Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
8 E. Long St., Suite 1200, Columbus, OH 43215

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
David Zwyer
(614) 466-5205 v/tty
(800) 766-7426

REACH Receives $150,000 Grant

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) recently awarded REACH (Referral and Educational Association for Child Health), in Portsmouth $150,000 for the Educational Options for Children project. The goal of this three-year project is to maximize educational potential of children with disabilities by helping parents understand education options and rights available during preschool. Parental knowledge will then also carry on to influence positive system change in elementary education.

Preschool is often the first experience for parents of children with disabilities related to their children’s education. Parents increasingly want their children to be in inclusive preschool settings. Many families are simply not aware of the range of services available and must rely on word of mouth and luck to find out about service options. Additionally, parents tend not to know how to react to professional advice that conflicts with their observations and knowledge of their child. The project will maximize educational potential of children with disabilities by helping parents understand their options and rights.

Tammy Nelson, director of REACH, will oversee the project. The REACH program has served families of children with disabilities since 1987. REACH works closely with families to prepare them as active partners with the providers who will be part of their child’s educational experience.

The ODDC is one of a national network of state councils committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. ODDC receives federal funding to help carry out its mission of developing new and better ways of advocating, increasing capacities to assist people, and making needed changes to systems.

ODDC consists of members appointed by the Governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.

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