Friday Update: April 11, 2025

SALUTE meeting Monday

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 Thursday!

Family Ties, Lucas DD's parent connection group, is having a Bingo Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 17! Come have some fun with other parents of individuals served! Free snacks! Registration recommended. Click here to register. Questions? Email 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, 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.

Lucas DD Board Annual Meeting

Monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. April 28 and is open to the public at Lucas DD's South Toledo headquarters.

Board Closed next Friday for Spring Holiday

Lucas DD's South Toledo offices will be closed April 18 for the 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 Storytellers Volume 5: Sign-up Now Open!

SALUTE Storytellers are a group of self-advocates working on developing meaningful stories about their lives. The workshop concludes with a live storytelling event at the Toledo Museum of Art on July 12. Individuals do not have to be from Lucas County to join! Contact Deetra Kelly to sign up, sessions begin June 2.

Beeping Egg Hunt Tomorrow Morning

Sighted Guide Ohio's 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.

Miracle League Registration Day on Sunday

Miracle League 2025 Baseball Registration Day is 1-3 p.m. April 13 at the Northwood Schools AAA building (the old High School). There are multiple ways to register, click headline to see all options. All uniforms will be on hand, so if you are in need of a new uniform, be sure to attend in person so that you are ready to go when the season begins May 4.

Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday

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.

Disability Connect on April 16

Disability Connect is a virtual gathering for DODD leaders to hear directly from the people they support, their families and allies about issues affecting their lives. It is also a chance to learn more about different projects at DODD and across Ohio government, while also sharing accessible resources and making connections. Register to join the zoom meeting from 1-2:30 p.m. on April 16.

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. The event starts at 7:30 a.m on April 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg.

2025 Innovation Series Opening Event on April 22

Join the DODD Quality and Innovation team virtually from 10 a.m. to noon on April 22 to kick off a year of collaboration, creativity, and growth at the 2025 Innovation Series. This year’s focus is on empowering individuals with DD and the people who support them. A key highlight will be exploring how self-advocates and individuals with lived experience are leading the way to spark meaningful change within their communities. Hear directly from these trailblazers about the strategies and viewpoint that drive their success. This event is free, but registration is required.

Suzanne Tyner Autism Assistance Fund Luncheon

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month! Join Avenues for Autism from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 23 for a buffet lunch and inspirational program. Learn how our generous community is making a difference to help individuals affected by autism live without limits! Tickets are FREE but registration is required.

Make New Friends With We Thrive Together

We Thrive Together is an Ohio-based nonprofit offering engaging virtual programming. With more than 100 events each month, including games, classes, virtual trips, and more, individuals and groups can connect from home, schools, or day programs. Their Daily Check-In Program and Friendly Caller Program ensure participants always have support and a friendly ear. Since 2020, WTT has hosted more than 6,000 events! Join We Thrive Together to talk, laugh, play, and make new friends in a vibrant, supportive community. Best of all, it is free for all individuals served by Lucas DD! Click the headline or contact your SSA for more details.

Understanding Food Insecurity through a Trauma Informed Lens

Join the Lucas DD 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. 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, email 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. 

Resources for Families and Caregivers of Children with Autism

April is autism acceptance month. Family ECHO is a virtual learning series for families and caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The project aims to give parents and caregivers practical knowledge, strategies, and skills to advocate for their children. Learn more about the series and upcoming registration dates here.

In addition, here are some helpful resources from across Ohio to support families, caregivers, and people living with autism. Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking new tools, these trusted organizations offer family-friendly support:

• OCALI – Offers resources throughout April focused on different stages of life, from early childhood to adulthood. Visit ocali.org.
• Milestones Autism Resources – Provides practical guidance, virtual workshops, and personalized help for families and professionals. Explore more at milestones.org.
• Autism Society of Ohio – Connects families to support groups, advocacy tools, and local events. Learn more at autismohio.org. Check out the site for the local affiliate, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, by clicking here.
• Family Resource Network of Ohio – Shares easy-to-understand planning tools and family stories to help build independence and connection. Visit frnohio.org.

These organizations provide educational tools, community connections, and other resources to ensure families and caregivers feel supported and empowered year-round.

Communication Disability Law

Any individual with a medically diagnosed communication disability who drives, or regularly has someone with a communication disability in their vehicle, can voluntarily enroll in a database that connects to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

During interactions with law enforcement, such as during traffic stops, LEADS will notify the officer that someone in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating. This type of awareness allows the officer to approach the vehicle in a way that can reduce potential misunderstandings or problems. Registration is voluntary. Click headline for full details.

Lucas DD Human Rights Committee Seeks Members

The Board is recruiting individuals, family members, and guardians to actively participate in our Human Rights Committee (HRC). The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Members are only required to attend one HRC meeting per month, either in person at Lucas DD or online via Zoom.

Members are emailed information to review the week prior regarding cases being presented at HRC. Committee members review the provided information (OISP and Behavior Assessment) prior to HRC meeting.

Decisions made by HRC help ensure that:

• 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.
• Individuals' services and supports are based on an understanding of the individual and the reasons for their actions
• 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
• Restrictive measures are used only when necessary to keep people safe and always in conjunction with positive measures.

Individuals that receive, or are eligible to receive, services are paid $50 per session! If you know of anyone that would be interested, please contact Lucas DD SSA Assistant Director Sarah Dodson at sdodson@lucasdd.org or at 419-380-5400.

Lucas DD Blood Drive

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20 at the Board's South Toledo headquarters. Click here to make an appointment

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.

Special Olympics Ohio Needs Volunteers for NW Regionals

The Northwestern Ohio Spring Regional Games are April 27! Special Olympics Ohio will be hosting many athletes participating in track/field and bocce ball at Findlay High School. Volunteers are needed make this a great event for our Special Olympics athletes. Must 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.

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

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