When children require services from multiple sources (i.e., mental health, schools, juvenile courts, developmental disabilities and alcohol/drug addiction services agencies), it can be difficult for parents to navigate their way through these various service systems. Families may become overwhelmed and have difficulty expressing their concerns and the needs of their child. Ohio’s Service Coordination process recognizes this challenge and has made support for families available through the Parent Advocacy Connection (PAC).

Offers consultations on critical issues such as Individual Educational Plan (IEP) development, curricular accommodations and modifications, intervention design, behavior issues, assistive technology, and communication concerns. Provides Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) upon request by school districts. Also, provides technical assistance to families of children with disabilities who need assistance in dealing with the process of enrolling a child with disabilities in school and communicating with the school on behalf of the child.

Evaluates education cases related to disability access and special education (including evaluations, behavior plans and modifications or failure to follow Individual Education Plans {IEP's}); school enrollment issues (including homelessness and school fees/records/other barriers); language access (bilingual services for child and parent/guardian) school discipline, including expulsion hearings and appeals and manifestation determination reviews (MDR's); post-secondary education for individuals with a disability that cannot access education; lawsuit filed by the school against the applicant to collect education expenses.

Advocates on behalf of individuals with developmentally disabilities, as well as their families and caretakers in Medina County. Assists with identifying and accessing services, guardianships and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Note: The agency does not assist clients with unemployment applications.

Provides help in communicating with school systems for parents of disabled child(ren) who are working to write and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) for their children and to communicate with teachers and school administrators. Parent mentors are employed through a state grant and located in the school district to help other parents of children with disabilities communicate with personnel in that district.

When children require services from multiple sources (i.e., mental health, schools, juvenile courts, developmental disabilities and alcohol/drug addiction services agencies), it can be difficult for parents to navigate their way through these various service systems. Families may become overwhelmed and have difficulty expressing their concerns and the needs of their child. Ohio’s Service Coordination process recognizes this challenge and has made support for families available through the Parent Advocacy Connection (PAC).

Provides help in communicating with school systems for parents of disabled children who are working to write and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for their children and to communicate with teachers and school administrators. Parent mentors are employed through a state grant and located in the school district to help parents of disabled children communicate with personnel in that district.

Provides assistance (phone calls, appointments, etc.) for disabled people dealing with public and private benefit systems and for parents of children dealing with public school systems around disability issues. Will review application filings for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and accompany applicants to hearings. This is not legal assistance, although organization has lists of attorneys that can help with filing appeals.

The Parent Mentor role is to provide information and support in regard to educational issues to families with children who have disabilities. Serves as a liaison between families and school district personnel in order to foster positive parent/professional relationships and enhance children’s learning experiences. May provide in-person counseling, help fill out paperwork, provide mediation, and accompany parents to IEP meetings.

Provides help in communicating with school systems for parents of disabled children who are working to write and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP'S) for their children and to communicate with teachers and school administrators. Parent mentors are employed by a state grant and located in the school district to help other parents communicate with personnel in that district.

Provides help in communicating with school systems for parents of disabled children who are working to write and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for their children and to communicate with teachers and school administrators. Parent mentors are employed through a state grant and located in the school district to help parents of disabled children communicate with personnel in that district.

Offers special education advocacy.

Provides legal assistance which may include information, advice, or representation as well as online resources to help with the following issues: *School Discipline (Out of School Suspension and Expulsion) *School Push Out (Emergency Removals, Parent Pick Up Request) *Special Education (Initial Evaluations, Implementation of Individual Education Programs, Implementation of 504 Plans) *Related Services (Transportation, Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy) *Behavior Supports (Behavior Intervention Plans and Functional Behavior Assessment) *Enrollment *Language Access *School Fees (Withholding Report Card or Transcript) *Bullying/Harassment *School Access for Homeless Students *Title IX Sex Discrimination

Provides advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Assists parents with development, implementation, and monitoring of a formal Individual Education Plan (IEP) for their child(ren) and assists adults with the development, monitoring, and implementation of a formal Individual Service Plan (ISP). Offers information on developmental disabilities to the general public, and assists families in accessing appropriate services.

Evaluates education cases related to disability access and special education (including evaluations, behavior plans and modifications or failure to follow Individual Education Plans {IEP's}); school enrollment issues (including homelessness and school fees/records/other barriers); language access (bilingual services for child and parent/guardian) school discipline, including expulsion hearings and appeals and manifestation determination reviews (MDR's); post-secondary education for individuals with a disability that cannot access education; lawsuit filed by the school against the applicant to collect education expenses.