Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG)
Navigating the special education system can often feel overwhelming. Parents who have children with exceptional needs can rely on unbiased assistance, which can make a huge difference along the educational journey. Reaching Heights, in partnership with the CH-UH school district, provides the following services to families with special needs students throughout the year:
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
Amy Kerr-Jung is our district's Parent Mentor and brings a strong background to this position as a former educator, a public sector researcher, an active community member and parent of a child with special needs. If you need assistance in any of the above mentioned areas, Amy can be reached by calling the office or by email at amy@reachingheights.org
"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."
Contact Joy at joy@reachingheights.com or (216) 236-3616
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 monthly meetings held most 3rd Mondays of the month from 6:30 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. Zoom link is always: https://bit.ly/ECAGCHUH
events
Charting the life course
Workshop
Oct 17, 2022, 6pm - 7:30 pm
Charting the Life Course is a tool to assist you in creating a vision for the future. It is designed to help you think about the questions to ask as well as the choices and options to consider as you “plot a course” to a full and meaningful life. It is intended to be a starting point no matter where you are in your life journey.
The life course approach is designed to help you realize that even when your child is very young and as he or she ages and grows into adulthood, their experiences and environment can shape how they will live their life in the future.
Families will leave with a structure and resources to advocate for the life they want. New ways to think beyond systems are offered in order to identify other supports and resources to create their desired life. Join Us Virtually, zoom link is provided below.
Date: Monday, October 17, 2022
Location: Zoom Meeting
Time: 6 PM-7:30 PM
Zoom Link:
announcements
Trunk or Treat
This event is for our differently abled children and adults. Those with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Service Animals are welcomed!
Sat, Oct 29, 2022, 3 pm - 5 pm
Location:
The United Methodist Church of Brook Park
6220 Smith Road
Brookpark, OH 44142
Video
The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!
Saturday, Oct 15, 2022
1 0 am - 4 pm
Cuyahoga DD is hosting a Family Resource Fair. The event is open to individuals and families served by Cuyahoga DD, agency and independent providers, and community partners.
Representatives from various Cuyahoga DD departments will be available for informal Q&A. Get to know Cuyahoga DD providers, visit the Assistive Technology Vehicle, and see what equipment Occupational & Physical Therapy has available.
There will be plenty of fun activities for all. DJ, photo booth, balloon animals, and caricatures just to name a few!
Please note space is limited and registration is required for all attendees, click the button to the left to register.
When: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: Holiday Inn Rockside, 6001 Rockside Road, Independence 44131
Questions: call 216-941-2200
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.
Milestones Autism Resource Toolkits for diagnosis, behavior, and much more.
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
