Community Movie Day next weekend!

Join us for a free community event open to all ages and abilities at the Maumee Indoor Theater! Doors open at 1 p.m. Feb. 22 and the movie Inside Out 2 will start at 1:30 p.m. Grab your family, neighbors and friends and enjoy the show! All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win the prize pack pictured here, which includes a DVD of the movie!

Family Ties on Thursday

Lucas DD's Parent Connection Group, Family Ties, aims to help families build a network that they can lean on for support. The next meeting is 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Light snacks will be served. Please email familyties@lucasdd.org if you have questions, or if you will be bringing your child(ren) with you.

Board Meeting Feb. 24

The next monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities takes place 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24. The meeting is open to the public at Lucas DD's South Toledo headquarters.

DD Awareness & Advocacy Day Watch Party

Did you miss out on the in-person registration for DD Awareness & Advocacy Day in Columbus? Don't worry, you can still be part of the event with others by joining us from 9 - 11 a.m. March 4 as we watch a livestream of the event together at the Board.

Board Closed on Monday 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.

Special Olympics Spring Sports Registration for Adults is Open!

It may still be terribly cold out, but it's time to sign up for Lucas County Lightning's spring sports (adults only at this time)! Our coaches and volunteers need time to get everything set for another awesome season. They are offering Volleyball, Tennis, Bocce, and Track & Field. The optional bonus activities, Walking Group and Healthy Athletes, are also back! You can only choose one sport and must register by March 7 to participate! Click here to read the full newsletter.

Art Through Our Eyes: Art Exhibit Continues

Congratulations to our neighbors at the Sight Center of Northwest Ohio! for their Art Through Our Eyes: A Low Vision Perspective art gallery currently on display at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library in downtown Toledo. The gallery features pieces made by six local artists that have low vision. The gallery runs through March 14.

Lucas DD Inclusion Resource Fair

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.

NBA Team Features a Haptic Display for Blind or Low-Vision Fans

The Portland Trail Blazers have teamed up with Ticketmaster and OneCourt to become the first professional sports team to provide OneCourt’s haptic display at every home game for blind or low-vision fans. This cutting-edge technology enables fans who are blind or low-vision to experience live basketball action in real-time, at no additional cost!

Exploring College Options on Feb. 20

Starting college can be exciting and overwhelming, especially if you have a disability. Join a Zoom call 6:30 - 8 p.m. Feb. 20 to learn what you need to know to ensure a smooth transition from high school to make the most of your college experience! 

Greater Toledo Challenger Little League Sign-Up

The Greater Toledo Challenger Little League is designated for mentally and/or physically challenged children ages 5+. There is also a senior league for ages 21+. In-person registration from 2 - 4 p.m. Feb. 23 and noon - p.m. March 2. Cost is $45 for 10 weeks, but no child will be turned away because of financial issues. Click headline for full details.

F.E.A.R. Factor on Feb. 25

"I can‘t work because I will lose my benefits!" If this statement sounds familiar, this information is for you! Ohio has developed a training series to help individuals with disabilities address their “F.E.A.R.” related to working and maintaining disability benefits. From 1 - 2:30 p.m. Feb. 25, join a zoom call to answer questions you may have about Medicaid Buy In and Workability.

Dungeons & Dragons on March 5

Do you like to play Dungeons and Dragons, or would you like to learn how to play? Join this DD-friendly group every other Wednesday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. on March 5! Sessions are limited to 3-5 players, be sure to reserve your spot today!

Supportive Technology Virtual Learning Sessions

Jennifer White of Able Opportunities will facilitate multiple learning sessions concerning low- and high-tech personal-driven accommodation tools and provide an overview of person-driven tech from February through April. These opportunities are virtual and free to attend!

Click the links below to learn more and register.

·   Low Tech Person-Driven Accommodation Tools

·   High Tech Person-Driven Accommodation Tools

·   Person-Driven Tech

For questions or accommodations, please email technologyfirst@dodd.ohio.gov. 

Free Digital Literacy Trainings

The Arc and AT&T have joined forces on a nationwide program that is bringing digital skills training to people with disabilities and their families. Digital literacy is critical in today’s world to learn, apply for jobs, be socially connected, and more. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, people with disabilities are 3 times less likely to go online than people without disabilities. You'll find free, safe and accessible digital skills trainings that accommodate the different learning styles of people with disabilities.

OADSP TRAINING SERIES

Join us from 9 a.m. - noon Feb. 26 for Lucas DD's second monthly OADSP training session; Module #108: Interpersonal Communication. This module focuses on the importance of communication and its role in providing the best services to individuals. Participants will learn about the “Four Approaches to Communication” and how to identify and navigate both the internal and external barriers to effective communication, as well as identifying the qualities of an “assertive communicator." The course also covers the use of “special techniques” for assertive communication, including the traits of an effective listener. 3 hours of CEUs for IA, EI, SSA, Adult Services, and Supt. 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.  

Ability Center Scholarship Deadline Extendend

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. Application deadline is March 2.

Join the Lucas DD Human Rights Committee!

Lucas DD is seeking an individual served by the Board to join our Human Rights Committee (HRC).

The HRC meeting is held hybrid on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon.

• Members are required to attend in person at Lucas DD or online via Zoom.
• Information regarding individuals being presented at HRC will be provided the week prior via email.
• Provided information (OISP and Behavior Assessment) should be reviewed prior to HRC meeting.

Committee Members discuss how to ensure:

1. 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.
2. Their services and supports are based on an understanding of the individual and the reasons for the individuals' actions
3. 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
4. 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.

Attention K-3 Teachers in Lucas County

In celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, Lucas DD is looking for teachers interested in having someone read a children's book to their students. If you'd like to have someone visit your class, 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 nonprofit focuses on creating housing opportunities through a variety of 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. If you're interested in being a part of the Board, email Executive Director Cheryl Wilson cwilson@preferred-properties.org.

Inclusion Resource Fair Vendors

If you are a DD friendly business or program and want to connect with hundreds of local families, consider registering as a vendor for Lucas DD's 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. 

Friday Update is the weekly newsletter of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

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Have some news or an event to share? Contact Us!

419-380-4000

marketing@lucasdd.org