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Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG)

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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:

  • Support for families to answer questions and concerns about the special education process via in-person meetings, by email or over the phone

  • Guidance and information about the CH-UH special education program

  • Preparation, support and guidance for IEP meetings

  • Resources relating to special education within and around the CH-UH community

  • 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."

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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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Movies Made For All

Sunday, July 19, 2026

2 p.m. -4 p.m.

Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group

Movies Made For All

Join the Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG), Reaching Heights, and Heights Libraries for a sensory friendly family movie event featuring Wild Robots.

 

This event is designed to create a welcoming movie experience for children, youth, adults, caregivers, and community members of all abilities.

The environment will be more relaxed than a traditional movie setting, with lower lights, reduced sound, and space for guests to move, take breaks, and participate in the way that feels most comfortable for them.

 

Families are welcome to bring comfort items, noise reducing headphones, fidgets, blankets, or other supports that help make the experience enjoyable. Quiet movement, vocalizations, and different ways of engaging are respected.

Light refreshments will be provided

 

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Lee Road Library
2345 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

 

Registration is requested:
https://bit.ly/robots2026

 

Questions? Contact Joy Howard at 216.236.3616 or joy@reachingheights.org

special events

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Video

The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson! 

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June 20, 2026
1 p.m. - 3 p.m

Adult Social Club is heading to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Saturday, June 20th from 1–3 p.m.

 

Adults 18+ are invited to enjoy a self-guided group tour and connect with others.

Cost is $15.

 

Registration deadlines are 6/9 for new participants and 6/16 for current participants.

Email scheduling@rec2connect.org
to enroll.

Date & Time

Saturday, June 20
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Address

2000 Sycamore St
Cleveland, OH 44113

Admission

$15

Contact

Stephanie Carrol

scheduling@rec2connect.org

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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.

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

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ECAG and Parent Mentoring programming are generously supported through CH-UH Schools' IDEA funding.

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Reaching Heights

Physical Address

14780 Superior Rd,

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Located in the Delisle Center

 

Mailing Address

3 Severance Circle

PO Box 18069

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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(216) 932-5110

 

admin@ReachingHeights.org

©2026 by Reaching Heights

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