DRO to provide education rights training, advocacy support for Youngstown parents of students with disabilities

April 6, 2016 / education

Disability Rights Ohio, in collaboration with the NAACP Youngstown Branch, will hold a training session for parents of students with disabilities who attend East High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at the Main Library, 305 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503. Lunch will be provided. The training will help parents to understand the law, their rights and develop additional advocacy skills as the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) conducts an investigation into alleged rights violations at East High School.

"The NAACP Youngstown Branch noticed that 31% of students at East High School have disabilities," says Disability Rights Ohio Senior Attorney Kristin Hildebrant. "In contrast, Youngstown Early College High School, located just a mile away, has 0%. We support the NAACP's efforts to notify ODE about this discrepancy and will be providing technical assistance as the matter moves forward."

"Disability Rights Ohio's willingness to assist our students and their families will help us ensure that their civil and educational rights are protected," says Jimma McWilson, NAACP Vice President. "This will add to the NAACP Youngstown Branch's commitment to support and empower our families so that they can hold the District accountable for delivering the quality of services and care the students deserve."

To register, parents should contact Disability Rights Ohio at 800-282-9181and dial option 2 for intake by close of business on Monday, April 25. The intake department is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays, though you can leave a message and we will return your call during business hours. Please tell us about any accommodations requests or dietary restrictions you have when you register.