Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use

Navigating Social Security benefits can be confusing—but help is available! Join Margaret Zotkiewicz, Lucas DD Community Work Incentives Counselor, 5:30-7 p.m. April 7 for an in-depth view of the differences between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Open to all ages. Parents are also encouraged to attend. The event is free, but registration is required.

Common Ground on Tuesday

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. April 8 at our Larc Lane Training Center. Questions? Contact your Service and Support Specialist or click here to email Deborah Tyree.

SALUTE on April 14

SALUTE, Lucas DD's self-advocacy group, will meet at 5:30 p.m. April 14. The topic will be Ohio SNAP-Ed. Questions? Reach out to Deetra Kelly at 419-380-5141.

Family Ties BINGO NIGHT on April 17

Family Ties, Lucas DD's parent connection group, is having a Bingo Night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on April 17! Come have some fun with other, relatable parents! Free snacks! Registration recommended for planning purposes. Click here to register. Questions? Reach out to familyties@lucasdd.org.

Multi-County Spring Fling Dance for Special Olympics Athletes

Special Olympics staff from Henry, Lucas, and Wood counties are having a Spring Fling Dance for the athletes, from 6 - 8 p.m. on April 25! Get together for an evening of FUN! Be sure to dress to impress and we will see you on the dance floor! Attendance is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Note: staff/parents do not need tickets.

Board Closed April 18 for Spring Holiday

Lucas DD's South Toledo offices will be closed April 18 for its spring holiday. While our physical offices are closed, we are still here to support you. For emergency assistance, or to report a MUI, call the On-Call Service & Support Specialist at 419-380-5100.

SALUTE Activities

On Tuesday, SALUTE self-advocates went on a jail tour in downtown Toledo. It was an enlightening experience. Check out some photos here. Please contact Deetra Kelly if you have any questions.

Lucas DD's Meet the Artists Event in the News

We wrapped up DD Awareness Month with Meet the Artists on March 30. Check out footage of Sunday's event here: WTVG and WTOL. Many thanks to everyone who was able to make it!

Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act Documentary Released

While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the 1990 passage of the ADA, one of the most consequential civil rights bills in the nation’s history. This documentary aired on PBS as part of its "American Experience" series last month and can still be watched via the link.

Individuals Seeking Providers

Providers serving Lucas County, don't forget to check out our Providers Wanted page, where we currently have more than 40 individuals seeking services.

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 is 2 - 3 p.m. April 6. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Shows begin Thursday

The University of Toledo invites you to an inclusive, accessible, and spectacular new musical production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This production includes a cast of actors with and without developmental disabilities and tells the classic Shakespeare tale of mixed-up love through popular music, from Taylor Swift to Bob Seger. All performances will have open captioning and wheelchair and companion seating. The April 10 performance at 7:30 p.m. is a free community preview! The 2 p.m. performance on April 13 will have ASL interpretation. Click headline to see all 8 show dates and times.

Beeping Egg Hunt on April 12

Sighted Guide Ohio is hosting a Beeping Egg Hunt! This Inaugural Beeping Egg Hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. on April 12 and is designed for blind and visually impaired children. Each participant will have the option to be paired with a sighted guide to assist in finding beeping Easter eggs. Please bring your own basket or bag; extras will be available if needed. Please register ASAP; click headline for full details.

Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt on April 13

New Life Church is excited to announce a Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt, 2-4 p.m. April 13. This event is thoughtfully designed to provide a joyful and accessible Easter experience for those with diverse needs. All are welcome to this inclusive event! Registration is recommended.

DD Community Talks on April 15

Join the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities from 1 - 4 p.m. on April 15 for DD Community Talks – an exciting, in-person event series held across Ohio! These events provide an opportunity for people with disabilities, families, and community members to network, share experiences, and explore resources to support disability services in their regions.

Anne Grady Coffee for a Cause on April 17

Coffee for a Cause is Anne Grady's annual networking event to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities and build partnerships within the community. At 7:30 a.m. on April 17, join them for a complimentary breakfast followed by the program.

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!

