Community Connections Newsletter
Typically, we send this newsletter out every other week, but throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we will send it out each week to provide for you the most up-to-date information.
ELECTION DAY HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 28, 2020
If you still need to vote, follow the instructions below.

OPTION 1: VOTE WITH AN ABSENTEE BALLOT ( Accessible Absentee Voting in Ohio)
  • First, get your APPLICATION one of the following ways:
  • Call 513-887-3700 to have an application mailed to you.
  • Download this Absentee Ballot APPLICATION and print it.
  • Write the following information on a blank sheet of paper and mail it to the Butler County Board of Elections or put in the drop box outside their office.
  • Your full name, date of birth, mailing address, county of residence, phone number, email address
  • Ohio driver's license number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number OR some form of identification
  • Write, "I'm requesting an absentee ballot for the March 17th Ohio Primary"
  • Write which type of ballot you want: Democratic, Republican, or Issues Only
  • Write your signature and today's date
  • Pick up an Absentee Ballot APPLICATION from the Customer Service counter at any Kroger in Butler County.
  • Then, once you have completed your APPLICATION, mail it to the Butler County Board of Elections or put in the drop box outside their office, (available 24 hours a day) by noon THIS SATURDAY, April 25.
  • Finally, once you receive your Absentee BALLOT, complete it, and mail it to the Butler County Board of Elections by NEXT MONDAY, April 27, or put in the drop box outside their office (available 24 hours a day) by 7:30pm NEXT TUESDAY, April 28.

OPTION 2: IF YOU HAVE A QUALIFYING DISABILITY OR CANNOT RECEIVE MAIL, YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON

Call 513-887-3700 with any questions.
COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT
If you do not normally file a tax return, click here to submit your information to the IRS so that they can deposit your $1,200 Economic Impact Payment directly into your bank account.
A WARNING AGAINST SCAMMERS:
If you suspect a scam, shut the conversation down, block the person, then report it. NEVER share personal information with a stranger, especially your bank account number, social security number or any other identifying personal information. If you believe someone is using a DD related agency to scam people, please take a screenshot and report that to [email protected] .
HOW TO IDENTIFY A SCAMMER:
  • They may try to appear trustworthy or familiar to you
  • They may contact you unexpectedly about your Economic Impact Payment via phone, email, social media or in person
  • They may use the words "Stimulus Check/Payment"
  • They may ask you to give them your $1,200 Economic Impact Payment
  • They may ask for your personal/banking information in order "for you to receive your payment" or "to speed up the process"
  • They may mail a fake check, then ask you to verify your information in order to cash it
BUTLER COUNTY BOARD OF DD TALK LINE
We are here for you! If you are feeling lonely or isolated, call or text the Butler County Board of DD Talk Line at 513-785-3615. This is NOT taking the place of our emergency after-hours line. If you need immediate assistance after hours, call 513-867-5913.
FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO BE TESTED AND TREATED FOR COVID-19
MULTILINGUAL OPTIONS FOR GOV. DEWINE'S PRESS CONFERENCES
Click here to watch Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Press Conferences.
To change the language, follow these steps:
  1. Click on the video you'd like to watch.
  2. Click the CC (CloseCaption) button at the bottom right of the video.
  3. Click the settings wheel next to it and select a language.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
UNDERSTANDING THE CORONAVIRUS
FUN ACTIVITIES
RESOURCES
STRESS & ANXIETY
GIVE, CONNECT & SUPPORT
AVAILABLE
  • TV
  • ADULT MEDIUM DIAPERS
  • CHUX (BED) PADS
  • "I HAVE AUTISM" and "I HAVE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY" self-identification cards for interacting with first responders

CONNECT
  • The Best Buddies Citizens Chapter is in need of community members to be paired with adults who have developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendship matches based on age, personality, interests and location. Matches develop their friendships by spending time together throughout the year. If you are interested in joining, contact Jenny at [email protected] or 513-785-2813. Click here to view the flyer.

