On April 2, join us by wearing blue to support World Autism Day! Let us celebrate differences as we work to build an inclusive society where all individuals live fully through connection and acceptance.

DCBDD is partnering with the SNAP-Ed program at The Ohio State University Extension Office in Delaware to bring the program Nutrition Nuggets to the people we serve, providers, and interested members of the community. The program will teach participants how to make nutritious food choices within a limited budget and how to lead a physically active lifestyle. The virtual classes are free to all participants. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health has issued the Second Amended Director's Order on Adult Day Support Services and Vocational Habilitation Services. This updated language will allow providers to continue to deliver services in a safe environment while following the best medical practices.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a program to help households struggling to pay for internet services during the pandemic.

Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service and can also receive a one-time benefit of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers. For eligibility and other program information, visit the program webpage.

Say hello to your new kitchen assistant - the U by Moen Smart Faucet offers convenience, precision and intuitive voice-activation technology to help complete tasks in the kitchen. Customizable settings and personalized commands allow you to save time throughout your day by making those everyday tasks just a little simpler.

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.

DODD is partnering with advocacy and family organizations to host town hall opportunities for people with disabilities and their families to provide feedback about the improvement and simplification of the Level 1 and SELF waivers.

The Virtual Town Hall section of the DODD Waiver Simplification and Improvement page will be updated as registration is available for each town hall meeting.

The Waiver Simplification and Improvement Feedback Survey is available as another option for people with disabilities and their families to provide feedback.

The Provider Transformation Series is a collection of resources and online events that assist providers, county boards, families, individuals, and others to think about and move from facility to community-minded supports. The 2021 series features two great offerings to help support your continued transformation journey:

For more information and to register, click here.

Each session is designed to be a stand-alone program, so feel free to attend as many or few as you want! This webinar series is free and open to the public.

The Marketplace Emergency SEP is available from February 15 to May 15.

The team of federally trained and licensed Navigators at HRS Erase help consumers with health insurance options. Their services are always free. To schedule an appointment with a Navigator, please call our toll free number at 855-894-2711 or email Navigators@Aspirion.com

YLF is a program designed to bring young people with different disabilities together and empower them to be leaders in their communities. The Columbus Regional Youth Leadership Forum will be held June 14-18, 2021 virtually via Zoom. The forum is open for application to any 11th or 12th grade student with a disability in Franklin, Delaware, Union, or Licking county. Applications must be fully completed and turned in by April 16, 2021 for consideration. Applications may be sent in via email at jlahrmer@disabilityempowerment.net.

For parents and caregivers of children ages 8+ with developmental disabilities

$10 per family

April 19

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman

April 19 - 20

The Strong Families, Safe Communities project has been engaging local systems to identify community-driven solutions that highlight collaboration across agencies to develop the best outcomes for families with children in crisis because of mental illness or a developmental disability. All webinars are free.

If you are interested in becoming a member, check out the New Member Application page for more information. The deadline to apply is April 18, 2021.

Requirements for play areas in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards apply to all newly designed or constructed play areas for children ages 2 and older. The requirements uphold accessible play areas at day care facilities, parks, shopping malls, fast food restaurants, and other facilities. They address accessible play components, ground-level and elevated accessible routes, play area surfaces, transfer systems, soft contained play structures, and water play components. In addition to an overview of the play area provisions, the presenters will address frequently asked questions and common sources of confusion with accessible play surfaces. For more info and to register, click here.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccines, refer to the following resources:

And don't forget! 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.