Partners for Success Monthly Update
March 2024
Spring is Coming!
Here's some exciting news: The sun will start setting after 7pm on March 10! The days are getting longer and soon it will start getting warmer. The month of March is full of reasons to celebrate! While it's National Developmental Disability Month, it's also Women's History Month. And not only is there St. Patrick's Day (3/17), but there's also National Pi Day(3/14), International Day of Happiness (3/20), and World Down Syndrome Day (3/21.) Partners for Success wants to remind you that any day is a great day to celebrate our unique kiddos and the valuable encouragement you provide for them.
Please take a few minutes to complete the MSDE Special Education Parent Survey.
Then, read on to find out about upcoming family events, educational webinars, virtual workshops, parent support groups and more!
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services will be mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services during the week of February 12, 2024. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 24, 2024. The Survey may also be completed online. Please look for details in your survey packet. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.
What is “Partners for Success”?
Partners for Success centers are available to parents as a resource and information center. Specifically, we provide information about community services, assist families in resolving concerns, and increase parental involvement in the special education decision making process.
Where is Partners for Success Located?
Roye-Williams Elementary School
201 Oakington Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078.
410-273-5579
e-mail: partners.success@hcps.org.
Office hours are usually Tuesday 9:30-3, and Thursday from 9:30-1:00, by appointment.
Do you have questions about your student's education plan? Could you use some support?
Please remember we are here to help address any needs you have regarding special education and community resources.
PARENT Resources for March
Partners for Success Virtual Workshop
Partners for Success along with the Harford County SECAC will host a virtual workshop on Coaching Your Student to Thrive with Their ADHD Brain presented by Jessica Hackman Ed.S, NCSP, PCC
This workshop will be on Thursday March 7, 2024.
Please click on the link below to register.
The meeting will open at 6:30pm with general parent discussion and networking. Ms. Hackman will present at 7pm. There will be a brief Q&A after her presentation.
Please see the flier below for more information.
Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee
Come to a Harford County SECAC meeting to…
• Learn how to advocate for your child;
• Attend presentations by outside professionals on topics that affect the special needs student such as Anxiety, IEP Development, Social Skills, Bullying, and Transitioning;
• Network with other parents/guardians and community service providers;
• Meet staff members from the Department of Special Education and other HCPS departments;
• Participate in discussions about how to enhance programming, services, and supports for students with disabilities;
• Provide input at Harford County SECAC Parent Forums on special education-related topics which will be shared with the HCPS Department of Special Education and Board of Education.
If you missed the February 1 meeting Special Education Discussion Panel and want to watch the recording; please send an email to harfordcountysecac@gmail.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Meetings usually occur the first Thursday of the month, September through June from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Learn how to make our communities safer for people with disabilities! Join the Ethan Saylor Alliance for a virtual event with people with disabilities, their families, police officers, and disability professionals.
The event is on Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. on Zoom. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZwsf-mgrzIsH9Vp...
A live stream will also be available on the Maryland Department of Disabilities Facebook page.
Getting on the Same Page: Helping Families and Youth to “Think College”
Monday, March 18th, 2024 2pm Eastern
Virtual
Students with intellectual disabilities want to go to college – and they can! But they can’t get there alone. They need educators and family members who understand what skills are necessary to make it happen and will support them to achieve their goals. And they need resources to help them (and their families!) understand the college search and application process.
Click here to find out more and register.
Click on the images below to register for the free LIVE webinar offered by ADDitude Magazine
There are more FREE Webinars on ADHD from ADDitude Magazine
Click here to register or receive free recordings!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries!
Thursday, April 4, 2024 - Thursday, April 25, 2024
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) is pleased to announce the return of our Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries. Each Thursday throughout the month of April, a new virtual session will be released at 12 noon (EST).
Mark your calendars as CASSI is bringing an exciting array of speakers to our April 2024 miniseries. Event participants will hear from parents, self-advocates, educators, clinicians, and other experts in the autism field. These events cater to a diverse audience including autistics, family members, educators, and professionals.
All four sessions are included with your free registration and will be available for on-demand viewing, after each presentation's initial launch date, until July 23, 2024.
Upcoming ASBC Virtual Groups
Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.
An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding
Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, at 7:00pm
Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, March 19th, at 7:00pm
Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday @ 9:00pm (3rd Thursdays will be in-person!)
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
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NEW! ASBC is now on Meetup!
The ASBC is now on Meetup! Check us out to get up to date info on our events and connect with other members:
FAMILY EVENTS, SOCIAL GROUPS, and ACTIVITIES
BIKE CAMP is Back!!
Registration opens March 1 with limited availability!
Click on the picture to find out more!
We are excited to announce that Laila's Gift, our organization dedicated to creating magical moments, is now scheduling free birthday and milestone celebrations for children with special needs and disabilities for the entire year of 2024!
At Laila's Gift, we believe that every child deserves a memorable and joyful birthday and milestone celebration, regardless of their abilities. That's why we are committed to providing a complete party experience, encompassing all the elements that make a birthday truly special.
