Family Connection Newsletter
September 2020
Eileen Hawkins, Parent Mentor
(216) 524-0424
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What is a Parent Mentor?


A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child or children with a disability who is employed by the local Educational Service Center to help families and school districts by providing support, information, and training services. It is so vital that district's and families work together in a positive and productive fashion with open communication to benefit all students that are served by an IEP or 504 plan or with any special accommodation. As your district's parent mentor, I am available to help facilitate communication and to provide available outside resources to assist teachers, administrators, and parents, who are all an essential part of the child's planning team. I believe that working together, as a unified team, we can empower your child to succeed, not only in school but in the years to come.
 
For those of you whom I may have not met, my name is Eileen Hawkins. My husband, Brian, and I have three grown children, ages 23, 26, and 27. Our family moved to Independence in 1999. We were fortunate to have all of our children graduated from Independence Local Schools. Our youngest son was diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities and autism. Through outstanding education and the support of many wonderful teachers and professionals, he is doing remarkably well today.
 
Everyone's family situation is different, no matter what type of challenges your child may face in school or at home. There are various obstacles and many triumphs with each child with any type of disability or medical challenge. There are never two children with the same diagnosis that are exactly alike.

As a parent of a child with special needs, the knowledge and experience that I have acquired through the years in the special education system allows me to understand first-hand the many challenges, concerns, and obstacles faced daily by parents of genuinely exceptional children.
 
Please know that there are excellent teachers, administrators, and parents in this wonderful school district. As a unified team, we can work together to help your son or daughter be the best that they can be in school and beyond.I look forward to working with your family this coming school year. My cell number is 216-524-0424 and my email address is eileen.hawkins@escneo.org. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Free Webinar on
September 16, 2020
What parents of children with ADHD can do at home to strengthen social skills and nurture friendships. Register »
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Jacobs Ladder 321 Virtual Workout

Thursday, September 24⋅6:00 – 7:00pm
Weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, until Oct 1, 2020

Description:
Tony D'Orazio, founder of Jacobs ladder Special Needs Fitness, along with his son, Jake, who is a certified fitness instructor, lead us through a virtual calisthenic-based workout. Moms, dads, & siblings can join in too! RSVP to rich@usod.org.

Organizer: usodneo@gmail.com
usodneo@gmail.com
Virtual Family Q&A Sessions: Special Education, School and COVID-19

Join The University of Cincinnati's Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities on the second Thursday of each month, September – December 2020, in a facilitated, open format event where they will focus on your child's Special Education Services and school experiences. They will provide the latest in federal guidelines, and state information on best practices for schools during COVID-19. You will be able to ask questions and share your experiences with other families. The sessions are offered free of charge; however, registration is required. Space is limited. Dates (attend any number of sessions):
Thursday, October 8 Register here, https://bit.ly/32O7Cw7

Thursday, November 12 Register here, https://bit.ly/32OKugL

Thursday, December 10 Register here, https://bit.ly/2EUlSv1

Start time for each session:

6:30 pm Questions: Email Celia Schloemer, UCCEDD Family Support.
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Fall School Resources for Families

Read suggestions from Milestones on how to assist your child through this school year and make it successful, whether it is virtual or a hybrid option.



Social Distancing at Home Social Story from STAR Autism Support
Internet Safety for Kids with ASD  (English and Spanish) from STAR Autism Support

Homeschool Products for Students with ASD from National Autism Resources

Homeschooling Your Child with Autism from TACA Autism Community in Action



Homeschooling, with Severe Autism from The National Council on Severe Autism

Transitioning Back to School During COVID from Indiana Resource Center for Autism



Special Ed/COVID-19 Outbreak Q&A Fact Sheet from Disability Rights Ohio

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CFK Virtual Zoom Coffee and Chat:

How to deal with worry and
loneliness for families of children with severe to moderate disabilities

September 24, 2020
8:30 - 9:30 PM

This pandemic has created even more challenges for the parents and caregivers of children with moderate-to-severe disabilities including loss of services and respite care, and in some cases, a loss of connection with others for those who have to quarantine with a medically fragile child. This monthly group is a way for families to share their struggles, challenges and encourage one another. Join Bridget Richard, LISW-S, of Lamplight Counseling Services, LLC as she facilitates this private session to help deal with feelings of loneliness and overwhelming worry. She will also share a self-care tip that attendees can use daily.

Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. The first 20 households who register and attend this program will earn a free self care item related to this month's tip!

This program is supported by a grant from Nordson Corporation Foundation. This program is a safe space and will not be recorded. *One kit per household*
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Up-Side-of-Downs
Dance Party with No Rulz Art


Friday, September 25⋅1:30 – 2:30pm

Description:
Join the fun at this virtual dance party with our friends at No Rulz Art. RSVP to lauriek@usod.org for the Zoom code.

Organizer: usodneo@gmail.com
usodneo@gmail.com
Applying for Services through The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Applying to The Cuyahoga Board of Developmental Disabilities is the first step in the eligibility process. An application can be made at any time and by anyone- parent, family member, doctor, school staff, friend or the person with a suspected developmental disability. Eligibility for services is not based on income. 

The Cuyahoga County Board of DD provides support and services to people with developmental disabilities of all ages. They plan services based on the needs and goals of each person. They call this person-centered planning. Support and services can be provided in the home, school, at work and other places in the community and help individuals with a disability live a meaningful life.

Once you reach out to The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, a specialist will contact you and guide you through each step of the process.

An application can be made using this secure, online form (click below) or by calling 216-736-2673.


*When using the protected online application, you have the option to upload documents that are needed to help determine eligibility.
Please click here for a listing of those documents. Don't worry! If you are not able to upload documents, they will let you know other ways you can submit them.
 
Time for your re-determination?
Re-determination for Cuyahoga County Board of DD services is required at ages 3, 6, 16, and any time there is a significant change in a person's needs or abilities. Even if you did not apply for services at age 3 or 6 or 16, you can still apply at anytime. Once approved for services, a re-determination for services is required at ages 3, 6, and 16.

Re-determination is a process that assesses if you are still eligible for services, and, if eligible, which supports and funding you may receive.

The Re-determination Application must be completed before your birthday. Click on the link below for the secure, online Re-determination Application. Need help? Call us: 216-736-2673.

 
Services by Age Available through The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities:

The Cuyahoga Board of Developmental Disabilities provides valuable services to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages.

Birth through Age 2: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD works with Bright Beginnings to provide early intervention services. Learn More

Ages 3-13: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD specialists provide their expertise directly to public school district personnel and parents to help students meet their academic goals and succeed. Learn More

Ages 14-21: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD partners with school districts on transition services and support for the student to succeed upon leaving school. Learn More

Ages 22 and older: There are a variety of service providers in Cuyahoga County to help adults with developmental disabilities. Learn More

The Cuyahoga County Board of DD Main Contact Information:
216-241-8230
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Milestones Autism Resources for Students with Disabilities

Milestones has newly created COVID resources to make sure you and your family feel supported during this time. These resources include:

1)Online COVID-19 Resource Hub, with a decision tree to help you with back-to-school concerns

2) Information on how to continue transition services during COVID

3) Details about an upcoming Ohio Family Network workshop for caregivers about building resilience

4) New Spanish resources for Hispanic families

If you have questions about anything or are in need of specific resource, please contact the MIlestones free autism Helpdesk at 216.464.7600 ext. 200, or ext. 5 to connect with a Spanish speaker. 
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Free
Webinar On September 29, 2020

Learn about effective accommodations and technology to support students with ADHD and LD this year. Register »
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Crisis Text Line

Throughout Ohio, individuals can text the keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741 to be connected to a Crisis Counselor. Any person may need help in coping with a stressful situation. Reach out by text to communicate with someone trained to listen and respond in a method that is private, secure and confidential.

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has entered in to a contract with the national Crisis Text Line to provide Ohioans with a state-specific keyword to access its free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices. This resource is intended to broaden the options available through current community crisis hotlines.

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(From the CDC)
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
(Click on title above for more information.)

