Blast off into Summer!
We made it!
The 2023-2024 school year is finished and it's time for some well-earned relaxing time.
I truly look forward to connecting with you again in September and wish you the very best Summer Break!
Please reach out to Partners for Success for guidance and support for your family's special education journey.
And don't forget to check out the Summer Camp Guide below for fun ideas during the break!
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.
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 May 16 meeting EMPOWERED HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION PLANNING and want to watch the recording; please send an email to harfordcountysecac@gmail.com or use the form on our website https://www.harfordsecac.org/home/contact-us.
SECAC NOW HAS A WEBSITE! TO VISIT, CLICK HERE.
Looking for meeting info? Looking for resources? Looking to connect with us? Please explore our website! We have compiled a list of resources, most of which are contributed by our members. If you would like something added, please send the information to our email address above.
PENN-MAR IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS MAY 1 - JUNE 30, 2024!
What is LISS? The DDA’s LISS Program serves children living at home with their family and adults with developmental and /or intellectual disabilities living in their own home in the community, who are not receiving any supports or services from the DDA.
Below are highlights of what the LISS Program offers:
• It is flexible to meet the needs of children as they grow and adults as they mature across their lifespan.
• Provides up to $2000 to assist children and adults with purchasing eligible services and/or items to address their needs.
• Enhances or improves a child or adult’s quality of life, promotes independence and community integration.
The access link opens May 1, 2024 for Round 1: https://www.penn-mar.org/liss/
PRACTICE ASL ON FRIDAY NIGHTS!
FREE SESSIONS PROVIDED BY A NATIVE DEAF INSTRUCTOR
VOCAB **GAMES** TRIVIA.
Beginner Group: ASL 1-2, 7PM EST
Advanced Group: ASL 3+, 7:45PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795949673965340/?ref=share_group_link
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, June 25, 2024, at 7:00pm
With Guest Speaker TBA!
Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, June 18, at 7:00 pm
Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday at 9:00pm
(3rd Thursdays of every even month will be in-person starting at 7pm!)
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
Autistic LGBTQIA2S+ Group
Every Third Sunday at 1:00pm
Register to receive information to attend here. This group welcomes all LGBTQIA2S+ neurodivergent individuals or those who are exploring their identities, age 18 and over. We will do our best to keep the login information the same. Continue to watch for and read our emails to be notified of any changes.
ASBC is now on Meetup!
Check us out to get up to date info on our events and connect with other members:
Does Your Student Have Something Special to Celebrate?
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!
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 Rock On Wheels
We bring the sensory play to you! A mobile sensory gym providing a nurturing, fun, and sensory safe environment for kids! This is part of We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Forest Hill where we meet the sensory needs for all ages kid-adult.
Available for daycare, VBS, summer camps, events, festivals and parties!
We Rock the Spectrum SUMMER PASS!
Take advantage of now of planning the summer fun to keep your kids active for some indoor fun on the hot summer days. You can now purchase the Summer Pass which will give you come and go access throughout the summer from June 1-August 31.
$275 For One Child
$380 For Two Siblings
$485 For Three Siblings
Purchase on the app or call us at 410-891-4600 TODAY!
Growing on the Spectrum Harford County Monthly Meet Up!
Achieving True Self (ATS), an organization supporting hundreds of individuals and families in the Northeastern U.S. touched by autism, behavioral health diagnoses, and/or intellectual disabilities, is opening the doors to its third Center for Achievement located at 3465 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive; Suite H; Abingdon, MD 21009.
Located in Harford County and just five miles from the Baltimore County line, the opening of this location brings the community a center-based learning environment for individuals who have autism, behavioral health challenges, intellectual disabilities, and/or other learning differences. Services provided are guided by the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, a scientific and proven (through over six decades of research) means of analyzing human behavior. The center’s initial programming focuses on early learners, generally children under the age of six (Pre-K) and social skills groups for all ages.
Parent Academy
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.
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!
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.
