Parent Mentors D/HH

The Parent Mentor Project (PMP) is Ohio’s statewide system for organizing professional parent mentors. Please note that some school districts may hire professionals who’s role is similar, yet not affiliated with the PM Project. The PMP has been funded by the Ohio Department of Education’s Office for Exceptional Children since 1991, and is currently managed by Ohio’s Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD). Contact OCECD for more information.

Parent Mentors are parents of students with disabilities who have experience with the special education process and procedures grades K-12. Parent Mentors act as navigators for parents new to special education, or those wanting additional support navigating all the procedures. They also can serve as helpful resource guides and trainers to both schools and families. Some services they provide include:

  • Helping families prepare for individualized education program (IEP) meetings
  • Attending IEP meetings with families,
  • Educating families on the special education process.

Learn how Parent Mentors can support families with children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Resources and tools for families and schools will also be shared throughout the video presentation.

Video: Intro Parent Mentor for Ohio School for the Deaf and Ohio School for the Blind


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Ohio Hands & Voices, in affiliation with Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Ohio Hands & Voices is unbiased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support.

Ohio Hands & Voices has a program titled, Advocacy Support & Training (ASTra) where trained and certified advocates are available to assist parents and families through their child’s IEP process. Visit the Hands and Voices website for more information.