Lucas DD Summer Playgroup on Monday

Join Lucas DD staff for a fun summer playgroup! Open to all families and their children. We will be meeting at Promenade Park Splash Pad in downtown Toledo on August 7 from 10 - 11:30 a.m., held rain or shine. No registration is required! If you have a Development Specialist, you can contact them for updates to the playgroup, or click here to view information about all our summer playgroups.

Autism-Inclusive Family Fun Day on August 9

Avenues for Autism is having a free family fun day at the Perrysburg and Sylvania YMCAs on August 9. There are three time slots available between 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. and vary by ages, from 2-17 years old. Events are autism-inclusive and specifically designed to meet the needs of autistic individuals, with support from area professionals. There will be inclusive gymnastics as well as arts & crafts! Registration is required. Limited tickets available! Click here to get yours.

TPS Back to School Bash on August 9

Come to the Wayman Palmer YMCA from 4 - 6:30 p.m. on August 9 for some family fun, registrations, and community resources. There will be free food, free school supplies, bouncy houses, and various community partners. Toledo Public Schools wants to see you! This is a public event, all are welcome! No registration required. Click here for full details.

Dementia Friends on August 10

Looking to become an Ohio Dementia Friend, Dementia Friends Champion, or simply need a refresher? Please join Dementia Friends for a free, virtual session with optional Dementia Friends Champions training. These sessions are now offered twice a month for individuals who work and live in Ohio. The next session is on August 10 from 12:00-2:30 p.m. (evening sessions also available - see registration link). Attendees interested in becoming a Dementia Friend will participate for the first 75 minutes. Attendees seeking to become a Dementia Friends Champion will participate for the entire 2.5 hours. Click here to pre-register (required). Visit their website here for general information. If you have any questions, please click here to email the program coordinator.

Tinkering Takeover followed by Ice Cream Social on August 10

East Toledo Family Center will have Imagination Station Toledo there from 1 - 3 p.m. with their Tinkering Takeover at East Toledo Family Center on August 10. Afterwards, from 3 - 4 p.m., they will be celebrating the end of summer programs with an Ice Cream Social, and everyone is welcome to join. They would love to see you and your family there to celebrate! Please RSVP by clicking here. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 419-691-1429 or click here for more details.

Community Games and Movie Night August 10

The City of Toledo is hosting a community night of fun! There will be fun outdoor activities at Ottawa Park starting at 7 p.m. on August 10, with the movie beginning around 8:30 p.m. There will be oversized games like Jenga and Connect 4 as well as an eSports video game tournament. The games provided are for all ages. For more information, click here.

Sounds of Sunshine: Skittle Bots Concert on August 11

Sunshine Communities invites you to enjoy their Sounds of Sunshine summer concert series on Friday, August 11 from 6 - 8 p.m. Enjoy this free, family-friendly event on their beautiful Maumee campus. Set right in their backyard at their outdoor stage, local northwest Ohio band the Skittle Bots will perform 90s cover music. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks will be on site. Please call 419-865-0251 if you have any questions. Click here to visit the event on their website.

Shoe Fest by Helping Hands on August 12

Helping Hands of St. Louis is having their 10th Annual Shoe Fest on August 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. This event helps each child start their school year off on the right foot. In addition to new athletic shoes for kids (sizes toddler 10 through adult 10), this festival will feature face painting, games, and more! Click here for full details.

Community Day on August 12

There are lots of fun activities planned at the United Vision Baptist Church "Community Day" on August 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. including a rock-climbing wall, bouncy houses, mobile library, free haircuts, food trucks, and more! School supplies are available and will be distributed at noon (students must be present). Please bring your child(ren) to Wilson Park and join the fun! For more information, click here.

Kindness Kickoff Party on August 13

Presented by Toledo's Kid Mayor and Kid Council, everyone is invited to Ottawa Park for the grand launch of the Spread Peace & Love Kindness Campaign, from 1 - 3 p.m. on August 13! The goal is to show everyone the immense importance of kindness and the lasting, positive effects it can have on our lives and our community. This kick-off event will mark the beginning of a transformative journey where our Kid Mayor and Kid Council will grace various events across the city, passionately spreading the message of kindness, inspiring the youth to join in by signing their Kindness Pledge. Click here to reserve your free spot. 

