Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training
February 2, 2021 –
Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training developed by people with disabilities and family members exclusively for people with disabilities and family members to learn about Person Centered Planning. Training covers the History of Person Centered Planning, Preparing for your Planning, Planning Sessions and Process and Accountability. People that have taken the training are "Very Happy" with the training and find it well worth their time to learn what they did not know about their charge in Person Centered Planning!
People with disabilities and family members may sign up for February 2021 trainings.
These are tough times - for all of us. For more than ten months, we have been living through a global pandemic that has affected every aspect of our lives - including the ways we live, work, study, and socialize. Many of us have dealt with family members and friends getting ill. Through it all, we have also dealt with an economic turndown, an uprising for racial justice, a contentious presidential election, and now we are facing the winter months, which can be a tough time for many. In the midst of it all, we have been expected to continue performing well on our jobs and in our classes.
The Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Social-Emotional Support wants to help during these challenging times by offering practical tools to improve mental health and well-being. Therefore, we are inviting students, parents/caregivers, and staff to register for our inaugural virtual summit, "Connecting as a Collective Community."
Sessions are designed to inform participants about BCPS' three core Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies:
• awareness (self-awareness and self-regulation)
• relationships (social awareness and social relations)
• decision-making
These SEL competencies identify key attitudes and skills necessary for understanding and managing emotions, listening, feeling and showing empathy for others, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions.
Presentations offered at the summit will focus on resetting with a positive mindset, working through grief and trauma through trying times, coping with anxiety and self-doubt, building resilience, being mindful, creating inclusive environments, and more. Presenters will include a diverse cross-section of voices - young people, researchers, educational leaders, and community partners.
Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Monday, February 8, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, February 10, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, students grades 6-12)
Thursday, February 11, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (staff*, students grades 6-12)
Yoga for Children, Teens & Adults with Autism – FREE!
February 6, 2021 –
Enjoy our weekly FREE Yoga Classes with instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia. These classes are made possible through the generosity of The Hussman Foundation.
Participants and parents/guardians to pre-register with HCAS. This is a one-time registration. Once registered, you will be added to the list to receive, by e-mail, the videoconference login and password for any future yoga classes. You will receive this information directly from the yoga instructors before each Saturday class. You may request to unsubscribe from the list at any time.
Each class will open about 10 minutes early for participants to visit with one another. Please login at least a few minutes early to get admitted. Instructors will close the class to late arrivals promptly at 3:30pm so that instruction can begin on time and proceed without interruption. We look forward to seeing you at the next Yoga Connections session.
If you have any questions or you registered and are not receiving the weekly e-mails, contact Susanne Mason at susanne.mason@howard-autism.org.
This group is designed for independent adults with autism ages 24+. Currently meeting virtually each Saturday at 5:30pm. To join, email ekmyers@gmail.com.
Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. We offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month at participating locations, opening our stores two hours before their normal opening time. Our Sensory Sensory events include a trained and caring staff that work to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. We realize that the Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child, so our mission is to create an event that allows ALL kids to be a kid.
Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. We offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month at participating locations, opening our stores two hours before their normal opening time. Our Sensory Sensory events include a trained and caring staff that work to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. We realize that the Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child, so our mission is to create an event that allows ALL kids to be a kid.
Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. We offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month at participating locations, opening our stores two hours before their normal opening time. Our Sensory Sensory events include a trained and caring staff that work to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. We realize that the Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child, so our mission is to create an event that allows ALL kids to be a kid.
Self-care is so important, especially now, but how many of us make the time for ourselves? We can’t help our children
if our cup is empty. Join us for some timely advice on self-care. Presented by Jessica Janusz and Ashley Shober,
The Children’s Guild
These are tough times - for all of us. For more than ten months, we have been living through a global pandemic that has affected every aspect of our lives - including the ways we live, work, study, and socialize. Many of us have dealt with family members and friends getting ill. Through it all, we have also dealt with an economic turndown, an uprising for racial justice, a contentious presidential election, and now we are facing the winter months, which can be a tough time for many. In the midst of it all, we have been expected to continue performing well on our jobs and in our classes.
The Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Social-Emotional Support wants to help during these challenging times by offering practical tools to improve mental health and well-being. Therefore, we are inviting students, parents/caregivers, and staff to register for our inaugural virtual summit, "Connecting as a Collective Community."