Contact Bri at [email protected] or 513-785-2884 in regard to any item listed above. For more opportunities to give or volunteer, visit our website .
ONLINE EVENTS & TRAININGS
COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES
This webinar series will discuss COVID-19 as it relates to people with disabilities. Each session will run from 4 to 5:30pm. For disability accommodations, contact [email protected] .
  • TODAY, April 22: Advice from Family Members and Caregivers - Planning for daily life and what to do if you get sick, balancing needs of caretaking and taking care of the caregiver (you), how to help address/relieve anxiety. Click here to register.
  • April 29: Advice from People who Disabilities - Tips and strategies on hand washing, mental health, nutrition, exercise, working with caretakers, and what social distancing means for your friendships and relationships. Click here to register.
  • April 30: Advice on Your Questions - Join this webinar for an open Q&A session with a panel of representatives from the medical field, self-advocates, caregivers and federal partners. Click here to register.
COVID CRAZY? FRESH IDEAS FOR FAMILY FUN
Are you out of fun family activities to get through this quarantine? Feeling stressed with trying to juggle working from home, managing children, online school, and so much togetherness? Looking for some ways to deal with your own stress? Tune in TONIGHT, April 22 from 7 to 7:45pm for this interactive webinar! Don’t miss out and join us to share ideas, refresh and regroup! Click here to register.
SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR HOME
This class is presented by DDBP staff with a focus on how to incorporate a variety of sensory activities into your child's day. Will be held via Zoom April 23 at 1pm . Click here to register. Contact [email protected] with questions.
TAKING CHARGE OF MY CHILD'S CARE PLAN DURING COVID-19
In this virtual training, parents and primary caregivers of children with disabilities will learn how to prepare a healthcare summary in the event of an unexpected illness/hospitalization. They will also learn to create and update their child’s care plan, and receive information on available resources. Will be held April 24 from 1 to 2pm. Click here to register. Contact [email protected] with questions.
BUILDING INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES AT HOME
This class is presented by DDBP staff with a focus on how to promote independent play for children with developmental disabilities. Will be held via Zoom April 27 at 5:30pm . Click here to register. Contact [email protected] with questions.
USING SOCIAL NARRATIVES AND VIDEO MODELING
This class is presented by DDBP staff with a focus on how to use video modeling and social stories to support children with developmental disabilities. Will be held via Zoom April 29 at 4pm . Click here to register. Contact [email protected] with questions.
SHARED HARVEST DRIVE THROUGH FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Shared Harvest will be distributing food boxes May 2 from 10am to 2pm at Fairfield High School. The food will vary based on availability. This is a drive through distribution, please do not exit your vehicle. For updates, text "@foodbutler" to the number 81010. Click here to see the official event flyer.
"SALT TALKS" NEW ONLINE WEBINAR SERIES
The School to Adult Life Transition (SALT) Series is designed to help you and your family navigate the transition from high school to adult life. Tune in to these new online webinars each Thursday from 1 to 2pm. Click here to view the schedule. These webinars will be posted here under the SALT TALKS 2020 tab. Check out the Butler DD Salt Facebook page for more resources.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT GROUP
This support group is for those who work in the field of developmental disabilities to receive support, encourage others, and talk about current challenges. Join online or by phone every Friday in April from 11am to 12:30pm. Click here to join online or call and enter the PIN: 8379 71 3144. This support group is hosted by the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati and the Regional Autism Advisory Council.
CAPERNAUM VIRTUAL GATHERING
Join Great Miami Capernaum for their virtual gatherings each Sunday at 4pm. Capernaum is a ministry through Young Life designed for middle school students up to age 22 with disabilities. Meetings will last 30 to 40 minutes long. Contact [email protected] for the link to join! Be sure to let them know if this will be your first time joining one of their events!
CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP
Online meetings will be held every Tuesday from 7 to 8pm and every Thursday from 10 to 11am. Click here to view the flyer for information on how to join.
EXPERIENCE COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (CIP) VIRTUALLY
Now you can virtually visit CIP to learn about how they help young adults with autism, ADHD and other learning differences find success in college, employment, and independent living. Learn about each of the five CIP centers across the United States and their unique offerings. Click here to watch the Experience Day Webinar.
RESOURCES & OTHER NEWS
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (DSPs) NEEDED
Has this state of emergency disrupted your income or do you simply desire to help members of your community during these trying times? Become a DSP! Direct support professionals provide daily supports to people with disabilities. Click here to learn more. Apply today by visiting OhioMeansJobs and searching "DSP".
2020 CENSUS
Have you responded to the 2020 Census? T he DD community is one of the most under-represented groups in the census, but making sure you are counted in the census is important because it helps demonstrate the need for essential supports in our community. Watch this short video to learn more about the 2020 Census.
BUTLER COUNTY BOARD OF DD'S LIVEBINDERS
Click  here  to access the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities' LiveBinder, an online "binder" full of event flyers, newsletters and community resources.
We would never be able to do all that we do without our amazing community! THANK YOU for coming alongside us in support of the individuals and families we serve!