February 2024
Traveling Through Transition
The Lifespan Transitions Center has a new transition planning resource! Whether you’re new to transition or looking for some specific support or information to navigate to your adult life vision, we have you covered. Check out the Traveling Through Transition webpage for our two pages of resources to help with your transition planning.
Interested in a bookmark for your event to share with students, families, and partners? Request a copy of the Traveling Through Transition rack card by emailing LTC@ocali.org.
Innovation Series
Join DODD's Quality and Innovation Office teams for the 2024 Innovation Series centered on, “A Day in the Life: Amplifying Voices, Building a More Inclusive Tomorrow.” The series sessions will offer practical strategies on:
- Integrated Support
- Person-Centered Outcomes
- Community Building
- Relationships
- Employment Opportunities
The virtual series, beginning Wednesday, April 3, 2024 will build toward an in-person summit on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Central Ohio honoring the stories – including yours – that inspire action. This year expands from the 2023 Innovation Series, which focused on enriching your network and the power of relationships. The Quality and Innovation team at DODD is partnering with OSDA, We Thrive Together - Advocacy Wednesday, and OCALI to offer a learning opportunity with real life examples, networking, and practical strategies and motivation to move your ah-ha moments into action.
Charting the LifeCourse Showcase
Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) is a framework created to help people and families of all abilities and all ages achieve their "good life."
Join the Family Resource Network of Ohio on Friday, March 15, 2024 for a day-long celebration showcasing the use of Charting the LifeCourse throughout Ohio. Hear stories from people with disabilities, families, educators, providers, County Boards, and organizations about how they have found success in supporting themselves and others with Charting the LifeCourse principles and tools.
The keynote will be presented by Al Condeluci, PhD, a long-time advocate and catalyst for building community capacities. New this year is a half-day Beginners Workshop on Thursday, March 14, 2024, designed for those new to Charting the LifeCourse or seeking a refresher. This session provides an introduction to the principles and applications of Charting the LifeCourse.
To learn more and register for the half-day workshop, the full-day Showcase, or both, visit the Family Resource Network of Ohio.
** Register soon - seating is limited**
New Take 5 Videos
- Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Check out our newest agency added to the Agency Navigation Tool, Centers for Independent Living. Learn how youth can connect with one of the 11 Centers for Independent Living around Ohio.
- Ohio Family2Family! Build your community for your unique needs! Ohio F2F can connect you to local and statewide resources for families of children and youth who have disabilities and special healthcare needs.
- Ohio Tech Ambassador Network: What technology is out there? How can I use technology to better my life? All these questions and more will be answered. Connect with 5 Tech Ambassadors with lived experiences and learn how they use technology in their daily life.
We’re Moving!
Starting February 22, 2024, our OCALI Transitions Facebook page will be archived. We ask that you "Like" the NEW Lifespan Transitions Center professional page and the Group Page.
Questions? Contact ltc@ocali.org.
Benefits Education Opportunities
Many people rely on public benefits like SSI, Medicaid, and others to support them as adults. However, it can be confusing and sometimes even scary to understand how employment and earned income can affect these different benefits. Luckily, there are two wonderful training opportunities available to support staff, providers, people with disabilities, families, school personnel, County Board SSAs and more!
- FEAR FACTOR training on March 26th from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Back by popular demand! Confront your fears about losing benefits due to employment. Learn about reporting requirements to maintain benefits from a diverse panel of experts. For SSA CPDU's register here or if no CPDUs are needed, register here on Zoom.
- Virtual DB101 Training for Professionals on February 28th from 2 – 3:30 p.m. DB101 reduces the myths that are barriers to employment by providing the information to help people with disabilities make informed career planning, benefits, health coverage, employment, and wealth-building decisions. Attendees will learn how to use DB101 to explain SSI/SSDI rules including the impact on state and federal benefits and complete Estimators to discuss the impact of earnings on benefits. Register for this event here.