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Preparing for Positive School Meetings
Courtesy of Red Tree House
Sometimes getting your child the school services they need and deserve is a process. Meetings with the school are a large part of this process. Meetings are an opportunity for a parent or guardian to negotiate and problem solve with school personnel while advocating on behalf of their child. Here are some things to keep in mind that may be helpful when preparing for a meeting with your child’s school:
1. Go into the meeting knowing what you want.
If there is a problem with the school, consider not only the problem but solutions as well. Go into the meeting ready to discuss why the issue is an issue and make suggestions about how to resolve it. Consider what you want, what the school can do about it, and why they should do it (factual reasons).
2. Do not blame or criticize when submitting your issue to the school.
Try to stick to the facts of the situation and do your absolute best not to let emotions interfere with the progress of problem-solving. Even if the criticism is rightly deserved, it can make people feel defensive and less willing to work with you. If the goal is to reach a solution to improve your child’s education, sticking to the facts is the quickest way to obtain a team-created solution.
3. Protect and maintain the parent-school relationship.
Do not let personal feelings jeopardize the progress that can be made to solve the problem. It may be helpful to think of it as separating your personal relationship with the people involved from the problem. Focus on solving the problem and interacting in ways that promote cooperation and trust.
4. Seek win-win solutions to problems.
Remember the goal is to find a solution to your problem with the school. A solution that benefits both you and the school is one most likely to be agreed upon, so seek this solution! Seeking a win-win solution also goes a long way towards growing your relationship with the school. A positive relationship will facilitate the implementation of the solution.
5. Work to understand the school’s position.
To find win-win solutions, you must first understand the school’s position. Try to consider how the school sees your problem from their point of view. Think about what is at stake for the school and the obstacles they face in addressing your concerns. Working through these questions will assist you in developing more agreeable solutions and demonstrate your willingness to work with the school.
6. Other Helpful Resources
One of the best things you can do to prepare for your meeting is to educate yourself. A number of organizations share online resources to educate and prepare you with tools, tips, and suggestions from other parents based on their experiences. Parent Mentors are also available in many Ohio school districts. Mentors are parents of a child with a disability who are trained to support communication and the relationship between the school and parents of children with disabilities.
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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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The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)
If you are not receiving help or assistance through the Cuyahoga County Board of Disabilities (CCBDD), please click on links below to get help for your child or children. There is no cost associated with applying or receiving assistance. Please call Eileen Hawkins at 216-524-0424 if you have specific questions about these benefits for your family.
Otherwise, please click the first link below if you are applying for benefits for your child for the first time or click on the second link if you are already receiving benefits for your child or children.
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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Planting the seeds of Knowledge
Cuyahoga DD is pleased to offer monthly educational forums on topics of interest to people with developmental disabilities, family members and others who provide care and support.
These forums are open to the general public and are free of charge. All forums are held the second Tuesday of each month March - October from 6:30-8:30 PM via Zoom. Click on links below for more information and to register.
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Sky Zone
Special Needs
Open Jump
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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Jacob's Ladder Fitness Zoom Exercise Class
Come and exercise on Zoom with Jacob's Ladder every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM. Classes are taught by Certified Fitness Instructor, Tony D'Orazio and his son Jake D'Orazio who has not let his Down syndrome get in the way of him becoming a Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
Email Sara Steimle at: jacobsladderfitness#gmail.com for more information and to receive a Zoom Link.
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I Can Program - 2021
ICAN - Independence Community Adapted Network
ICAN is a 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, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence OH 44131
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ICAN Walkers Club
Select Fridays, weather permitting
7 - 8 PM
FREE!
Registration Required: Call 216-524-3262 or online at www.independenceohio.org Check the city website weekly to find out if the Walkers Club is meeting. Walkers meet at Elmwood Recreation Center, 6200 Elmwood Rd (Pete Wisniewski Park Way) Brick Building next to pond within City Park.