Sessions are designed to inform participants about BCPS' three core Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies:
• awareness (self-awareness and self-regulation)
• relationships (social awareness and social relations)
• decision-making
These SEL competencies identify key attitudes and skills necessary for understanding and managing emotions, listening, feeling and showing empathy for others, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions.
Presentations offered at the summit will focus on resetting with a positive mindset, working through grief and trauma through trying times, coping with anxiety and self-doubt, building resilience, being mindful, creating inclusive environments, and more. Presenters will include a diverse cross-section of voices - young people, researchers, educational leaders, and community partners.
Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Monday, February 8, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, February 10, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, students grades 6-12)
Thursday, February 11, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (staff*, students grades 6-12)
Extended School Year services are services provided to a student beyond the typical school year. This workshop is for families who want the who, what, where, when and why of Extended School Year services for students with IEPs and IFSPs. Presented by Janice Yetter and Marcella Randall from HCPSS. In this event we will discuss:
What is ESY and who is eligible
Timeline for ESY eligibility meetings and determinations
ESY 2021 details (when, where, how)
Register here. Feel free to stay logged in for the second part of the ESY information night where we will discuss parent involvement in the ESY process or log out after this session. Sponsored by Howard County Autism Society, SECAC and HCPSS, this event is part of the ongoing Parent Empowerment series.
Free
Microsoft Accessibility Tools for Students with Dyslexia
February 9, 2021 –
Assistive technology can be instrumental in helping students with Dyslexia or any learning difference to be more successful.
Join Mike Tholfsen, Product Manager for Microsoft Education, who will take you through a tour and demonstration of the Learning Tools that are already embedded within free Microsoft products such as Word, OneNote, Teams and Edge.
NUTRITION CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME - For Parents
February 9, 2021 –
Presenter Michelle Demeule-Hayes, MS, RD, LDN, will review common nutrition challenges for children and teens with Down syndrome. Some topics we will cover include:
Celiac disease
Diabetes
Weight management tips
How to create and foster healthy nutrition habits
Parents can register at https://cdspg.kindful.com/e/nutrition-considerations-for-the-ds-community-for-parentsguardians
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 7:15-8:00pm
Virtual Event
In this more in-depth discussion on ESY we will cover:
How to prepare for ESY discussions
How to prioritize goals
What information you need/questions you should ask
Q&A
Presented by Beth Benevides (Howard County Autism Society/Hussman Institute for Autism), Leslie Seid Margolis (Disability Rights Maryland), and Janice Yetter (Director, Special Education, Howard County Public Schools). Register here. Sponsored by Howard County Autism Society, SECAC and HCPSS, this event is part of the ongoing Parent Empowerment series.
Free
Able Accounts: A Savings Tool to Promote Independence and Financial Stability for Your Child's Future (Free Parent Webinar)
February 10, 2021 –
Maryland ABLE is a way to help people with qualifying disabilities and their families save for everyday needs, save and invest in a tax-free account, and prepare for the future without losing state benefits such as SSI and Medicaid Waiver services. Join us to learn about eligibility criteria, enrollment, account management, tax benefits and how to use an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Presented by Kelly Nelson, Outreach & Communications Manager for Maryland ABLE
Participants must register via Eventbrite
These are tough times - for all of us. For more than ten months, we have been living through a global pandemic that has affected every aspect of our lives - including the ways we live, work, study, and socialize. Many of us have dealt with family members and friends getting ill. Through it all, we have also dealt with an economic turndown, an uprising for racial justice, a contentious presidential election, and now we are facing the winter months, which can be a tough time for many. In the midst of it all, we have been expected to continue performing well on our jobs and in our classes.
The Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Social-Emotional Support wants to help during these challenging times by offering practical tools to improve mental health and well-being. Therefore, we are inviting students, parents/caregivers, and staff to register for our inaugural virtual summit, "Connecting as a Collective Community."
Sessions are designed to inform participants about BCPS' three core Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies:
• awareness (self-awareness and self-regulation)
• relationships (social awareness and social relations)
• decision-making
These SEL competencies identify key attitudes and skills necessary for understanding and managing emotions, listening, feeling and showing empathy for others, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions.
