Family Ties Support Group April 18

Lucas DD has a new Parent Support Group in 2024 called Family Ties! The next meeting is April 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Lucas DD. We are still 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. Click here and take the survey to help determine the details about Family Ties. Light snacks will be served. If you cannot attend this meeting in person, click here to join via zoom. Please email familyties@lucasdd.org with any questions.

Lucas DD Annual Board Meeting April 22

The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities beings at 6 p.m. on April 22. This meeting is open to the public at Lucas DD's Larc Lane Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O) in Toledo. We will debut our annual year in review video highlighting the Board’s major achievements in 2023 and goals and priorities for 2024. We will also be recognizing several Community Partners as well as our Staff Person of the Year, Manager of the Year, Self-Advocate of the Year, and the prestigious Spirit Award for lifetime of service and advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities.

Wealth & Wisdom April 24

April's class is on April 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the topic is: All about STABLE Accounts. Learn about how you can save money and build wealth without losing access to means-tested benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. See if you qualify for the $25 bonus being granted by the Treasurer's office this month! This free class is offered both in-person and virtually. In-person attendees are offered a free meal. Click here to pre-register!

Rec Jam on April 25

Join Lucas DD as we bring our Rec Jam indoors! This free event on April 25 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. is open to anyone 18+ and no registration is required. Concessions will be available for purchase! Questions? Email jautullo@lucasdd.org or call 419-380-5124. Click here for more details.

Goodwill Donation Drive to benefit Lucas DD FAN Network

Time to clean out your closets! On April 28 or 29, drop off gently used items to any Toledo-area Goodwill store or donation station and mention its on behalf of Lucas DD and its FAN Network. For each donation, Goodwill is giving a voucher to individuals served by the Board in need of clothing and household items. Click here to learn more.

Incentive to Open Stable Account in April

April is ABLE to Save Month, and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is using the occasion to tout the life-changing benefits of opening and maintaining a STABLE account. ABLE to Save Month is a national campaign that shines a light on ABLE programs across the country and how they enhance financial independence for people living with disabilities. Beginning April 1, 2024, STABLE Account will match the first $25 that an eligible Ohioan contributes when opening a new account. This matched contribution will provide new STABLE accountholders with an instantaneous boost toward growing their money. Click here to learn more.   

Toledo is coming closer to being a Certified Autism Destination

Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) became the first transit agency department in Ohio to become a Certified Autism Center. It's a part of a goal to make Toledo more autism friendly. TARTA is making sure all 275 staff undergo autism-specific courses to offer more accommodating services. Click here to read more.

Game Night with People First tonight

People First of Toledo is having a game night from 5 - 7:30 p.m. tonight! They'll have board games, card games, yard games, air hockey, or bring your own favorite game to play that! Please RSVP to quinnt@ccsohio.org. Click here to see more details.

Miracle League Registration Sunday

Miracle League's annual registration day will take place on Sunday, April 14 from 1 - 3 p.m. in Northwood. Players register for the 2024 Spring and Fall seasons and get a new uniform (if needed). If you do not need a new uniform and would just rather scan and e-mail your registration form, please contact Jeff Barton at barton114@buckeye-express.com.. The $25 registration fee will be waived for those who register with Miracle League on or before April 14! Click here for full details.

Glass City TOPSoccer Sunday

The Glass City TOPSoccer Program is having their next session on April 14 from 2 - 3 p.m. This 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. Click here for full details. For athlete registration (which is required), please click here. 

Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Series begins Monday

DODD is launching a 4-part Remote Support and Assistive Technology Spring Training Webinar Series. The first session is on April 15, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m. and is titled “Assessing Needs and How They Can Be Met through Tech.” This initial webinar will detail best practices concerning assessing people’s needs and ensuring those needs connect with the tech-related supports that meet them. For details about the series, click here. To register for the April 15 webinar, click here.

Autism Parent Support Group on Tuesday

The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio is hosting a parent support group on April 16 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.! They will provide dinner and a guest speaker, Cicely Watkins, from the Family Support Network will speak about money management, financial assistance, parenting support, and family coaching. Click here to see the flyer with full details. Click here to register!

Sensory-Friendly Morning on April 20 at the NMGL

The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) offers an inclusive and serene environment for families and individuals with sensory sensitivities to explore and enjoy their exhibits during Sensory Friendly Mornings! During Sensory Friendly Mornings, visitors can expect: Limited crowds to ensure a peaceful visit, dim lighting for a calming ambiance, and reduced or eliminated exhibit sounds to minimize auditory stimulation. The next Sensory Friendly Mornings is on April 20, from 9-10 a.m. Click here for more details.

