Friday Update: May 16, 2025

Lucas DD at Outdoor Discovery Day on Sunday

Join Lucas DD for Bike Day as part of Outdoor Discovery Day by Mercy! Come to Side Cut Metropark from Noon to 4 p.m. on May 18 for a variety of activities! Ride our bicycle course, learn safety tips, and get measured for a helmet. You'll also enjoy music, food trucks, and a full day discovering the outdoors.

SNAP-ED Cooking and Nutrition Classes begin May 19

The Ohio State University SNAP-Ed program aims to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP benefits will make healthy food choices and choose physically active lifestyles. A series of 3 classes (4:30 - 5:30 p.m. on May 19, June 3, June 10) will include information about healthy food choices and demonstrations on food prep. Sign up by contacting Deetra Kelly.

Lucas DD Board Meeting on Monday 

The next monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is at 5:30 p.m. on May 19. The meeting is open to the public at Lucas DD's South Toledo headquarters.

Lucas DD Blood Drive Tuesday

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

Lucas DD Tech Room Open House May 29

Join Lucas DD's tech team for a drop-in event from 2 - 3 p.m. on May 29. Ask questions, try out various adaptive technology, and see how technology can help you live your best life. Free and open to individuals, staff, providers, families, and anyone with an interest in technology. Questions or want to come at a different time? Send an email to technology@lucasdd.org

Join Lucas DD 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 and Lucas DD staff will not be providing direct supervision to individuals. Make appropriate arrangements if supervision is necessary.

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! Additionally, artwork will be featured! If you are interested in Storytellers or showcasing your artwork, please contact Deetra Kelly.

The Center for Disability Empowerment Writing Contest

In honor of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July, The Center for Disability Empowerment is holding a writing competition. Share your voice and reflect on how the ADA has impacted the disability community. Selected writers will present their work on July 11 in Columbus and could win cash prizes! Open to youth aged 14-23 and adults aged 24+. Submissions should be sent as a Word document attached to an email. ASL submissions may be included as a YouTube link. Questions and/or submissions should be sent to hello@austindunn.net. Deadline is June 2.

Lucas DD holds DODD MUI Rule Training

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities partnered with Lucas DD this week to host an informative training titled, "The Major Unusual Incident Rule: Exploring Key Changes to OAC 5123-17-02."

The two-hour training was facilitated by DODD’s MUI unit. The focus was to bring awareness to the significant updates to the MUI rule that will take effect on July 1. Participants, which included providers and county board staff, learned about additional resources to help navigate the updates and ensure compliance.

For a complete list of in-person and webinar opportunities, click here. You can also contact the state MUI office at MUI.UNIT@dodd.ohio.gov or 614-995-3810 for questions or accommodations.

Lucas County Special Olympics Offers Unified Golf

Lucas County Special Olympics (LCSO) is offering unified golf! Athletes golf 9 holes with a unified partner in an alternating shot format. Please find a unified golf partner. Also, golfers need to provide their own clubs and golf balls to play. LCSO will cover the cost of the green's fees and carts. All golfers must possess the basic skills to play a round of golf including golf etiquette. SO staff will be assigning teams to two different courses. Practice times and locations will be announced once registration closes on May 23.

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.

Lucas DD Closed May 26 for Memorial Day

Lucas DD offices will be closed May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. 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.

3rd Annual Zoo For All Walk at Dart Frog Dash tomorrow morning

Walk, run, roll and stroll your way through the Toledo Zoo's Zoo for All Walk at Dart Frog Dash! This non-competitive event at 9 a.m. on May 17 is focused on fun and access for all! Join the zoo for a special event designed with inclusivity in mind. Admission and parking are included with registration.

Disabled Women Make History (and Art) tomorrow evening

For the fourth year, TMA is partnering with Disability EmpowHer Network to highlight female artists with a disabilities. This year, from 6 - 8 p.m. on May 17, the disability community celebrates the 26th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision, a landmark United States Supreme Court decision advancing disability rights. One of the plaintiffs of the court case, Lois Curtis, was a female artist with a disability. Her contributions to disability history and culture are being celebrated through this event.

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. on May 18. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive. Please register. Click headline for details.

Accessible Birding Field Trips wrap up this weekend

The Biggest Week in American Birding is approaching, and you can join in the fun with accessible field trips! Trips occur daily through May 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at local parks. There is no cost to participate in these field trips, but please register.

Technology in the Workplace Webinar

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) will host a webinar titled “Technology in the Workplace” at 10 a.m. on May 21. This session is designed to help employers better understand how to use technology to engage job seekers with disabilities. It will highlight how technology can serve as a powerful tool in building more inclusive hiring practices and increasing access to employment opportunities.

