Partners for Success Monthly Update

I hope you had a wonderful and restful winter break! I would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2023! It sure can be challenging for our students (and us parents!) to get back into the swing of things. As you begin to set goals for the new year, please remember we are here to help address any needs you may have regarding the special education process 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 Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30-3:00, by appointment.

Is your student going to be new to Harford Community College?

Disability and Student Intervention Services (DSIS) will be one of their major supports on campus if they choose to connect with our office. Accommodations are not automatically put in place; they must ask for our help, even if they will be dually enrolled.

Your student may be receiving accommodations through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan. While these documents can offer some historical disability and accommodation information, the listed accommodations will not automatically apply at HCC or another higher education setting.

Here is what they will need to do to put accommodations in place:

Once you have applied to HCC and received your acceptance letter with your HCC ID#, complete the online intake form:

• Use our online intake form: Harford Accommodate and submit documentation of a disability to our office by uploading it directly within Harford Accommodate or by email at the time of your DSIS Orientation appointment.

• Please note, once your intake form has been submitted, DSIS will contact you to schedule your DSIS Orientation with a DSIS staff.

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.

When you bond with your child, you show them that they are loved and valued which helps to build their self-esteem and confidence. It also helps to strengthen the emotional connection between you, which is essential for their overall well-being and happiness.

Here are 5 more ways you can find that connection with your family each day, week, month, or year!

Follow @biglifejournal for more on raising resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids including:

• 7 Special Rituals for Siblings to Strengthen Their Bond
• Things to Tell Your Child Before They Fall Asleep
• What to do if Your Child Wants to Quit a Sport
• Teach Your Child to "Rain" on Negative Thoughts

Please join the Special Education Citizen Advisory Committee (SECAC) virtually on February 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30pm to hear a TEACHER'S perspective on the IEP process. Then, tune into March's meeting for the PARENT'S perspective. You won't want to miss these meetings! Click here to register!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1207814129409560

Webinar alert! Smart Home Technology: Leading to Independence

January 23rd at 2pm.

This webinar will introduce the power of Smart Home technology. Assistive technology does not need to be specialized or costly to be life-changing for students with disabilities and their families. In fact, generic, off-the-shelf, smart home devices can make it possible to live with greater independence, autonomy, safety, security, and joy!

Please join the Raise Center for a “Smart Homes" webinar presented by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

ASL interpretation & Spanish interpretation will be offered!

Register Here!

Click here to register or receive free recordings!

Upcoming Webinars include:

• Helping Students with ADHD Plan, Persist, and Achieve their Goals (January 24th)
• Substance Use Disorder and ADHD, Safe, Effective, Treatment Options (January 31st)
• The ADHD Love Languages: How to Communicate Better to Solve Relationship Problems (February 7th)

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

Mission Statement:

At Growing On The Spectrum our goal is to provide autism families with the necessary resources to help their child on the spectrum. We believe every child is unique and families deserve to know all options and resources available to them. Above all else, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed no matter where they are in their Autism journey. Click the picture below to learn information about the next monthly meet up!

Register here for events hosted by Pathfinders for Autism!

Highlights include:

Modern Money Webinar

Autism and Everyday Executive Function

Go with Your Gut - Autism and the Gut

Virtual Family Yoga

Virtual BINGO

Autism Awareness Night with the Baltimore Blast

PFA Night at the Baltimore Science Center

Coffee and Conversations is back in February!

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/

Open to: Maryland Students with disabilities in their last two years of high school

Cost: The forum is FREE for all of our participants

Date: June 26th to 28th 2023

Location: Towson University

Deadline to apply: March 3rd, 2023

Interviews: Danielle Bustos, Maryland Youth Leadership Coordinator will contact applicants about scheduling interviews.

About Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)

« Learn about assistive technology and how it can help gain independence

« Participate in the exploration-stations, living in a college dorm, and other social activities.

« Meet people with disabilities who serve various roles in the community.

« Learn about how to give a testimony in front of a committee.

« Meet alumni and other students from the state of Maryland.

« Meet Your State representatives.

For more information contact, Danielle Bustos at 240-898-2189/ dbustos@innow.org

or Shannon Minnick at 240-638-0070/sminnick@innow.org

*See attachments below for application and additional information.

Our in-person social groups allow participants to build natural social connections through shared interests and experiences. Groups do not provide direct, curriculum-based instruction of social skills as these curriculums often contain neuro-normative expectations that may be ineffective and encourage masking. Instead, group members will play tabletop and virtual games that allow for an opportunity for real-time connection along with the practicing of authentic and effective interpersonal skills. Snacks, refreshments, and games are provided.

Ages 7 to 10

• Every other Wednesday from 6:00pm to 7:15pm

• Begins on February 1, 2023

Ages 11 to 15

• Every other Wednesday from 6:00pm to 7:15pm

• Begins on January 25, 2023

Learn more by contacting Healing Hart Wellness.

Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!

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

If you are searching for counseling for yourself or your child, Empowering Minds Resource Center (EMRC) is currently accepting referrals! You can learn more by clicking here.

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.

Download the PDF below for the new HCPS Special Education Organization Chart. As a reminder, staff's email addresses are usually firstname.lastname@hcps.org.

Click the PDF below to learn more!

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?

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/