Please be sure to dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for a walk through The City of Independence Elmwood Park with your friends!
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ICAN/ Empower Sports Individual Softball Skill Development Program
Time for Spring Training! Work on improving your hitting, fielding, and running skills.
T- Ball Field City of Independence Elmwood Park
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 AM
May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
Fee: $20 Resident, $25 Non-Resident
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ICAN/ Empower Sports Individual Softball Skill Development Program
Time for Spring Training! Work on improving your hitting, fielding, and running skills.
T- Ball Field City of Independence Elmwood Park
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 AM
May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
Fee: $20 Resident, $25 Non-Resident
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Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses
March 6, 2021 1:00 PM
March 10, 2021 7:00 PM
March 16, 2021 7:00 PM
March 18, 2021 7:00 PM
March 29, 2021 7:00 PM
March 30, 2021 7:00 PM
March 31, 2021 7:00 PM
April 14, 2021 7:00 PM
April 14, 2021 7:00 PM
April 15, 2021 7:00 PM
April 17 2021 1:00 PM
April 20, 2021, 7:00 pm
April 21, 2021 7:00 PM
April 27, 2021 7:00 PM
April 29, 2021 8:30 PM
May 4, 2021, 7:00 PM
May 5 2021, 7:00 PM
May 6, 7:00 PM
May 06 2021 7:00 PM
May 11 2021 7:00 PM
May 12 2021, 7:00 PM
May 12, 2021 7:00 PM
May 18 2021 7:00 PM
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Epilepsy Association Kids and Family Services
Services Include:
One-On-One Resources - One of our Case Managers will meet with your family in your home or somewhere in the community to assess the needs of all family members and connect you with community resources that help support your entire family. Case Managers also provide general support, epilepsy education, and advocacy.
Epilepsy Education - Our staff and qualified volunteers provide instructional presentations covering first aid for seizures and basic epilepsy education.
Kids on the Block puppet shows for children from preschool through 4th grade.
Youth education - 4th through 12th grade.
Be SMART Manual - An Epilepsy education manual designed for school personnel.
Virtual Parent Support Group - EA hosts a virtual parent support group. This group offers 3 sessions over 3 months and provides education and support for parents of children with epilepsy. This is a great way to connect with other parents. There will be three sessions total.
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Special Needs Trust Administration Presentation
March 6, 2021 from 10:00am 11:00am
Cost: Free
Two of the attorneys from the firm will be presenting a free, virtual trustee school program that will explain the basics of trust administration as it relates to a family member with special needs. They will cover topics such as Medicaid eligibility, special needs trusts, and care advocacy issues.
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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
(216) 524-0424
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COVID-19
Courtesy of Red Tree House
This year, more than many others, has been especially isolating and challenging for those facing mental health crises as the effects of the worldwide pandemic stretch into 2021. The following resources are available to help as you and your children grapple with the many challenges brought on by this extraordinary time.
Coping-19 addresses mental health, stressors, and personal experiences onset by COVID-19.
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18th Annual Autism Seminar Series: A Better Understanding of the Spectrum of Autism and Practical Intervention
This series is designed to improve understanding of the medical, behavioral, social, sensory, and educational issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. An emphasis will be placed on practical intervention techniques. Presenters are local and national experts in their field of autism.
Social and Communication Issues - Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 5 – 6 p.m.
When Picky Eating Becomes a Problem: Feeding Issues Among Children with Autism - Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | 5 – 6 p.m.
Transition to Adulthood - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | 5 – 6 p.m
Additional Information: Due to the ongoing issues of the pandemic and surge in COVID cases, this series is being offered online
using the Zoom platform. There is no fee for the series. If you have mailed in payment, call 216-844-1289 to receive a refund.
For more information, visit UHRainbow.org/AutismSeries or call 440-596-5556.
