Board Closed Monday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be closed Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Lucas DD is still here to support you. For emergency assistance, or to report a MUI, please call the On-Call Service & Support Specialist at (419) 380-5100.

Board Meeting Jan. 27

The next monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 27. The meeting is open to the public at Lucas DD's South Toledo headquarters.

Tech Room Open House Jan. 30

Join Lucas DD's tech team for a drop-in event from 2 - 3 p.m. Jan. 30. You can ask questions, try out various adaptive technology, and figure out if there are ways technology can help you live your best life. Free and open to individuals, staff, providers, families, and anyone with an interest in technology. Any questions or want to come at a different time? Just reach out to our tech team at technology@lucasdd.org

Lucas DD Community Movie Day Feb. 22

Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss seeing Inside Out 2 at the Maumee Indoor Theater! Doors open at 1 p.m. on Feb. 22. Invite your friends, this event is free and open to the community! No registration required.

Lucas DD Inclusion Resource Fair Registration Open

Save the date! Lucas DD's annual Inclusion Resource Fair is 5:30 - 7:30 on March 19 at St. Clement Hall. This inclusive event features many activities, resources, and giveaways, is open to the public, and is FREE to attend. Click here to register!

2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day 

Save the date! 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day is on Tuesday, March 4. Registration for the event at the Ohio Statehouse opens at noon today and is limited to the first 500 people!

Lucas DD 2025 Art Exhibit Makes a Call for Artists

Lucas DD is seeking artwork by individuals with DD to showcase in a public art exhibit. Artwork will be displayed March 24 - 31 at Franklin Park Mall, with an optional "Meet the Artists" event from 1 - 3 p.m. on March 30. Deadline to submit artwork is March 7. Please reach out to marketing@lucasdd.org if you are interested.

IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit

Starting this month, individuals with disabilities can accrue more money than ever before in a special type of account that allows people to save without jeopardizing access to Medicaid and other government benefits. Contributions to ABLE accounts can total up to $19,000 for 2025. That’s an increase from $18,000 last year. Any questions regarding this change, please reach out to Lucas DD's Community Work Incentives Counselor.

Inclusive Climbing Opportunity Jan. 19

Join Avenues for Autism for an inclusive social event from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 19 at Adventus Climbing. While this event is open to climbers of all ages, specific adults/child ratios are required. Click headline for details. Must register, fees apply.

Advocacy 101 Workshop (virtual) Jan. 21

Join We Thrive Together for a virtual advocacy workshop from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Jan. 21. The workshop will cover the following topics: Personal Advocacy, Collective Advocacy, Technology Advocacy, and Building Your Advocacy Army. Click headline for full details and registration link.

Pathways for Pops

Pathways for Pops is excited to announce the Weekend Retreat for fathers on Jan. 24 - 25. This inaugural event is a unique opportunity for fathers of people living with disabilities across Ohio to come together. Pathways for Pops was launched in May 2024 thorough a partnership with Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Keynote speaker Rob Snow, father of a 15-year-old with Down syndrome, will share his journey as a father.

Inclusive KidStrong Adventure on Jan. 25

Join The Ability Center for an action-packed inclusive event at KidStrong, from 3 - 4:30 on Jan. 25! Kidstrong focuses on improving emotional, social, and physical skills with age-appropriate, engaging, and fun exercises guided by expert coaches. Kids of all abilities, ages 5-11, and their families are invited for a fun, engaging, and safe experience! 

Empowering Parents Through Support on Jan. 28

Join the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio for a parent support group from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Jan. 28. Dinner and childcare provided! Hear from Ohio Tech Ambassador Brittany Joseph about "Embracing Technology and Promoting Independence." Preregistration requested.

ADHD Support Group (virtual) Jan. 29

Join the Sophia Center for a virtual ADHD support group from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29. Caregivers of children with ADHD can face a unique set of challenges. The opportunity to connect and learn with other families who have been through similar experiences can be a valuable form of support. No matter where you are in your family’s ADHD journey, your experience, or lack of, will be a valuable addition to this group! Registration required.

