Lucas Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities News You Can Use |
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Lucas DD Superintendent Calls for Bold Action, Inclusive Vision As part of the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of Lucas DD this week, Superintendent Michele Myerholtz shared the following remarks regarding the agency's goals and priorities for the rest of 2025. As we step into this new year, we are met with both opportunity and uncertainty. Legislative changes at both the state and federal levels could have a deep impact on the work we do. It is our responsibility not just to provide services but to lead with purpose and compassion. We must do all we can to ensure that people we serve are included, empowered, and recognized for the value they bring. They deserve the same opportunities as everyone else: To build relationships, to connect with their communities, to grow, to thrive—and to be celebrated for the strengths and perspectives they offer. We can’t stop at merely acknowledging someone’s existence. We must embrace their humanity. We must celebrate differences and understand that inclusion looks different for everyone. The people we serve are individuals with unique hopes, talents, and dreams. And they have the right to access opportunity, to be seen, to be heard, and to be welcomed in all areas of life. That’s why we must focus—not just this year, but every year—on building a future where inclusion is the standard, not the exception. A future where our systems, our communities, and our conversations are grounded in equity. Getting there takes more than good intentions. It requires action. It requires advocacy. It requires us to pay close attention to what’s happening at every level of government. These are not abstract issues being debated; they're issues that are very personal and critical to our work. They directly affect our ability to support the individuals and families we serve. As we face of those challenges, we remain steadfast. We remain vigilant. We remain united in our commitment to protect services, funding, and—most importantly—the dignity and rights of people with developmental disabilities. We must continue standing up for the thousands of people with developmental disabilities in Lucas County, whom we have the privilege of serving every single day. We are dutifully bound to help our community move forward—to ensure that our neighbors, our leaders, and our systems see the value in every person, regardless of ability. To do that, we will need to work together. We will need to focus. And we will need to be brave. It reminds me of that famous speech by President Theodore Roosevelt. It’s easy to sit in the cheap seats and say, “If I were in charge, I’d do it differently.” It’s hard to step into the arena yourself—to dare greatly, to risk, to put yourself out there and try to make a difference. To make decisions that are difficult, that carry weight. But even when there’s failure, at least you know you tried, at least you know, as Roosevelt said, you dared greatly. That’s exactly what we must all do—not just in this coming year, but in all the years to come. We must dare greatly. We must take risks. We must challenge outdated beliefs, break down barriers, and open doors for the people we are honored to serve. Because when we do, we’re not only improving lives—we’re creating a more inclusive, more compassionate, and more just world. |
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Lucas DD x Goodwill Donation Drive is Sunday and Monday! Do some spring cleaning around the house and do some good for your community. Drop off gently used clothing or household goods to any Toledo area Goodwill Store or Donation Station May 4-5 and tell them it's for Lucas DD and the FANS Network. For each donation made, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio will give us a $25 voucher for individuals served by the Board to shop at their stores. SALUTE Meeting May 12 Lucas DD's self-advocacy group, SALUTE, will have their next meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 12. Common Ground May 13 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. May 13 at our Larc Lane Training Center. Questions? Contact your Service and Support Specialist or click here to email Deborah Tyree. SALUTE Storytellers Volume 5 SALUTE Storytellers are a group of self-advocates working on developing meaningful stories about their lives. The weekly workshop starts June 2 and 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! In addition, we will be featuring artwork at the event on July 12. If you are interested in Storytellers or featuring artwork, please contact Deetra Kelly to sign up. |
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Lucas DD Board Annual Meeting Award Winners 2024 The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities was on April 28. Eric Chase, of Cumulus Media, was the keynote speaker for the event. The Board also gave out its Community Partnership Awards as well as the Lucas DD Manager of the Year and Staff Person of the Year, and the Self-Advocate of the Year, and the Spirit Award, annually given to an individual for a lifetime of service on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Lucas DD also premiered its annual year in review video capturing all the people, places, and things that made 2024 the year that it was for the Board, its 4,700 individuals served, 500 provider partners, and 300+ employees. Click the headline to see the blog post and photos. Lucas DD will be in the Old West End Parade! Sign up to join Lucas DD in the King Wamba parade! This eclectic convergence of art, music, street theater, and visual wonder will parade through the Old West End on June 7. Please note: the parade route is 1.8 miles long. Please note: Lucas DD staff will not be providing direct supervision to individuals. Please make appropriate arrangements if supervision is necessary. Spectrum Sailing: Enter now for a chance to attend a free camp! Spectrum Sailing (501c3), the only National Autism Sailing Program, presents a free 3-day sailing camp for 10-17 year old children with autism. Due to the high level of interest, campers are selected through a lottery system. Any child not selected via lottery will be added to the waiting list should a spot in camp open up. Spectrum Sailing Toledo will take place June 3-5, 2025. Special Olympics is offering a tennis clinic for beginners! Registered Lucas County Special Olympics athletes (including Little Lightning) are invited to sign up for a tennis clinic designed for beginners. There will be four sessions (weather permitting) on Tuesdays in June (3, 10, 17, 24). Space is limited and registration is required. |
