Our Early Intervention Department's Snowy Social is next week!

This inclusive, family-friendly event is from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and will feature a variety of different activities and overall is geared towards young children. Don't forget your camera to take photos with the sensory-friendly Santa, as well as Elsa and Anna! This event is FREE and open to the community! Click here for more details. **Pre-register for a chance to win a Kroger gift card! Click here to pre-register.**

Board Honors County Commissioner On Her Retirement

At its monthly meeting on Nov. 27, the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak. The commissioner is retiring on Dec. 31, capping off a 25-year career in public service. The Board also recognized Imagination Station for its commitment to children with developmental disabilities, and Service Support Specialist Sarah Covey, who was named Staff Person of the Month. Click here to read more and see photos of the evening.

An Evening with the Toledo Symphony at the Peristyle

The Ability Center is pleased to offer an evening at the Toledo Museum of Art and the Peristyle to enjoy the Toledo Symphony at 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 (with optional activities beforehand, beginning at 6:30). Enjoy a docent led tour and a ticket for the performance in the accessible seating section for $20. There are a limited number of tickets available so please complete the registration RSVP link as soon as possible. You can also pay Laurie Kimura at the event. Click here for full details.

TOPSoccer on Dec. 3 & 17

The Toledo TOPSoccer Program is a free program that offers soccer for anyone (ages 5+) facing special cognitive, physical and/or emotional challenges, including those who are blind, confined to a wheelchair, and those who have autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other conditions that impair mobility, strength, and/or comprehension. Come check it out at the Maumee Soccer Centre on December 3 & 17 from 2 - 3 p.m. Registration required. Click here for more information and to register.

RallyCap Winter Wonderland Party Dec. 3

The BGSU chapter of RallyCap Sports is having a FREE Winter Wonderland Party for individuals ages 5+ on December 3 from 3 - 4 p.m.! Come out for some holiday fun with friends, both with and without I/DD. Please register to reserve your spot!

Lunch with LifeCourse Employment Series begins Dec. 4

Do you love the Charting the LifeCourse principles and want to get started using tools, but don't know how? Could you use step-by-step guidance with the tools? Or maybe tips on how to enrich conversations? Join Barbara Sapharas, Family Resource Network's Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador, who will walk you through the process of completing a tool and discuss how you can use the tools in your life and work. This virtual lunchtime series runs the next three Mondays (Dec. 4, 11, 18) from noon - 12:30 p.m. Click here to register. Full details here.

Assistive Technology to Empower Individuals with Special Needs Dec.4

Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West is sponsoring a FREE presentation for parents/professionals on Dec. 4, 6 - 7 p.m. Learn about innovative technology to create independence for students planning for postsecondary transition and beyond. Sections 5 & 7 of the IEP will be discussed as the fuel for planning a strong transition plan. Tips will also be discussed on how to incorporate assistive technology within the IEP. The presenters are occupational therapy practitioners at the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Lending programs and resources will be shared. Click here for full details. REGISTER HERE

Virtual Technology Showcase on Dec. 7

On December 7 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be hosting a Virtual Technology Showcase, featuring presentations from a variety of remote support providers, assistive technology vendors, and device companies, who will be explaining their services and demonstrating their products. Join WCBDD to explore the numerous ways technology can enhance independence and improve quality of life. To join the Zoom the day of the event, click here.

Autism Support Group: Holiday Fun Dec. 7

Join AB Consulting for a tour of Owens Community College campus, decorating cookies, and the joyful sounds of the harp. This FREE Holiday Fun Autism Support Group is for ages 16+ and will take place at Owens Community College on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Click here to register!

Creative Expressions Workshop Dec. 8

Free Virtual Art Workshop! Join NAMI on December 8 from 5 - 7 p.m. for a free workshop, where all supplies will be provided. Registration is required and space is limited. Please RSVP by Dec. 4 to Kristen Zientek at kzientek@namitoledo.org.

Market & Merry Dec. 9

Bittersweet's third annual Market & Merry is on December 9 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This exclusive pop-up holiday shopping event takes place at the Market at Bittersweet Gardens. Shop local, give with purpose, and positively impact lives as you prepare for the holidays. In addition to shopping, this year’s event will include a hot cocoa bar, photos with Santa, holiday tours of the Bittersweet Barn, and live wreaths for sale! Click here to see the event on their website.

Super Saturday Dance Dec. 9

Five Lakes Church is hosting another Super Saturday Dance and Bible Study, from 7 - 9 p.m. on December 9! The Super Saturday Dance is a time for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers (who must be present) to enjoy an evening of music, friends, and food. Whether you prefer to wear a tie, a dress, or your favorite jeans and T-shirt, come enjoy an optional Bible study at 6:15 and then a light dinner and dancing from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Registration is recommended. Click here for more information.