Presentations offered at the summit will focus on resetting with a positive mindset, working through grief and trauma through trying times, coping with anxiety and self-doubt, building resilience, being mindful, creating inclusive environments, and more. Presenters will include a diverse cross-section of voices - young people, researchers, educational leaders, and community partners.
Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Monday, February 8, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, February 10, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, students grades 6-12)
Thursday, February 11, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (staff*, students grades 6-12)
Dr. Stepanek will share insights from both her professional research in trauma and resiliency, and her personal experiences as a parent of four children with complex medical disabilities. Join this session & conversation with an award-winning author and advocate of family support, peace, and spirituality as we discuss coping with challenges and celebrating life. Presented by Dr. Jeni Stepanek, Education & Technical Assistance Specialist
These are tough times - for all of us. For more than ten months, we have been living through a global pandemic that has affected every aspect of our lives - including the ways we live, work, study, and socialize. Many of us have dealt with family members and friends getting ill. Through it all, we have also dealt with an economic turndown, an uprising for racial justice, a contentious presidential election, and now we are facing the winter months, which can be a tough time for many. In the midst of it all, we have been expected to continue performing well on our jobs and in our classes.
The Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Social-Emotional Support wants to help during these challenging times by offering practical tools to improve mental health and well-being. Therefore, we are inviting students, parents/caregivers, and staff to register for our inaugural virtual summit, "Connecting as a Collective Community."
Sessions are designed to inform participants about BCPS' three core Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies:
• awareness (self-awareness and self-regulation)
• relationships (social awareness and social relations)
• decision-making
These SEL competencies identify key attitudes and skills necessary for understanding and managing emotions, listening, feeling and showing empathy for others, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions.
Presentations offered at the summit will focus on resetting with a positive mindset, working through grief and trauma through trying times, coping with anxiety and self-doubt, building resilience, being mindful, creating inclusive environments, and more. Presenters will include a diverse cross-section of voices - young people, researchers, educational leaders, and community partners.
Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Monday, February 8, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, February 10, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, students grades 6-12)
Thursday, February 11, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (staff*, students grades 6-12)
Microsoft Accessibility Tools for Students with Dyslexia
February 11, 2021 –
Assistive technology can be instrumental in helping students with Dyslexia or any learning difference to be more successful.
Join Mike Tholfsen, Product Manager for Microsoft Education, who will take you through a tour and demonstration of the Learning Tools that are already embedded within free Microsoft products such as Word, OneNote, Teams and Edge.
Evolving Attitudes Toward Autism and Mental Health: A Focus on the Transition to Adulthood
February 12, 2021 –
Featured Speaker -- Roy Richard Grinker, PhD, is a Professor of Anthropology at George Washington University.
Richard Grinker will discuss themes from his newest book on the origins of stigma and evolving attitudes toward mental illness. He will share ideas from his unique perspective as an anthropologist and the parent of an adult child with autism. He will offer insights on how culture and stigma impact the transition to adulthood for adolescents and adults with autism. Through lessons from his cross-cultural research, his message will offer hope that stigma is a process that can be changed, and we are making progress toward a culture more accepting of neurodiversity. This virtual event will be captivating and is even more relevant in the context of the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and spotlight on economic and health disparities.
The Autism Caregiver Support Meetings - Behavior Q and A
February 12, 2021 –
Register for this event by emailing Ilene Berman at iberman@bcps.org. The Google Meet link will be sent out prior to the event. Presenters will be Hilary Mangi and Bryce Girardi, BCBA.
Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training
February 13, 2021 –
Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training developed by people with disabilities and family members exclusively for people with disabilities and family members to learn about Person Centered Planning. Training covers the History of Person Centered Planning, Preparing for your Planning, Planning Sessions and Process and Accountability. People that have taken the training are "Very Happy" with the training and find it well worth their time to learn what they did not know about their charge in Person Centered Planning!
People with disabilities and family members may sign up for February 2021 trainings.
Yoga for Children, Teens & Adults with Autism – FREE!
February 13, 2021 –
Enjoy our weekly FREE Yoga Classes with instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia. These classes are made possible through the generosity of The Hussman Foundation.