Investigating UIs and Program Implementation Incidents

There will be a training from 9 - 11 a.m. on April 11 at the Larc Lane Training Center. Do you know how to conduct a thorough UI/PI investigation? Is there a difference between causes and contributing factors (CCFs)? And just what is a Root Cause? This two-hour training is intended for provider administrators, managers, and those responsible for MUI/UI oversight. Participants will learn the ins and outs of conducting an effective UI investigation, including how to identify and address causes and contributing factors and creating an effective prevention plan to avoid reoccurrence. The MUI Rule (ORC 5123.17.02) provides the guidelines for unusual incident reporting and program implementation incidents. 2 hours of CEUs are available for IA, EI, SSA, Supt. and for Providers under Health and Safety. To register please email Danielle Russell; drussell@lucasdd.org. Class is limited to 30 participants.

Understanding Food Insecurity through a Trauma Informed Lens

Join our Provider Supports team at 9 a.m. April 16 in the Larc Lane Training Center for a free training, facilitated by Andrea Jaworski, Director of Residential Services for Assured Health Services. This class will explain the impacts of food insecurity on served individuals and DSPs, including physical and psychological effects, economic challenges and trauma informed responses. In addition, behavioral indicators, such as food hording and mealtime anxiety will be examined, as well as intervention strategies. The class includes a practice component which focuses on case-study analysis and action-plan development. Applications have been submitted for 1.5 hours of CEUs for IA, EI, SSA, AS and Supt. LSW/LPC approved for 1.5 hrs. 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 contact Danielle Russell; drussell@lucasdd.org.

Outdoors for All: Accessible Trails Guide

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has a list of accessible trails across Ohio, as well as a new, downloadable guide! Many of the trails are great for wildlife viewing, offering seasonal opportunities to observe songbirds, waterfowl, frogs, turtles, fish, or mammals. They recommend early morning and late afternoon as the best times to see or hear wildlife.

AbleToPlay: Accessible Games

Good Trouble has launched AbleToPlay, a free, accessibility-first game discovery platform that helps gamers with disabilities and their families instantly find games that match their needs using a groundbreaking Personalized Score system. Supported by Child’s Play Charity, Games For Change, and the World Institute on Disability, AbleToPlay simplifies game discovery, turning hours of research into seconds. By providing fair, merit-based visibility for developers and publishers, along with best practices for accessibility, the platform is revolutionizing how accessible games are found and enjoyed.

Special Olympics Ohio Needs Volunteers for NW Regionals

NW Ohio Spring Games are Sunday, April 27! Special Olympics Ohio will be hosting many athletes who will be participating in track/field and bocce ball at Findlay High School. Many volunteers are needed make this a great event for our Special Olympics athletes. Volunteers need to be 14 years of age or older. Lunch will be provided to those who work a full day! Please click on the headline for full details and shift information.

New Development Interest Survey

A local organization is seeking input on a mixed-use development project in Northwestern Ohio. It is being designed to welcome individuals of all abilities, offering a supportive and inclusive living environment. Their vision is to create a unique, integrated community where people of all abilities can live independently (or semi-independently) while benefiting from on-site services and amenities tailored to their needs. The goal is to foster a diverse and welcoming environment that promotes independence, connection, and opportunity for everyone.

Transition Fair Committee Seeks Input!

Have you attended one of our Transition Fairs in the fall? Did you plan to go, but never made it? Do you have a child who will age out of the school system in the next few years? Please answer a few questions to help us plan the 2025 Transition Fair!

Employment Opportunities at the Board

A career with Lucas DD is a rewarding one that goes beyond the competitive pay and outstanding benefits package. We are currently looking for an Investigative Agent, Early Intervention Development Specialist, Service & Support Specialist, Community Connections Trainer, Organizational Culture & Inclusion Manager, and a Speech and Language Pathologist. Learn more and apply at LucasDD.org/Careers

Family Ties Survey

Lucas DD's parent group, Family Ties, is now in its second year, and is currently assessing the path forward. If you have been to any of the sessions (virtual or in person), your input would be greatly appreciated. Click the headline to answer a few questions.