Parent Mentors Respond to Family Needs with “Taking a Closer Look at ADHD” Lunch and Learn

Parent Mentors Tisha Eisenhuth (Twinsburg City Schools), Darlene Fontaine (Hudson City Schools), and Amber Vojtush (Nordonia Hills City Schools) decided to kick off 2026 with a partnership to respond to one of the most requested topics from families: ADHD.

Their virtual, one-hour lunch and learn titled Taking a Closer Look at ADHD, was designed intentionally during the lunch hour, a time they’ve found works best for busy families. The result? Eighty-nine participants attended live, and materials and the recording were shared with more than 160 registrants.

To ensure families received accurate and practical information, the team invited Janet Kolk, trainer and specialist from the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD), to lead the session. Throughout the presentation, Parent Mentors and families were invited to offer anecdotal examples and real-world insights, whole creating space for families to ask questions and feel supported.

What Families Learned

The session provided a comprehensive overview of ADHD, including:

• History
• Current statistics on prevalence in the general population
• Who is qualified to diagnose ADHD
• How ADHD affects children in school and daily life
• Techniques and accommodations to support children at home and in school
• ADHD medication considerations
• Differences between IEPs and 504 Plans
• IDEA disability categories and eligibility

To deepen understanding, families were encouraged to explore resources, including a video of clinical psychologist Russell Barkley, a leading authority on ADHD. In his widely viewed presentation, Dr. Barkley emphasizes that:

He explains that ADHD is fundamentally a disability of executive functioning, particularly self-regulation, and reminds caregivers and educators that children with ADHD often struggle with performance, not intelligence or motivation. As he notes:

“If this were a problem of knowledge, these children would do better. It’s a problem with the ability to execute.”

This distinction resonated with families, reframing behaviors not as defiance but as neurological differences that require understanding, structure, and appropriate supports.

Families were also directed to helpful resources, including:

• A clear comparison of IEPs and 504 Plans from Understood.org
• IDEA disability category definitions

Ongoing Impact

Since the training, several families have reached out to their Parent Mentors for individualized assistance related to diagnosis, accommodations, and school supports.

This event highlights the strength of the Parent Mentor network: listening to families, identifying meaningful topics, and partnering with trusted organizations to deliver relevant, practical learning opportunities.

Did you Know?

Districts can request a trainer from the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities to lead disability-specific trainings for staff or families. Learn more about the offerings available.