Connecting for Kids Hosts Resource Fairs Filled with Mental Health, Academic and Disability Providers
Find Options for Those Identified as At-Risk Under the New Dyslexia Screening Laws in Ohio
The Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, March 2, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Tri-C Eastern Campus Student Services Building, 4250 Richmond Rd. in Highland Hills.
The Lorain County Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the LCCC Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria.
The Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River.
With the Ohio General Assembly’s recent passage of bills requiring all public school students in grades kindergarten through third grade be screened for dyslexia this school year, families of children identified as at-risk will find a number of options for reading tutors, academic help and alternative schools at both the Lorain County and Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fairs.
In addition, with the prevalence of mental health concerns today, the fairs also provide numerous resources for those experiencing anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and these resource fairs bring awareness to the many providers in the community who offer help to those struggling with attention issues and ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental concerns. According to the CDC, developmental disabilities affect approx. 1 in 6 children (17%) aged 3–17 years.
The free fairs feature more than 65 local providers including therapists, mental health professionals, funding sources, transition services, adapted summer camps and more for those 0-22 years old. Participants can visit with representatives from a variety of organizations to discuss services and explore program options. New this year at each fair will be a sensory area that will allow attendees to take a break, if needed.
Families who pre-register and attend the in-person events will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. In addition, the first 100 families who stop by the Connecting for Kids table at either fair will receive a free stuffed animal courtesy of Wild Republic along with a disability awareness pin and bookmark.
Families who have limited time can drive up to the tent in front of each location during fair hours to receive a grab & go bag of resources.
For a complete list of participants and to register for either the in-person resource fair or to reserve a grab & go bag, visit connectingforkids.org/resource-fairs, or call/text: 440-570-5908.
Platinum sponsors of the Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair include Cuyahoga County Public Library, Therapeutic Services, New Heights ABA, State Support Team 3 and Tri-C. Platinum sponsors of the Lorain County Resource Fair include Kenneth A. De Luca, Ph.D. & Associates, Inc., Lorain County Children and Families First Council, Lorain County JVS and Murray Ridge Center. Platinum sponsors of the Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair include Kenneth A. De Luca, Ph.D. & Associates, Inc., Lakewood Public Library, State Support Team 3, The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake and Westlake Porter Public Library.
