Friday Update: May 3, 2024

Help Shape the Future of Lucas DD!

Lucas DD is asking customers, partners, and stakeholders in the community — individuals served, families, providers, school districts, community partners, any Lucas County taxpayer — to provide us feedback about the Board. If you have already taken the survey, thank you for your input. If you have not, please take a few minutes to answer 5 simple questions that will be used to support the development of our new Strategic Plan. Your responses will be anonymous. The survey will close May 15, 2024. 

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.

Special Olympics Regional Games on Sunday!

Looking for something fun to do on Sunday? Come out to the Northwest Ohio Regional Games at Findlay High School, where Lucas DD athletes will be participating in Track/Field, Bocce Ball and Volleyball. Athletes who participate in Regionals have the chance to advance to the state games this summer. Come support our Lucas County Lightning athletes! If you would like to volunteer (a variety positions available and a free lunch for volunteers who are there all day), please click here. 

SALUTE Storytellers Summer Workshop begins Monday

Learn to write and perform impactful and entertaining stories of self-advocacy and personal growth for a wide audience. Summer workshop is on Mondays beginning May 6, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. (on SALUTE meeting evenings, the workshop ends at 5:30 p.m.) and continues through July 8, ending with a performance in front of a live audience on Saturday, July 13. This workshop is facilitated by Becca Monteleone, PhD, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies, University of Toledo. Questions? Contact Deetra Kelly at 419-380-5141 or dkelly@lucasdd.org

SALUTE Monthly Meeting May 13

The Lucas DD SALUTE self-advocacy group will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 13 inside the Larc Lane Training Center on our South Toledo campus. May's featured speaker is Erica Harris from the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She will be talking about preparedness during emergencies and disasters.

Common Ground Social Group May 14

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at our Larc Lane campus (Training Room). Questions? Contact your Service and Support Specialist or click here to email Deborah Tyree.

Wealth & Wisdom May 15

This free class is presented by Lucas DD as part of our Wealth and Wisdom series. The topic on May 15 is SSI. You may attend in person or virtually. In-person attendees are offered a free dinner at 5:30 p.m. The presentation/zoom begins at 6 p.m. Click here to join the zoom meeting, or copy/paste: https://lucasdd-org.zoom.us/j/86538139753 Questions? Email us: wealthandwisdom@lucasdd.org.

Family Ties May 16

Lucas DD's Parent Support Group, Family Ties, is having their next meeting on May 16 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 helps families make connections and 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.

TARTA Opens the Youth Summer Blast Pass for 2024

The Youth Summer Blast Pass is intended to help youth aged from 6-19 find independence and allow them to learn how to travel throughout the city. The YSBP is good for unlimited rides on TARTA services from June 1 - August 31 – including fixed route buses, TARTA Flex microtransit and TARPS paratransit – during the summer months. TARTA has both digital and physical passes available for use.

DODD Opens Registration for FAC & DC Joint Meeting

Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Disability Connect (DC) meetings take place regularly and are an opportunity for people with disabilities and family members to connect directly with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Presentations with valuable information and updates will be provided from different divisions and DODD leadership. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 12, participants will engage in activities to provide feedback and cultivate a community of connections. Space is limited! Click here to attend in person (lunch provided). Click here to register for the virtual experience.

Early Intervention Summer Playgroups Pre-Registration is Open

The Lucas DD Early Intervention team is pre-registering families for their inclusive 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.

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. Register for this free presentation to be proactive in planning for emergencies and future care for loved ones with special needs. Get priceless 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.

Spectrum Sailing Registration is Open

Join Spectrum Sailing for a FREE 3-day sailing camp, June 11-13! 20 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.

10th Annual CommUNITY Film Fest Accepting Entries

The deadline to submit your film to be featured in the CommUNITY Film Fest is fast approaching! Entry deadline is May 31. Movies can be up to 5 minutes long and most individuals shoot films on their phone or tablet. The 10th annual CommUNITY Film Fest is scheduled for Aug. 18 at the Maumee Indoor Theater!

SALUTE Seeks Artists for Disability Pride Event in July

In conjunction with the SALUTE Storytellers event, SALUTE is looking for artists who would like to display their art and tell stories about their art. This event will be on Saturday, July 13. Artists will not be selling their items but can provide their contact information if people are interested in purchasing. Please reach out to Deetra Kelly at 419-380-5141 or dkelly@lucasdd.org if you would like to participate.

Lucas DD Receives Vouchers for Individuals in Need

Many thanks to everyone who donated to Goodwill this past Sunday and Monday. Our FAN network received forty-seven $25 Goodwill Vouchers that will be given to our individuals in need! Keep your eye out for future opportunities to make donations.

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. Registration required (click link above).

SSI vs SSDI Presentation on Tuesday

On May 7 from 5:30 - 7 p.m., head to the Ability Center to learn the difference between Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Get your questions answered about employment and maintaining benefits, the difference between SSI for youth under age 18 and adults, and how to report wages to the Social Security Administration. Parents, teens and young adults are welcome to attend. Dinner and beverages included with RSVP! Click here to register. For questions, contact Laurie Kimura at Lkimura@abilitycenter.org or text/call 419-540-9025.

National Council on Disability Meeting Thursday

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress and other federal agencies about disability policy. Register to attend their upcoming virtual Council meeting May 9, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Make-it & Take-it Parent Resource Event Thursday

Go to the Ability Center on May 9 from 6 - 8 p.m. to DIY or pick up those items you never have time to make! Find things to engage your children, manage life and make parenting easier! From toddlers to teens, there will be something for all stages. GRAB and GO or DIY something special- you’ll be able to do both. RSVP so that they know how much to plan for! Click here to register. For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann, Youth Family Services Coordinator at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or 419.885.5733.

Toledo Train Day

Join The Ability Center and the Disability Aging Rail Coalition for a fun and free event in support of increased access to rail services in our region! This event is on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features food trucks, live music and special guests speaking in support of the need for accessible rail services for Toledo and our region. Brought to you by DARC, All Aboard Ohio and The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. Registration recommended.

2024 Inclusive Community and Specialty Programs List

Have you been waiting for the Inclusive Community and Specialty Programs List? Well, it's here! Check out this 15-page document with various programs, there's sure to be something for everyone!

May's Issue of Aging Gracefully

The May issue of Aging Gracefully is ready for your perusal. Click the link above to check out helpful articles, local organizations, resources and even a coupon for the Butterfly House (opening day is today).

DODD's Wellness Project Launched

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, check out DODD's 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. 

Connecting Kids to Meals Program

Community partners have connected with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library to ensure that no one goes hungry. Connecting Kids to Meals provides onsite after-school meals during the school year and lunch during the summer to all youth under 18. There are no income restrictions or registration requirements to participate. Call your preferred library to verify pickup times.

Play-4-All Grant Application is Open

Wood County Plays understands the importance of inclusive play. That's why they've established the Play-4-All Grant, partnering with local schools to fund inclusive play equipment. No child should be hindered by their ability level when playing with their peers. Ggrants are available for schools Pre-K through 12. Take advantage of an opportunity to transform your school playground! Have your child's school apply for the Play-4-All Grant today and make a lasting impact and create a future where every child can play, learn, and thrive together. Deadline to apply is May 31.

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.

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. 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-to-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. Deadline is May 31, 2024.

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.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo Teacher Nomination Form

As the school year comes to an end, DSAGT would like to recognize those teachers who have made a positive impact in our community! Please click above to access the nomination form and share how your child’s teacher has gone above and beyond and made this year so memorable for your family. Deadline is May 8.