Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

Lucas DD Board Meeting Monday

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will begin at 6 p.m. on August 26. The meeting is open to the public at Lucas DD's Larc Lane Training Center, 1155 Larc Lane (Entrance O) in Toledo.

Move to the Groove on Wednesday at August Rec Jam

The always-popular Lucas DD Rec Jam is 7-9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania. No registration required. See you there on the dance floor!

Change the Language Training August 29

Words matter and do make a difference, not only how we say something but what we say. This training, 1-2 p.m. on Aug. 29 at Lucas DD, will focus on common words used today such as “behavior,” “biter,” “allowance,” “attention-seeking” and instead put a focus on person-centered language we can and should be using in order to respect those we work with. Andrea Jaworski, Director of Residential Services for Assured Health Services will be facilitating the training. CEUs are available. To register, email Mellisa Merritt or call 419-381-5300.

Lucas DD Tech Room Open House August 29

If you are curious about how technology can help you, then you are in luck! Join Lucas DD's tech team for their first drop-in event from 2 - 3 p.m. on August 29. You can ask questions, try out various tech tools, and figure out if technology can help you live your best life. Free and open to individuals, staff, providers, families, and anyone with an interest in assistive technology. Any questions or want to come at a different time? Just reach out to our tech team at technology@lucasdd.org.

Lucas DD Closed on Labor Day

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor 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.

SALUTE Meeting September 9

Join Lucas DD's self-advocacy group for their monthly meeting from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Sept. 9. September's guest speaker is Keith Jesse & “K9 Ian” Community Safety Program for People with Disabilities Jesse is a former Auxiliary Police Sergeant. Please contact Deetra Kelly at dkelly@lucasdd.org with any questions.

Lucas DD Family & Advocate Forum Sept. 10

Join Lucas DD department directors for our quarterly Family & Advocate Forum from 9:30- 11 a.m. on September 10. Learn more about legislative updates and waiver changes that took place over the summer, as well as other happenings locally at the Board.

The Lucas DD Family & Advocate Forum is open to individuals served, their families, providers, and any other advocates in the I/DD system to meet and have conversations with Board leadership. Can't make it in person? Join us live via Zoom! Email marketing@lucasdd.org for the link.

Common Ground Social Group on September 10

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. The next gathering is from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, at our Larc Lane campus (Training Room). Questions? Contact your Service and Support Specialist or click here to email Deborah Tyree.

Lucas DD Announces Grant Funding For Adult Changing Tables

Lucas DD Adult Changing Table Grants of up to $20,000 are available for Lucas County businesses interested in installing or modifying changing tables in restrooms for use by adults with developmental disabilities. “We want to continue to help foster a community where everyone feels included and valued,” said Lucas DD Superintendent Michele Myerholtz. “Our agency is thrilled to launch this grant program, which will help businesses remove barriers and expand opportunities for all residents and visitors of Lucas County." Click here to learn more and apply!

Lucas DD's Tech Team Scheduled Monthly Drop-In Days

Join Lucas DD's tech team for a drop-in event from 2 - 3 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month (excluding holidays). You can ask questions, try out various tech tools, and figure out if technology can help you live your best life. Any questions or want to come at a different time? Just reach out to our tech team at technology@lucasdd.org.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is Open

If you are a Special Olympics athlete over the age of 16, you should have the latest Lucas County Lightning newsletter in your inbox! Click here to see the newsletter. You'll find information about the signups for Football (Flag and Unified), Powerlifting, Walking Group, and Healthy Athletes. Must register before Friday, August 30 to participate.

Free Youth Golf Clinics at First Tee

First Tee has teamed up with Lucas County Special Olympics to bring young athletes two FREE golf clinics, on September 3 and 5. Space is limited, and registration is required. Click on the headline for details.

Lucas DD Transition Fair has been scheduled!

The Transition Fair is officially scheduled! Mark your calendars to join us at St. Lukes Auditorium from 5pm – 8pm on Wednesday, Nov. 13. You'll find information about guardianship, graduation requirements, money management, and more. There will be speakers as well as vendors related to transition age youth. The focus is families with individuals over 16, but truly anyone who is thinking about the future for their child is welcome to attend.

Autism Power Hour Registration is Open

The Autism Center at OCALI is pleased to host Autism Power Hour, FREE virtual professional development sessions which focus on a variety of topics to help professionals and family members gain a better understanding of how to address barriers that prevent autistic people from engaging in a purposeful life. When provided with the right support and interventions, people with autism can flourish. Learn about characteristics and best practices to foster learning and growth that meets individual needs of all ages. During these one-hour sessions, participants will have an opportunity to engage and interact with the hosts and other attendees. Sessions run from September until March. Must register by September 12.

The Ability Center Family Fun Day tomorrow

Join The Ability Center for a day of excitement from noon - 3 p.m. on August 24. Bounce houses, bubbles, music, face painting, tree climbing, art activities, story time, snacks, a fire truck, and more will be at The Ability Center’s campus. Families with and without individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend! For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann, Ability Center's Youth Family Services Coordinator, via email at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or by phone at 419-885-5733.

TOPSoccer on Sunday

US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. The next (free) session is Sunday from 2-3 p.m. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive. They have a new registration program. Click headline for details.

