any questions you have for leadership in advance. They may answer them live during the meeting or follow up separately. The next meeting is on October 30 from 11 a.m. - Noon. The scheduled speaker is Liz Poprocki from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Click here to register.  

Arc of Ohio 'Unwinds Appendix K' on Nov. 1

Come learn about pending changes in funding and supports within Ohio’s Level 1, SELF and IO Waivers at the Larc Lane Center on Nov. 1 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. The pandemic required flexibilities within our disability system of supports. Our discussion, open to all Lucas DD staff, providers and families, will involve what flexibilities will continue; what new support is available; and what changes in funding and provider rates taking effect Jan. 1, 2024. Arc of Ohio CEO Gary Tonks and Vice President David Lewis will lead this very important discussion as we get ready for big changes in 2024. 2 hours of Ohio DODD continuing education credits are available for attending this discussion. Click here for more details.

 

Parent Meeting about Waivers on Nov. 1

Green Options for Autism of Lucas County is having a parent meeting on Nov. 1 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. The topic is the Wonderful World of Waivers presented by the Arc of Ohio. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Click here for full details.

 

Autism Parent Support Group on Nov. 2

Avenues for Autism is having a free virtual Autism Parent Support Group, presented by a Clinical Therapist. This zoom meeting will be on Nov. 2 from 7 - 8 p.m. Click here to register. 

Movie Night on Nov. 3

G.O.A.L. is hosting a movie night on Nov. 3, from 6 - 8 p.m. Adults will be able to enjoy a movie night in with friends. Everyone will receive popcorn, drink, and a cookie. If you would like something else to eat or drink, please bring that with you. Cost is $5.00 per attendee. Click here to register! Contact for questions: A. Barrett Academy at 567-304-3428, alecia@abarrettacademy.org

 

Carpe Diem Epilepsy Walk-Run on Nov. 5

This is a 5k run and an 3k walk to benefit the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio. Run participants will get a t-shirt, chip, and bracelet. The RUN starts at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 5 and the WALK will start at 9:00 a.m. Well behaved, vaccinated, leashed dogs may attend. Responsibility for the animal and its behavior is the owners. Click here to register for the RUN. Click here to register for the WALK.

 

TOPSoccer on Nov. 5

The Toledo TOPSoccer Program is a free program that offers soccer for anyone (ages 5+) facing special cognitive, physical and/or emotional challenges, including those who are blind, confined to a wheelchair, and those who have autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other conditions that impair mobility, strength, and/or comprehension. Come check it out on November 5 from 2 - 3 p.m. Registration required. Click here for more information and to register.

 

Sensory Night at Urban Air on Nov. 6

Urban Air is transformed into a calmer atmosphere for those with special needs and sensory processing difficulty, their siblings, and caregivers, during their Sensory Friendly Play hours. From 4 - 8 p.m. on Nov. 6, there are no flashing lights, no music, and no whistles. These nights are the first Monday of the month (except January 2024). Click here for more details. Questions? Contact Melissa Huebner at melissa@urbanairtoledo.com.

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 serves 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 review their accomplishments in 2023. Click here for full details.

 

World Institute on Disability Virtual Celebration on Nov. 7

World Institute on Disability (WID) is excited that actress, author and singer, Ali Stroker will be performing at their virtual 40th-anniversary celebration on November 7 at noon! Ali portrayed WID’s late co-founder, Judy Heumann in Comedy Central's Drunk History. She made history as the first wheelchair-user actor to appear on Broadway and has starred in a number of television shows such as Glee, Netflix’s Ozark, Fox’s Lethal Weapon and many more. Click here to register for WID’s 40th-anniversary celebration so you don’t miss Ali’s performance.

Sensory Friendly Shopping at Target on Nov. 8

Bittersweet’s annual Sensory Friendly Holiday Shopping event at Target will be on Wednesday, November 8 from 7 - 8 a.m. This event is free and open to the local autism community, as well as anyone with sensory processing challenges. Click here to see the flyer with additional details.

 

Transition Summit on Nov. 8

Lucas DD is having a Transition Summit on November 8! If you are curious about the transition process, what options are available after high school, and/or are around the transition age (16-20 years old), this is the event for you. Pre-register for a chance to win one of five prizes! See the graphic above or click here for more details.

