We at Partners for Success hope that your winter break was fun and restorative.

Now is a good time to look ahead. Would you like to make a plan (or plans) for 2024? Did you have some specific goals in mind for yourself, your student, or your family? Maybe this year is a good year to introduce your student to setting personal goals.

I want to share the experiences I've had with my two autistic children, Eva(13) and Jude(10):

So, waking up one morning and telling my kids, "We're going to set goals for the year today!" didn't work for us. I have found that any big thoughts endeavors require at least 24 hours prior notice. So, I might mention over breakfast, "Tomorrow, I'm going to help you set some personal goals for the new year."

And I would briefly explain what that will entail, what time I plan to sit down with them, and how much time we will spend on this activity. Then, I MUST BE CONSISTENT. I have to follow through on the plan I made, and especially not run over on the time spent!

As far as the actual goals, I try to keep them manageable. I keep my expectations low. I live by the neurodiverse rule, "work on one challenging behavior at a time."

And this rule may be the only personal goal I set for myself, because I tend to either get impatient, or I forget that we are already working on a behavioral goal and I try to add on to it.

I have found that if I encourage my kids to set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based, then the success they have in achieving those goals will invite the motivation to set more goals. (Hopefully😉)

Setting Goals for 2024!

2024 is going to be an exciting year for Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake! The ASBC board is excited to provide our community with new events and resources in the coming year.

This is a great time to plan and establish new goals! We know that setting goals and sticking to them can be difficult for everyone... take a look at the links below that National has provided for goal setting in the New Year:

• Here are some resources from Research Autism to help Autistic individuals achieve their personal goals. https://bit.ly/3TgnZgR
• Are you a parent or caregiver looking to help your Autistic loved one set meaningful and achievable New Year goals? Check out these tips from Stages Learning to guide you on how to assist your Autistic loved one with achieving their goals. https://bit.ly/417YfVA
• Did you know? Tracking an Autistic individual’s goals and progress in behavior can greatly improve their skills and build confidence. Here is a guide from Marcus Autism Center on tracking your child's progress: https://bit.ly/4a4iVC4
• Get in touch with the Autism Society’s National Helpline here to learn about support in your area. https://bit.ly/3RbPZPI

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.

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.

Partners for Success along with the ARC Northern Chesapeake Region will host a virtual workshop on Sensory Processing Disorder: What Is It and What Does It Look Like? presented by Dawn Moore, OT.

Dawn Moore is an Occupational Therapist at Mount Washington Pediatric Community Rehabilitation Services in Forest Hill. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy. Her graduate studies include advanced certification in Sensory Integration and Ms. Moore has 25 years experience working in Pediatrics specializing in the treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder as well as Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Please click on the link below to register.

The meeting will open at 6:45pm with general parent discussion and networking. Ms. Moore will start presenting at 7:15. There will be a brief Q&A after her presentation.

Registration Link

Please visit our information table at the following event:

The ARC Northern Chesapeake Game Night January 18, 5:45-7:30pm

January 23rd, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.

REGISTER HERE: bit.ly/41oCbpP

This workshop, PRESENTED IN SPANISH, will help participants learn the steps of the special education process. Attendees will gain a basic understanding of IDEA’s 2004 language on high expectations and become more familiar with their role as parents in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). You will also have the opportunity to learn some practical strategies for participating effectively in IEP meetings.

* Follow PEATC Latino for more! *

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Comprensión de la Educación Especial

23 de Enero, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.

REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ: bit.ly/41oCbpP

Este taller le ayudará a los participantes a aprender los pasos del proceso de educación especial. Los participantes obtendrán una comprensión básica dellenguaje de IDEA 2004 sobre altas expectativas y se familiarizarán más con supapel como padres en el desarrollo del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP). También tendrá la oportunidad de aprender algunas estrategias prácticaspara participar de manera efectiva en las reuniones del IEP.

Este taller virtual se presentará vía Zoom. No será grabado.

January 9, 2024

5-6pm

The first FREE Autism Exploration webinar is coming up quickly! Did you know that individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a greater risk for experiencing childhood trauma? In this informative webinar, we will empower parents with valuable tools and strategies to address trauma and bolster their family's overall health. Join Jessica Woolson, BCBA, as she guides you through understanding protective factors that can mitigate the long-term effects of trauma. Register for free at the link below! https://zoom.us/web.../register/WN_q3wxIC3gSniMH9I2ZecS5Q...

Click on the image above to register for these events offered by Pathfinders for Autism

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

Click here to register or receive free recordings!

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 January 4th SECAC meeting - The IEP Meeting presented by Marlo Lemon of Parents' Place of Maryland 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. SECAC will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, February 1, 2024. The meeting topic will be a continuation of IEP strategies. The format will be a panel discussion. Panel members will include HCPS Special Education providers such as Related Services, School Psychologist, Special Educator, etc. to briefly introduce their area of expertise and to answer participant questions. One question to be answered in the brief presentation is what to do if your child's IEP or BIP is not being followed.

Join us using this Zoom link.

Follow SECAC on Facebook!

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.

Click here to register for the General Session group.

Click here to register for the Parent/Caregiver Discussion Group

Don't miss out to enjoy the membership benefits below - become a member TODAY for only $15 a year, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page

Family membership includes:

• Access to member-only social events
• Up to $100 per family per year to attend Autism related workshops and conferences provided by the Charles J. Fowler, Jr. Memorial Fund
• Access to ASBC grants and funding opportunities (for families living in Baltimore City and County)

Your membership helps the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake:

• Connect people to valuable information and resources through our phone line, website, calendar and info@baltimoreautismsociety.org email
• Provide monthly groups like our virtual discussion groups for adults with Autism, and parents/caregivers
• Provide monthly socials for those in the Autism community

Not a member yet? Don't miss out - become a member TODAY, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page

Laila's Gift is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our Celebration and Advocacy Center in Aberdeen, Maryland on January 24, 2024

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.

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

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."

Click the picture below to learn more!

Coffee and Conversations is back in February

Most of our groups will be discussing Self-Care next month Be sure to join us!

Click the links below to learn more and join the group that works for you

- 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/

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.

Our Goal

"At Three Blessings Disabled Adventures, we offer fun outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy with their dis-ABLED family member. Our goal is to serve disabled individuals, affected by spinal cord injuries and amputations, who require the use of a wheelchair."

"We currently offer biking, white tail, sika deer, and turkey hunting. Adaptive kayaking will be coming soon. Future offerings will include fishing, camping, and accessible hiking."

Connect with Three Blessings Disabled Adventures by visiting their website.

Harford County Special Olympics offers opportunities to play soccer, basketball, flag football, swimming, track, tennis, golf, snowshoeing, and so much more! Check out their website for more information.

Athlete Sign-Up - Special Olympics Harford County Maryland (soharford.org)

Click below for upcoming family events at Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE

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.

See below for the HCPS Special Education Organizational Chart. As a reminder, Staff's email addresses are usually firstname.lastname@hcps.org.

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.

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!

https://harfordmentalhealth.org/

This resource provides information regarding counseling and treatment for mental health and addiction. They also have a resource for youth and families.

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/