Participants and parents/guardians to pre-register with HCAS. This is a one-time registration. Once registered, you will be added to the list to receive, by e-mail, the videoconference login and password for any future yoga classes. You will receive this information directly from the yoga instructors before each Saturday class. You may request to unsubscribe from the list at any time.
Each class will open about 10 minutes early for participants to visit with one another. Please login at least a few minutes early to get admitted. Instructors will close the class to late arrivals promptly at 3:30pm so that instruction can begin on time and proceed without interruption. We look forward to seeing you at the next Yoga Connections session.
If you have any questions or you registered and are not receiving the weekly e-mails, contact Susanne Mason at susanne.mason@howard-autism.org.
This group is designed for independent adults with autism ages 24+. Currently meeting virtually each Saturday at 5:30pm. To join, email ekmyers@gmail.com.
Early Intervention: Essential Things to Know About Play
February 16, 2021 –
Teachers and therapists rely on play as a means for delivering instruction and intervention. Yet oftentimes, it is difficult to engage young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in play. Play is difficult for children with ASD. In this presentation, the importance of play for the development of language, cognitive, and social skills will be presented. Developmental play sequences will be explained. Tips for selecting toys that maximize goal attainment will be shared. Instructional strategies for teaching within play will be explained.
Objectives:
Participants will identify the main stages of play development.
Participants will list three characteristics of toys that enhance the ability to target treatment goals.
Participants will list three evidence-based strategies that can be used when teaching in the context of play.
NUTRITION CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME - For Self-Advocates
February 16, 2021 –
Presenter Michelle Demeule-Hayes, MS, RD, LDN, will review common nutrition challenges for children and teens with Down syndrome. Some topics we will cover include:
Celiac disease
Diabetes
Weight management tips
How to create and foster healthy nutrition habits
This activity is FREE to register! Please register one email that will receive access to the Zoom link and indicate how many BINGO cards your family will need (up to 6 per family). Once registration is closed, 48 hours before our BINGO Game, you will receive a Zoom link for our game and a link to access your bingo cards. Each person will use ONE Bingo card. We will play 4 games, so you can either print your card 4 times, or use your card online and you will be able to clear your card each time.
Being a parent is among the most difficult jobs in the universe. We are called to teach, model, love, support, comfort, advise, and give discipline. Sometimes these roles conflict with each other and we are pulled in opposing directions. Add in our fast-paced environment and the impact of social media and this job can be monumentally difficult. Parent coaching provides guidance to parents and helps families consider what is going well and what challenges need to be addressed. All kids want to be successful, and parent coaching can give parents the tools to teach kids the skills and resilience they need.
Parenting a child with autism, anxiety, ADHD, and other neurological challenges adds another layer of complexity. Despite the best advice from friends, family, and others, sometimes additional tools and strategies are needed.
Lighthouse is pleased to offer parent coaching one Saturday a month. These 45-minute sessions can stand alone as one-time supports or can be on-going coaching sessions. Prior to the first session, our Social Learning Coordinator, Jolene Farmer, sends a skills inventory for parents to complete. Together with Jolene, parents will prioritize goals and decide on an action plan designed especially for their family.
Our next available session is October 20th. There is one remaining slot available on this day at 1:15pm. The next upcoming dates for coaching sessions is 11/17 from 10am to 2pm.
Please contact Jolene Farmer to schedule
Jolene@lighthousemd.org
Contact Name : --
Contact Email : --
Location: Lighthouse, Inc 60 Mellor Avenue Catonsville, MD 21228
Yoga for Children, Teens & Adults with Autism – FREE!
February 20, 2021 –
Enjoy our weekly FREE Yoga Classes with instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia. These classes are made possible through the generosity of The Hussman Foundation.
Participants and parents/guardians to pre-register with HCAS. This is a one-time registration. Once registered, you will be added to the list to receive, by e-mail, the videoconference login and password for any future yoga classes. You will receive this information directly from the yoga instructors before each Saturday class. You may request to unsubscribe from the list at any time.
Each class will open about 10 minutes early for participants to visit with one another. Please login at least a few minutes early to get admitted. Instructors will close the class to late arrivals promptly at 3:30pm so that instruction can begin on time and proceed without interruption. We look forward to seeing you at the next Yoga Connections session.