Our celebrations are completely complementary and include:
- Venue space: We provide a wonderful venue where your child's party can take place, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
- Party decorations: Our team will transform the venue into a magical setting, tailored to your child's preferences and interests.
- Party favors: Each guest will receive special party favors to take home as a memento of the celebration.
- Guest of honor: Your child will be the star of the day, receiving the recognition and love they deserve.
- Gift: We have a surprise gift for your child, carefully chosen to bring them happiness and excitement.
- Celebration entertainment: Our team will organize entertaining activities and games to keep the party filled with joy and laughter.
And much more!
To ensure that we can accommodate as many families as possible, there are limited spots available for each month. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible to secure a spot for your child's celebration in 2024.
If you're interested or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at celebrate@lailasgift.org or call 443-509-4515. We would be thrilled to provide your child with a memorable experience filled with love, joy, and celebration.
Together, let's create lasting memories and celebrate the unique qualities that make each child special.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SUMMER CAMP I CAN REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Click here to find out more and register!
Who is the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland?
The Down Syndrome Association of Maryland - DSAmd (formerly Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group or CDSPG) provides information and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the broader Down syndrome community. We serve families of and persons with Down syndrome by providing information and support. We have office hours at Isaac's aNORAble Homes, Havre de Grace 2nd Mondays 10am-6pm. Click here to download our general brochure. All current and future events can be found here.
Down Syndrome Association of Maryland presents Happy Sleeper, Happy Life: Sleep, Sleep Quality and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Down Syndrome presented by Dr. Shu Buckley, Director of Sleep and Neurodevelopment Service Office of the Clinical Director, and Dr. Marishka Brown, Director of the National Center on Sleep Disorder Research. Discover one of the keys to your child’s well-being through the lens of sleep! Dive into the crucial role sleep plays in overall health, influencing cognitive, emotional, and social well-being across the lifespan. Register here http://tinyurl.com/NIHsleepandDs.
Did you know that AMC Theaters offers Sensory Friendly Film Showings? Just click on the image to find out more and reserve tickets!
RESPITE DAYS AT THE ARC!!!
Family Support Services will begin hosting monthly Respite Saturdays from March to May for children ages 6-21 years old. We will provide lunch and fun activities from 12-4 pm, FREE of charge.
Register for our April 13th Respite Day by clicking on the image.
Registration Deadline is April 1st!
Summer Respite Trips will begin in June and continue through August. Dates and trips are being finalized now. Please email FSS for more information. FSS@arcncr.org
Sensory Sundays at Chuck E Cheese!
CONTINUE READING ABOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
Growing on the Spectrum Harford County Monthly Meet Up!
Click on the link for the corresponding group
- Birth to Kindergarten https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-07/
- Elementary https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-02/
- Middle and High School https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-06/
- Behavioral Challenges https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-08/
- Spanish Speaking Families https://www.ppmd.org/.../cafe-y-conversaciones-2/2023-02-15/
- Professionals https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-08/
- Bilingual Professionals https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-15/
Achieving True Self offers Social Skills Groups in the Harford and Baltimore area for ages 2-21 utilizing ABA strategies. Groupings are arranged based on skills and age. All are welcome, regardless of diagnosis. Can email MDSocialSkills@achievingtrueself.com for further information."
What is DDA?
Do you have a teen? Is it time to help them plan for the future?
Maryland Department of Disabilities Transitions provides resources, information, and tools to help teens, families, schools, and communities to prepare teens with disabilities for future possibilities.
Here is a link to the MD PROMISE Transition Resource Guide, a resource for families and youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.
Parent Academy
Find an HCPS 23-24 accessible calendar here.
Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!
Click this link Anita C. Leight Estuary Center to find out about upcoming family events in Abingdon!
Activities include BSA rank advancement, scout skills, cooking, camping, hiking and having fun. The troop welcomes any male 11 and older and with a diagnosed special need.
There is NO maximum age limit. Adults with special needs are welcome.
There is NO COST for registration or activities thanks to the generosity of Aberdeen Rotary, Bel Air Lions, Churchville Ruritan, St Mark's Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, American Legion, and other donations.
Charter Organization - Aberdeen Rotary
John S. Karas email - Charter Organization Rep
For more information, please contact Gary Nasuta, Scoutmaster, email or call or Maria Joesten, Committee Chairperson, email or call 410-775-3225.
IEP RESOURCES
New Parent Information Series from the MSDE
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proud to produce a new Parent Education Series focusing on Special Education. The four-part series focuses on Special Education Process, Parental Rights, Understanding the IEP, and Secondary Transition. An additional guide on the Alternate Education Framework was recently added and there are plans for further topics.
These are great resources with a lot of information for families. To explore all the publications, click here. If you need these guides translated to another language, just use the drop down menu in the upper right corner titled Translate. Be sure to bookmark for future reference!
IEP Resources from Parents' Place of MD
Resources from the Parents' Place of MD:
- Looking for information about evaluations? "Your Child's Evaluation" from the Center for Parent Information and Resources is super helpful and easy to read!
