Friday Update: November 10, 2023

SALUTE Monthly Meeting Nov. 13

SALUTE, the self-advocacy group of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will have its monthly meeting on Nov. 13 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. November's Guest Speakers are Anthony Bronaugh Sr., M.Ed., BCBA, owner of AB Education & Behavior Consulting, LLC. and Alexis M. Eggenberger, MBA, MSSA, LISW-S, BCBA; Director, Autism Services, Avenues for Autism. Presentation topic is Sexual Health 101. You can attend in person or via Zoom. Free, open to the public, and hybrid. In-person Location: Lucas County Board of DD, 1155 Larc Lane, in the Training Center (use Door O), Toledo, 43614. Refreshments provided! Click here to join on Zoom. Any questions, please contact Deetra Mitchell.

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

Grant Workshop Wednesday$ on Nov. 15

Grant Workshop Wednesday$ is a monthly series of a live virtual conversation on resources that provide funding for children with developmental disabilities. This month's virtual meeting is on Nov. 15 at noon and the Board's parent partner, Tammy Eisenreich, will be chatting with John Beltzer from the Songs of Love Foundation. This national nonprofit organization creates free, personalized, original songs to uplift children and teens currently facing tough medical, physical, or emotional challenges. Click here to join this month's session!

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.

Create Now Art Workshop on Nov. 16

NAMI of Greater Toledo is offering a FREE "Create Now" art workshop. 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. The next "Create Now" workshop is Nov. 16 from 5:15-7:15 p.m. Registration is required! To register and get details about location, please email kzientek@namitoledo.org

People First of Toledo Meeting on Nov. 16

People First of Toledo, affiliated with Courageous Community Services and People First of Ohio, invite you to a Self-Led Disability Advocacy Group at the Abilit Center on Nov. 16 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. Click here for full details. Questions? Please contact Quinn Thomas. Zoom option available! Click here to connect via Zoom.

Sibshops on Nov. 18

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. The next meeting is on Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

TOPSoccer on Nov. 19

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 19 from 2 - 3 p.m. Registration required. Click here for more information and to register.

Special Education Free Virtual Legal Clinic on Nov. 20

The Special Education Legal Clinic (a collaboration between Disability Rights Ohio, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children With Disabilities, and AW Law) offers parents and guardians an opportunity to meet virtually with a special education advocate or attorney in an open and welcoming environment to ask questions and discuss specific challenges related to education. Clinic staff members and volunteers will help guide parents and guardians through the special education process and provide resources to request and secure special education services. The clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Free 30-minute individual guidance sessions with attorneys are available for scheduling as well. The topic for Nov. 20 from noon - 1 p.m. is Preparing for Employment: Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Transition Age Youth. Click here to reserve your free spot.

Lucas DD's Ohio State vs. Michigan Pep Rally on Nov. 21

Join us as we get ready for the biggest showdown in the biggest rivalry in college football. Ohio State. Michigan. Say no more. At 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21, all employees, providers, individuals, and families are encouraged to wear their Buckeyes or Wolverines gear and join us at the Training Center on our South Toledo campus. We'll also have music, food trucks, and more! Whether you're "O-H-I-O" or "Go Blue," we hope you'll join us and help spread the word for this fun event!

Free Art Workshop for Kids on Nov. 21

NAMI of Greater Toledo is offering a FREE art workshop just for kids/teens, from 5 - 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 21. 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. Limited space and registration is REQUIRED to attend. To register your child(ren), please click here to email Kristen Zientek.

Lucas DD Closed Nov. 23-24 for Thanksgiving Holiday

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed Nov. 23-24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. On-call staff are available 24/7 on our Emergency/After Hours line at 419-380-5100.

Board Meeting on Nov. 27

The next monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is on Monday, Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public at Lucas DD's Larc Lane Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O) in Toledo.

Game Night for Young Adults on Nov. 28

Join The Ability Center from 6 - 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 for Trivia and Game Night with pizza! Young adults (18-24) are invited to have a blast with trivia, video games, cards, and board games! Click here to reserve your spot!

