Inspiring, empowering, and supporting people to achieve their full potential.
September 2021
PERSPECTIVES
DCBDD Updates
DCBDD Levy Renewal with a Reduction
On November 2, 2021, DCBDD will be on the ballot for a levy renewal with a reduction. We will also be releasing the 0.56 mill levy. Click here to download the Levy Fact Sheet to learn more.
Holiday Hours
DCBDD will be closed the following days this month:
  • Monday, September 6 - Labor Day
  • Thursday, September 23 beginning at 12:00 p.m. - Little Brown Jug Day
DCBDD's Programs and Services Administrative Team Update: Best Wishes and Welcome

Best Wishes
In November, Cheryl Smart, Assistant Director of Programs and Services will be retiring after nearly 30 years of service. We are grateful for Cheryl's compassion and dedication to our agency and to the people we serve. DCBDD will be compiling notes of appreciation, fond memories, pictures, and well wishes for a memory book for Cheryl. If you wish to contribute please email your addition here.

Welcome
Over the past few months DCBDD has welcomed several new members to the Programs and Services Administrative Team. See the image below or click here to meet the entire team.

The newest member of the DCBDD team, Mike Dancho joined us on August 23. Mike will be filling the position of Assistant Director of Programs and Services. Mike joins DCBDD with many years of experience in the field and a true passion for our mission. We are excited to have him on board!
DSP Appreciation Week
Don't forget DSP Appreciation Week is September 12-18, 2021! Take a few minutes to send a provider you know a note to say thank you for all of their hard work and dedication!

Additionally, DCBDD will be recognizing DSPs throughout the week with a proclamation by both the County Commissioners and the DCBDD Board. Follow us on Social Media to see features of local DSPs who are going above and beyond for the people they support.
National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW)
September 13-20, 2021

Did you know that last year, over 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote? Let your voice be heard by registering to vote during NDVRW!

DCBDD is partnering with the Delaware County District Library to celebrate NDVRW! Click on the flier below for steps on how to check your registration status or to register to vote.

Additionally, visit the DCDL Main Branch or ask your DCBDD contact for a Make the Disability Vote Count button!
Monthly Community Resource Feature
May We Help
Founded in 2006, May We Help is a non-profit, volunteer organization that creates adaptive devices for individuals with disabilities whose needs cannot be met by a device in the marketplace. The members of the Columbus Chapter include engineers, craftsmen, and other talented individuals who volunteer their time and knowledge to create customized assistive or adaptive devices for central Ohio residents. For more information, click here
Monthly Technology First Feature
BridgingApps
BridgingApps, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, is a community of parents, veterans, therapists, doctors, educators, and people with disabilities who share information on how apps and mobile devices can help people of all abilities reach their highest levels of physical, social and cognitive development. Learn more by clicking here
Assistive Technology (AT) Consultation
Do you have a barrier that might be able to be solved by AT? Make an appointment with DCBDD's Tech Committee for a quick consultation. To make an appointment, contact AssistiveTechnology@dcbdd.org.
Community Events & Resources
STABLE Accounts: What Are They and How Can They Help You Invest in Yourself?
September 8
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Doug Jackson, the Deputy Director at the Office of the Ohio Treasurer of State, for an informational webinar on STABLE Accounts. Learn about how Stable Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or SSI. Click here to register.
Special Education Legal Clinic
September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In person or via Zoom
The Special Education Legal Clinic offers parents and guardians an opportunity to meet with a special education advocate or attorney in an open and welcoming environment to ask questions and discuss specific challenges related to education. Clinic staff members and volunteers will help guide parents and guardians through the special education process and provide resources to request and secure special education services. Click here for more information. 
TikTok, Art, and Tools Outreach
September 11 and September 25
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join The Center for Disability Empowerment for their upcoming series, Youth with Disabilities: TikTok, Art and Tools To Empower You! 
This 2 part series is free for youth with disabilities (ages 14-24). To get the most out of this learning experience, participants should attend both sessions.
  • Part 1: Charting the LifeCourse One page person-centered profile and a TikTok Party! Let’s learn how to do it together. Click here to register.
  • Part 2: Charting the LifeCourse Trajectory - What is a good life? followed by an artist-led painting party. Click here to register.
Outdoor Inclusive Adventures
September 12
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The YMCA-Early Childhood Resource Network+ would like to invite your family to the (free) 5th Annual Outdoor Inclusive Adventures! The event will be at Prairie Oaks-Darby Bend Lakes Metro Park. Activities include fishing, canoeing/kayaking, creaking, games, crafts, food, a raffle, and more! Click here for more information.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week:
Thank You Video
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 12-18) is a great opportunity to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities. DODD invites you to take this opportunity to thank Direct Support Professionals statewide by providing a brief thank you message that will be compiled into one video and shared by DODD during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. It’s as simple as using your phone to record a message and emailing it to DODD. Please send your video of thanks and the completed Photo Consent Form to joseph.vanhorn@dodd.ohio.gov by September 3.
Charting the LifeCourse
September 14
6:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
DCBDD is pleased to once again offer the Discovery Series! Click here for an overview. In September, we will be learning about Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC). The CtLC framework was created to help individuals and families develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live. To learn more or to sign up for September's session, click here.

