Parents of children with disabilities and special needs often face a confusing parenting dilemma.  They want their children to have "typical" childhoods and be included in their families, neighborhoods and schools. They also see that their children often need special supports because of their unique needs.  This raises difficult questions for them.  How can they have realistic visions for their children's futures?  How will their children fit in with other children? How can they know how much help is enough for their children?  Who can they talk to who has solved problems like the ones they are facing?  Where can they get help for their children, families, themselves?

To support these parents, The Arc offers free parenting and information workshops.  These workshops are based on the principle of parents working with other parents and learning from other parents.  The workshops connect parents to others who have already worked through many of their questions.  The workshops also connect parents to resources in greater Cincinnati that can help them work through their parenting challenges.

Each year, The Arc partners with a local school district for the workshops. For the 2010-2011 school year, Oak Hills Local School District will be the partner district.  The Arc also tailors other parenting workshops to meet the unique needs of diverse communities. The Arc has Spanish language workshops for Hispanic parents. the Arc has culturally relevant perspectives for Muslim parents and health and safety strategies and information for parents living in neighborhoods with older and poorly maintained housing.

Parent training partners include Beech Acres, Cincinnati Public Schools ELL Program, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, CITE Services - RHC, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Hamilton County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Collaborative, Su Casa-Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio, Talbert House Project PASS, and local Parent Mentors.

Topics include: Getting the Diagnosis; Tips from a panel of parents about life, family and school; parenting for Independence: How to help your child learn self-responsibility and everyday skills;  Achieving Positive Behaviors: Strategies to successfully work through difficult bahaviors; Parent for Success: Tips and methods to relate and respond to your children and increase their positive behavior; Funding and local resources for support services; Self Esteem: How to turn you and your child's dreams into reality through transition services. 

Coming this fall, October 2010: Parent to Parent Network for parents of children poisoned by lead paint in their home or toys.  Start up focus group is scheduled for October 9th from 10:00am to 12:00.

Other important information we offer is about planning for the future.  Planning for the future can seem overwhelming for parents of a child with a disability.  When you are dealing with day to day issues, it's difficult to have time to even think about the future.  Information on Estate and Future Planning, Guardianship and setting up a Covenant of Support are provided through printed materials and workshops.  Please check the website for the next scheduled sessions.

 These programs are underwritten by grants for The Charles H. Dater Foundation, The Crosset Family Foundation, the Ohio Department of Health Lead Poison Prevention Project, and the Pfau Foundation.