ASNO Parents' Night Out April 26

Join the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio for their Spring Parents' Night Out! This event is from 5:30 - 9 p.m. on April 26 at the Inspired Lumbar Workshop, and while the details about the specific project are being determined, they are sure you will have a great time. Click here to RSVP and you'll have fun AND make something cool. If prompted for a password, please use: ASNOSpring

Epilepsy Scholarship Available

The 2024-2025 Epilepsy Foundation of Northwest Ohio Scholarship is available! Eligible applicants must be a college-bound high school senior or current college student residing in the Northwest Ohio area. Applicant must have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, be under a physician's care, and currently undergoing treatment and/or taking anticonvulsant medications. Applicants must demonstrate a struggle to overcome adversity because of their epilepsy or seizures. Click here to learn more or apply.

Blessings in Disguise

​Blessings in Disguise Inc. is a 100% volunteer based 501(c )(3) non- profit organization. Their mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare by providing free medical equipment to those in need, empowering them to maintain independence and well-being. Whether it's a senior seeking mobility aids, a veteran requiring specialized equipment, or an individual with disabilities facing financial barriers, they stand committed to delivering a helping hand. Click here to learn more.

Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation Grants & Scholarships

The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation’s (BRPF) goal is to find a cure for paralysis through funding the latest in medical research and to provide assistance to those that suffer from neurological disorders. Charitable grants are given out to individuals suffering from paralysis to live a more independent and fulfilling life. To apply please go to their Charitable Grant Application page. Scholarships are awarded to individuals suffering paralysis or a child of somebody that is for higher education. To apply, please go to their Scholarship Application page.

Flyin Ryan Foundation

The Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation exists to extend the impact of the life of Ryan Hawks, to help people create a strong sense of self by exploring their personal Core Values, and to inspire others to do the same. Do you have a dream, a goal or an adventure that you are passionate about? Do you need some help to accomplish it? Consider the Flyin Ryan Adventure Scholarship Program. Click here to learn more.

Health Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO)

HERO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to focus on practices that sustainably provide medical equipment and supplies to enhance the quality of life. They accomplish this by recycling through redistribution locally and globally, engaging in partnerships that support their efforts, and managing retail and resale operations. HERO has become an important resource particularly for seniors, disabled children and adults, individuals who are financially struggling, and people who are looking for a good deal for medical supplies. Click here to learn more..

Lucas DD Parent Support

To learn about additional grants and funding resources such as the ones above, please reach out to Tammy Eisenreich at teisenreich@lucasdd.org or 419-356-3824.

Help Shape the Future of Lucas DD!

As we begin to develop our new 3-year Strategic Plan, we are reaching out to key customers, partners and stakeholders to provide us with valuable information that will be used by our Strategic Planning Team to help shape the future of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. 

Please take a few minutes to answer these 5 quick questions, which you can access by clicking this link or scanning the QR code. Your responses will be completely anonymous.

Thank you in advance for providing us this critical information that will help shape the future of Lucas DD.

Local Podcast Seeks Individuals to Tell Their Stories

The podcast, Telling It Our Way, is looking for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their stories about family, work, advocacy, and more. The podcast is part of WGTE's "Voices Around Us" Podcast Series. Recordings start soon! Please email Ally Day or Becca Monteleone if you are interested in learning more. Click here to listen to Season 1 episodes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation requests public comments

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or the Department) is proposing to strengthen its rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to address the serious problems that individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs and scooters face when traveling by air that impact their safety and dignity, including mishandled wheelchairs and scooters and improper transfers to and from aircraft seats, aisle chairs, and personal wheelchairs. Click here to read more and/or submit your comments. Deadline is May 13.

Help Celebrate Fathers Throughout Ohio

Celebrate dads with DODD this June by participating in a video celebration of the dad or father figure in your life! Join people with disabilities and family members throughout Ohio in submitting a 15-30-second video of you sharing about the dad in your family. Videos can be recorded with your phone and included in a compilation video to be released in June. Feel free to use any form of communication (Speech, ASL, communication devices, etc.) and share information about your dad. All the details and video tips can be found here. Videos are due May 31, 2024. They look forward to including your video about the dad or father figure in your life. 

Ohio Employment Integration Survey from WID

The World Institute on Disability (WID) is gathering information on knowledge and resources related to benefits and employment for Ohioans with an interest in disability employment. The survey is part of WID’s Ohio DB101 Integration Project, made possible through funding from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. The overall goal is to gather information on the current status of disability employment services in Ohio, make recommendations based on the identified needs of Ohioans, and provide training on integrating Disability Benefits into service provision through state-wide collaborations. If you have additional questions, please email gina@wid.org. Click here to learn more or take the survey.