Lucas DD Annual Board Meeting Monday

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 (zoom starts at 6 p.m.). 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.

Removing Communication Barriers For Ohioans With Disabilities

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) collaborated with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, law enforcement partners, and the Deaf community to create a communication card. This tool is available to help Ohioans who are Deaf or hard of hearing and law enforcement to communicate with each other effectively. The card can be downloaded onto a phone or printed and stored inside a vehicle, wallet, or purse. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can point to various pictures on the card more easily communicate with law enforcement. Click here to learn more.

National Roadmap for Disability-Inclusive Healthcare Available

The National Roadmap for Disability-Inclusive Healthcare is a plan for clinicians to give the best healthcare possible to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Roadmap provides clear goals and commonsense actions that different groups can take to inspire change among both practicing clinicians and clinicians-in-training. The Roadmap is a plan for clinicians to learn how to give the best healthcare possible to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Created by the Action to Build Clinical Confidence and Culture (ABC3) Coalition, the Roadmap included input from people with IDD, their care partners and caregivers, clinicians, and other healthcare leaders. Click here to read more or download the Roadmap.

Early Intervention announces dates for Summer Playgroups

The Lucas DD Early Intervention team has opened pre-registration for their Summer Playgroup series. The dates are June 5 at the Toledo Botanical Gardens, June 24 at the Zoo, July 10 at Side Cut Metropark, July 31 at Glass City Metropark, and August 12 at Sylvania Playland. Playgroups are ideal for those up to 6 years old, but ALL ages and abilities are welcome to attend. Those who pre-register and check-in with staff upon arrival will be entered to win fun prizes. Click here for full details and registration links.

Options for Tomorrow Registration Open

Did you know that Lucas DD has a program directly addressing future care planning for families and individuals with disabilities? It is called Options for Tomorrow. If you want to be proactive in planning for emergencies and future care for loved one with special needs, then please register for a free presentation. Learn about this vital program that can help give you peace of mind that your loved one will be cared for according to your standards. You can select from two presentation times, May 20, 9:30 - 11 a.m.: Click here to register, or May 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m.: Click here to register.

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. 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. 

Spectrum Sailing Registration is Open

Join Spectrum Sailing for a FREE 3-day sailing camp, June 11-13! Twenty autistic children (ages 10-17 years old) will have the opportunity to attend and learn how to sail. These camps provide opportunities for skill development, social interaction, and confidence building. Sailors will learn knots, parts of the boat, why the boat sails, and most importantly, how to sail! Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.

Complimentary Inclusive Jumping at Get Air tomorrow morning

The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation is offering a complimentary jumping session for all abilities and families tomorrow morning, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.! Must sign waiver to participate. Click here to complete the waiver.

Sensory-Friendly Morning tomorrow 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.

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 from 2 - 3 p.m. on April 21. Registration required. Click here for more information and to register. If you have any questions during this registration, please email toledotopsoccer@gmail.com

Moving to Adult Healthcare Webinar April 23

Ohio Family to Family has created new resources to help teens or adults with disabilities get ready to move into adult health care. This is also for family members, teachers, transition coordinators or other professionals who help youth and young adults make the move to adult health care. This virtual training is on Tuesday, April 23 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Training is free of charge, but registration is required. Questions? Contact: Amy.Clawson@cchmc.org 513-803-2419. Click here to register.

Open Spot Theatre Performance April 25

Two cowboys are the focus of an original comedy titled “The Audition.” The show is the culmination of a six-week program through UT's Department of Theatre and Film and the Disability Studies Program. The performance is at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in UToledo’s Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre. A conversation with actors and a reception will immediately follow. Visitor parking requires payment through the ParkMobile app, a parking meter or a daily permit via ParkUToledo. Visit the ParkUToledo website for more information.

Wood County DD's Assistive Technology Fair April 26

Wood County Board of DD is collaborating with Owens Community College to have an Assistive Technology Fair! This fair is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26. This is a FREE event that is open to the public. Click here to see the flyer with all the details. Any questions, please contact Sarah at sheldmann@woodcountydd.org

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

Bid for the Roses April 26

Please join Luther Home of Mercy on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. for Bid for the Roses. This Kentucky Derby-themed celebration includes hearty grazing stations, desserts, beverages and amazing live and silent auctions. In addition to the regular line-up, they are excited to add live music! All funds raised will be used to provide direct care and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across their 24 locations in Ohio. For full details or to buy tickets, click here.

Sibshops April 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 April 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo. To register with Wendy Smenner, click here. For more information, click here.

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.

Dental Care for Children with Special Needs 

Grottoes International Humanitarian Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with special needs by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helps cover the cost of dental treatment and anesthesia costs, whether done in a hospital setting or dental office. They do not cover the hospital costs. Click here for more information.

Homeschooling Resource

The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a nonprofit advocacy organization that makes homeschooling possible, even for those with special needs. Click here to learn more.

iCanConnect helps those with vision and/or hearing loss

iCanConnect provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines. iCanConnect is a national program with local contacts that helps people stay connected to friends, family and the world. People eligible for iCanConnect receive an assessment to identify solutions to support their distance communication goals. Then, participants are provided equipment and training that meets their needs. Examples include smartphones, tablets, computers, and braille devices. 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.

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.

Survey for Disability-Owned Businesses

The World Institute on Disability (WID) is currently engaged in a research project to better support disability-owned businesses. Your participation in a brief survey will help efforts to support disability-owned businesses grow and thrive. This survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete, depending on the length of your written responses. Please note – this survey discusses various resources that you may or may not know about. At the end of the survey, you will see a link to a resource page that will provide more information on all of the resources mentioned. Please click here to complete the survey.

Survey for Caregivers in Ohio

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are looking for caregivers to take part in a voluntary study to understand their experiences as caregivers of individuals with disabilities in Ohio. Please take 5-10 minutes to fill out the survey. Click here for more information about this study or to take the survey.