 

Common Ground Nov. 9

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. The next session is on Nov. 9 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.

 

Autism Information Session on Nov. 9

Toledo Public Schools is hosting a virtual information session with Kate Schwartz, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. Discover the latest resources, find out ways to connect in the community, build your knowledge base, and more! Please click here to register or contact Monica McCain at 419-671-0819 or mmccain@tps.org

Super Saturday Dance on Nov. 11

Save the date for another Super Saturday Dance and Bible Study on Nov. 11 from 7 - 9 p.m.! 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 7:00-9:00 p.m. Registration is recommended. Click here to register.

 

Maumee Valley Partners for Inclusion Fundraiser on Nov. 14

On Nov. 14, TGI Fridays is donating 15% of Dine-In, Takeout & Pick up orders to Maumee Valley Partners for Inclusion! Take a night off from cooking and support a great cause for individuals with developmental disabilities. TGIFridays accepts dine-in, takeout & pick-up orders made in-store or by phone that mention Maumee Valley Partners for Inclusion. You can RSVP & see all details here: https://grouprai.se/s264141

 

Wealth & Wisdom on Nov. 15

November's Wealth & Wisdom topic is: Social Security Work Incentives and Overpayments: A Deeper Dive. Learn what work incentives are and how Social Security applies them; get tips for communicating with Social Security; learn what causes overpayments and how to prevent them, and more! This free class is presented by Lucas DD as part of our Wealth and Wisdom series. Class will be held in person on November 15 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. Registration required! Click here to register.

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!

Creating an Inclusive Halloween Experience

Halloween is around the corner which means Trick or Treat is taking place in communities around us. For kids with disabilities who may have limited diets, sensitivities, or G-tubes, how can we help them enjoy this holiday full of candy, costumes, and spooky decorations? Click here to read more.

 

HandiNocap Brings People Together Online

HandiNoCap is a private Facebook group where people can encourage and support each other. It was created by Abdul Allen, whose goal is to unite both abled and disabled people. The vision is for everyone to come together and understand one another to make the world a more comfortable place for all to roam. He would also like abled persons to gain insight and be more comfortable approaching those who are disabled. They have various meetups online throughout the week. Click here to join this community.

 

For Business owners, from the ADA National Network

Ensuring full access to your business and services is a great way to expand your customer base. Use the fact sheet, 'Customer Service for Business,' to review disability etiquette, get practical tips for serving customers with disabilities, and get suggestions of areas to assess to optimize accessibility: https://adata.org/factsheet/customer-service-business

 

SARTAC Fellowship Application Window is Open

A Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) Fellowship is a one-year self-advocacy project. Fellows work on their projects for about 6 hours each week. SARTAC pays Fellows $5,000 to complete their projects. Six Fellows will be chosen this year. Learn more and apply here.

 

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 who 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. 

 

Santas Little Hackers Application Deadline Oct. 30

Santa's Little Hackers is a seasonal toy drive to adapt toys. They make simple modifications to the electronics of toys and give them away. These adaptations make the toys accessible to individuals with disabilities so they can play independently. Application window closes on October 30. Click here to submit an application.

 

Small Steps in Speech Grant Deadline Nov. 1

Grants are awarded to individuals from age 3 to 22 who are U.S. citizens living in the U.S. Please note when applying for a grant that the child must be 3 years of age at the time of the application deadline (Nov. 1). Click here for more information.

Transportation Survey seeks input

The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council Of Governments (TMACOG) is seeking public input as it updates its Regional Transportation Plan. TMACOG wants to hear from the public to gather information on people’s needs and how they think the regional transportation system should be developed over the next 30 years. Click here to learn more and start an online survey.

 

DODD Wants to hear from working individuals

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, DODD wants to hear from you about employment! Do you work? If you work, what are some of the things you like about your job? Tell them about it! Email ohiolifecoursenexus@dodd.ohio.gov.

Video of the Week

Were you one of the 1,000 or so people who attended our inclusive Trunk-or-Treat on Wednesday evening? Check out this video highlight of the event!

Quote of the Week

"Everybody has a chapter they don't read out loud."

Want events delivered straight to your inbox?

Sign up for the Friday Update