Toledo Walleye Charity Game and Sled Hockey Clinic Feb. 9

Come watch Walleye players take on the Walleye sled hockey team in a charity game at noon on Sunday, Feb. 9. Admission is free! There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction, with proceeds benefitting the Walleye sled hockey program. Try sled hockey after the game! They are hosting a free clinic at 1:30 p.m. for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities to learn the basics of sled hockey. Space is limited, must register (click headline).

OADSP TRAINING SERIES

Join us 9 a.m. - noon Jan. 22 for the first of our monthly OADSP training sessions: Module #118: The Profession of Direct Support in Disability Services. This module focuses on the role of the DSP and their ability to demonstrate basic work readiness skills. The purpose and importance of the 12 competency areas will be examined, as will the importance or Ethical Practice Skills. 3 hours of CEUs for IA, EI, SSA, Adult Services, and Superintendent have been requested. The training meets the requirements of OAC 5123-2-08 Appendix C Annual and OAC 5123-2-09 Appendix A Annual under Components of Quality Care. To register, please e-mail drussell@lucasdd.org.  

QUESTION-PERSUADE-REFER (QPR)

Three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Take this skills test to see how you do, and then join us at 10 a.m. on Feb. 19 in the Larc Lane Training Center. This critical mental health training session is designed for anyone who may find themselves interacting with someone who is suicidal, whether that be a client, friend, family member, employee, anyone. Register for this free training by e-mailing Danielle Russell, drussell@lucasdd.org or by calling the Lucas DD Provider Support Unit at 419-381-6123. 

Disability Advocacy Tips - Video Playlist for Families

PACER, a nonprofit organization serving children with disabilities, created a unique set of short videos that address parents' common questions and concerns about advocating for their child with a disability at school and beyond. These videos cover topics such as “What is special education?” and “How can I ask for an evaluation?” to help families better advocate for their children. Each video has an accompanying tip sheet linked in the video description. The videos are available in English, Spanish, and Somali.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo Newsletter

DSAGT's January newsletter features many events for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. You'll find a variety of activities for all ages and stages!

Ability Center Scholarship Program

The Ability Center is accepting applications for their Student Scholarship Program. This is an opportunity for students to receive up to $5,000 in funding to help with their educational costs. The scholarship aims to ease financial challenges and provide the necessary support for students to excel in their studies. The funds can be applied toward tuition for college, trade school, or certification programs. Whether it’s for tuition, textbooks, or other academic expenses, the scholarship can help students achieve their dreams. Application deadline is February 18.

FANs Network Diaper & Wipes Drive

Our FANS network is hosting a Diaper & Wipes Drive for families in need. There is an Amazon Wishlist already set up if you’d like to donate. If you prefer to drop them off, please bring them to the Board and let the front desk know it's for the Diaper & Wipes Drive.

Share your story with Ohio DD Talks

Ohio DD Talks is the podcast hosted by the Ohio DD Council. The Ohio DD Council wants to hear YOUR stories and they want to share theirs. The series will feature Council members, agency leaders and YOU - people with developmental disabilities, family members, and community members. The goal is to collect stories and perhaps even have you on the series! Submit your story on their website through an easy-to-use form (click headline). 

Vendors Needed for Inclusion Resource Fair

Lucas DD is currently registering inclusive programs and organizations to participate in our annual Inclusion Resource Fair. The 2025 fair will be from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on March 19, 2024 at St. Clement Hall in Toledo. This event is FREE for everyone to participate (including vendors) but vendors must register. Click here to register your organization.

2025 OhioISP Feedback Survey

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) invites you to take a survey to express your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions to improve the OhioISP template and process. Share your feedback based on your role in the system. Your input will directly inform updates to the OhioISP. The results of the survey will identify key areas that need updated within the standardized OhioISP template to better understand the needs, preferences, and choices of Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities.