OPEN-Bees

02/28/2026

Use of IQ Score to Determine Eligibility for Adult Services vs. Qualifying for Adult Intellectual Disability Services: Use of the IQ score
Presenters: Andrew A. Feinstein, Esq., & Dr. Nicholas Gelbar

Brief Session Description:
Numerous states determine eligibility for adult services on full-scale IQ scores, with a sharp cutoff at 70, or on some combination of IQ scores and other indicators. Yet, IQ scores are not precise enough to be used in this way and testing instruments fail to capture an individual's competence in self-care, self-direction, social and emotional skills, and other critical elements of living and working independently. The current situation and the trend away from reliance on IQ scores are examined.

For additional information and to register now, please visit our website. https://www.copaa.org/page/2026-conference-register



ALT - Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

02/28/2026

Fairview Park, Ohio…

TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS OF THE FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026:

We opened our scholarship application process on February 6th and have not received any applications to date.

We have 27 scholarships available this year worth a total of $29,000. Its a one-stop application to apply for all of the 27 scholarships!!

Who wants to be the first 2026 graduating senior to fill out the application? Just click here:

https://www.fpedfoundation.org/scholarships/how-to-apply/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHtbsnz3EEs7irrnvp5APDnqF_V_FfUhWzTs9A7aHVkDC8c2f9c3l4_ovvwd4_aem_SoWD9kUJKzc1WplP3MB8aw

THE 2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED AT THE SCHOLARS’ RECEPTION ON MAY 13, 2026 BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE!!! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, EMAIL DENISE DEVINE AT [email protected] Click here to download th....

02/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17iuicdHTz/?mibextid=WC7FNe

A New Year, A New Look for Greenleaf
After months of development and preparation, we would like to introduce Greenleaf's new brand identity.

Coming out of a year of reflection and recalibration and at the start of a five-year strategic plan, it is the perfect symbol of an organization with a bright future, that still honors the legacy of a 114-year past.

🌟Thank you, TRIAD Marketing and Advertising! 🌟
Every year, for the past 30 years, TRIAD Marketing and Advertising has provided nonprofit organizations with creative and marketing services at no cost through their Design 4 Good program. By contributing these services they help stretch the marketing budgets of many organizations to support their missions. Greenleaf Family Center was a proud recipient of a Design 4 Good grant to develop this incredible new brand for the agency.

TRIAD also recently assisted us with updating our website and giving it an entirely new, beautiful look, with a calming sense of balance and empowerment. The site also reflects a strategic direction we've identified for the next 5-10 years, and a refined mission, vision and values.
Check it out today: www.greenleafctr.org

Together as One - the importance of symbolism
🌱The Greenleaf icon comprises four separate leaves, that come together to form one. Each leaf symbolizes an essential part of our story.
🌱The largest leaf forms the foundation, representing Greenleaf as a whole - rooted, strong, and supportive.
🌱This leaf, with its dark green color, pays tribute to the organization’s historic logo, honoring its legacy and growth over time.
🌱The three additional leaves reflect our three core areas of service: Behavioral Health & Prevention, Family Support & Education and D/deaf & Hard of Hearing Support & Services (CSD).
🌱At the center, the negative space forms a branch, symbolizing the strength, security, and connection that hold everything together - an enduring reminder of Greenleaf’s commitment to always helping individuals and families thrive..

02/27/2026

Education Advocacy in Indian Country: Why It Matters and How You Can Help
Presenter: Alexis M. DeLaCruz


Brief Session Description:
Indigenous students with disabilities and their families often lack access to direct education advocacy within their communities, making it challenging to enforce their civil rights in both public schools and federal Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) systems. Facing some of the poorest educational outcomes in the U.S., this session highlights the urgent need to expand and sustain direct advocacy services tailored to Indigenous students and their tribal communities. Participants explore strategies to build capacity and promote long-term support for these underserved populations.

For additional information and to register now, please visit our website. https://www.copaa.org/page/2026-conference-register



ALT - Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

02/27/2026

https://apnews.com/article/reading-literacy-screeners-kindergarten-readiness-e3134b6b233bdc633fbc53618830d4ff?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=share&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHsk8n9gwPhCEZiP5L0KNo0aCQ2NFuc5xX4HDZZONbzT9pBBQjLdaEc7jwx8P_aem_RkAa5GopteC2hU2nuSmdfQ

Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, has started checking literacy skills during pediatric visits for kids as young as 3.

02/27/2026

Learn why restraint and seclusion are dangerous, traumatizing practices—and what Pennsylvania families and advocates can do to reduce and eliminate their use in schools. This session with Guy Stephens, Founder and Executive Director of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, will explore how these practices disproportionately impact disabled, neurodivergent, Black and Brown students and contribute to long-term trauma and the school-to-prison pipeline. Participants will gain practical strategies to advocate for trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-driven, and collaborative supports, understand when restraint is (and is not) allowed under PA state laws, and learn concrete steps to take if their child is restrained or secluded, including how to work with schools and where to find advocacy help.

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Y3am2TPTTEC0n4pwKwjHAg?fbclid=IwY2xjawQLS0dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJyUTFTVzJCclBPemdWaGJjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhzXKcIRdhbmOe-KJbhYnr8TBB-5_2dDvVRfJWgiKdi9hU1IHL73Sa8kPcuh_aem_oZzl7cOlEBuU_SWk9GBBOA #/registration

Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint

02/27/2026

Life changing for my youngest and his squad!

Midwest esports gaming sleepaway summer camp and day summer camp for school-age middle school and high school kids located in Ohio at The University of Akron.

02/27/2026

From Krissy Armstrong:

Hi everyone! 🤍

I’m a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist at Lifeworks of Southwest General in Middleburg Heights, and we currently have immediate availability for FREE speech and/or language screenings (and availability for follow ups) to help determine if speech therapy may be warranted for your child.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this typical?” or “Should they be saying more by now?” — a quick screening can give you clarity and peace of mind. 💬

✨ Why is early intervention so important?

• Early language skills are strongly connected to later reading and academic success

• It supports social skills and peer relationships

• It helps reduce frustration from difficulty communicating

• The earlier we address concerns, the faster and more effectively children tend to make progress

• Early support can prevent small delays from becoming bigger challenges later

• Builds confidence in both children and parents

Common reasons families seek a screening:

• Not talking as much as peers

• Difficulty pronouncing sounds

• Trouble following directions

• Limited vocabulary

• Difficulty putting words together into phrases or sentences

If you are interested or would like more information, feel free to email me at [email protected] and I’m happy to help guide you through the process!

Please share with any parents who might benefit 🤍

02/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18M6U9xHKr/?mibextid=WC7FNe