Stress and anxiety can have a circular pattern within families. Parents are stressed and it trickles down, kids experience stress and exhibit behavioral symptoms, and this triggers more parental stress. The cycle can also begin with the kids and climb up to the parents. Either way, families need to prepare for stress and anxiety during this difficult time. Know the signs of child and adolescent stress/anxiety and remember - it's okay to go back to the basics when things are still uncertain.
(Click on title above for more information.)

Research shows that just being in the presence of a compassionate, safe adult can help kids calm down. Families can be “that person” for each other. Reducing stress is something parents and children can work on, together.
(Click on title above for more information.)

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The Up-Side-Of-Downs Presents:
Virtual Sing Along

Tuesday, September 22⋅10:00 – 11:00am

Weekly on Tuesday, until Oct 1, 2020

Description:
Join Jesse Jukebox on Zoom for this virtual sing along for the enjoyment of the entire family. RSVP to debbie@usod.org

Organizer: usodneo@gmail.com
usodneo@gmail.com
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Meltdowns are no joke, and they’re definitely not “temper tantrums.” If you have ever dealt with a child having a meltdown, then you know that deescalating the situation is no easy feat. A meltdown may seem unpredictable and include aggressive or destructive behavior. It is very different from a temper tantrum because the child is not in control of themselves during the outburst. So, knowing how to prevent meltdowns proactively can reduce the need for deescalation. (Click on title above for more information.)
 
As a parent, it’s important to know some safe and helpful de-escalation strategies. Sometimes, when children become extremely overwhelmed or they’re experiencing sensory overload, they have a meltdown where they lose control over their behaviors. These situations are stressful for everyone involved and potentially dangerous for both bystanders and your child. Knowing some de-escalation strategies will help you avoid a potential crisis.
(Click on title above for more information.)

Compliance can be a real challenge. Often this is due to the child's tendency to intently focus on what he is doing to the point where any disruption, such as the request to transition, can lead to noncompliance, aggressive behavior and meltdowns. Amy Nielsen, former educator and mother of four including a child with ASD provides some tips on giving choices that might increase compliance which in turn might decrease aggressive behavior and meltdowns. (Click on title above for more information.)

Heavy work may help calm your child when they’re hyperactive or having trouble keeping their bodies calm. It also helps with emotional regulation and may serve as a successful coping strategy. Heavy work can help adults to calm down or deal with stress too. It’s not just for kids. Do you, or someone you know, like to clean when they get mad? What about exercise? Punch a punching bag? Those are all forms of heavy work. Nicole Day, Founder of the blog Raising an Extraordinary Person has a compiled a list of heavy work activities in a variety of categories including: exercise, in-chair activities, outdoor activities and chores along with household chores. (Click on title above for more information.)

(Courtesy of the Autism Society of Greater Akron's Web-site)
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Up-Side-of-Downs Independence Moms Night Out

Friday, October 9⋅ 7:00 – 9:00pm

Melt Bar and Grilled
6700 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Monthly on the second Friday

Description:
RSVP to rich@usod.org

Organizer: usodneo@gmail.com
usodneo@gmail.com
Northeast Ohio 2020 Transition Booster - Back to the Basics

A panel will share how important it is to get back to the basics of advocating for your loved ones during COVID and beyond.

About this Event
Back to the Basics: How to Advocate During COVID-19 & Beyond
In this session you will learn:
• Advocacy tips and tricks
• How to seek out and maintain services and supports for your loved ones’ socialization, employment, training and independent living
• Hear parent perspectives on staying focused
Speakers: Local parent mentor, education coordinator, and a parent advocate

When: Thursday, October 1, 2020
Time: 7 - 8:30 pm

Registration Information:

On-line event
Please read...

This newsletter is a resource. Independence Local Schools does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services from any of the groups or companies listed.

We urge you to make independent judgment when selecting a professional to assist you.

Eileen Hawkins, Parent Mentor
Confidential Help Available for help with IEP's, 504 Plans, Resources, Support and more. Services provided FREE of charge by the district. (216) 524-0424