Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG)
In today’s fast-changing world, navigating the special education system and accessing the right support can feel overwhelming. The Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG) is here to help. We provide a strong, inclusive community where parents, caregivers, and self-advocates of all ages can find guidance, connection, and empowerment. Through educational workshops, advocacy, and both virtual and in-person events, we address the real issues families face—ensuring individuals with exceptional needs have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they deserve. Together, we are stronger, more informed, and better equipped to create lasting change.
Parent Mentor Services
Joy Howard:
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Support for families to answer questions and concerns about the special education process via in-person meetings, by email or over the phone
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Guidance and information about the CH-UH special education program
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Preparation, support and guidance for IEP meetings
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Resources relating to special education within and around the CH-UH community
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Host and promote community engagement events, workshops and special events
Joy Howard serves as our district’s Parent Mentor, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting families of individuals with exceptional needs. As a healthcare worker, active community advocate, and parent of children with exceptional needs, Joy understands the challenges families face and is committed to providing guidance, resources, and empowerment. She offers compassionate support to help parents and caregivers navigate the special education system, access services, and advocate for their loved ones.
For assistance, Joy can be reached by email at joy@reachingheights.org or by phone at (216) 236-3616.
"As a mother of a child with an IEP, I know how discouraging the process can feel sometimes and how truly amazing our children are. My goal is to help families build strong toolkits so they can be their children's best and strongest advocates."
ECAG Events & Resources
As Cleveland Heights-University Heights parents/caregivers of those living with disabilities, we believe ALL children deserve the right to learn and thrive in proactive, integrated and rigorous learning environments in a community that provides opportunities, education and collaboration to help them live up to their full potential.
We warmly invite everyone to join us for our parent support group meetings held every other month on the 3rd Mondays of the month from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, unless special programs are happening that month. Meet other parents who share similar life experiences raising special needs children and have navigated the myriad of choices that must be made to support their children. In addition to providing support, the group also addresses specific needs parents may have by connecting them to the resources and training they need. It is also during these monthly meetings that we plan collaborative events with the school district in an effort to improve its special education program. Meetings are currently virtual and in-person Zoom link is always: https://bit.ly/ECAGCHUH
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the school year game plan
🎒 THE SCHOOL YEAR GAME PLAN
Start Informed. Stay Connected.
The school year is underway—but it’s never too late to make sure you have a plan.
Join Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group - ECAG for a practical, family-focused virtual workshop designed to help you feel more informed, organized, and prepared to support your child throughout the school year.
We’ll talk about what families should be paying attention to, organizing important school information, strengthening communication with your child’s team, and recognizing when it may be time to ask questions or follow up.
📅 Monday, October 26, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
💻 Virtual via Google Meet
💜 Free & All Are Welcome
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kbv-ohxi-zrz?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Join The School Year Game Plan
Come with your questions and leave with practical tools, resources, and your own School Year Game Plan to use throughout the year.
Presented by ECAG through Reaching Heights
📧 joy@reachingheights.org | ☎️ 216-236-3616
Connection. Inclusion. Empowerment.
special events
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Video
The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!
October 8, 2026
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m
This training gives families an overview of available and accessible housing options for youth with disabilities. It covers community‑living programs, rental supports, home‑modification resources, and steps to find stable housing. Families also hear what is happening in Ohio to improve housing access and expand options for people with disabilities.
Date & Time
Thursday, October 8
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Admission
Free. Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/79bby7f
Contact
Jena Wells
513.636.1245
jena.wells@cchmc.org
resources
CH-UH school district special education information
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Cuyahoga Board of Health Provide direction, support, and coordination in preventing, preparing for, and responding to events that threaten the public's health.
Life Works Autism Toolkits for diagnosis, behavior, and much more.
MetroHealth School Based Health Care Enrollment
The MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E. School Health Program is partnering with CH-UH to offer health care services on-site at your child’s school. Your child will now have easier medical service access during the school day.
Redtreehouse.org Supporting the well-being of Ohio's families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs.
CH-UH School COVID-19 Information
Local Pantry and Crisis Contact List
ECAG and Parent Mentoring programming are generously supported through CH-UH Schools' IDEA funding.
some fun & learning we've had