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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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Best Buddies
The Cuyahoga DD is proud to partner with Best Buddies’ chapters in Greater Cleveland. Best Buddies is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
Best Buddies envisions a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are so successfully integrated into schools, workplaces and communities that its current efforts and services will be unnecessary. Until that vision becomes a reality, the organization will continue to educate middle school, high school and college students, community members, corporations and employers about the emotional, functional, and natural needs and abilities of people with IDD.
There are currently three Best Buddies Chapters in Cuyahoga County:
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Cleveland State University
- John Carroll University
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Financial Support for Children with Special Needs and Medical Challenges
Having a child with a disability, a new medical diagnosis, or frequent medical care needs often results in added and unexpected costs for a family. Dealing with these financial burdens can make an already difficult situation even more challenging, which is why many organizations have made it their mission to help bridge the gap for families in need. In this guide you will find a list of organizations that may be able to help should you find yourself in need of monetary resources to fully fund or reduce the costs associated with medical care, travel, and basic living expenses. This is just a starting point and not a comprehensive list of all available funding sources. In addition to perusing this guide, you may want to consider seeking help from organizations that provide resources just for your hometown, county, or region, and may find even more support by conducting additional searches for specific medical diagnoses, disabilities, or healthcare needs. If you need help finding additional resources, or assistance in completing applications, ask your medical team if they can recommend a social worker to help you through the process.
Tips for Applying For Grants and Funding
Before submitting an application, read through the materials provided by the organization on their website. Make sure that you meet all of the application requirements and that you are applying within any specified or designated application period.
Talk to your child’s physician or medical team before pursuing funding for durable medical equipment so that you can be specific in your request and avoid acquiring equipment that may not fit your needs.
If you receive funding or support be sure to send thank you letters and, if possible and appropriate, pictures of your family. The staff and volunteers of the organization will appreciate seeing how their efforts touched your life, and if you are comfortable allowing your story to be shared you may even be able to help them to raise additional funds to support more families in need.
It is not uncommon for an organization to temporarily suspend a program for a variety of reasons. Should you find that a particular resource is unavailable make a note for yourself to check back at a later date.
General Grant Programs For Medical Expenses and Equipment
The First Hand Foundation offers grants for medical treatment, transportation, vehicle home modifications, and other expenses.
Fund it Forward offers grants for adaptive technology not covered by health insurance.
The Giving Angels Foundation assists children with medical challenges special needs throughout the United States (under 21) from lower-income families.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home, and vehicle modifications as well as other assistive and therapeutic devices for children that have limited mobility.
Modest Needs Foundation is a non-profit that exists to responsibly provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in temporary crisis, stop these at-risk households from slipping into the cycle of poverty, despite the burden posed by an unanticipated, emergency expense, and promote compassion and generosity on the part of individual persons living in the United States and Canada.
Prescription Medication and
Co-payment Assistance
HelpRx has a database of drug discount coupons to download and print and offers a prescription discount card.
GoodRX allows you to compare prescription drug prices, see purchasing options in your area, and to receive virtual coupons instantly. It is also available for download as a mobile app.
RxAssist has a database of programs that offer discounts on prescription drugs. You can search the database by pharmaceutical company or type of drug.
NeedyMeds helps people pay for expensive generic medications.
The Assistance Fund gives financial help to people with certain conditions for copayments, premiums, and more.
The PAN (Patient Access Network) Foundation helps underinsured people with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases get the medications and treatments they need by assisting with their out-of-pocket costs and advocating for improved access and affordability.
HealthWell Foundation helps people who have long-lasting or life-altering diseases cover prescription co-payments and medical insurance payments.
Transportation Services for Children with Medical Conditions
Air Care Alliance organizes information on more than 60 different programs with volunteer pilots who help people with disabilities or special health-care needs. You can apply to them all at once on the website.
Children’s Flight of Hope, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that gives children with critical medical needs free air transportation to and from a medical facility if they are going for treatment.
Corporate Angel Network arranges free plane transportation for cancer patients and bone marrow donors going to or from recognized cancer treatment centers.
