#AdvocacyMatters: Forming Partnerships, Filling Needs

May 28, 2021 / #AdvocacyMatters

Of all the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some of the most concerning surround the interrupted educational opportunities and their impact on students who depend on special education services. The rapid transition to remote learning ripped students from the classrooms, services, and routines that helped them succeed. As if closed school buildings and remote classes weren’t challenging enough, many families were also left trying to optimize IEP meetings held via Zoom and making sense of Extended School Year and Compensatory Education services.

At the outset of this past school year, DRO partnered with Albeit Weiker – a student centered law firm based in Columbus – to put on a webinar focusing on these challenges. The response to that event was overwhelming: Over 600 families participated in the live broadcast and hundreds more have watched the recorded version. There was obviously a need in our community for this kind of outreach.

Beginning this summer, DRO is again partnering with our allies to fill this need. On the second Saturday of every month, DRO, Albeit Weiker, and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities will connect with students, parents, and families across the state in free clinics to make sense of these complex topics. Each event will feature a group seminar on a variety of topics followed by the opportunity for one-on-one guidance sessions.

Click here to learn more or register. 

By partnering with other organizations who believe in the DRO mission, we are able to extend our reach and amplify our work. We know the impact of these educational challenges won’t easily be overcome. By building these partnerships to meet needs like these in our communities, we can show just how much #AdvocacyMatters.