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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. This service is provided free of charge by the district.
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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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Eligibility for the CCBDD Family Supports Program
The Family Supports Program is only available to persons eligible for CCBDD services who are living at home with a family member.
The following individuals are not eligible for the Family Supports Program:
- People who live in their own apartment;
- People who are enrolled on a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver* (Level 1, Individual Options, or Self- Empowered Life Funding);
- People who live in an intermediate care facility (ICF); or
- People who live in foster care.
*If you have a Support Administrator, please contact him/her. You may be eligible for similar services.
Annual funding allotments
People age 18 and older eligible for Cuyahoga DD services = $1,500 per person
Children age 17 and younger eligible for Cuyahoga DD services = $750-$1,500 per person
Types of Services Available through CCBDD Family Supports
Camp - Day or overnight camp opportunities (Be sure to view the Summer and Beyond guide located at the bottom of this article.
Home Modifications -Substantial home modifications may be requested through the Family Supports Program. All modifications must be adaptive in nature.
Respite Care - Respite care is defined as an occasional break for families. Respite care may be accessed for people who require specialized care beyond what might be expected of an untrained provider.
Special Equipment - Special equipment may be available upon the recommendation of professionals. Examples include: sensory items, therapy balls, orthotics, communications devices, weighted blankets and adapted utensils. Medical equipment
cannot be purchased under the Family Supports Program.
Incontinence Supplies - Incontinence supplies may be available for adults and children over the age of 3 who are not eligible for payment through Medicaid or another insurance program. A physician’s prescription certifying that the individual is incontinent is required. Examples include: pull-ups, wipes, hygiene gloves, incontinence pads, and plastic sheets.
Specialized Nutrition - Specialized nutrition that complements a meal and which is required to meet daily caloric and nutritional requirements may be available. Physician’s orders for the nutritional supplement, along with a corresponding diagnosis, are required. Examples include: thickeners and dietary shakes.
Services for Infants & Toddlers - Traditional therapies, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech/Language for children under the age of three.
Leisure & Recreation - Participation in these types of recreational activities may be funded: music therapy, aquatics, therapeutic horseback riding, art, dance, and sports activities. Activities do not have to be adaptive.
For more information about Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) Family Support Program, click on the links below:
For questions about the Family Supports Program: Call: 216-736-2947
Email: Contact@cuyahogabdd.org
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Virtual Exhibits for Online Learning and Fun
Lions, tigers, and bears…paintings, sculptures, and digital art! Children can continue their learning by “visiting” museums, art galleries, zoos, or aquariums online from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual tours, exhibits, and activities provide learning opportunities about arts and culture, animals, history, and more. Click on the link below for a list of participating attractions.
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VIRTUAL ZOOM EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERIES:
FOSTERING EARLY LANGUAGE AND LITERACY LEARNING
October 20, 2020 from 7:00-8:00 pm
During the pandemic, do you find that you have extra time at home with your children? Do you know how to read WITH them, not just to them?
Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Paula C. Papp, M.A.Ed., and Neysa McKenney, M.A., CCC-SLP, to learn a new conversational approach to reading together for children aged 18 months – 6 years, which will enrich their learning language. Paula & Neysa will also answer your questions on a variety of topics, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration.
This program offers a safe space to connect with both our professionals and other families and will not be recorded. The first 20 households who register and sign on to Zoom will receive a free book with repeating words and phrases to encourage language and literacy at home.
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.
This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA.
*One free book per household*
Due to grant funding, program is for Northeast Ohio residents only.
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CFK VIRTUAL ZOOM COFFEE AND CHAT:
HOW TO USE MINDFULNESS TO DEAL WITH WORRY FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH MODERATE-TO-SEVERE DISABILITIES
October 22, 2020 from 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, overwhelming worry for a medically fragile child. This monthly group is a way for families to share their struggles, challenges and encourage one another.
Join Terri McNeely, LISW, MEd, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake as she facilitates this private session to help deal with feelings of overwhelming worry using mindfulness.
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.
This program is supported by a grant from Nordson Corporation Foundation. This program is a safe space and will not be recorded.
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VIRTUAL ZOOM EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERIES:
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES - HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS BEHIND AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
November 18, 2020 from 7:00-8:00 PM
Did you know recent statistics indicate that as many as 1 in 4 young children can be at risk for developmental, behavioral or social delays? Are you concerned that your child's development may be behind?
Join Morgan O'Leary, an outreach specialist from Help Me Grow at Bright Beginnings, as she provides information about developmental milestones for those birth through 3 years. She will also give parents and caregivers ideas of how to work with a child to help reach these milestones. In addition, Morgan will answer your questions, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration. This program offers a safe space to connect with the professional and other families and will not be recorded.
