Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

Vaccine Clinic Registration Ends Today

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with ABC Health Care Inc., The Drug Store of Perrysburg, and the Area Office on Aging, is offering a flu and COVID vaccine clinic 2-6 p.m. on Jan. 18 at its LLC Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Door O) in Toledo. Vaccines are available for individuals served by the Board and their families/caregivers, providers and direct staff, as well as Board employees. If interested, please register by today by calling ABC Health Care at 419-893-9700. No walk-ins, and you must have a valid ID and insurance card with you on the day of the clinic.

Wealth and Wisdom Jan. 17 (virtual)

January's Wealth & Wisdom Topic is: STABLE accounts. This free class, from 6-7:30 p.m. on January 17, is presented by Lucas DD as part of our Wealth and Wisdom series. In January, this class is virtual only. Presenters: Lucas County Board of DD Community Work Incentives Counselor and Lucas County self-advocates. Click here if you would like to pre-register for the Zoom session. Those who pre-register have a chance to ask questions in advance!

Lucas DD Board Meeting Jan. 22

2024's first monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be on January 22 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.

Lucas DD Offering DODD Category ONE Certification

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is offering DODD Category ONE Certification Course Delegated Nursing. The monthly classes are free of charge to area Providers and their Direct Care staff. The 2-day trainings will be at our Larc Lane Training Center. To achieve certification, you must attend both days of the course. Seating is limited to 12 per class. Click here to sign up! The Clearwater Council of Governments also offering the same course on alternative dates at our Larc Lane Training Center. Click here for more information.

Little Lightning Bowling Registration is Open

Registered Special Olympic Athletes, ages 8 – 16 who have a current medical/physical on file with SO staff that was signed by a physician within the past 3 years, can now register for a 6-week winter session of bowling. This will run on Thursdays from 4 - 5 p.m. starting January 18. Registration by January 15 required. The cost of shoes and bowling will be covered by Lucas County Special Olympics. Athletes are permitted to use ramps to assist them if needed. Click here for full details and to register!

SALUTE Feb. 12

The next SALUTE meeting will be on February 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at our Larc Lane campus (Training Room). Light refreshments will be served! In February's meeting, Wood County will be facilitating a technology focus group. They are seeking feedback regarding technolgy needs in Northwest Ohio. Click here for details. You can attend in person or via zoom. Contact Deetra Mitchell at dmitchell@lucasdd.org for the zoom link or if you have any questions.

Common Ground Feb. 13

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. The second session of 2024 is on Tuesday, February 13 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at our Larc Lane campus (Training Center). Click here for full details. Questions? Contact your Service and Support Specialist or click here to email Deborah Tyree.

Family Ties Q & A Meeting Feb. 15

The first Family Ties meeting will be on Thursday, February 15 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Lucas DD. This parent support group is for parents, guardians, and caregivers of individuals (no matter their age). The inaugural meeting will be a basic question and answer format with light refreshments. Click here for full details.

Introducing Family Ties, Parent Support Group!

Lucas DD is excited to announce a NEW Parent Support Group called Family Ties! We are currently asking for input from parents, guardians, and caregivers who are interested in attending. Family Ties will help families make connections build a network that they can lean on for support. Don't miss your chance to be a formative part the group - just click here and take the survey to help determine the details about Family Ties!

Board Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday

The offices of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. Lucas DD is still here to support you. For emergency assistance, or to report a MUI, please contact the On-Call Service & Support Specialist at (419) 380-5100.

Super Saturday Dance tomorrow night

The next Super Saturday Dance is tomorrow from 7 - 9 p.m.! The dance is on the Second Saturday of every month and is just for individuals with special needs and their caregivers, who must be present. 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. Click here to register.

Toledo TOPSoccer on Sunday

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 at the Maumee Soccer Centre on January 14 from 2 - 3 p.m. Registration required. Click here for more information and to register.

Night to Shine Toledo: registration open

Cornerstone Church is proud to be an official host church for Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience on February 9, 2024, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. If you would like to be an honored guest for this evening, click here to fill out the form. Space is limited, registrations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

OpenSpot Theatre Workshop Registration is Open

The University of Toledo (Disability Studies and Theatre and Film) is collaborating with OpenSpot Theatre for a 14-week acting workshop for adults with developmental disabilities. Participants will work with UT students and trained facilitators to learn singing, dancing, and acting skills. The workshop culminates with a production written by and starring the students themselves! Classes start next Thursday (Jan. 18) and run every Thursday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the UToledo Center for the Performing Arts. To learn more and sign up, visit OpenSpot’s registration page. Please note there is a suggested class fee, but this is not required to participate.

Autism Play and Support Group Jan. 24

Avenues for Autism is having their Autism Play and Parent Support Group at Sylvania Playland on Wednesday, January 24 from 4 - 6 p.m. 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 .

SibShops Jan. 27

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 Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

Toledo Walleye Hockey Game Mar. 8 - Reduced Tickets Available

Partners for Inclusion has a limited supply of tickets for a Walleye game to sell at half-price to persons receiving services and their companions. Please contact Michelle at 419-476-6307 or connectingpeopleplaces@gmail.com to secure your tickets.

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!

DODD's Wellness Project

In the spirit of the New Year and prioritizing wellness, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has launched a Wellness Project. The Wellness Project is a collection of resources and practices to support and enhance your individual and organizational wellness and resilience. It includes a holistic system of wellness activities such as reading, listening, watching, cooking, connecting, moving, breathing, and resting. Watch this short introduction video and then enjoy exploring! Click here to access the Wellness Project.

Connecting Families to DODD and Family Resources

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has a page on their website to help connect families to the resources they need. You'll find links to the DODD Facebook page, Family Advisory Council, Family Resource Network, and more. Click here to see DODD's resource page.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP helps Ohioans with a gross annual income of $22,540 for a single-person household and $30,485 for a two-person household to pay their heating bills. Applied directly to the customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill, the benefit can help manage heating costs. Ohioans can visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider (EAP). Applications must be received by May 31, 2024. Click here to learn more.

Inclusive Peer Buddies Program Registration is Open

In 2023, Courageous Community Services (CCS) launched a revolutionary Peer Buddies pilot program. Peer Buddies are neurotypical, non-disabled kids ages 7-17 who join CCS for their two-day camps. Peer Buddies act as friends and role models to our campers. The program was so successful last summer that they are opening enrollment again to the community. Click here to sign up (pick a session; cost is $100).

Glass City TOPSoccer volunteers

Love soccer and want to help with a new program starting January 21? Volunteers are paired with a TOPSoccer athlete to assist and encourage them throughout the activities. This allows TOPSoccer players to have a positive and inclusive experience playing soccer. Please email glasscitytopsoccer@gmail.com to get involved.

Night to Shine Volunteers needed

Volunteering at Night to Shine is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to serve others and make a difference in the lives of people with special needs. Night to Shine is on February 9, 2024 from 6 - 9 p.m. There are many opportunities to be a part of the big evening, from being a buddy to working behind the scenes. Join Cornerstone Church in spreading love and joy as they celebrate and honor each individual. Click here for full details.