CLI is all in on Ohio's new STEPS services. We hope that this is the new direction that Ohio is going even after we've worked all the way through this pandemic (2021?).

However, 2 things to remember-- first, at CLI we always are ok with you ordering off the menu. Being all-in on Person-Centered means that we need to actively keep working to bend our services in the direction that each individual client wants.We just figured with STEPS being so new and people not knowing what to imagine, we'd start with some ready-made curriculum.

Second, STEPS is almost always less than a full day of service. We know that is a problem for some people who need to be able to count on 6-8 hours per day. There are some restrictions with STEPS right now, the biggest issue being that you can't participate in a STEPS program and a facility-based program on the same day. That may change. However, in the meantime, we may be able to blend some other services, like HPC to build out a longer day that fits better into your budget. CLI will work with your SSA to help you navigate this. However, this is new for all of us, so be prepared to be patient. For the record, we think that pushy is good too. Pushy, polite and patient. All good "P" words in our book.

If you are interested making some art of your own, CLI collaborates with Artists Open Studio to support people's involvement in this integrated, local non-profit whose mission is to both support local fine arts, but even more specifically to help people with disabilities create art. Click anywhere in this box for more information about AOS (https://www.artistsopenstudioinc.org/)

John's Usual Excuses & Apologies--

Well, apparently in the artwork above, I'm the glammed up blonde drinking a beer in the dingy. I know that it's a completely different world than the late 1970's when I was in middle school-- and I'm trying to take it as a compliment. Just goes to show you the unintended consequences of what seem to be small choices. Of course I'm not telling any parent anything that they don't know . . .

So-- the backstory-- in 1999 at the end of my first year at the original "Christie Lane", that is the Huron County Board of DD-- about 12 of us dressed up for a halloween party in Mansfield. Andy K & I thought it would be funny to go in drag, so I went as a female zombie ala Phil Hartman's "Susan".

We all piled into the blue Dodge wheelchair van. We had a great time, but got lost on the way back taking a "short-cut" through back country. After passing the same trooper about 3-4 times, we got pulled over, with me driving in full zombie Susan drag. Good times (and there was no ticket involved).

That was 21 years ago and I can still be anywhere in Norwalk and there's about a 15% chance that someone from the other side of the store or the back of the BMV line will yell out that "John Schwartz wears a dress!" With lots of gusto (you know who you are).

Artistic representations aside, it's been a good week. Obviously, it's felt a bunch like fall which has been an adjustment. Both CLI & Firelands Local are interviewing right now, which we've been doing outdoors because it's easier to meet people and have a free-flowing conversation without a mask. But after one nippy 20 minutes interview standing outside Seminary-- we realized it was time to come back indoors.

With the news that President Trump has tested positive for COVID-19, it seems appropriate to really double down again on all the protocols we put in place this spring. I know that I've gotten a little too cavalier. CLI absolutely does not want to compromise anybody's health. Frankly I'm not sure that our business would survive a rash of infections among CLI staff and/or clients. I think we've all watched all of netflix & youtube-- so in my opinion, life's too short to have to spend the winter dealing with another shut-down. We're going to treat masks and other health best practices the same way we've all gotten used to seatbelts.

We are each only as safe as our worst offender. I'd like everyone's help to really encourage each other to follow the rules. That goes double for me. If you see me not following best-practice, feel free to shout out that "John Schwartz wears a dress AND lets his nose hang out of his mask."

It's going to be a good week and a good winter because we're all going to work together to keep each other safe. In fact, right now is a great time to wash those hands again!

Firelands Local LLC Update:

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