Discovery Series Archive
Did you miss one of the Discovery Series? Not to worry! All sessions are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel. Access the recordings by clicking here.
Family Advisory Council
September 15
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Family Advisory Council provides a forum for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to hear directly from family members about the issues that affect their lives and provides the opportunity to learn more about the department's current initiatives from executive staff. Click here for more information and to register.
Ohio Family Engagement Leadership Summit
September 17
The Ohio Family Engagement Leadership Summit is a day of professional learning and connecting virtually with those dedicated to advancing effective family-school-community partnerships across Ohio and beyond. Hosted by the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University, this summit brings research to action by providing schools, families, and community partners with the tools they need to work together to launch all children to success. If you are a parent leader, educator, or community partner looking for opportunities to evolve your practice to next generation family and community engagement, this summit is for you.  
Guardianship - Learn the Basics & How to Get Started
September 21
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Family and Community Outreach Center and the Autism Society of Central Ohio, and presented by RRPG Attorneys and Counselors at Law, join this free, virtual workshop designed for families who have a child with a developmental disability, or those who want to learn more about the guardianship process. Click here for more information and to register.
A Guide to Nursing Services in Ohio
A Guide to Nursing Services in Ohio provides information and guidance for Ohioans who have home care medical needs. The guide covers options for nursing services, including private health insurance, Ohio Medicaid and Medicaid waivers, and more. It provides explanations of complex terms and systems, information on what families need to know about different ways to get and pay for nursing services, and resources with more details, including how to apply. Click here to access the Guide.
Emergency Readiness:
Self Defense Training
September 26
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Center for Disability Empowerment is teaming up with Endeavor Defense and Fitness to host an Emergency Readiness training for persons with disabilities.
This 4-hour training will focus on:
  • Planning for Emergencies
  • Barricading and Cover Principles
  • Trauma Care
  • Interacting with Responding Units
  • Long Term Impact (Financial, Emotional, Mental)
Registration is limited to 20 participants (18 years and older). Please click here to register.
Animal & Me
September 24, 2021
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Delaware County Fair
Education, Employment, and Independent Living:
A Series on Supported Decision-Making
October 6, 27, November 10, December 1
State Support Team Region 11 is excited to host Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy for the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, for four, 1.5-hour virtual speaking engagements focused on education, employment, and independent living for people with disabilities. Click here for more information and to register.
Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival
September 18, 2021
9:30 a.m.
OCALICON 2021
November 16-19
OCALICON, the premier autism, sensory disabilities, low-incidence disabilities, and assistive technology conference, continues to bring together a cross-section of professionals and parents who utilize a variety of products and services at home, work, and in the community. Click here for more information and to register.
Advocacy Feature
5 Disability Bills In Congress To Watch

It's usually easier to advocate for disability rights and justice when the issue at hand is close and personal. It's harder to maintain the same optimism, commitment, and focus when it comes to large-scale disability policy and legislation. It...

Read more
www.forbes.com
COVID-19 Updates
DCBDD is keeping our COVID-19 webpage updated with new information and resources. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your DCBDD contact or call the main line 740-201-3600 for assistance.