Amy Freeman
Session Description
When a Child Reaches the Age of Majority- Guardianship Myths & Supported Decision Making (SDM) Resources
This session will discuss alternatives to guardianship including incorporating supported decision making processes when a child reaches the Age of Majority. We will share resources for educators, families, and youth to enhance their understanding of SDM and self-determination activities..
Presenter Bio
Amy Freeman, Statewide Transition Programs Coordinator, Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)
Amy Freeman holds an M.Ed. in Special Education and has worked for over 40 years in special education roles. Amy currently is OCECD’s statewide transition programs coordinator. Her responsibilities include collaborating with other statewide agencies and local organizations to provide resources for transition age youth and their families. Through Amy’s work with OCECD, she directed a 1:1 state-wide reading mentoring program for students with disabilities. Her work includes establishing partnerships with state and local juvenile justice centers, juvenile courts, and local colleges & universities for the mentoring program to be available to justice-involved youth reading below grade level. As a federal subject matter expert, Amy provided professional development support to a federal project designed to divert youth from becoming justice involved. Amy has trained and supported families throughout Ohio to mentor their own children using 1:1 reading mentoring materials. This training includes working with parents/grandparents who are incarcerated so they can mentor their children in reading when they reenter their community. Amy has worked as a special education teacher, superintendent, workshop director, behavior specialist, and habilitation specialist for DD programs. She also was a regional program consultant for the DoDD and preschool special ed reviewer for ODE.
