Able Accounts: A Savings Tool to Promote Independence and Financial Stability for Your Child's Future (Free Parent Webinar)
December 2, 2020 –
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 or local 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 that support your child’s health, independence, and quality of life.
Melody McCune, ACPS School Psychologist, will give tips on how to manage in this very different year. The holidays bring so much joy, but also a lot of stress. There are so many things to figure out this year; from explaining to your child how visiting with Santa won’t happen, to deciding how to safely have family gatherings, to trying to keep fun traditions, and even to managing money.
Our areas of focus continue to be education and advocacy. Our voices will continue to be used in a positive, organized effort to help parents and professionals convey information and experiences to leadership, to support the Department of Special Education in their goals, and to advise the Board of Education and top-level decision makers in Baltimore
County Public Schools.
Our meeting topics will remain fluid this year so that we can be responsive to the needs of BCPS families during these unprecedented times. We hope you will consider joining us for any or all of the scheduled SECAC meetings below.
Registration is not required. All meetings are open to the public.
The IEP Process – Building Partnership Through Conversations
Workshop 1: Special Education Services in a Remote & Hybrid World - Questions to Ask
What this series will address:
Why are IEP meetings often uncomfortable, awkward, and stiff? Educators and families all have a common goal -- to support the development of the child. Yet, educators often feel confused that families act like reluctant participants who are just fulfilling a requirement. And families often feel that they're viewed as intruders, whose insights and dreams for their child don't count.
In this virtual workshop series, Dr. Amy Pleet-Odle will explain perspectives of both families and educators and suggest questions families should ask to make the IEP process a productive experience for all. Participants in this live event will have interactive, problem-solving opportunities to practice with asking questions.
Join Catherine Judkins, M.Ed.,BCBA, LBA and Clinical Director at Verbal Beginnings for this presentation that reviews common reasons challenging behaviors (tantrums, whining, aggression) may occur. Additionally, strategies that parents can use to address these behaviors at home will be covered.
The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required. Prior to the fair, a Zoom link will be sent to you.
Navigating A New Autism Diagnosis: Part 1 : A New Diagnosis: Where Do I Begin?
December 9, 2020 –
This is a three-part series designed for families, care providers and others seeking information on how to best navigate a new autism diagnosis. You will hear from parents, topic experts, self-advocates and members of the autism community who will share their personal experiences. During these challenging times, Autism Speaks is dedicated to ensuring you have access to reliable information, resources and support through the autism journey.
Objectives:
Participants will benefit from expert speakers with a focus on a new diagnosis and evidence-based practices.
Participants will access new resources and tools to help make decisions for their child.
Participants will learn strategies and practical advice on the importance of advocating for their child.
Amy Wetherill of The Pediatric Development Center will share strategies for parents wanting to maximize the support they get for their child by building a collaborative team of professionals, inside and outside of schools, who can help ensure their child reaches their highest potential.
Your invited to experience the sanctuary of the 2020 Lincoln Collection from the comfort of your home. For every virtual tour taken, a donation will be made to Pathfinders for Autism.
The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee works with the school system to support the needs of students with disabilities. We collaborate with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of our students in Howard County. SECAC meets once a month during the school year. This year’s meetings will be virtual via Zoom, if you are on the SECAC mailing list you will get the link directly, or email secacchair@gmail.com for the link.
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
Able Accounts: A Savings Tool to Promote Independence and Financial Stability for Your Child's Future (Free Parent Webinar)
BCPS SECAC Meeting