Board Meeting Monday

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

Tech Room Open House on Thursday

Join Lucas DD's tech team for a drop-in event from 2 - 3 p.m. Jan. 30. Ask questions, try out various adaptive technology, and see how technology can help you live your best life. Free and open to individuals, staff, providers, families, and anyone with an interest in technology. Questions or want to come at a different time? Email technology@lucasdd.org

Lucas DD Community Movie Day Feb. 22

Join us for this free community event open to all ages and abilities at Maumee Indoor Theater! Doors open at 1 p.m. on Feb. 22 and the movie, Inside Out 2, will start at 1:30 p.m. Grab your family and friends as all attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a prize pack!

Commissioners Appoint Lucas DD Board Member

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce that Karen Kerr has joined its Board of Directors. Mrs. Kerr, of Swanton, was appointed by the Board of Lucas County Commissioners. Click here to learn more about her.

Lucas DD Inclusion Resource Fair Registration Open

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

Call for Artists! 2025 Lucas DD 2025 Art Exhibit

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 email marketing@lucasdd.org if you are interested.

Latest Issue of Aging Gracefully

The January/February edition of Aging Gracefully is now available! Aging Gracefully is published and edited by the Lucas DD Senior Supports Committee, which is made up of staff, providers and family members who experience caring for older individuals or those with dementia.

Inclusive KidStrong Adventure tomorrow

Join The Ability Center for an action-packed inclusive event at from 3 - 4:30 on Jan. 25 at KidStrong in Toledo! 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! 

TOPSoccer on Sunday

U.S. 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 U.S. Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. The next free session, which is the first one of 2025, is 2 - 3 p.m. on Jan. 26. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.

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.

An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin Jan. 31

The University of Toledo is excited to welcome Dr. Temple Grandin to campus as part of the Edward Shapiro Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Grandin is a celebrated inventor, author and proponent of autism rights. She will speak at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31. Admission and parking for the lecture are free (please park in area 20). An autistic person herself, Dr. Grandin has been a tireless advocate of autism rights. Her lecture will address her efforts, struggles and successes.

Sibshops Feb. 1

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 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 1 at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo. To register, click here.

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. Register now as space is limited.

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. Register for this free training by e-mailing drussell@lucasdd.org, or by calling Lucas DD Provider Support 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.

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 Feb. 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. March 19 at St. Clement Hall in Toledo. This event is FREE for everyone to participate but vendors must register. Click here to register your organization.

2025 OhioISP Feedback Survey

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities 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.