Presenter Theresa Busher, Public Affairs Specialist Social Security, Dayton will discuss Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, these are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. Sign Language Interpreters and materials in alternative format are available if requested at least 1 week prior. To register or request: call 937-341-5202 or 711 Ohio Relay, ask for Maria Matzik ext. 1007 or email: maria.matzik@acils.com.

If you are a part of the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual) and Disability communities, or an ally, the Access Center welcomes and encourages you to come together to talk, mingle, share your story, life experiences, knowledge and views at its Breaking Silences Peer Group. Have fun and make friends. Sign Language Interpreters and materials in alternative format are available if requested at least 1 week prior by calling (937) 341-5202 (voice) or 711 Ohio Relay. Ask for Maria Matzik at ext. 1007 or email her at maria.matzik@acils.com.

MCBDDS will host a series of workshops titled "Stress Management for Families" at its Southview Center March 27 & 28 and April 24 & 25. Delivered by representatives of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, this series is designed to help families unlock their strengths and learn skills and strategies to manage family stressors. Instructors will cover practical ways to manage pressure, and teach creative ways to modify existing methods of coping and caring for loved ones. Sessions offer opportunities for families to get personal and work together to solve common — and uncommon — family stressors. Moderators will work with each group’s real-life obstacles to find solutions that work for your entire family. When registering, please select one session from each day. If you have any questions about the series or the registration process, please contact Steve Beha at steven.beha@dodd.ohio.gov or 614-466-4085.

Ohio DODD Family Advisory Council meetings take place quarterly and are open to everyone. The Family Advisory Council provides a forum for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities leadership to hear directly from family members about the issues that affect their lives, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the department's current initiatives from executive staff. The March 27 Family Advisory Council session will stream on Facebook Live beginning at 10 a.m. If you can't attend, plan a DODD Watch Party to participate and connect without leaving your own community. Service providers and county board staff are welcome to attend, but are encouraged to use their membership organizations and other avenues to raise any issues that concern them.