Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

Lucas DD Board Meeting Monday

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 is also offering the same course on alternative dates at our Larc Lane Training Center. Click here for more information.

Little Lightning Rock Climbing Feb. 6

This is your chance to give rock climbing a try! If you are between the ages of 8-17 with a special needs diagnosis and did not sign up for the last session, then you are invited to join us for a FREE rock-climbing session! Must register and sign waiver. CLICK HERE 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 Room). 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.

Community Movie Event Feb. 17

Come one, come all! Join us for this free community event from the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Open to people of all ages and abilities! Doors open at 1 p.m. and we'll be showing Disney/Pixar's Elemental starting at 1:30 p.m. 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 and build a network that they can lean on for support. Don't miss your chance to be a formative part the group - click here and take the survey to help determine the details about Family Ties!

Board Closed for Presidents Day

The offices of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 for Presidents 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.

Vendor Registration Now Open for Inclusion Resource Fair

Save the Date! Our Inclusion Resource Fair will be from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on March 13, 2024 at St. Luke's Auditorium. Lucas DD is currently registering inclusive programs to participate in this event. It is FREE for everyone to participate but registration is required for vendors (stay tuned for pre-registration for families). Click here if you are a vendor and would like to reserve a spot at the Inclusion Resource Fair.

Glass City TOPSoccer on Sunday

The Glass City 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 PaceSetter Soccer Club on January 21 from 2 - p.m. Registration required. Click here to register.

RallyCap Basketball Sessions Start Sunday

BGSU's RallyCap Sports is having inclusive basketball sessions for athletes ages 5+! These events will take place on Sundays: January 21, 28 and February 4 (all from 3-4 p.m.) Click here for full details. They hope to see you there! Please click here 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.

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 .

Project STIR Self-love Webinar Jan. 25

Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility) often hosts leadership trainings by and for people with disabilities. Join them for a day of learning and practicing self-love and self-confidence on January 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Click here to register.

Open Sensory Play Next Weekend

Come have some fun with Special Ninjas! Take advantage of their therapeutic equipment and enjoy open play with your special needs child. Work on social skills and fill sensory needs. Have fun while climbing, crawling through the tunnel, and balancing on the beam. Get deep pressure with weighted balls, jump and weave through obstacles, and have a relaxing time on the swings. All in their sensory friendly environment! Full details here. Click here to register for your one-hour block (various hours available January 26-28).

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!

Computers for Ohioans with Disabilities

Assistive Technology of Ohio has a statewide program that helps people with disabilities obtain their own computer for a very reduced cost. 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.

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 Autistic Self Advocacy Network

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a nonprofit organization that seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us! 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.