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Annual Autism Walk on Sunday The Annual Autism Walk is the primary fundraiser for the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. Beginning at 9 a.m. on May 4, the walk features family-friendly activities and access to local autism organizations in our resource area for families. Sensory-friendly Minecraft Movie Showings May 4 and 7 There will be sensory-friendly Minecraft movie times at the Maumee Indoor Theater! Select showtimes will feature lower volumes and house lights at a mid-level, rather than fully down. Click headline for full details. Adulting 101 Workshop on May 5 Join the Ability Center of Toledo for an Adulting 101 Workshop, a fun way for teens and young adults to learn about and practice various life skills. From 5:30 - 7 p.m. on May 5, the group will focus on ways to stay connected with friends and family who are not seen on a regular basis. This workshop is ideal for individuals who are 13 - 26 years old. Please register. Adult Game Night on May 7 Adults age 23+ are invited to join The Ability Center from 6 - 8 p.m. on May 7 for a night of fun, games, and live music at Buffalo Rock Brewery Bayside! They reserved the conference room for a laid-back evening of board games, card games, and great company. You'll enjoy live music and Lyle’s Crepes Food Truck! Bring your favorite game, grab a drink, and get ready for a fantastic evening of laughter, competition, and good vibes! Must register. Charting the LifeCourse: Transition Series begins May 7 Discover how Charting the LifeCourse tools can support students, families, and professionals during the transition from school to adulthood. This three-part series offers an overview of the transition process and introduces practical tools—like the Exploring Portfolio, Transition Quick Guide, and Vision Tool—to spark planning and empower next steps. Sunshine Communities Plant Sale begins May 7 Brighten your porch, patio, or garden with our beautiful hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, and veggie starters from Sunshine Communities! Every purchase supports meaningful work for people with developmental disabilities. Sale runs from May 7 - 10, times vary. Ohio Technology First Virtual Meeting on May 9 Ohio's Technology First Community of Practice, from the Ohio Department of DD, is for people with lived experience, families, intermediate care facilities, providers, county board employees, educators, and anyone else in Ohio interested in supportive technology. The meetings feature updates and opportunities to network. Register to attend next meeting at 2 p.m. on May 9. Accessible Birding Field Trips: May 9 - 18 The Biggest Week in American Birding is approaching, and you can join in the fun with accessible field trips! Trips occur daily May 9-18 from 10 a.m. to noon, locations are at local parks. There is no cost to participate in these field trips, but please register. |
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Lucas DD Provider Training for May Christene Touvelle, Director of Advocacy for the Ohio Provider Resource Association, will lead a class focusing on the history and framework of Ohio’s marijuana laws and examine issues to consider related to the effects of legalized recreational marijuana on providers as both employers and as providers of services. Also, considerations for providers in regard to served individuals who want to engage in recreational marijuana usage. The class is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 16. To register, email drussell@lucasdd.org. Provider COP on May 27 Lucas and Wood County Boards of DD invite Providers to a Community of Practice: Providers Serving Youth, hosted by Hancock County from 10 a.m. to Noon on May 27! This event brings together providers serving youth, County Boards and DODD representatives to support the network of services for youth. Playground Communication Board This spring is a great time to explore some of Ohio's parks and playgrounds! DODD's playground communication board is a helpful tool for anybody to connect and express themselves. Check out other communication boards here. 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. The Sight Center Newsletter is available The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio released their latest newsletter. You'll find information about a the Adjusting to Vision Loss Series, Purse Bingo, and more. |
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Project STIR Graduates: Your Input is Needed! If you have attended Project STIR as a participant or an ally please click here to complete a short survey. The Ohio Self Determination Association would like to know about your leadership after Project STIR. 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 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. Outdoor Discovery Day May 18 Volunteers are needed at the Metroparks' Outdoor Discovery Day events to assist with outdoor skills including archery, paddling, and in the kid’s zone. Assistance is also needed with set-up and teardown. If you are interested in this opportunity, please connect with Hannah Gillen at 419-407-9840. |
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