special needs schools (Cleveland: best suburbs, schools, living in)

[saudi mother]

I'm from Saudi Arabia. I have tow children with special needs (down syndrome). They are going to a good center in my city and they learned many things. I will travel to USA to complete my study after 6-9 month. I'll stay in columbus or kent city. I will stay many years. I want to know if I can find schools or centers for my children at kent,akron or columbus city. I want them learn new skills in USA. My children ages are 12 and 8. I want to know what is the suitable schools for them ? and how can I Contact this schools. please give me any details about down syndrom education in ohio and schools for them. what are the best suburbs to live near kent or ohio, what are the best schools
Pleas help mother needs to help her children

[Clevelandgal]

Because of the high cost, special education is usually provided by public school districts. With strong parental advocacy, a meaningful education can be had. In OH, as rest of US, a childs needs are assessed and outlined in an IEP (individual education plan). You may want to seriously consider living in a well funded school district. Sadly the ones in cities generally tend to be underfunded.

Boards of MRDD may have some community resources as well: OACBMRDD.

It might be good to try and meet other parents of children with disabilities to aquaint you with what is available and also be a support system for you. I am not sure how it is in SA, but one ongoing goal here is for persons with disabilities to be included in every day life rather than isolated in special schools.

here is a resourse on special education law
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy.

good luck and welcome

[BelieveInCleve]

I dont know too much about it, but yes we do have places like that around here.

[chikaranotori]

Hello Saudi Mother! here is a link to Summit Academies, a group of publicly funded (Charter) schools located in Ohio. they are all over and maybe they can assist you with your search! good luck.

[saudi mother]

Clevelandgal, Cle440, chikaranotori thank you so much for reply. I find important information at columbus forum. therefore I don't check my thread last days.