March 2018
        In this issue TableOfContents
 
From the Superintendent - an update on our schools alice
This month the Board passed a resolution affirming its commitment to support school districts in their mandate to educate students with disabilities while continuing to provide a safety net of services and supports for students with the most complex needs. 

The resolution also stated that Hamilton County DD Services will continue to provide services at its two current school locations while working toward ensuring that school operations are financially sustainable.

Click here to read the full announcement.
Celebrating DD Awareness Month
DDmonthMarch


This month we celebrated DD Awareness Month by sharing stories from Hamilton County, as well as stories from our partners at the Boards of DD in Butler, Clermont, Greene, Montgomery and Warren counties.  Ohio's theme this year was "Celebrate Community" to highlight people with and without disabilities working, going to school, playing and participating in their communities together.

Pictured above are the three original stories we published this month:
  • Jason Morency, who works at the Xavier University dining hall
  • A video about how St. Joseph Home's day program makes community integration a priority for people they support
  • David & Linda Walters, who have been married for more than 20 years
Click on the pictures above or find the stories on our Facebook page

Radio


Earlier this month, the HCDDS Community Relations team took over the Cincinnati PRSA Instagram account. For three days, we shared exclusive photos from projects we're working on around the agency. 

If you missed it, click here to see the photos we posted.  
On the radio

Tune in to 91.7 WVXU's Cincinnati Edition on Monday, April 9 to hear us on the radio! We'll be talking about the Project CARE partnership and how we help people with disabilities who are victims of abuse. 

The show airs at 1 p.m. or you can listen online here.  
Accessible technology web series
RobertShow1

This year we started new web series, "How I See It." Hosted by advocate Robert Shuemak, this talk-show style series    focuses on how accessible technology can help people with and without disabilities in their everyday lives.

  • Episode 1: Smart home technology with guest Heather Sturgill, a local consultant
  • Episode 2: Software and phone apps with guest Debra Jones, HCDDS Systems Analyst
  • Episode 3: Public transportation with guest Brandy Jones of Cincinnati Metro

Each episode is about 10 minutes long and includes closed captions. All three are available on the HCDDS YouTube channel

WLfix


Our Future is Now series is returning this year with three new sessions. This multi-part series is designed to help older caregivers and their family members make plans for the future. 

Throughout the series, families get help to create a letter of intent, a non-legal document capturing family desires and goals for the future. Click here for session and registration details. 
Waiting List updates

The Ohio Department of DD recently released a new rule to improve Ohio's waiver waiting list. This proposal is the result of more than a year of work from a statewide coalition of people with DD and their families, advocacy groups and more.

Click here to read the rule, proposed solution and get answers to frequently asked questions. 
Flying Pig Marathon
flyingpig

People for DD Services is excited to be part of the Flying Pig Marathon with a water station at Mile 25 (Friendship Park on Riverside Drive). We're looking for more volunteers to help, so if you're interested, follow the instructions below. 

We hope you can join us for the 20th anniversary!

  1. Click here to go to the volunteer registration site.
  2. Find and select People for DD Services   from the Group list
  3. Complete Required Volunteer Information
  4. Use dds as the group password when asked near the end of the form.
  5. Click "Get Me Registered" to submit your information
We have three shifts available: 7:30-10 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to noon, and 11:30 - 2 p.m. Email Lisa Danford with your preference or with questions.
 
  • Writer's Express. 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 3 at CILO, 2031 Auburn Ave. Writer's Express is a group for people who enjoy expressing themselves through writing. Call (513) 241-2600 or email cilo@cilo.net for details.
  • Adults with Autism Support Group East. 6:30 p.m. April 8, at Mercy Health Home Office, 1701 Mercy Health Place. A forum for individuals w/ ASD to discuss successes, challenges and current events. Click here for a flier.
  • HCDDS Board Meeting. 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Support Center, 1520 Madison Road.
  • Positive Art Workshop and Chat. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, 898 Walnut St. The workshop is open to people with & without disabilities who want to create art. Discussion themes include healthy relationships, personal rights and self-empowerment. All artistic skill levels welcome. Free to attend. Contact Holly Watson via email or 513-361-2117 with questions. Click here for a flier.
  • Special Needs Family Night. 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 13, at the Green Township library branch. A special after-hours program for families with special needs. This open house event is designed to provide an opportunity for a low stress visit to the Library to explore the collection, activities and educational resources. All ages welcome. No registration required.
  • Mary Poppins. 9:45 a.m. Monday, April 16, at the Taft Theatre, E. 5th St. in downtown Cincinnati. Sensory-friendly performance of the play, with adjustments to lighting and sound, as well as resources to help those with sensory-challenges enjoy the show. Click here for a flier and details.
  • Fairfax Pasta Dinner. 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Bobbie B. Fairfax School, 4999 Kingsley Drive. Dinner by LaRosa's, Olive Garden, and other local businesses. Raffles, games and more to raise money for the PTA. Click here for details.
  • Dinner and a movie. 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Envision Cinemas and Grill in Blue Ash. A monthly dinner for adults with autism to have some good food and conversation. Click here for a flier.
  • Rost Pasta Dinner. 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Rost School, 5858 Bridgetown Road. Dinner by LaRosa's with games, bid 'n' buy raffles, and more. Click here for details.
  • Double Vision. 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Memorial Hall downtown. Annual fundraising event and art auction for Visionaries & Voices. Click here for tickets.
  • Autism Family Exploration. 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Free program includes multisensory learning centers and all-ability art making. No reservations required. Click here for a flier.
  • Empowering Families Symposium. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. This symposium is for families, professionals and others who are advocating for children and adolescents. Access community resources and attend workshops to network with others. Click here for registration details.
  • Autism Awareness Walk for Fun. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at The Beach Waterpark. Come dressed as your favorite superhero, princess or fairytale character for a walk around The Beach Waterpark. Booths, raffle giveaways, food, games, music and more. Free to attend. Click here for details.
  • PigAbilities. 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5. This one-mile event is open to people with disabilities of all ages who want to be part of the Flying Pig Marathon weekend but do not want to compete. Registration is $15. Click here for a flier.
  • Emerald Gala - Night of a Thousand Stars. 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Anderson Pavilion in Smale Park. Envision event to celebrate 55 years of supporting people. Dinner, raffles and more. Click here to buy tickets.