Together We Move on June 1

The Ability Center is hosting the inaugural FREE, inclusive event, Together We Move! Everyone is invited at 10 a.m. on June 1. After hearing motivational speaker Jacob Pacheco, attendees are invited to walk, roll, bike, or dance—move in their own way—along the 2-mile path. In addition, there will be a dance party, and other interactive activities. This event is for individuals with and without disabilities and is going to be fun, motivating, and impactful.

Youth Summer Blast Pass: Apply Now!

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is now accepting applications for its Youth Summer Blast Pass, which allows students in Lucas County and Rossford aged 6-19 to take unlimited free bus rides from June 1 to August 31. For more information, visit https://tarta.com/blastapp/

Lucas County Benefit Bridge Program

The Lucas County Benefit Bridge program is designed to help individuals and families, who experience a reduction or loss of SNAP benefits due to wage increases, continue their path to self-sufficiency. This 18-month program is intended to support stability needed to maintain employment, gain skills needed to move into higher paying positions and become self-sufficient. If you would like to be considered for the program, click here to complete the form.

OCALI Lending Library

The OCALI Autism Center provides book study questions for anybody to use, on a variety of topics to enhance understanding of ASD. Each book contains free downloadable guiding questions. Click the headline to learn more.

Lucas DD's Portable Changing Station Available for Community Events

Make your next event inclusive by reserving our Portable Changing Station! Offering safety, comfort, convenience and inclusion, the changing station provides an adult-size height-adjustable changing table, an electric-powered mobile lift, running water, electricity, and more. Click the headline to see the flyer, or contact Lori Balogh for details.

Arts Impact Explorer Fact Sheet: ARTS + Disability

The Arts Impact Explorer is an advocacy and educational tool designed to provide data about the impact of the arts. They have complied a fact sheet specific for arts and disability!

DODD Mental Health Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a great time to explore the DODD Wellness Project for helpful mental health resources and support. Need immediate help? Call, text, or chat 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. The easy-to-remember, 3-digit number provides free and confidential support 24/7 to Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis. View plain language and easy-read 988 resources here.

Provider Community of Practice on May 27

Lucas and Wood County Boards of DD invite Providers to a Community of Practice: Providers Serving Youth, from 10 a.m. to Noon on May 27 in Findlay! This event brings together providers serving youth, County Boards and DODD representatives to support the network of services for youth.

Jupmode's May Community Shirt Benefits Miracle League

During May, an inclusive, baseball-themed t-shirt is the Community Shirt Club shirt of the month. Click here to see the t-shirt; for each shirt purchased, the local Miracle League receives $5!

Join Lucas DD's Litter League

Do you enjoy being part of a team? Do you enjoy having a clean city? Then consider joining Lucas DD's Litter League team! The Toledo Litter League is a competitive, baseball-themed litter abatement program aimed to strike out litter in Lucas County. Each team is limited to 20 members that will meet periodically to pick up trash. A waiver must be signed. All supplies provided! Team members receive a free t-shirt and can attend a celebratory Mud Hens game at the conclusion of Litter League. For questions, please contact Selina Jones.

Volunteers Needed at Together We Move Event

The Ability Center is looking for people of all abilities to assist with the Together We Move event on June 1. Whether assisting with activities, guiding participants, or offering encouragement, your support makes a difference. Sign up to be part of a community that moves together!

Group Employment Support Program Seeks Businesses as Partners

Bittersweet Farms is looking for partner businesses to support their new group employment program launching this summer. Whatever service your business might be seeking such as cleaning, mowing, landscaping, gardening, or other service needs, Bittersweet is excited to meet your business needs. Email mdockery@bittersweetfarms.org for more information.

Special Olympics State Summer Games Needs Volunteers

Special Olympics Ohio will be hosting the 2025 Summer Games June 13-15 in Columbus. There are many volunteer opportunities available! Volunteers must be 14+ years old (unless otherwise noted). Everyone will be given a volunteer t-shirt and anyone who signs up for a full day will have lunch provided. More details will be provided as the date approaches. 

• Friday Summer Games Opportunities (Sports & Olympic Village)
• Opening Ceremonies and Honored Guest Reception
• Summer Games/Meal Distribution
• Saturday Summer Games Opportunities
• Sunday Summer Games Opportunities

Community Build Volunteers Needed

Are you interested in volunteering with the building of a community inclusive & accessible playground? Construction will occur next month and the Stranahan PTA is seeking volunteers of various skill levels to help with the build. 

Lucas DD Human Rights Committee Seeks Members

Individuals, family members, and guardians are sought to join the Lucas DD 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 419-380-5400.

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

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