10th Annual CommUNITY Film Fest is fast approaching!

You're invited to come see the 15 films created by our talented individuals! The CommUNITY Film Fest is a fun and FREE event open to the whole community. Enjoy the 5-minute films and see who wins what category, including the coveted Best of the Fest Award. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m. on Aug. 18 at the Maumee Indoor Theater.

Final Playgroup of the Summer is Aug. 12

Lucas DD's Early Intervention team welcomes everyone to their final inclusive Summer Playgroup 10 a.m. to noon August 12 at Side Cut Metropark*. Playgroups are ideal for those up to 6 years old, but ALL ages and abilities are welcome to attend. Parents are encouraged to connect as well. Register and check-in with staff upon arrival for a chance to win fun prizes!

*Please note the location of this playgroup location was changed from the initial place due to the high number of pre-registrations.

Common Ground Social Skills Group Meets Aug. 13

Lucas DD's Common Ground and Friend Network is for people 18+ to gather together and build lasting, sustainable friendships and connections. Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at our Larc Lane Training Center in South Toledo.

Family Ties on August 22

Lucas DD Family Ties is a parent support group that regularly meets to help families connect and build a supportive network. Light snacks will be served, and a special guest will be present as a resource for parents! This month, Lucas DD Community Inclusion Manager Lori Balogh will be available to speak about upcoming inclusive events. Please email familyties@lucasdd.org with any questions, or if you need to bring your child or individual with you.

Move to the Groove at the August Rec Jam

The always popular Lucas DD Rec Jam is August 28 from 7-9 p.m. at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania. No registration required. See you there on the dance floor!

TARTA Seeks Feedback on Fare System Upgrade

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) has scheduled a series of public events to collect community feedback on the planned rollout of an account-based ticketing system. This fare-capping system, if approved by TARTA’s Board of Trustees, will allow customers to get the value of extended passes without paying the upfront fee. The day cap will be $3, the 7-day cap will be $15, and the 31-day cap will be $45. 

These events will include two in-person forums and two virtual feedback sessions. These forums will focus on the Title VI equity analyses surrounding the service changes. A virtual session will be recorded and posted on the TARTA website. Public meetings are scheduled for: 

• Virtual meeting, Monday, Aug. 19, 5-6 p.m., Register at tarta.com/publicmeetings 
• In-person meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6-7 p.m., Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Kent Branch, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. 
• In-person meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., TARTA Transit Hub, 612 N. Huron Street, Toledo 
• Virtual meeting, Friday, Aug. 23, 10-11 a.m. Register at tarta.com/publicmeetings 

DeWine Touts Accessible Ohio Initiative at Expo

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine served as the opening speaker for the first-ever Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo last month. The conference, hosted by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, showcased ways to make Ohio’s businesses, communities, venues, and attractions accessible and inclusive for all Ohioans, including those with disabilities. During his remarks, Gov. DeWine discussed the Accessible Ohio initiative. Through Accessible Ohio, a team of specialists provides free guidance to make accessibility a reality in more communities across Ohio. There is an Accessible Ohio Feedback Forum on Aug. 21; registration is required.

Tech Summit in Columbus

The 2024 Tech Summit will be on Aug. 16, starting at 8 a.m. at the Marriott Columbus on Ohio State campus. The Tech Summit offers attendees a chance to learn about current and emerging technology solutions to support people with developmental disabilities that want more independence in their lives. 

Autistic Adult Night-Bowling & Cornhole

Avenues for Autism is hosting an evening of fun tonight, Aug. 2 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. This event is a valuable opportunity for adults on the autism spectrum, age 18 and older, to explore new possibilities. Registration required.

Inclusive Playground Dance Party Fundraiser tonight

Dust off your leg warmers and neon colors or break out your flannel and grunge gear—this is your chance to showcase your favorite decade attire! Whether you’re an 80s fanatic or a 90s enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. The party is from 7 p.m. to midnight tonight, Aug. 2. It’s going to be a night to remember! A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Stranahan Parent Teacher Association of Sylvania. Their mission is to develop an inclusive and accessible outdoor playground that allows both typically developing children and children with special needs a place to play alongside one another.

DSAGT New Parent Breakfas tomorrow

All new parents who have a child with Down Syndrome are invited to learn more about the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) and how they serve those in our community. The New Parent Breakfast is on Aug. 3 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Click here to register.

2024 Voters' Forum on Disability Issues

The Ability Center, Arc of Ohio, and Toledo Lucas County Commission on Disabilities are proud to announce the 2024 Voters’ Forum on Disability Issues, taking place 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the Ability Center. This crucial forum will provide an opportunity for the disability community to engage with candidates for Lucas County Commissioner and the State Legislature, discussing key disability-related issues and policy priorities for Ohio.

OpenSpot and Inclusive Theatre This Fall At UT

OpenSpot is coming back to the University of Toledo this fall! The University of Toledo (Disability Studies and Theatre and Film) is collaborating with OpenSpot Theatre for a 6-week acting workshop for adults with developmental disabilities. Work with UT students and trained facilitators to learn singing, dancing, and acting skills. The workshop ends with a performance that you will write and star in! Fall classes run Thursdays 5:30-6:30 at the UT Center for Performing Arts from Sept. 12 through Oct. 24. To learn more and sign up, visit OpenSpot’s registration page. Please note there is a suggested class fee, but no one is turned away if they are not able to pay. 

Accessible Ohio's Team

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has a team of Accessible Ohio specialists that provides consultation to Ohio businesses, venues, attractions, and communities across the state. If you're interested in starting a partnership with OOD, please send an email to AccessibleOhio@ood.ohio.gov.

Lucas DD Parent Support

To learn about additional grants and funding resources such as the ones above, please reach out to Lucas DD Parent Partner Tammy Eisenreich at teisenreich@lucasdd.org or 419-356-3824.

Volunteers Needed at Special Olympics Regional Competition

The Northwest Region of Special Olympics Ohio needs several volunteers for the upcoming Regional Softball Tournament/Skills Competition on Saturday, Aug. 17 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Findlay. Must be at least 14 years old. Some positions require experience with keeping books. Please click on the headline for more information or to sign up today!

OCALI Collaborative Video Project

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) Center for the Young Child (CYC) invites you to submit videos of your child participating in different activities. Capture mealtime, bedtime, playtime, or other daily rituals to help shed light on the incredible milestones and developmental stages that infants, toddlers, and preschoolers experience. Your footage can help provide practical, real-world examples that showcase the diverse ways in which children of all abilities learn and grow.

The Ability Center needs volunteers for Family Fun Day

This is an event for families who have children 12 and under providing extra support for families who have a child with a disability. It will be a carnival style event with food and games. There are a variety of volunteer positions to be filled between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Aug 24.

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