Daryl C. Jackson, Chicago, IL

Daryl-C-Jackson-Mediator

Name: Daryl C. Jackson

Location: Chicago, Illinois – Available Statewide in Wisconsin

Education:

  • Master of Science (Community Health), Northern Illinois University;
  • Bachelor of Arts (Sociology/Psychology), University of Minnesota.

Mediation Training:

  • Mediation Training Certificates from the Justice Center of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia;
  • Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois;
  • Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System, 5-Day Intensive and Annual Update Trainings on mediation and special education, 2010-Present.

Current Position:

Private practice mediator and facilitator.

Past Positions: I have considerable experience in mediation, facilitation and other forms of dispute resolution. I have interacted with parents, parent advocates, school district representatives, disabled patients, patient representatives, attorneys and ombudspeople to facilitate successful, efficient and satisfactory resolutions and agreements to a wide range of concerns and complaints. Several of my past positions have involved preventing and resolving concerns, disagreements and disputes within the disability community. My investment in this work has been challenging but also very rewarding as it has provided a voice for solutions towards improved relationships and
communication within the disability community.

  • Deputy Director of {Policy and Provider Relations, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Illinois Department of Human Services
  • Executive Officer, Office of the Cook County Medical Examiner.
  • Regional Public Health Officer, State of Illinois Department of Public Health
  • Administrative Law Judge, State of Illinois Department of Public Health
  • Director of Operations, Corporate Compliance Officer, Hearing Officer, Cook County Ambulatory and Community Health Network.
  • Human Services Management, Independent Consultant.
  • United States Air Force Reserve, Human Resource Specialist.

Mediation/Facilitation Experience: As an experienced facilitator for more than 20 years, I have worked in the areas of special education, disabled – non disabled individuals, long term residential care and workplace disputes. I have facilitated many disability, patient care and special education mediations. Most of the mediations have resulted in written agreements.

Perspective on Mediation/Facilitation: Cultural fluency is a key attribute for mediators during times of conflict and harmony. During mediation, acknowledgement of cultural norms/traditions and cultural diversity is and can be important to the mediation process. It can open the door to better communication and allow the parties the opportunity to make sense of and to understand each other’s actions and concerns.

At its foundation, mediation involves open communication and collaboration. This means exploring issues in an effort to identify the underlying concerns of both parties and to find the best possible alternatives that can be agreed upon by both families and
districts.

In special education mediation, I assist families and districts in setting the mediation agenda. Together, as a team, I help the parties construct the mediation content by keeping in mind the circumstances, concerns and potential outcome(s) of the mediation process. Sometimes the use of breaks that allow parents and districts to have alone time to gather their thoughts can be a valuable tool towards the parties reaching mutual agreement during mediation.

Disclosure: I grew up with my sister who had an intellectual disability and special needs.