On April 12th, students received visits from two women who are instrumental in the support of Ohio Hispanic families with children with disabilities, Marbella Cáceres and Iliana Martinez. They work for the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD). Marbella created P.L.A.N.E.O. (Latino Parents Associated for Special Children in Ohio), a statewide support group for Spanish-speaking families. She translates materials for families from English to Spanish and is involved in the development of trainings that address cultural needs. Iliana supports the coordination of P.L.A.N.E.O. and also serves Mid Ohioan Hispanic families by advising on their rights through trainings and advocacy skills.
Presentations were delivered in Spanish. Iliana encouraged students to embrace who they are and their bilingualism and to fight for their passions, while Marbella had a great message about working for what you want in life, no matter how long it takes you and what path you take. Iliana, who is originally from Mexico, also spoke on coming to the USA, and what it took to get involved and develop her career. Marbella and Iliana both mentioned their personal motivators, such as both being mothers of special needs children. Students found their stories relatable and engaging. We appreciate the time each of these presenters took to speak to our students, as well as the important services they each work hard to provide to Ohio families.
Iliana Martinez is OCECD’s Latino Community Families Information Specialist/Trainer, Mid Ohio Latino Office.
Marbella Cáceres is OCECD’s Interim Co-Executive Director & Statewide Multicultural Director, Marion Office.