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.
This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA.
Due to grant funding, program is for Northeast Ohio residents only.
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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
October 19, 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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A Guide to Interacting with Police for Individuals with Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities
People with intellectual, cognitive or developmental disabilities may get involved as both victims and suspects/offenders with law enforcement and with the criminal justice system.
The police are ready to help in many different ways to help us feel safe. Police travel in cars, on motorcycles, on bikes on horses and even by foot.
Please click on the link below for a very valuable guide for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to help them navigate positively with law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
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Best Buddies International
Best Buddies in Ohio is a part of Best Buddies International. Best Buddies in Ohio offers One-to-One Friendship and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without disabilities in Ohio for those ages 10 and up.
Mission
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who They Serve
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Programs
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
Below are Fb, Linkedin, Instagram and Youtube links for Best Buddies of Ohio;
Best Buddies in Ohio
PO Box 45353
Westlake, OH 44145
(614) 928-3383
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OCALICON - November 11-13,2020
The Nation's Premier Autism and Disabilities Conference
Registration is open until November 9, 2020
OCALICON is the nation’s premier autism and disabilities conference where thousands of people from around the world come together to learn, network, and share research, best practices, and resources to support the life-long needs of individuals with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and sensory and low-incidence disabilities. This year will mark the first year of hosting the event completely online and they can't wait for you to join them.
Registration includes full access to both live and on-demand content.
Registration closes at 4:00 pm EST, Monday, November 9. No registrations will be permitted after this time.
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VIRTUAL ZOOM SPEAKER SERIES:
"STOP ACCOMMODATING AND START ADDRESSING YOUR CHILD’S ANXIETY"
October 14, 2020 from 7:00-8:00 pm
Does your child struggle with anxiety? Have you found yourself accommodating anxious behavior? Maybe you are not inviting friends over if your child has social anxiety or repeatedly answering the calls of a child with separation anxiety. In some cases, this can only perpetuate the symptoms of anxiety.
Join Beth Mishkind Roth, MSSA, LISW-S of Cleveland Integrative Counseling, to learn how altering your response can help de-escalate your child’s behavior and help them gain confidence in their ability to cope. Beth will introduce SPACE (Supportive Parenting Through Anxious Childhood Emotions), a program which parents and caregivers learn that by changing their own behavior, they can avoid much of the escalation that stems from trying to force their child to act differently.
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. A portion of this program will be recorded.
This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library.
Questions: Call, text or email:
Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Español: 1-440-907-9130
Due to grant funding, program is for Northeast Ohio residents only.
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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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VIRTUAL ZOOM EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERIES: USING SOCIAL STORIES TO TEACH BEHAVIORAL SKILLS
November 10, 2020 from 7:00-8:00 PM
Wearing masks, washing hands and hybrid schooling…did you know you can use social stories to teach your children what to do in a variety of situations including those we are facing right now amid the coronavirus pandemic?
Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Paula C. Papp, M.A.Ed., and Neysa McKenney, M.A., CCC-SLP, as they explain how to use short stories with simple text and pictures to reinforce accepted and proper behavior for children ages 18 months – 6 years. Paula & Neysa will also answer your questions on a variety of topics, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration. This program offers a safe space to connect with both our professionals and other families and will not be recorded.
The first 20 households who register and sign on to Zoom will get a free social story kit for you to make your own at home.
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.
This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA.
*One free giveaway per household*
Due to grant funding, program is for Northeast Ohio residents only.
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VIRTUAL ZOOM SOCIAL SERIES: ASSESSING AND REACTING TO PROBLEMS
November 14, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Problems come in all different shapes and sizes and can range from a small “glitch” to a huge catastrophe! As social thinkers, it is not only important to rate our problems but also to match our reaction to them in a socially appropriate way.
Ellen Spear, MA, CCC-SLP, of Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC., will teach you skills to assist your child in determining how big or little a problem is and then know what strategies will work to help deal with that problem. This program is for parents and caregivers of children ages 7-12.
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.
This program is supported by a grant from the Knights of Columbus at St. Ladislas. This program is for adults only and a portion will be recorded.
Due to grant funding, program is for Northeast Ohio residents only.
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I Can Program - 2020
ICAN - 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.
Walker Club 10/16/2020 7:00-8:00 PM Free
Walker Club 10/30/2020 7:00-8:00 PM Free
Virtual Glee Club 10/08/2020 to 11/05/2020
Thu 5:30pm-6:15pm $10.00-$15.00
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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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