Lifeline Pilots is a private nonprofit organization that gives people with medical and financial needs free air transportation on a private aircraft for health-care visits.
Mercy Medical Angels help transport people in medical and financial crises by connecting them with people or organizations that give free or low-cost patient air transportation.
Miracle Flights for Kids gives free medical transportation by air to families who need necessary medical treatment out of their home state.
The National Children's Cancer Society provides the financial assistance needed to ensure a child with cancer gets the treatment they need – whether it is across town or across the country.
Operation Liftoff will provide air travel for a child younger than 18 years old and 1 parent. Any child 3 to 18 years old who has a life-threatening illness and has not received a wish trip from another organization can apply to get a dream trip too.
Local Chapters of National Organizations
There are many national service or charitable organizations that give help in local communities or cities through smaller clubs or chapters. Each local area manages its own programs, grants, and gifts. We recommend that you contact your local chapters of the organizations listed here, to see if they can help you.
Easterseals offers a variety of services to children who have disabilities or special health care needs.
Elks Lodge might give scholarships or other types of help.
Kiwanis are groups that do community service and raise funds for many children’s causes.
Lions Clubs might give out grants or other financial help for assistive technology and other needs.
Support for Specific Medical Conditions
American Council of the Blind offers scholarships for college or job training programs, and sometimes offers grants for assistive technology for people who have vision impairments.
Sight for Students offers free vision exams and glasses. If you meet Sight for Students’ income rules, you can talk to your child’s school or another participating community organization to get a voucher for an exam and glasses.
Alyssa V. Phillips Foundation supports individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) with a focus on assisting children with CP, their families, or any individual impacted by CP in maximizing independence.
Family Reach is a national organization dedicated to eradicating the financial barriers that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
Gwendolyn Strong Foundation works to fill in the gaps needed to create real change & build a more inclusive future for those with disabilities.
The HIKE Fund works with families who qualify to provides devices for children with hearing loss from newborn age up to twenty years old.
Holton’s Heroes provides support, information, and rehabilitative devices for children and their families affected by a post-birth brain injury.
The LGS Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) through research, family support programs, and education
Miracle-Ear Foundation helps to provide hearing aids and other assistive technology devices to individuals who will benefit from them.
Molly Bear Foundation aims to provide supplemental financial assistance to families raising children with Trisomy 18.
Small Steps in Speech provides grants on behalf of children with speech and language disorders for therapies, treatments, communicative devices, and other services.
VSP “Global Sight for Students” Program the Vision Sight Plan gift certificate programs ensure that adults and children in need, including those affected by a disaster, have access to quality eye care and new glasses at no cost.
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Join Milestones this June!
Same great content delivered straight to you
Registration is now open for the 19th annual Milestones National Autism Conference, June 16-17, 2021.
Experience the nation’s leading autism event, hear from world-class experts and earn professional development all from the comfort of home. It’s the same conference you know and love, now in a convenient virtual format. Register now to gain practical strategies to use at work, school, home, and in your communities.
Conference Highlights
- 70+ virtual sessions from professionals, family members, and self-advocates
- On-demand access to sessions and professional development through August 15
- Select LIVE sessions – engage with experts in real-time
- Continuing Education in multiple disciplines for all autism professionals
- Sesiones en Espanol
- Networking opportunities to meet fellow attendees and speakers
- A virtual Sponsor and Exhibitor Expo
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Virtual Social Club for Adults with ASD
Teens & Adults
Sponsor: Autism Society of Greater Akron
Cost: Free
ASGA is excited to announce a Social Club for Adults with ASD for ages 18 and over! We have heard from so many of you that you want to connect and make friends with other adults with ASD and share interests and life’s challenges. The Social Club is designed for individuals who can take turns and participate in small group settings with a reliable form of language and an age-appropriate cognitive level.
For More Information:
Meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month.
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Call 216-524-0424 for more information eileen.hawkins1984@gmail.com
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