Dementia Friends on Nov. 28

Looking to become an Ohio Dementia Friend, Dementia Friends Champion, or simply need a refresher? Please join Dementia Friends for a free, virtual session with optional Dementia Friends Champions training on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Attendees interested in becoming a Dementia Friend will participate for the first 75 minutes. Attendees seeking to become a Dementia Friends Champion will participate for the entire 2.5 hours. Pre-registration is required, click here to pre-register. For more details, click here.

Autism Play and Support Group on Nov. 29

Avenues for Autism is having their Autism Play and Parent Support Group at Sylvania Playland from 6 - 8 p.m. on Nov. 29. This is a space for children to explore and socialize in a supportive environment while parents connect. Cost is $5 per evening. Click here to register.

Ohio Association of County Boards Annual Convention Nov. 29 - Dec. 1

It's OACB's 40th Anniversary and they are looking forward to the future by bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to boost productivity, embrace new technologies, and harness the power of AI. OACB wants to give people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend the conference FREE OF CHARGE! You must register by Nov. 17. Click here for further details and to complete the registration form! 

Mom's Munch and Mingle on Nov. 30

Join the Ability Center for a casual meet up with other moms - eat, chat, and relax for a moment! Wear your best leggings or do your hair if you want - just come take a breath from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (or as long as you can get away) on Nov. 30. They encourage you to find a sitter for the littles so that you and others can have a kid-free lunch. If you'd like, make something special for yourself or a friend at our free gift making stations. Cost: $15 lunch, and gift making included. Limited space, registration required. Click here to register! For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann, Youth Family Services Coordinator at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or 419.885-5733. 

Assistive Technology To Empower Individuals with Special Needs Dec.4

Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West is sponsoring a FREE presentation for parents/professionals on Dec. 4, 6 - 7 p.m. Learn about innovative technology to create independence for students planning for postsecondary transition and beyond. Sections 5 & 7 of the IEP will be discussed as the fuel for planning a strong transition plan. Tips will also be discussed on how to incorporate assistive technology within the IEP. The presenters are occupational therapy practitioners at the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Lending programs and resources will be shared. Click here for full details. REGISTER HERE

Lucas DD Snowy Social Dec. 6

Lucas DD's Early Intervention department is having a Snowy Social, a celebration of all things snowy and winter! This inclusive, family-friendly event is from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 6 and will feature a variety of different activities and overall is geared towards young children. It is free and open to the community! All abilities are welcome. Click here for more details. Pre-register for this event for a chance to win a Kroger gift card! Click here to pre-register. 

DSAGT Adopt-a-Family Application Open

In 2022, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) started an Adopt-a-Family Holiday Program, and they were able to help 8 families during the holiday season. This year they hope to help even more! Whether you need a little help this time of year or have the means to provide assistance, you can participate in making the season a little brighter for everyone. DSAGT families in their service area who are requesting assistance for the 2023 season are welcome to apply by Nov. 12. Applications received after November 12th cannot be guaranteed. Click here for full details and the application.

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.

Letter from a Role Model

Disability EmpowHer Network connects girls with disabilities from across the country to receive a personalized letter from a positive disabled woman role model! They match girls with role models based on their backgrounds, interests, disabilities, and personalities! Do you know a girl who could use a letter? Tell them about her here! Are you a disabled woman interested in being a role model? Sign up here!

Assistive Access Simplifies Apple Devices for Older Adults

Apple launched its new mobile operating systems for iPhone and iPad last month – iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. A highly anticipated feature called Assistive Access greatly simplifies the iPhone and iPad home screens, and core apps like Phone, Camera, Photos, and others. Assistive Access could be a game-changer for older adults or persons with mild cognitive impairment using iPhones and iPads, enabling them to more easily use Apple devices. Click here to learn more.

Google Rolls Out Accessibility Enhancements

“Google is looking to make it easier for people with disabilities to interact with the world around them.” From Google Maps offering wheelchair-accessible routes to an option called Lens which is for people with vision impairments, there are some useful updates. Click here to read more.