If you have any questions or you registered and are not receiving the weekly e-mails, contact Susanne Mason at susanne.mason@howard-autism.org.
This group is designed for independent adults with autism ages 24+. Currently meeting virtually each Saturday at 5:30pm. To join, email ekmyers@gmail.com.
Behavioral Strategies to Support Students with ASD During Remote Learning
February 23, 2021 –
The impact of COVID-19 on students and school systems has been significant. During this unprecedented time in education, students with disabilities may be disproportionately affected by the widespread disruptions to their schooling. The transition from in-person learning to remote and hybrid learning can be especially difficult for children with ASD who seek consistency and structure, and who may struggle with the departure from familiar educational routines. This presentation will outline common challenges experienced by children with ASD during remote learning, particularly related to engagement in educational sessions and the occurrence of low-intensity maladaptive behaviors. Participants will increase their knowledge of evidence-based strategies to prevent and decrease challenging behaviors and learn tips for establishing and supporting effective remote learning environments. The importance of effective collaboration between educators and families during remote and hybrid learning will be highlighted throughout the presentation.
Objectives:
Participants will identify common challenges that may impact the educational progress of students with ASD who are participating in remote or hybrid learning.
Participants will increase their knowledge of evidence-based practices that support the behavioral functioning of students with ASD during remote or hybrid learning experiences.
Participants will understand the role of educator and caregiver collaboration in supporting students with ASD during remote/hybrid learning.
Overcoming COVID-19's Impact on Your Student with Special Needs
February 24, 2021 –
In this live class for families navigating the complex world of special education, we'll discuss strategies for making the best of school closures. We'll explore topics like understanding your child's progress and regression, compensatory education, contingency plans, and how to get your student's education back on track.
Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training
February 25, 2021 –
Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training developed by people with disabilities and family members exclusively for people with disabilities and family members to learn about Person Centered Planning. Training covers the History of Person Centered Planning, Preparing for your Planning, Planning Sessions and Process and Accountability. People that have taken the training are "Very Happy" with the training and find it well worth their time to learn what they did not know about their charge in Person Centered Planning!
People with disabilities and family members may sign up for February 2021 trainings.
Transition 101: It is time for parents to move to the back seat...Breathe, you can do this!
February 25, 2021 –
This presentation will offer an overview of the Transition process for parents of students pursuing a high school certificate of completion, what happens when your child turns 18 and why it is critical for students to participate in this process. Presented by Heather Luke from Parents Place of Maryland
Participants must register via Eventbrite
The Autism Caregiver Support Meetings - Safety in the Community
February 26, 2021 –
Register for this event by emailing Ilene Berman at iberman@bcps.org. The Google Meet link will be sent out prior to the event. Presenter will be Sergeant Thomas from the Baltimore County Police Department.
Yoga for Children, Teens & Adults with Autism – FREE!
February 27, 2021 –
Enjoy our weekly FREE Yoga Classes with instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia. These classes are made possible through the generosity of The Hussman Foundation.
Participants and parents/guardians to pre-register with HCAS. This is a one-time registration. Once registered, you will be added to the list to receive, by e-mail, the videoconference login and password for any future yoga classes. You will receive this information directly from the yoga instructors before each Saturday class. You may request to unsubscribe from the list at any time.
Each class will open about 10 minutes early for participants to visit with one another. Please login at least a few minutes early to get admitted. Instructors will close the class to late arrivals promptly at 3:30pm so that instruction can begin on time and proceed without interruption. We look forward to seeing you at the next Yoga Connections session.
If you have any questions or you registered and are not receiving the weekly e-mails, contact Susanne Mason at susanne.mason@howard-autism.org.
Lifeskills Program at CARD: A Collaborative Approach Between Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology.
March 2, 2021 –
This training will provide an overview of Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders’ (CARD) Lifeskills Program, a treatment program that is co-facilitated by an occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist. This program focuses on increasing youth's performance within functional, everyday activities and addressing underlying motor skills, communication, and executive functioning skills that might impact independent living. The training will include example lessons and strategies used in groups and with individual patients, and helpful resources and research related to targeting life skills across ages and levels.
Expectations Matter ~ My Life, My Plan, My Choice ~ Person Centered Planning Training