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December 17: Designing Flexible Assessment and Learning Kits for Home and School
As we continue to navigate learning in a pandemic, it is important to be prepared to transition from face-to-face learning to online learning at a moment’s notice. Discover how one team is designing personalized, flexible learning and assessment kits for learners that can be used at school or home. Learn more about the design process and tips that you can immediately use.
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Music Therapy & More
This program is designed for children (ages 0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve communication, motor skills, social skills and behavior (learn more).
FREE and open to the public, but registration is required.
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Register for adult programs
Connecting for Kids and its local partners offer a variety of educational and support programs for adults throughout the year. All Connecting for Kids programs also offer free children's activities, supervised by an early childhood professional, so that you can participate without worry.
Adult Programs via Zoom
Coffee and Chat: Interactive support group that enables families with children who are struggling to meet others in similar situations (learn more).
Interactive Workshops: Gain in-depth knowledge on a topic (learn more).
Speaker Series: Presentations on various childhood topics by local, pediatric professionals (learn more).
Other Support Options
Online Support: Get support from other families with our Facebook groups (learn more).
Parent Match: Request a match with another family like yours to share in support, exchange ideas or arrange play dates (learn more).
Technology Help Made Simple
If you're new to Zoom, we have a simple setup guide to get you started. All adult programs are also accessible via toll-free dial-in.
Need more help? Contact CFK Family Resource Specialists by calling or texting 440-570-5908 (para español: 440-907-9130).
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The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) Family Supports Program
The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) recognizes and appreciates the vital support families continue to provide to people with developmental disabilities who live at home with them. Using a portion of their local tax levy revenue to help families in the caregiving role by providing funding for goods and services through their Family Supports Program remains a priority.
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NEW! 2021 CCBDD Family Supports Application is now available!
The 2021 application should be completed by families already enrolled in the CCBDD Family Supports Program. (If this is your first time enrolling in the Family Supports Program, please click on the button above and complete the 2020 Family Supports Program application.)
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For more information about Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) Family Support Program, click on the links below:
Email: Contact@cuyahogabdd.org
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Supporting Our Global Community:
December 3, 2020 4:00pm
Multicultural Program for Families of Children and Youth with Disabilities
This ongoing Zoomcast series is hosted jointly by OCALI Center leads and ODE partners.
December 3, 2020 | 4:00pm
During this pandemic, professionals and families are learning, connecting, and lending support in new ways. For families from different ethnic backgrounds, finding the resources and services to support their children with disabilities may be challenging. This session introduces families and professionals to a panel of specialists supporting the needs and strengths of our global community through the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)’s Multicultural/Multilingual Program. Learn more about resources, information, and tools to support the cultural and educational needs of families with children with disabilities.
Presented by: Jen Bavry, Program Director, Family and Community Outreach Center at OCALI; Marbella Caceres, Statewide Multicultural Director, Multicultural Program at OCECD; Iliana Martinez, Multicultural Program Mid-Ohio Office at OCECD; Ivette Sarkar, Multicultural Program, Northern Ohio Latino Office at OCECD; Najma Mohamoud, Mid-Ohio Somali Office at OCECD.
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Download the Community & Transportation Guide
This downloadable Community Resource & Transportation Guide is designed to show many of the places you can go to explore the Greater Cleveland community. It also contains information about transportation available through local cities and townships.
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Sesame Street video helps kids with autism learn to wear a mask
In a sweet new video, muppet Julia, who has autism, practices wearing a mask with her dad.
"Sesame Street," is hoping to help through a new collection of videos and resources designed to help children with autism and their families cope with adjusting to life during the coronavirus epidemic.
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Sky Zone
Special Needs
Open Jump
December 7, 2020 from 4:30pm - 6:00pm
(Every Monday)
Sponsor: Sky Zone
Contact: (440) 414-0444
Cost: $10
Open jump exclusively for children with special needs and their siblings every Monday.
Location
31500 Viking Parkway
Westlake, OH 44145
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Upcoming Sensory Programs from your library.
Adapted Storytime (3-7 years): Designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience.
15 Dec 2020 11:00 AM
18 Dec 2020 4:30 PM
21 Dec 2020
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What is a Parent Mentor?
To learn more about how your family can take advantage of the Parent Mentor Program, please click on link below or call Eileen Hawkins, Parent Mentor 216-524-0424 or Email: eileen.hawkins@escneo.org. Remember, this service is provided free of charge by the district for all families who have a child or children with a disability, a suspected disability or a child on a 504 Plan, or IEP. All services are strictly confidential. Call today to find out more information at 216-524-0424 or click on link below:
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How to Help Your Child Be a Better Reader From The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
The lastest quarterly newsletter from the OCECD includes helpful reading tips for families, including reading mentoring, dyslexia and much more. Click on the link below for the full edition.
