While participating in the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, Ohio parent Melora developed the “Bringing Family Awareness of Special Education Scholarships” initiative.
The Bringing Family Awareness of Special Education Scholarships initiative was created to help families better understand and access the resources available to students with special needs. Drawing from her personal experience navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for her own children, Melora recognized a widespread lack of awareness about two critical scholarship opportunities in Ohio: the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship. Her project aims to guide families through the process of obtaining an IEP or Autism Education Plan (AEP) and then applying for the appropriate scholarship to support their child’s educational and therapeutic needs.
The program’s goal is to empower families with knowledge and advocacy tools so they can secure the services their children need without financial hardship. Through workshops, one-on-one support, and informational materials, Melora helps families understand their rights, navigate the IEP process, and connect with providers. The initiative also includes outreach to families who may not yet have an IEP in place, ensuring access to support and funding for all eligible students.
Parents who attend the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy design projects and create a plan to implement them locally. Want to be inspired by more parent leadership stories or attend the Academy? Visit our Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy page!