Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use |
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Statement from the Superintendent In times of tragedy, like the unimaginable loss witnessed earlier this week in Washington, DC, we should uplift one another rather than cast blame based on assumptions and misconceptions. Unfortunately, there are still narratives that question the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or physical challenges. These individuals, like everyone else, bring talent, skill, and dedication to their work. They are valuable members of our workforce and society. People with developmental disabilities contribute meaningfully in countless ways, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and commitment. With the right opportunities and support, they thrive in roles across industries—bringing unique perspectives and strengths that enhance workplaces and communities. To assume otherwise is not only misguided but denies our society the full potential of these individuals. To those living with disabilities, visible or unseen: You matter. Your contributions are real, and your presence enriches the world. Stay strong, stay positive, and keep proving what we already know—you are capable, worthy, and essential. There are millions of us that see your value and stand with you. Let us continue working toward a society that recognizes and supports the full participation of all individuals, ensuring that ability—not outdated biases—defines a person’s potential. |
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Family Ties Virtual Meeting on Tuesday Connect with other parents and caregivers during a virtual Family Ties meeting from noon - 1 p.m. on Feb. 4! Whether you have something positive to share, concerns to vent, or just want to listen, you are welcome to join! There will be an expert on hand to discuss guardianship and alternatives to guardianship for anyone who may be interested. Grant Workshop Wednesday on Feb. 5 Grant Workshop Wednesday$ is a series of live virtual conversations on resources to help find funding for children with developmental disabilities. From noon - 1 p.m. Feb. 5, Lucas DD Parent Partner Tammy Eisenreich will be talking with Nina Shaw, Programs Manager for Wheelchairs 4 Kids. Join the conversation and questions live via Zoom! SALUTE Meeting Feb. 10 SALUTE, which is Lucas DD's self-advocacy group, will have its monthly meeting on Feb. 10 at the Larc Lane Training Center. Meetings are hybrid so click the headline if you'd like to join via Zoom. Common Ground Feb. 11 Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather and build lasting friendships and connections. The next meeting is 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at our Larc Lane Training Center. Questions? Contact your Service and Support Specialist or click here to email Deborah Tyree. 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! |
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Board Closed for Presidents Day Lucas DD's South Toledo offices will be closed on Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day. While our physical offices are closed, we are still here to support you. For emergency assistance, or to report at MUI, please call the On-Call Service & Support Specialist at 419-380-5100. Lucas DD Board of Directors Leadership At its January meeting this week, the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Develomental Disabilities voted to maintain the same leadership in 2025 as it did in 2024. Ron Volk is the Board President, Cheryl Tyler-Folsom is the Vice President, and Bill Axe will continue in his role as Recording Secretary. The Board also welcomed its newest member, Mrs. Karen Kerr. 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 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. |
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Sibshops tomorrow 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. Building Personal Networks Series Ohio's Family to Family Network is holding an online, 4-part series focusing on Building Personal Networks. It will be from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (4, 11, 18, 25) in February. Join the group to build connections, plan for a brighter future, and create a personalized support network. Must register. Toledo Walleye Charity Game and Sled Hockey Clinic 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. |
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A Message from the Ohio Association of County Boards Recent federal policy announcements have raised concerns about potential changes to healthcare, rights, funding, and essential services. Right now, the most important thing we can all do is stay informed, engaged, and together. Our advocacy is strongest when we remain united, strategic, and unwavering in our commitment to protecting the rights and services that allow people with developmental disabilities to thrive. Over the coming months, OACB will be sharing opportunities to get involved and stay informed about the many proposals that are expected to be announced at the state and federal levels. Sign up to stay informed using this link. Free Books with Braille for Children with Visual Impairments Every child deserves the joy of books, and this program ensures that all children can experience the magic of reading—regardless of their visual abilities. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and their partnership with Braille Tales, children with vision impairments or blindness can receive FREE Imagination Library books with braille! QUESTION-PERSUADE-REFER (QPR) 3 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 419-381-6123. 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. |
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Attention K-3 Teachers in Lucas County In celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, the Lucas DD is looking for teachers and classrooms that would be interested in having someone read a children's book to the students. If you'd like to have someone visit your class to read a disability-themed book, please email marketing@lucasdd.org or call 419-380-4048. Board Vacancy at Preferred Properties Preferred Properties, Inc. has a current vacancy on its 9-member Board of Directors. The not-for-profit focuses on creating housing opportunities through a variety of housing programs for persons with developmental disabilities. Its goal is to develop housing in such a way that persons living with disabilities are effectively integrated into communities and neighborhoods Learn more at P2Housing.org, and if you're interested in being a part of the Board, email Executive Director Cheryl Wilson cwilson@preferred-properties.org. 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. 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). 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. |
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