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People First is a Self-Advocacy Group for Adults with IDD in NE Ohio
We meet virtually on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm
We care about:
• Having our voices heard
• Empowering one another
• Nothing about us without us
• Education
• Diversity
• Equality
• Inclusion
• Spreading awareness
Interested in getting involved?
Contact Amy Mordaunt
amy.mordaunt@thearcofohio.org
Disability Rights are Civil Rights
Empowering Families to Become Champions On-Demand Training
Did you know that over 250,000 students in Ohio receive special education services—but many families still feel they lack support? The Ohio Special Education Champions, a project funded by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, gives you the tools to change that.
Join us for an impactful training designed to empower families, caregivers, and professionals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the special education process with confidence.
Register and Watch Today!
2025-2026 ECHO on Children with Complex Needs and Sensory Disabilities
What is Project ECHO™
Project ECHO™ is an inter-professional practice network where education and related services professionals learn together through short, informational presentations on meeting the needs of students with complex needs, including sensory disabilities, and case-specific presentations. Case presentations allow participants to support a colleague through real-time problem solving, and the identification of possible strategies and solutions to support the
individuals they serve.
2025-2026 Dates (all sessions are held from 3:30 - 4:30 pm Eastern)
Deaf/Hard of Hearing:
9/11/25 - Evaluation (how to modify and administer)
10/9/25 - Accommodations
11/20/25 - Instructional Strategies
Blind/Visually Impaired:
12/11/25 - Evaluation (how to modify and administer)
1/8/26- Accommodations
2/12/26 - Instructional Strategies
Deafblind:
3/12/26 - Evaluation (how to modify and administer)
4/9/26 - Accommodations and Instructional Strategies
OCECD to continue serving as Ohio’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)
OCECD to continue serving as Ohio’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)
We are proud to share that OCECD has officially received a Notice of Award from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to continue serving as Ohio’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)! Since 1984, we’ve been honored to hold this role—supporting families of children and youth with disabilities across Ohio—and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this vital work.
This new PTI grant will begin October 1, 2025, and is anticipated to extend over the next five years. This award is a powerful recognition of the work we do every day—and we couldn't have done it without your support. Your belief in our mission made this possible. So thank you to everyone, we are incredibly grateful. As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering families, supporting students with disabilities, and partnering with professionals throughout the state. While the future may bring challenges, we are ready to meet them—together. We are here for you, and we are honored to continue this journey.
We understand the unique challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, and we are here to support you. Our website offers a wealth of information and resources specifically tailored to assist you in navigating the complex world of special education.
To provide you with valuable insights, we offer a collection of Informational Tip Sheets on various topics. These tip sheets can be easily downloaded and printed, allowing you to have a tangible resource at your fingertips. From understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to strategies for promoting positive behavior, our tip sheets cover a wide range of important subjects.
Below you will find a selection of sample letters. These letters are designed to assist parents in effectively communicating their child's needs to educators, administrators, or other relevant individuals. By clicking on the sample letters, you can easily print them and use them as a template, saving you time and effort in crafting your own personalized letter.
It's My Turn - Online Learning Course
It’s My Turn training is a self-determination curriculum for students with disabilities in middle school through high school. Students will learn about themselves, the choices they have, and become better self-advocates.
Students are welcome to participate in a virtual version of the It’s My Turn transition training at their convenience. Many students may want to access this program independently with the built-in accommodations, and others may also want to include their own personal support.
To access the It's My Turn modules, Register Today!
Navigating AT & AEM for Your Student’s Success
Navigating AT & AEM for Your Student’s Success
With so much information out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to understand Assistive Technology (AT) and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM). What do these terms really mean? What does the law say about your child’s right to access? Register and watch the video today.
Calling Autistic High School
Students & Parents
I’m a high schooler conducting a research project on autistic student and parental perspectives on the transition to college. I have made a short survey about different aspects of college.
For more information and to take the survey scan the QR code or go to: https://forms.gle/Bd95xw6LYVAAvLNX8
10 minutes to complete
Anonymous
Approved by Horace Greeley High School’s
Institutional Review Board
IRB approval number: 2501
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