March 1, 2021
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Cuyahoga DD provides funds to expand
recreation programs
Fourteen (14) local agencies and municipalities which provide recreation services have been selected through a competitive process to expand their services due to funds made available by Cuyahoga DD. This expansion means that more community-based recreation programs, including adapted options, will be available to people with developmental disabilities of all ages throughout Cuyahoga County. Expanded program offerings are expected to begin this summer. More details will be available in future newsletters.

The agencies and municipalities receiving funds include:

Adaptive Sports Ohio
City of Bedford Heights
City of Cleveland
City of Solon / Solon Center for the Arts
Elle’s Enchanted Forest / Playground for Everyone
Empower Sports
GiGi’s Playhouse
Oakwood Village
Orange Community Education & Recreation
Rec2Connect
Seven Hills Recreation Center
The Up Side of Downs Northeast Ohio
Village of Walton Hills
Youth Challenge
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics are a BIG SUCCESS!
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of employees from University Hospitals, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Cleveland Department of Public Health and Cuyahoga DD, over 1,300 people in group 1B with developmental disabilities were able to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during the month of February. This means that 1,300+ people with disabilities are now one step closer to once again enjoying family gatherings, spending time with friends, and being out and about in the community.

Clinics were held at University Hospitals and Cuyahoga DD's Big Creek Center. Those who attended the clinics were grateful to receive the vaccine. Many people shared positive comments, referring to the clinics as “1st class all the way” and a “phenomenal experience!”

Cuyahoga DD's main role is to assist people currently in our DD system who meet required medical criteria identified by the Governor’s office and have a developmental disability to access vaccine opportunities as they become available. If you are currently in our system as someone with a developmental disability, we are aware of you and have the means to contact you to let you know of available opportunities.
DODD Waiver Simplification & Improvement Survey

Now is the time for self advocates and families to speak up!
Be an equal partner with those who work in the DD system by sharing your ideas!
 
This survey is designed for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families to provide feedback about Ohio's Level 1 and SELF waivers.  

The feedback will be used to inform the Waiver Workgroup as decisions are made about improving and simplifying Ohio's waivers.

The goal of a simplified and improved waiver will be to include the best of both waivers combined with creative ideas around new supports in order to create a waiver that provides more flexibility in the array of waiver services available. 

Just click on the link below to complete the survey.
Students in the Master of Autism Studies and Dual Degree programs taking Autism Research Design and Methods are conducting a research study to gain an understanding of the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on children on the spectrum.
 
The study will focus on COVID-19's impact on:
  • the overall well-being of children
  • challenges related to their access to services and social opportunities
  • mental and physical health
  • changes in routines
  • interruptions in education
  • new sensory challenges
 
If you have a child between the ages of 8 and 17 who has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, please help us gain insight into this critical issue by participating in this study. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
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New! Free Spanish Helpdesk
Milestones is now providing a Helpdesk to support Spanish-speaking families and individuals in the local autism community.
 
El servicio de asistencia en español servirá es una línea directa para un miembro del personal de habla hispana para ayudarlo a encontrar recursos locales individualizados.
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Learn from Marci how technology can help you!
March 3, 2021 at 10:00am
 
Marci Straughter, one of five Tech Ambassadors for the State of Ohio, will be on ZOOM on March 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. to show people how technology can be used to help keep you safer and to become more independent. She will speak from her own experience and on behalf of people who live with a developmental disabilities.
 
Marci will demonstrate how she uses technology in her home and the community. In addition to her role as a Tech Ambassador for Ohio, Marci also serves on the OSDA Council of Ohio Leaders-COOL, and a number of other boards, including the Self-Advocate Advisory Council with the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She is a statewide Project STIR trainer and a strong advocate for disability issues.
 
If you are interested in more details, send an email to Marci at marci@ohiotechambassador.org.  
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