- Read to learn the purpose of evaluation, who is involved in evaluation, deciding if your child is eligible, developing your child's education program, and more!
- Don't know where to start with requesting accommodations and/or modifications for your child's IEP plan? Check out this list of common requests in our handy resource.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISABILITY SUPPORT
Are you prepared for the differences between HS and College? Here are two differences:
1. Some students may not know that there are no course modifications in college courses. Harford will not provide modifications to change the course content or performance expectations that would substantially alter the essential elements of the course. Students with disabilities are expected to demonstrate the same level of understanding of course material and meet the same minimum skill performance standards as all other students in the college class.
2. In high school, the IEP team plays a key role in providing recommendations and documentation for requested accommodations. Decisions about the accommodations provided in college classes will be determined by the college. High school IEP’s and 504 plans are not applied at the college level. The accommodations identified as reasonable, that provide equal access to course material according to the disability diagnosed and supporting documentation are applied. Consequently, students are encouraged to meet with the HCC Disability and Student Intervention Services (DSIS) before beginning the college courses in order to determine what reasonable accommodations will apply and what additional student support resources are available to all students. Students who wish to obtain accommodations for their classes must follow Disability and Student Intervention Services procedures. If the student needs more support, they should contact the High School Dual Enrollment Liaison to determine supplemental services for remediation.
If you have any questions, please contact our office by emailing us at disabilitysupport@harford.edu or by phone at 443-412-2402.
*Click the attachment below to view the electronic guide for prospective students.
Maryland Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology Program
The Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) enhances the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older Marylanders, and their families by providing access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services.
MDTAP offers a variety of services including assistive technology libraries across the state, AT demonstrations, consultations, short-term device loans, a high-tech AT Reuse Center (to access gently used equipment for free), trainings, webinars, and a low-interest financial loan program. We also provide one-on-one information & referral to help consumers find needed disability-related services.
Take a look at their latest newsletter by clicking here, or their news brief on Guidance on AT in the IEP Process by clicking here
For more information, visit us at www.mdtap.org or email MDTAP.General@maryland.gov.
Virtual versus Augmented Reality - Exploring both as AT
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
11am - Noon
Virtual Reality? Augmented Reality? What's the difference?
You have questions and we have answers! Dive into key terminology and uses, explore the differences in VR and AR, and learn how both are being used to support individuals with a variety disabilities. Webinar hosted by MDTAP's AT clinician, James Whitney, OTD.
AT Solutions for Learning Disabilities
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
11am - 12:30pm
Join us as we explore a variety of tech ideas to help with a range of learning disabilities. From theory to practice, we'll consider a variety of technology solutions that support student learning in and out of the classroom. Hosted by Lori Berrong, ATACP, MDTAP Executive Director.
Funding Adapted (and non adapted) Vehicles
Tuesday, May 15, 2024
1pm - 2pm
From in-state to national funding resources, drivers training courses to understanding insurance, we'll cover all the basics to help consumers make the most informed decisions when it comes to needing and buying an adapted vehicle, from start to finish. Hosted by staff of the AT Financial Loan Program, Heather Ferguson and Sarah Calhoun.
AT for Free: Reuse Programs across the State
Tuesday, June 12, 2024
11am - Noon
Join us as we share information on the Maryland High Tech AT Reuse Program, the online equipment exchange site, and many other resources across the state to access free and low cost AT and durable medical equipment. Hosted by Shawn Bateman, AT Reuse Coordinator with MDTAP.
HARFORD COUNTY OFFICE ON DISABILITIES
Take a look at the Fall episode of Ability in Focus. You can learn more about WE ROCK ON WHEELS, Bel Air Terps Cheerabilities, as well as the Annual Employment Luncheon where Student Workers of the year (Sofia Tumminello and Joshua Gaskins from Future Links and Jaleal Fitzgerald From EHS) were presented awards!
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Local Moms Support Group Welcomes You!
Click here for information on Fallston MOPS/MomsNext. Come find your "mom tribe!"
The Sharing Table
The Sharing Table provides a free meal every Saturday to anyone in need. This meal provides nourishment for senior citizens, families with children, and anyone having a hard time making it through the month. There are no requirements and no qualifications. All in need of a good meal are welcome. Each family that visits the Sharing Table also receives a bag of groceries to take home.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Three Blessings Disabled Adventures
Harford County Healthy Families Program
Harford County Mental Health Resources
Down Syndrome Association of Maryland
Special Olympics of Harford County
We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym
Harford County Special Education Citizen Advisory Committee (SECAC)
Pathfinders for Autism
Harford County Therapeutic Recreation Division
Harford County Office of Disability Services
Harford County Health Department
Healthy Harford
Harford Community Action Agency
RAISE - Raising the Standard for Young Adults with Disabilities
*Quote is by Angela Weddle, author of the article, "The Art of Autism Mourns the Passing of Lois Curtis: Artist and Disability Advocate."