The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)

Connecting for Kids resource fair returning to Tri-C

The Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair is now set to take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 2 at the Tri-C Eastern Campus Student Services Building, 4250 Richmond Road in Highland Hills.

This is the second year that Connecting for Kids will host a fair in the east suburbs after more than 300 individual­s attended last year, according to a news release. New this year will be a sensory area that will allow attendees to take a break, if needed.

With the Ohio General Assembly’s recent passage of bills requiring all public school students in grades kindergart­en through third grade be screened for dyslexia this school year, families of children identified as at-risk will find a number of options for reading tutors, academic help and alternativ­e schools at the fair.

In addition, with the prevalence of mental health concerns today, the fair also provides numerous resources for those experienci­ng anxiety, depression and behavioral problems, the release stated.

March is also Developmen­tal Disabiliti­es Awareness Month and this resource fair brings awareness to the many providers in the community who offer help to those struggling with attention issues and ADHD, learning disabiliti­es, autism spectrum disorders and other developmen­tal concerns.

According to the CDC, developmen­tal disabiliti­es affect approximat­ely 1 in 6 children ages 3—17.

This free fair features more than 65 local providers including therapists, mental health profession­als, funding sources, transition services, adapted summer camps and more for those 0-22 years old, the release stated.

Participan­ts can visit with representa­tives from a variety of organizati­ons to discuss services and explore program options.

Families who pre-register and attend the in-person event will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Families who have limited time can drive up to the tent in front of the Tri-C Eastern Campus Student Services Building during fair hours to receive a grab & go bag of resources.

For a complete list of participan­ts and to register for either the in-person resource fair or to reserve a grab & go bag, visit www.connecting­forkids.org, or call/text 440-570-5908.