Free workshops will help parents plan transition of care for children with special needs

01-11-2018 (Akron, Ohio )

Seven community agencies which offer services to families who have children with special needs are teaming up to offer a Parent Transition Academy at Copley High School, 3807 Ridgewood Road, with four evening workshops covering many of the concerns these parents have as their children approach adulthood.

“The program is targeted to parents and guardians of middle and high school students with disabilities, and we will cover topics ranging from the legal aspects of transition to adulthood to financial planning and finding adult care providers,” said Dr. Erica Krapf, a pediatric neuropsychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital. “We think this is going to be a great resource for parents and it has been a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate with other programs who serve children in the community.”

The four workshops are 6 to 8:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm). The academy is free but online registration is required.

The dates and topics are:

• January 23: Transition law, legislation for life after high school; evidence-based predictors and practices for transition.
• February 15: Transition pathways, partners and planning; developing a quality IEP for transition.
• March 6: Financial planning and legal topics for transition; planning for transitions in health care and mental health services.
• April 19: Transition panel with parents and professionals; building self-determination and self-advocacy skills.

The organizations and agencies planning the academy are: Akron Children’s Hospital, Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, Summit Educational Service Center, the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Educational Service Center of Medina County, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities; and State Support Team 8 Serving Medina, Summit and Portage Counties.

Register online at http://SummitESC.org

For more information, call Brenda Palinkas at 330-945-5600, ext. 511234