#USA #Cleveland #Cuyahoga DD #Early Intervention #Parental Feedback

Cuyahoga DD Early Intervention Program Makes Remarkable Gains

The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) has recently delivered promising results regarding its Early Intervention (EI) program, which aims to support children with developmental delays.

According to the latest findings from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth's 2026 EI Family Questionnaire, Cuyahoga DD has outperformed state averages in 12 out of 13 areas of service and has shown improvement in key aspects compared to previous years. The data indicates significant advancements not only in overall satisfaction but also in specific areas impacting the lives of families served by the program.

Unprecedented Improvement Metrics

In a detailed analysis of responses, it was revealed that the EI team at Cuyahoga DD achieved exceptional scores:

• - 97.57% of parents reported that their therapists helped them communicate their child's needs, up from 92.28% in 2025.
• - 95.93% noted improvements in their child's learning and development compared to 91.36% the previous year.
• - 93.46% stated that they felt more equipped to understand their child's social-emotional needs, an increase from 83.92% in 2025.

Lori Mago, director of the Assistive Technology and Children's Services at Cuyahoga DD, proudly states, "This improvement is not an accident. In the past year, we have focused on enhancing our professionals' training and expertise in social-emotional development." She expressed her gratitude for the families that provided positive feedback on their experiences with EI staff.

Furthermore, the program received a remarkable 98.11% from families who said they would recommend Cuyahoga DD's Early Intervention services to others, increasing from 94.12% in 2025.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Lisa Scharfenort’s personal account underscores the profound impact of the EI program. Her daughter, Eliza, experienced developmental delays, leading to concerns when she was just 18 months old. "When Eliza wasn't babbling or mimicking, I knew this wasn't typical development, having experienced EI with my older son. So, we sought help," Scharfenort recalls. After beginning EI with Cuyahoga DD and working closely with Speech-Language Pathologist Renee Farmerie, significant improvements were evident over time.

"Renee suspected that Eliza had apraxia, which restricts the mind-body connection crucial for speech. Watching Eliza grow in her ability to communicate—from no babbling at all to forming almost full sentences—has made an enormous difference in our lives," Scharfenort reflected. Her story is one among many that illustrates the important role that dedicated professionals and comprehensive support play in a child's developmental journey, reaffirming the value of the Early Intervention program.

This case not only highlights the personal victories made possible through dedicated intervention but also serves as a beacon encouraging more families to engage with programs designed to assist. Cuyahoga DD continues to be a vital support system, impacting the lives of over 15,000 county residents from infancy through adulthood.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

With the current results painting a hopeful picture, Cuyahoga DD is committed to maintaining this momentum. The ongoing dedication to increasing efficacy and accessibility within the Early Intervention program suggests a strategic approach to meet the needs of families. Stakeholders can look forward to further enhancements as the team continues to seek training opportunities and resources to benefit the residents of Cuyahoga County.

For more information on Cuyahoga DD's services and resources, visit CuyahogaDD.org.