Contact the Community Connections Team at [email protected] or 513-785-2813 in regard to any item listed above.

For every donation made to Goodwill on our behalf, we receive a voucher to be able to support people with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, the amount of donations made on our behalf have dropped off significantly. This is putting the amount of vouchers that we are able to give out in jeopardy! If you or someone you know is going to Goodwill to donate anything, please make sure that they are taking a donation form.

The Young Social Crew is starting to plan some social distancing events for the fall. Please check out their Facebook page to share your ideas and join them on their adventure.

MidPointe Library and Liberty Township have partnered to install a StoryWalk at the Fort Liberty Playland! Visitors travel down the accessible path connecting Fort Liberty Playland with Reserves Park and enjoy the story as they go. The stories will be updated quarterly, so check back for new stories and activities regularly. More information and supplemental activities can be found at https://www.midpointelibraryblog.org/blog/2020/nov/storywalk

The regular face to face SALT meetings have been moved to a virtual platform due to COVID 19 precautions. So as a way to keep everyone informed and updated on transition-related topics during these times, we have created SALT TALKS Series - An Online Transition Series.

Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati: Learn about acting and improvisation as the Ensemble Theater leads us in theatrical storytelling games and activities! Join us online at 9 a.m. Please note that a Zoom link will follow in your confirmation email.

Click here to register.

Zoom into a live, weekly story time with your favorite Fairfield librarians! Registration is required. Click here to register.

Post-Secondary Transition Planning opens doors for students with disabilities and helps them better plan for life after high school. That's why State Support Team 10 has developed this virtual learning series!

To register, click here.

We'll hear from Brad and Bryan Manning, founders of Two Blind Brothers.

If you are interested in joining the Zoom meeting, email Courtney Hineman at [email protected] or plan to tune in for Facebook Live at 11 a.m.

This 2-day educational training will coach caregivers through strategies for toilet training children with developmental disabilities. The $15 cost includes both classes and a training manual. Individual and/or intensive follow-up services are available if needed after the course is completed. Please note, attendees must attend both class dates. To register, call 513-636-2742 or [email protected]

The Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) is hosting a monthly discussion on various topics. To learn more or register, click here.

This 1-hour introductory course focuses on ways to use visual supports based on your child's developmental level. Caregivers will learn how to use visual supports to increase behavioral success, decrease anxiety about expectations and routines, and increase independence across different areas of life. Cost is $10 per family. To register, click here.

Our self-advocacy group for ages 16+ needs you! Join us via Zoom to hear about important topics that impact you and learn how to make a difference for yourself and your community! We meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 - 7 p.m. Contact Courtney Hineman for more information at [email protected]

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.

Click here for a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities throughout Butler County in January and February.

The Ohio Self Determination Association, OSDA, partners with County Boards of DD, people with disabilities, providers and families across the state to help people, living with disabilities, to have opportunities to learn about Self Determination and Self Advocacy. By being a member of OSDA you are connected to an organization that teaches people with disabilities to speak up and become Ohio Leaders.

Waterford Upstart is a school-readiness program that teaches preschool-aged children basic skills they need in reading, math, and science. Funded through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the program is open to Ohio families who are eligible for TANF funds. You get: A laptop computer for your child to do daily lessons at home, independent online activities and resources for off-line practice, and guidance and tools to help you support your child's learning.

Vanderbilt University is seeking primary caregivers of individuals who have complex communication needs. The goal is to gather primary caregivers' perspectives on the training received (if any), to support and enhance their child's communication skills. By gathering information and variables that lead to positive and negative experience they hope to make recommendations and to outline key elements to minimize experiences that may be contributing to high levels of communication system abandonment and decrease the impact these systems may have on the family. 

May We Help, in partnership with Great Parks, is creating the community’s first Inclusive Trail Station alongside the new Little Miami Trail Expansion. If you have a disability or are a caregiver to someone with a disability, your answers will help us determine the next steps with the project. We appreciate your time and input!

Researchers at Ohio State University and Rush University would like to invite you to participate in a survey about topics and priorities for early intervention research in the autism community.

If you are interested in participating, you would be asked to read segments of a research agenda and answer some questions about your thoughts. Participants may have a support person to assist with survey completion and can contact the research team for alternate options. If you choose to complete the survey, you may enter a raffle drawing to receive a $20 Amazon gift card as a thank-you for your participation in the research study.

MOVEOhio is a diverse statewide coalition of advocates who represent the interest of everyday transportation users. Our vision is a better-funded multi-modal transportation network in Ohio that prioritizes a complete network of affordable and accessible transportation options, including public transit, passenger and freight rail, and walkable, bikeable streets. Click here to download the flyer.

Are you a parent of a youth (age 14-21) with disabilities? Do you currently live in the United States? Does your youth with disabilities have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and currently receive special education services in the United States? If you answered "yes" to all of the questions above, you are eligible for participating in this study. This survey is 100% anonymous and will take 15-20 min to complete. Participants who completed at least 90% of the survey will have the opportunity to participate in a random drawing for 1 of 5 $100 Amazon gift cards.

Study led by:

Wen-hsuan Chang, BEd, MA

Doctoral Candidate in Special Education

UNC Charlotte - Cato College of Education

Graduate Research Assistant

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)

Registration for summer camp 2021 begins February 2021. You will see registration links at this site beginning February 1st at 10 am for members of the Farm, and February 15 at 10 a.m. for nonmembers. Any questions about camp can be emailed to [email protected].

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has curated several important resources for mental health. Click here to learn more.

Assistance is available to help Butler County residents affected by COVID-19 issues with their mortgage, rent, or sewer/water bills. Please see the attached flyer provided by SELF.

If you have been laid off or lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic and recession, you might be able to find help paying the rent depending on your circumstances and where you live. To learn more, click here.