Art Workshop for Kids/Teens on August 15

NAMI of Greater Toledo is offering a FREE art workshop just for kids/teens. Creative Kids provides an opportunity for children/adolescents (6 to 17 years old) to express themselves creatively through art and identify positive coping skills! It is held from 5 - 6:15 p.m. on August 15 at the NAMI Office in Toledo. Limited space: registration is REQUIRED to attend. To register your child(ren), please click here to email Kristen Zientek.

Common Ground Social Group on August 15

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. The first meeting last month was a wonderful success! The next meetup is again at our Larc Lane campus on August 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining this group, please click here to sign up today! (If you previously registered, there is no need to re-register.) Questions? Contact your SASS or click here to email Deb Tyree.

People First of Toledo meeting on August 17

People First of Toledo, affiliated with Courageous Community Services and People First of Ohio, invite you to a Self-Led Disability Advocacy Group on August 17 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Engage with your community, learn self-advocacy skills, meet other people like you!

Click here for full details. Questions? Please email Quinn Thomas by clicking here. Zoom option available. Click here to connect via Zoom.

Playground and Parent Talk on August 18

Weather permitting, this event will take place from 10 - 11 a.m. on August 18 at the Inclusive Playground Perrysburg Rotary Community Park. Rain/bad weather location: Heatherdowns Library. Ideal for families with children ages 6 and under, of all abilities. Everyone is welcome to this accessible and sensory-friendly experience. Click here to email Jennifer if you have additional questions or concerns. Click here to register.

Autism Night at Imagination Station on August 22

Join Imagination Station for Autism Family Support Group Night, an inclusive evening where individuals identified with ASD and their families can enjoy the science center and learn together. On August 22 from 4:30 - 6 p.m., explore the exhibits, engage in hands-on activities and watch a sensory-friendly film in the KeyBank Discovery Theater. Admission is $5 (free for members). Advance registration required (even for members). Please register/purchase ticket(s) by clicking here.

Disability Connect Meeting (Virtual) on August 23

Disability Connect is a 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 and resources at DODD and across Ohio's government, while making connections to help everyone live their good life. Disability Connect will meet virtually on August 23 from 3 - 4 p.m. Click here for full details/registration link.

Lucas DD Summer Rec Jam is Aug. 30!

Our always popular Summer Rec Jam returns to Centennial Terrace, 7 - 9 p.m. on Aug. 30. This FREE dance party is for anyone 18 and older. Concessions will be available at a reduced price (no outside food allowed). Registration is required. For more and info and to register, click here.

SAVE THE DATE!

We have an exciting Lucas DD Fall Festival coming in September. On Sunday, September 17 from noon - 4 p.m. to be exact... Mark your calendars now, you will want to be there! Click here to see more details.

New DODD Newsletter: Disability Connection

Have you read the inaugural issue of Disability Connection? This is Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities' newest newsletter. It is designed for people living with developmental disabilities, their families, and friends. This newsletter will be different from other DODD publications by having a direct focus on news, resources, and stories specific to people living with disabilities. This is an outlet to share information, connect a community, and celebrate the accomplishments of the DD community. Sign up by clicking here.

Lucas DD Offers a Free Category One Certification Course

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to once again offer a free DODD Category One CERTIFICATION for Medication and Health Related Activities to area Providers and their Direct Care staff. The 2-day trainings will be at our Larc Lane Training Center in South Toledo. To achieve certification, you must attend both days of the 2-day trainings. Click here to see dates and sign up. Questions? Click here to email Lucas DD Nursing Supervisor Amy Annarino.

Think College: A post-HS graduation option

What if every young adult with intellectual disabilities saw college as an option? The “Think Higher. Think College.” campaign is designed to build awareness and expand access to college for students with intellectual disabilities. The goals are to increase knowledge of inclusive college options (and there are options in Northwest Ohio!), share information about the benefits and outcomes of students with intellectual disabilities attending college, and offer people ways to spread the message: “Think Higher. Think College.”. Click here to learn more.

