DFKDC wants to be on the forefront of change and equality empowerment. This is a commitment we make to our families through our mission and programming. With a diverse population that includes 36% African American, 8% Asian American, and 1% Middle Eastern—it is pivotal for DFKDC to advocate for their families and promote disability awareness. The annual Equality Summit will focus on one important topic that our society is facing each year and bring together thought leaders, speakers, and our own DFKDC participants to share their experiences, learn from each other, and most importantly – discuss how we can support change. DFKDC’s commitment is to select youth with disabilities (our participants) during each yearly summit and work with them to create the following year’s equality summit.
Over August 29th weekend, we will be organizing 3 FREE one-hour virtual panels that we invite our DFKDC families and volunteers, youth with disabilities, families of all backgrounds, and all individuals across the nation to join. We are excited to have the support of experts from different fields to educate us on ways we can teach, advocate, and promote equality within our communities and world. You can register for 1, 2, or all 3 sessions. If you have any questions, please email Glenda at gfu@dreamsforkids.org
Compensatory Education Issues During, Before, and After the Pandemic
September 1, 2020 –
The fourth seminar of this series entitled “Compensatory Education Issues During, Before, and After the Pandemic: Effective Advocacy and Avoiding Missteps” will be presented by Nancy Potter, Esq. and John Goldsborough, Esq. Tune in to learn about determining compensatory education and the factors families are weighing during the pandemic. Join Attorney Potter and Attorney Goldsborough as they discuss the practical implications of law and policy.
To watch this presentation live, sign up for the electronic newsletter called the MLO Minute at mcandrewslawoffices@gmail.com.
Contact Name : McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan P.C.
Addressing Trauma for Middle School Students with Disabilities
September 10, 2020 –
With school closures and shutdowns, COVID-19 added additional anxiety and stress, a reality felt most acutely by students with disabilities with intersectional needs. The COVID reality is that schools must become even more trauma informed by prioritizing socio emotional wellness. A primary challenge is supporting our students, particularly middle school students with disabilities who may also be English learners, Black students or other students of color, low income, and/or present other identities. These learners’ experiences and challenges are at the heart of the COVID pandemic as they navigate multiple life and learning transitions. Panelists will discuss key issues in serving them effectively.
Panelists:
- Cindy Cipoletti, Executive Director, Learning Disabilities Association of America
- Sam Drazin, Executive Director, Changing Perspectives
- Bennison Ntsakey, Director of Academics, Brooklyn LAB Charter Schools
Contact Name : Learning Disabilities Association of America
Seizure Alert Dogs and Devices: What You Need to Know
September 16, 2020 –
Have you wondered if a seizure alert dog would work for you and your family? You’ve seen the new seizure alert devices, but don’t know which one would be the best fit for you. This presentation will provide the facts into seizure dogs and the process for getting a dog; an overview of the various seizure alert devices available and how to determine which one is right for you; and first-hand experiences from seizure dog owners and device users.
Speakers:
Nathan Crone, MD, Professor of Neurology; Director, Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab; Co-Director, Epilepsy Fellowship, The Johns Hopkins Epilepsy Center, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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
Planning for your upcoming IEP with help from the PRC staff. We will go over what you should do to have a successful meeting and help you get your papers organized.
To register for this workshop, please email the PRC staff at prc@ccps.org.
Contact Name : Cecil County Public Schools’ Parent Resource Center For Special Education
Howard County Autism Society Latino Family Support Group
September 21, 2020 –
La Sociedad de Autismo del Condado de Howard lo invita aasistir a un grupo para familias de habla hispana que tienen un niño con autismo. Para más información y para inscribirse, contacte a: MarianelaEstrada emailnella22@gmail.com;973-223-1024
HCAS’s new Family Navigator, Stacy Hurley, and Melissa Rosenberg, HCAS’s Executive Director, will share strategies for virtual learning and services that are available to support your child(ren) this school year. Conducted in Spanish, this family support group meets most months. For additional information, contact Marianela Estrada at emailnella22@gmail.com or 973 223-1024.
Meeting number: 126 999 8754
Password: S5sZRPSpp28 (75797777 from phones and videosystems)
Are you interested in what ARI's Assistive Technology Program could offer you or your loved one with a disability? If so, don't miss this primer on our very own assistive technology program, which includes grants for personal AT items, ramp loans, Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program evaluations, information and referral.
From low tech AT to high tech AT, there are many resources available to families.
Got questions? This week's host, AT Program Manager Betsy Hein, will be happy to help you!
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdOuoqT0qGdWuxNDaxPW7W_CsDahPmVCB
Sponsored by Accessible Resources for Independence
Free
Contact Name : Accessible Resources for Independence
EXPECTATIONS MATTER ~ MY LIFE, MY PLAN, MY CHOICE!!
September 24, 2020 –
Person-Centered Planning Training for people with developmental disabilities and family members living in Maryland Person Centered Planning describes who you are and what you want out of life! The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration uses Person Centered Planning to help people plan their lives and decide support and services. ALL people with ALL support needs are invited to learn. To register for September 24, 2020 visit https://forms.gle/q2yhktQM62FCgT1b6 Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/ycdzhsw8 Sponsored by Shared Support Maryland, Inc.
Learn, Advocate and Vote Protect the Rights of Those With Disabilities
September 25, 2020 –
The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities and People On the Go Maryland invite you to a special lecture on the importance of your vote this November. Panelists will share information on voting at the state and federal levels, and will discuss issues affecting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the Institute’s perspective on relevant topics.
Presenter information:
Ben Jackson is a staff attorney at Disability Rights Maryland, the state’s designated Protection & Advocacy agency.
Emily Arneson is director of government relations at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Mat Rice is the public policy specialist at People On the Go Maryland, a statewide self advocacy group for adults with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Rylin Rodgers is director of public policy at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES Behavioral Health, Back to School and COVID-19
September 28, 2020 –
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention and Drug Recovery Month, the Prince George’s County Health and Human Services Team, virtual Mental Health mini-webinars schedule:
September 28th 2:00pm:
Children and Youth Advocates Panel Zoom Information:
Session will feature a group of expert panelists, currently involved with emergency service provision, support services for children with differing abilities, parent and guardian supports and family education resources. Parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to attend, as these sessions will address the confluence of tensions arising with online schooling, parents becoming teachers and the social challenges we currently face.
Self-Direction and the Good Life: Many Lives, Many Choices!
October 1, 2020 –
The Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland is proud that choice and control of services have enriched the lives of people with developmental disabilities, and we are so glad to share the beauty of self-direction with others.
Our virtual video launch party guests will include Ande Kolp, Executive Director of Arc Maryland; Delegate Karen Lewis Young and Senator Susan Lee of the Maryland General Assembly; Casey DeLuca of Applied Self-Direction; NaToya Mitchell, Maryland's Statewide Coordinator of Self-Direction; Tracy Davis, FMS Director at The Arc Central Chesapeake Region; and SDAN volunteers.
After-party guests will include our director, Rob McQuay, and participants and family members who are featured in the video. They will be available to answer your questions and share more details about their experiences in self-direction.
See the link to our trailer below to preview the video. Hope to see you on October 1!
DFKDC Equality Summit