Target Audience:  Special Education Directors, Administrators, Counselors, and any staff who work with students with 504s

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act represent key areas to support the civil rights of students with disabilities. Yet, many educators are unfamiliar with their demands and features compared to special education. This presentation will allow participants to explore how 504, ADA, and special education compare and contrast. Special attention will be provided to several essential emerging topics, including new demands for seizure care plans and post-COVID care. Additional information will be provided on the unique differences for Section 504 in post secondary environments and working though broad Section 504 processes from start to finish with attention towards mitigating risk while enhancing familial and school collaboration.

 

Presenter:  Erich R. Merkle

Dr. Erich Merkle serves as the central office school psychologist for the Akron Public Schools where he is a leadership team member in the Office of Special Education. He is primarily responsible for overseeing the Pupil Adjustment Program (PAP). Within school psychology, Dr. Merkle has concentrated his work on consultation, evaluation, and intervention for students with severe social-emotional, behavioral, and advanced mental health involvement that has resulted in substantial educational disciplinary sanctioning, expulsion, placement into residential facilities, or the judicial system. He has provided several hundred professional development sessions across his career on a diversity of topics that represent the intersection of psychology and education as well as the legal ethical aspects of those practices, with a particular emphasis on gender and sexual diversity issues. Dr. Merkle holds an APA accredited and NASP approved doctorate (Ph.D.) in school psychology and psychology, an educational specialist (Ed.S.) in educational administration and leadership, a master's degree (M.Ed.) in mental health counseling, and a master's degree (M.A.) in human development, all from Kent State University as well as a baccalaureate degree (B.S.) in psychology from Heidelberg University. He holds professional licensure as both a school psychologist and educational administrator as well as national certification as a school psychologist (NCSP).

 

Event Fee:  Free- LC District Members*  |  $50 - Non-Members

*Member Districts:  Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington

Assistance: Debbie Shannon, [email protected] or 440.324.5777 x1112

CANCELLATION POLICY:
EVENTS REQUIRING A REGISTRATION FEE:  We must receive your cancellation in writing by emailing [email protected] at least 24-hours prior to the event date for a full refund. If you do not cancel or are a no-show, you/your district will be charged/invoiced the full event fee.

EVENTS WITH NO REGISTRATION FEE:   We must receive your cancellation in writing by emailing [email protected] at least 24-hours  prior to the event.  If you do not cancel or are a no-show, you/your district will be invoiced a $25 registration fee since our presenters prepare their presentation and may charge an event/planning fee.
If you do not receive a confirmation of cancellation from Debbie Shannon, please follow up by calling 440.324.5777 ext 1112.
In the case of an emergency or situations out of the ordinary, registrations are transferable to another colleague.