Lucas DD Tech Hub

The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides a Tech Hub that gives staff, providers, individuals served and their families an opportunity to explore and experience the latest in life altering adaptive technology. This one-of-a-kind room contains an abundance of technological devices designed to make life safer and easier for individuals and their families. Want to learn more or schedule a visit? Click here to email Heather Burke, Lucas DD Assistive Technology & Remote Support Specialist.

Self-Advocacy Resource Center

Disability Rights Ohio, a nonprofit corporation, has compiled a list of resources for self-advocates. You'll find resources about voting, advance directives, community integration, and more. Their mission is to advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio. This nonprofit is designated under federal law as the system to protect and advocate the rights of people with disabilities and as the Client Assistance Program under the Rehabilitation Act. Click here to check out their self-advocacy resources.

National Assistance Dogs Week: Informative Cards Available

As we approach National Assistance Dogs Week, The Ability Center is committed to educating and building partnerships within our community. They want to empower business owners to create a welcoming environment for people with disabilities, benefiting both patrons and businesses. The Ability Center has produced informative cards that discuss the law regarding service dogs and what can be asked by business owners about disabilities. Click here to request cards.

Individuals Seeking Providers

Individuals served by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities often look for providers of services and support. These individuals may need ongoing services or help with a one-time project. If you’re a provider, you can search the listings by clicking here.

DODD is seeking members to serve on the Family Advisory Council

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is seeking members to serve on the Family Advisory Council (FAC) Core Group. People with disabilities and their family members are encouraged to express their interest by completing the following application.

Interested applicants should review the following information that outlines the purpose of FAC and FAC Core Group, the FAC Core Group's composition and member responsibilities, and the review and selection process. Deadline is August 31. Click here for full details.

Volunteers needed for Shoe Fest by Helping Hands

Can you volunteer a few hours of your time to help make this event a success? Multiple positions need to be filled, from set up to tear down and everything in between. Click here to sign up or contact Sue Shrewsbery by calling 419.691.0613, ext. 101 or emailing Sue.

Peace Pals International Seeks Artwork by Children

Youth (ages 5-16) from around the world are invited to submit their artwork to the Peace Pals International Art Exhibition and awards for 2023. This year they have partnered with Unity Earth, a global network on a mission to accelerate the realization of unity and peace on Earth. Inspired by the world’s wisdom traditions and born out of the desire to meet global-sized challenges with global-sized solutions, the network is built to amplify the reach and impact of peace-aligned organizations and individuals. Deadline to submit artwork is August 31. For full details, click here.

Take the Rights on Flights Survey

AccessNow is collecting data surrounding the experience of individuals with disabilities in the air travel industry. If you would like to contribute your thoughts and experiences, please check out the survey by clicking here. If you are interested in an app that features accessible places across the world, check out the AccessNow website where you can download the app.

Comments Requested regarding the Standards for Accessible MDE

The U.S. Access Board has extended its notice of proposed rulemaking on standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment (MDE), addressing one provision on the low transfer surface height for certain types of MDE. Public comments are now due by 8/31. Learn more at the Federal Register or view the proposed rule here.

Golf Scramble Sponsors Needed!

Do you have a business (or know of a business) that would be interested in being a sponsor for The 4th Annual Lucas County Special Olympics Golf Scramble on August 19? Access the form here or email us at specialolympics@lucasdd.org!

Video of the Week

My Disability Roadmap (released in 2022) was nominated for an Emmy last week! Samuel Habib, 21, wants to date, leave home, go to college. But he drives a 350-pound wheelchair, uses a communication device, and can have a seizure at any moment. Determined to find his path forward, he seeks out guidance from America’s most rebellious disability activists. Will they empower him to launch the bold adult life he craves? Check out the short documentary here.

Quote of the Week

"It is better to walk alone than in a crowd traveling in the wrong direction."

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