Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities

09/23/2026

"Disability Rights & Resources in Ohio: A Community Conversation" is a partnership of Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson, Lucas DD, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Ohio, The Ability Center, and others! Alexis Means 13abc will be the event emcee. Free and open to the public, all ages and abilities. More information at https://lucasdd.org/events/3490/2026-10-01/disability-rights-&-resources-in-ohio:-a-community-conversation

09/19/2026

It’s Day 5 of DSP Appreciation Week!

As we wrap up our week-long celebration, we wanted to share a little more of what was said about the people at the heart of this work.

The fun, the relationships, the willingness to help, listen, learn and try... and most importantly, the genuine care for the people they support.

To all of our DSPs: thank you for showing up, caring deeply and making a difference every day.

Special thanks to ViaQuest, Inc. in Toledo for welcoming us and making these interviews possible — and to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us!

DSP Appreciation Week may be coming to an end, but our appreciation for you certainly isn’t!

09/17/2026

It’s Day 4 of DSP Appreciation Week!

What makes a great DSP? We decided to ask the people who know them best!

Today, individuals share what they like about their DSPs, and a few words they’d use to describe the people who support them.

Their answers say a lot about the relationships that can grow from the work DSPs do every day.

Thank you to all of our DSPs for the support, encouragement and connection you bring to the lives of others!

09/17/2026

Friends from Sunshine Communities stopped by Lucas DD this morning as part of their Give Back Day. Assistant Superintendent Amy Priest and Provider Supports Director Sarah Diesch welcomed our guests, who brought a hand-made card and sweet treats from Georgette's Grounds & Gifts. It was all a token of appreciation for our collaboration on the Tech House! Learn more about the house, a partnership between Lucas DD and Sunshine backed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and schedule a tour at https://www.sunshine.org/tech-house

09/16/2026

It’s Day 3 of DSP Appreciation Week!

We’ve heard from our DSPs, now it’s time to hear from some people who know their impact best!

We asked some individuals what they like about their DSPs and some of the things they enjoy doing together. Their answers are a great reminder that being a DSP is about so much more than providing support... it’s about connection, encouragement, shared experiences and having some fun along the way.

To all of our DSPs: thank you for the difference you make every single day!

09/16/2026

DSP Appreciation Week — Day 2 (Corrected)
(We’re resharing yesterday’s video with a corrected company affiliation.)
DSP Appreciation Week continues!
Today, we asked our DSPs one simple question: What do you like about being a Direct Support Professional?
Their answers show just how much heart goes into this work... Different stories. One important job.
Thank you to all of our DSPs for everything you do each and every day!

09/15/2026

Thanks to The Blade for stopping by our Safety Town program Monday. The 2-day event is a collaboration of Lucas DD, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, and Mercy Health - Toledo. About 30 adults receive training on things like fire and electrical safety (seen in the photo below), first aid and personal hygiene education, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and transit safety lessons led by Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority.

A Safety Town program for adults with developmental disabilities took place Monday at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Toledo. Click ...

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

It’s DSP Appreciation Week!

All week long, we’re celebrating the Direct Support Professionals who make a difference every day through their patience, dedication, encouragement and support.

We asked some of our DSPs what they’ve learned from the job—and one answer came up again and again: patience.

Thank you to all of the incredible DSPs who help people live, work, connect and thrive in their communities. This week, we celebrate YOU!