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5 Ways to Give Students with Disabilities
Virtual Work Based Experiences
With a little creativity, those who support students with disabilities can help ensure they gain work experience, even while learning remotely. Click on the link below for the full article from OCECD.
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Secondary Transition for those age 14 and above and Workforce Development for Students with Disabilities
Check out all the great transition resources on the Ohio Department of Education's (ODE) website:
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Crisis Text Line
Throughout Ohio, individuals can text the keyword “4HOPE” to 741. By texting 4HOPE to 741 you will be connected to a Crisis Counselor. Any young person or adult 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. It really does help. It saves lifes.
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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Finally... you can save money and keep your benefits - Stable Accounts
Accounts allow individuals with disabilities the ability to save and invest without losing benefits such as Medicaid or SSI. GETTING STARTED... Go to stableaccount.com and follow the steps below:
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I Can Program 2020
Independence Community Adapted Network
Network of parents, residents, and city employees working together to provide adapted athletic, fitness, recreational, and social activities to individuals 10 years and older with physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities.
Any individual under the age of 18 or individuals in need of constant guidance or physical patterning are required to have an aide, parent, or caregiver present for one-on-one assistance at all times.
For additional information, contact Jim Wotowiec at (216) 524-3262, ext. 2559 or at wotowiecj@independenceohio.org.
A signed waiver is needed to participate in any ICAN activity. Waivers can be found at the front desk of the Independence Civic Center.
ICan Holiday Glee Club 12/1 to 12/22/2020
Tue 6:30pm-7:30pm. FREE
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ICan Virtual Movement - Exercise Classes with Jayme
11/02/2020 to 12/09/2020
Mon, & Wed 5:15pm-6:00pm
Keep moving with virtual Zoom classes with Instructor Jayme! A zoom link will be sent out to all participants that sign up.
November 23, 30, December 2, 7, 9. (No class Wednesday, November 25th).
$15 Independence Residents / $20 Non-Residents
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Connecting For Kids Parking Lot Safety Awareness
Parking lots are one of the most dangerous places young children encounter, and yet families find themselves having to navigate parking lots on a daily basis as they get their children to school, go grocery shopping, attend religious services and move throughout the community. According to statistics, an average of 50 children per week are injured by being backed over in a parking lot or driveway. Despite the increasing prevalence of back-up cameras in vehicles, parking lots remain dangerous for families due to:
- Driver distraction (looking for a perfect spot or other in-vehicle distractions)
- Blind zones created by neighboring vehicles with a higher profile
- Reckless drivers
- Parking lot congestion (both pedestrian and vehicular)
While all children are at risk in parking lots, children with special needs can be even more vulnerable due to issues such as limited impulse control, difficulty understanding consequences, processing delays, limited vision or mobility challenges.
Connecting for Kids encourages all families to have a conversation about the best ways to keep children safe in parking lots and driveways. To assist in this process, the following resources are available:
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December 10 Supporting Positive Behaviors at School and at Home: Strategies to Help Reduce Interfering Behaviors, Part 2
Lifestyle changes related to COVID-19 can lead to emotional dysregulation for people with disabilities, which may contribute to interfering behaviors. Part 2 of Supporting Positive Behaviors at School and Home explores simple antecedent-based interventions for enriching the environment with sensory stimuli and using preferred activities and items to support emotional regulation and sensory needs for youth with disabilities. Learn strategies for coping with changes to routines and schedules.
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Using Compassionate Curiosity to Find Confidence in Conflict
Difficult conversations and conflict are often feared or avoided, but they can be growth opportunities. In this recorded webinar, Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A., Director of the American Negotiation Institute, will help you learn new approaches to dealing with conflict. The powerful Compassionate Curiosity Framework is designed to guide you through all of your difficult conversations, at work and at home. You’ll learn what to say, how to say it, and when to say it in order to maximize persuasion while minimizing the risk of destructive dialogue.
Presenter: Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A. Director, The American Negotiation Institute.
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Quality Time in Quarantine
Connect with Cuyahoga County DD Good Life Ambassadors
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month
December 3 Interacting with difficult people.
December 17 Transportation Tips and Tools
Click HERE to join via Zoom!
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Call 216-524-0424 for more information or eileen.hawkins@escneo.org
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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
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