Special Needs Dance

Join the Autism Society of NW Ohio at the United Methodist Church for an End of Summer Special Needs Dance! On August 31, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the dance is from 6 - 8 p.m. Pizza will be served, caregivers are required to stay. Must RSVP.

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!

OpenSpot and Inclusive Theatre This Fall At UT

OpenSpot is coming back to the University of Toledo this fall! The University of Toledo (Disability Studies and Theatre and Film) is collaborating with OpenSpot Theatre for a 6-week acting workshop for adults with developmental disabilities. Work with UT students and trained facilitators to learn singing, dancing, and acting skills. The workshop ends with a performance that you will write and star in! Fall classes run Thursdays 5:30-6:30 at the UT Center for Performing Arts from Sept. 12 through Oct. 24. To learn more and sign up, visit OpenSpot’s registration page. There is a suggested class fee, but no one is turned away if they are not able to pay.

Free Back-to-School Haircuts for children with DD

One more week of free haircuts for children with developmental disabilities, next Tuesday and Wednesday. Supervision and transportation not provided. Appointment required, call 419-320-0758.

WonderFold Special Needs Discount Program

WonderFold is offering families who have a member with special needs a 25% discount on any WonderFold wagon and accessories of your choosing! Must have a licensed medical provider include a note verifying the special needs of your family member.

Removing Communication Barriers for Ohioans with Disabilities

A communication card is available to help individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and police officers communicate with each other. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), and statewide law enforcement partners developed the communication card to help individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing safely exchange information with law enforcement.

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.

We Thrive Together

WE THRIVE TOGETHER is an Ohio based non-profit organization. Since the beginning of the pandemic, We Thrive Together has hosted over 6,000 virtual programs including games, classes, virtual trips, advocacy training, educational presentations, arts & crafts, discussion groups, parties, and so much more.

Individuals in all 88 counties in Ohio and from over 18 states, Canada, and Mexico have participated in We Thrive Together programming. Check out all the free virtual programming available to you and your friends during the day, at night, and on the weekends. Consider this your personal invitation to Talk, Laugh, Play, Sweat, Draw, Dance and Connect with awesome people and make new friends.

Don’t miss out on all fun. Join individually or as a group from home, school, work, or day center — and don’t forget to invite a friend. To see a list of upcoming events click here, email us at Alyssa@WeThriveTogether.org or call us Toll Free at (866) 584-5640.

Bed Bug Resources

Are bed bugs driving you buggy? Recent outbreaks of bed bugs across the US have been reported by multiple news sources. Here in Lucas County, we have had numerous infestations of individuals' homes and many providers have inquired about resources available for dealing with infestations of these bloodthirsty little critters. The US Environmental Protection Agency offers a variety of informational resources related to bed bugs. These include tips on how to identify and treat for bed bugs; including a Do-it-yourself guide, as well as a searchable list of EPA approved bed bug eradication products. You will also find myth-busting information and Top Ten List of tips related to the control of bed bugs.

Lucas DD seeks Human Rights Committee Participants

Lucas DD is seeking individuals, family members, guardians and/or providers to actively participate in our Human Rights Committee (HRC).

Monthly HRC meetings are hybrid on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Members are only required to attend one HRC meeting per month. Members can attend in person at Lucas DD or online via Zoom.
Members are provided information the week prior via email regarding individuals being presented at HRC.
Committee members should review the provided information (OISP and Behavior Assessment) prior to HRC meeting.

Committee Members discuss how to ensure:

Individuals with developmental disabilities are supported in a caring and responsive manner that promotes dignity, respect, and trust; that they are equal citizens with the same rights and personal freedoms granted to Ohioans without developmental disabilities.
Their services and supports are based on an understanding of the individual and the reasons for the individuals' actions
Effort is directed at creating opportunities for individuals to exercise choice in matters affecting their everyday lives and supporting individuals to make choices that yield positive outcomes; and
Restrictive measures are used only when necessary to keep people safe and always in conjunction with positive measures.

Individuals who receive, or are eligible to receive, specialized services receive a $50 payment per session attended! If you are interested in being part of this committee, please email Sarah Dodson.

Nominate someone for a Synergy Award!

The Synergy Committee is seeking nominations for several awards that will be given out at the SYNERGY Conference in October. This is YOUR chance to nominate ANYONE who is making a difference! It is important to take the time to recognize outstanding people that go above and beyond.

Who can be nominated in each of the award categories? EVERYONE! It can be an advocate, family member, person served, local partner, a provider or DSP, a county board staff person, a teacher, legislator, a community member, an employer, or anyone else who you think is deserving of one of these awards. Deadline for ALL nominations is August 27.

Ohio Family Resource Network Survey

This survey will help the Ohio Family Resource Network better understand the experience of families and community partners as they connect with the Ohio Family Network organizations. Family Networks help connect families who have family members with disabilities, so they feel less isolated and better supported. They encourage families to have high expectations for their family members with disabilities and envision bright futures where they are active community members. They also work within local communities to help community resources better welcome and support all families.

Your input helps them plan and advocate for future support to families. Please respond no later than Monday, September 30, 2024.