Happy February! In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating the efforts of Lois Curtis. In 1999, Ms. Curtis was instrumental in "the most important civil rights decision in the history of the United States for disabled people."*

You can read her story here.

At Partners for Success Resource Center, we are committed to supporting families of students with differing abilities. We strive to help families gain understanding and build collaborative relationships within the education system. With clarity, knowledge, and trust, families become equal partners in their students' education and success.

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.

Closing the Racial Disparity Gap and Celebrating Stories and Community

This February, the Autism Society is highlighting screenings and diagnoses for BIPOC communities, Black History Month, and global inequities in screening, diagnosis, and care. The public policy resources include a new texting option for Action Alerts, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' new drop-in article for people who lost Medicaid, and the Disability Policy Seminar on April 8th-10th in Washington, D.C. and Diagnosis for BIPOC Communities.

Policy Resources

• Exciting News! You can now text AUTISM to 50457 for public policy Action Alerts.
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a new “drop-in article” in English and Spanish for people who lost Medicaid or CHIP and provide them with resources and tips to navigate.
• The Disability Policy Seminar is taking place April 8th-10th in Washington, D.C. During this seminar, you will learn more about Disability Policy and meet advocates and experts across the country. Click here for more information.

Screening and Diagnosis for BIPOC Communities

• Autism Society Supporting the BIPOC Autism Population (Facebook Live Episode)
• National Autism Indicator Report
• PBS: Children of Color with ASD
• Autism Advocacy Advice for Families of Color

Black History Month: Autism & Race

• Spotlight On: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Children Identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• The Art of Autism: The Intersection of Black History Month and Autism
• How One African American Family Learned of Daughter’s Special Gift of Autism
• Black history is Autism history: continuing the legacy

Partners for Success along with the ARC Northern Chesapeake Region will host a virtual workshop on How to Support Students with Sensory Processing Challenges by Teaching Self-Exploration and Self-Advocacy presented by Kyna D. Shaw, M.S., OTR/L

Kyna D. Shaw, M.S., OTR/L, is an occupational therapist working in Harford County Public Schools. She currently works with students from pre-school to high school, supporting their fine motor and sensory needs within the learning environment. Ms. Shaw works with students in the Early Learners Program, STRIVE Program, and students in the general education setting; she also has experience working in a separate day program in Baltimore City Public Schools for students requiring significant educational support. She has a passion for helping educators understand sensory processing and its impact in the classroom. She received her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Philadelphia University and is NBCOT certified. Ms. Shaw is a mother to two Harford County Public School students and is a proud graduate of Harford County Public Schools. 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. Shaw will start presenting at 7:00. There will be a brief Q&A after her presentation.

Registration Link

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.

Follow SECAC on Facebook!

2/28/24 7pm Eastern

Virtual

Join our Youth Voice, Youth Choice Ambassadors, and a parent for a peek into how they use Supported Decision-Making and how to prepare children to make their own decisions. Just click on the image to register.

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.

Click on the images below to register for the free LIVE webinar offered by ADDitude Magazine

Join ADDitude on Fridays for an interactive, real-time ADHD Support Group session featuring Dr. Sharon Saline. On Friday, February 23, Dr. Saline will explain strategies for staying calm, confident, and consistent while raising a child with ADHD. Related questions welcome from adults, caregivers, and professionals.

Not available March 7? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.

Click here to register or receive free recordings!

Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.

General Session

An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding

Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, at 7:00pm

Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group

A supportive environment to meet other parents and share

Tuesday, February 20th, at 7:00 pm

This month, join us for a presentation by Kristine Nellenbach, MS, Resource Finder Program Coordinator at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities

The presentation will provide an overview of the Resource Finder, a project of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities. Anyone is welcome to contact the Resource Finder program coordinator to request resources. After doing a deep search online, inquirers will receive a curated list of resources, tailored to their specific needs. Popular resource requests have included child care, educational advocates, financial resources, recreational activities, service providers, and so much more. This free service is available to anyone, regardless of age, location, ability, or language.

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:

https://www.meetup.com/autism-society-baltimore-chesapeake/

We cordially invite all parents and legal guardians to sign up their incredible children for a FREE birthday or milestone celebration with Laila's Gift. Each celebration is tailored to the child's preferences and typically includes a personalized cake, party decorations, party favors, a special gift and fun celebration experience. At Laila's Gift, we believe that every child deserves to be cherished and celebrated. Our team of passionate volunteers will go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience tailored to your child's unique interests and preferences.

By participating in these celebrations, your child will have the opportunity to connect with other children facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our community. Together, we can raise awareness and promote inclusivity, breaking down barriers and fostering acceptance.

Sign up now for celebrations starting in February 2024! Simply call 443-509-4515 or email celebrate@lailasgift.org to make a request. Limited celebrations are available each month. We kindly request some basic information about your child and their specific needs to ensure a personalized celebration experience.

We are thrilled to bring you a brand-new section in our newsletter called "Laila's Corner." This exciting addition will keep you updated on all the incredible happenings and heartwarming stories revolving around Laila's Gift; a local nonprofit that advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities and their families based in Harford County, Maryland. Stay tuned for inspiring articles that highlight the impact of the nonprofit advocacy efforts, the heartwarming experiences of families they support, and the amazing birthdays and milestones achieved by the children we cherish. From heartwarming testimonials to exciting updates on their programs and services, "Laila's Corner" will be your go-to source for all things Laila's Gift.

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.

1. Order fun socks to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day! (Post your pictures on social media using #RockYourSocksDSAmd and #WDSDdsamd)

2. Order a FREE classroom advocacy kit to help educational and religious leaders in your community celebrate the Down syndrome community Follow along with us on social media to see DSAmd socks and lesson plans in action: @DSAMaryland

Learn More: https://bit.ly/dsamdwdsd2024

Did you know that AMC Theaters offers Sensory Friendly Film Showings? Just click on the image to find out more and reserve tickets!

Click the picture below to learn more!

Growing on the Spectrum Harford County is a local support group for families of children with autism in Harford County. The group meets the fourth Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 8pm at 1305 Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood, MD 21040. Check out their Facebook page for more information and to connect with the group.

Coffee and Conversations is back in February

- 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."

The Developmental Disabilities Administration has launched a brand new easy-to-understand version of our Guide to Services! Now, anyone can access valuable information about the DDA and our services in a user-friendly format. Whether you're an individual with IDD or a caregiver supporting someone, this simplified guide is designed to ensure everyone can understand and navigate the process effectively. Download your copy from the DDA website.

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.

Did you know that HCPS Parent Academy has started a monthly newsletter? It is chock full of information and resources for families. The newsletter will automatically be sent to all families within HCPS. If you missed it, click here to check out the latest issue of the Parent Connection.

Like the Parent Academy on Facebook!

Find an HCPS 23-24 accessible calendar here.

Click this link Anita C. Leight Estuary Center to find out about upcoming family events in Abingdon!

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!

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.

• What is the 5 Day Rule and How Does It Effect Me?

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.

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.

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!

Click here for information on Fallston MOPS/MomsNext. Come find your "mom tribe!"

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.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Sharing-Table-497601243752813/

*Quote is by Angela Weddle, author of the article, "The Art of Autism Mourns the Passing of Lois Curtis: Artist and Disability Advocate."