Creative Expressions Art Workshop Dec. 12

NAMI is offering a FREE Virtual art workshop titled "Finding our Light" from 10 - 11:30 a.m. on December 12. Art supplies will be provided and delivered to your home (must be from Lucas County). Limited space - must register by Dec. 8! Click here to email Kristen Zientek and specify you would like to attend the Creative Expressions workshop on Dec. 12.

Free Jumping at Get Air on Dec. 16

Join the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio for some FREE jumping for everyone on Dec. 16, from 8 - 10 a.m. RSVP by contacting Kate Schwartz at executivedirector@asno.org and include the number of attendees from each family, first name, last name and date of birth. Complete the online waiver by clicking here. Limited to the first 100 registrants.

Santa-Paws Party on Dec. 16

The Ability Center is having their Santa-Paws Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 16! Have some Holiday FUN with the whole family at this inclusive event. There will be games, cooking, crafts, peppermint sensory dough, exploration playroom, PLUS Santa and his dog helper for photos. (Families with and without disabilities encouraged to attend.) Click here to register! For questions, contact Jennifer Engelmann, Youth Family Services Coordinator at jengelmann@abilitycenter.org or 419.885.5733. 

Sibshops on Dec. 16

Does your child with special needs have a sibling, aged 8-16 years old? This free group is just for them! Sibshops provide young brothers and sisters with peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting. The next meeting is on Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 3939 Wrenwood Rd, Toledo. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

Wealth & Wisdom on Dec. 20 (Virtual)

December's Wealth & Wisdom Topic is: Social Security Benefits 2023 Recap/What’s New in 2024? and will include an “Ask Us Anything” panel. This free class is presented by Lucas DD as part of our Wealth and Wisdom series. For December, this class is virtual only. Click here if you would like to pre-register for the Zoom session. Those who pre-register can submit questions in advance! Click here to join the zoom meeting.

Adaptive Sports Winter Sports Registration Open

Registration NOW OPEN for January 2024 Adaptive Ski and Ride events! Space is limited and will fill quickly, so be sure to claim your spot before it's too late. Register by visiting the athlete event calendar, which you can find by clicking here.

Finding Funds Resource

The iTaalk Autism Foundation maintains a database of more than 650 organizations that offer grants and funding. You can search the database for grants that pertain to a certain diagnosis, a particular therapy, a piece of equipment or even resources that are state-specific. For more information, reach out Tammy Eisenreich, Vice President of iTaalk and Parent Support for the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, via email at teisenreich@lucasdd.org or by phone at 419-356-3824. Access this database by clicking here.

Speak for Yourself

Speak for Yourself is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application that was created by speech-language pathologists. This AAC app turns the iPad into a communication device. It gives a voice to adults and children who are not able to speak or are limited in their ability to express themselves verbally. Click here to learn more.

Public Speaking/Career Coaching Program for Disabled Women

Disability EmpowHer Network has opened applications for EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program for disabled women to improve their public speaking skills and confidence in order to achieve success in the working world. EmpowHer Expressions is an 8-week virtual program with regular assignments, weekly 30 minute 1-on-1 mentor meetings, and 90-minute virtual class periods every Monday 7pm- 8:30pm ET starting March 4, 2024. Participants learn about and practice important soft skills including perfecting elevator speeches, presenting to various stakeholders, answering and asking tough interview questions, and negotiating their salary and benefits. Disability-specific topics are also covered, like disclosing disability at work and creating accessible meetings and presentations. Click here to access the application. Applications close January 5.

New Appendix K Resources: Parents as Paid Caregivers

DODD has prepared several resources in preparation for the January 1, 2024 effective date of the rule which permits parents and spouses, under certain circumstances, to be paid caregivers. The first is a document explaining the process of becoming eligible to be a paid caregiver under this rule and the requirements for paid caregivers. The second document is a set of “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding the rule and its implementation. View the documents here. As a reminder, the rule is in draft form and can be found here.

Increasing Preschool Inclusion

The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the Departments) announced the release of an updated joint-policy statement on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. Federal officials are outlining steps that states, schools and others should take to alleviate "significant barriers" children with disabilities face accessing inclusive childcare programs. Click here to read the press release.

Support Ending Subminimum Wages for Disabled Workers!

The American Association of People with Disabilities is working to end the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities. Many are being paid far below minimum wage, and it’s completely legal. Workers with disabilities deserve a fair wage, and they need your help to put an end to this unfair practice. Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers to pay disabled American workers subminimum wages. Section 14(c) leaves room for employers to engage in discriminatory practices which include segregating disabled employees, cutting them off from community settings, and limiting their ability to receive opportunities for career advancement or development. Research from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights shows that between 2017 and 2018, the average wage of a person with a disability working under a 14(c) certificate was $3.34 per hour, less than half of the federal minimum wage. Many workers with disabilities made even less. Click here to learn more and sign the petition.

Quote of the Week

"Kindness is like snow.

It never fails to add beauty to what it covers."

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