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Summer 2010    

Remembering Dr. Larry Larson
On May 21st of this year one of the founders of Parents' Place of Maryland,  Dr. Larry Larson died at his home in Towson.  From 1990 through 1996, Dr. Larson served as co-director of PPMD. He assisted numerous families in advocating successfully for services for their children with disabilities.  His passing is a huge loss for those who believe in children and youth with disabilities. 
 
In addition to his service at PPMD, Dr. Larson was a professor of special education at The Johns Hopkins University from 1976 - 2004; from 1988 until his retirement he served as coordinator of special education programs. In these roles, Dr. Larson influenced future educational leaders.
 
Dr. Larson was a passionate and fierce champion for people with disabilities and their families.  He balanced this passion with a sense of humor that was sometimes dark but always entertaining.  Dr. Larson was also a strong supporter of Santa Claus Anonymous.

Dr. Larson's friends remember him:
Larry Larson was a great personal and professional inspiration to me over the years I knew him. Larry was always accessible and willing to discuss, debate or just flat out argue with you at any time. He challenged me to take my interest in autism spectrum disorders and do something meaningful with it. Larry was never easy on those of us he mentored, but his goal was always to push us toward the highest standard we could attain as professionals and people. I will miss him.
 
We have lost an excellent advocate, educator and supporter of families of special needs children. He knew special education law like the back of his hand.
 
I knew Larry as a student of his; I met him at a TASH conference: I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Here was someone talking my language. My search for a place (University of Kansas, University of California, etc.) was over. It was Baltimore. And Hopkins. And Dr. Larson. The many lessons I learned have been incorporated into my practice and beliefs... he gave me a gift that I cannot return, but must pass on.
 
If it were not for Dr. Larson there would be no Parents' Place, past or present. I promised him I would continue to advocate for children in the way that he taught me.
 
When I recall Larry Larsen, I immediately think of 'intelligent compassion.'  While I understand he was a stern taskmaster as an educator, he was very generous with his time and expertise in assisting families. He insisted that school teams treat families with dignity and respect, and at the same time he was very forthright with parents about their own responsibilities towards their children. I had the privilege of knowing him, learning from him, and calling him friend. He will be truly missed.
Parents' Place Celebrates 20 Years!
Special Needs Toolkit
In 1990, a group of parents and professionals came together to create an organization for and by families of children with disabilities that would provide information, resources, and support for parents. Its founders included Larry Larson, Cory Moore, and Josie Thomas.

We're having a party to celebrate! Join us for An Evening of Chocolate on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson in Baltimore. Tickets are $60 ($25 is tax deductible).

An Evening of Chocolate features delectable chocolate and other desserts. Meet Parents' Place awardees and key leaders, browse and bid on silent auction items while you enjoy exquisite appetizers, drinks, music, dancing, and good company. It's a party you don't want to miss!

For more information or to purchase tickets (so you don't miss the fun), go to www.ppmd2.org.
OSEP Verification Visits
Each year, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) of the U.S. Department of Education makes what are called "verification visits" to state special education agencies around the country. In November, OSEP will be visiting Maryland to look at the state's compliance with IDEA Part B and Part C.

OSEP has asked the Parents' Place to gather information from parents about their experience and knowledge with the Infants and Toddlers Program and special education system in Maryland. This is the first time parents have been asked to provide this input. It is a great opportunity to contribute to improving the system for children in Maryland.

Focus groups will be conducted in Baltimore city, Prince George's, Baltimore, Allegany, Howard, Queen Anne's, and St. Mary's counties. An additional focus group will be conducted in Spanish. For more information about these focus groups, please contact the Parents' Place office at 410-768-9100 or 800-394-5694.

If you cannot participate in a focus group but would like to provide input, please contact any Parents' Place staff member at 410-768-9100 or 800-394-5694 to participate in a phone survey.

Results of the information gathered from parents will be summarized and provided to OSEP and the Maryland State Department of Education.

All responses are confidential. No names or identifying information will be shared.
Kid's Corner: Faith Guilbault
Special Needs ToolkitFaith Guilbault is a beautiful, bright, soon to be 7 year old with Cerebral Palsy.  She lives in Cecil County with her parents and 11 year old brother, JD.  Both Faith and JD were born prematurely. Faith's parents believe that with the help, support, and guidance of her family, friends, neighbors, teacher's, and school staff, she can achieve and overcome any obstacle that life puts in front of her.  Her mother reports "I was told by a very inspiring person with Cerebral Palsy that "CP" doesn't stand for Cerebral Palsy it stands for Capable Person....."  To learn more about Faith, watch her YouTube video here. 
Join Family Voices Today!
Family Voices logo
Family Voices invites YOU and/or your organization to become a member today!  Support the work of a national grassroots network of families while receiving discounts, early notification of events, inclusion in a members-only listserv, and much more. Read the complete information by downloading the membership form. Individual members may sign up instantly and securely online! To share your membership status with others, individual members will receive a member decal for use on a car, home, or office window, and organizational members will receive a certificate suitable for framing. The Parents' Place is the Family Voices State Affiliated Organization in Maryland. We look forward to welcoming you as a member of Family Voices soon!
Thanking our Sponsors
A special thank you to our sponsors and donors who make our work possible and help keep services to parents free. Thank you Safeco!

 Safeco
In This Issue
Remembering Larry
Celebrating 20 Years
OSEP Verification Visits
Kids Corner
Join Family Voices
Know Your Rights!

The Maryland State Department of Education recently issued two Technical Assistance Bulletins.
 
Use of Exclusion, Restraint and Seclusion contains the latest regulations and explanation of Maryland law.
 
Provision of Accessible Copies of Documents to Parents answers many of the questions about the new law passed this year. Schools must now provide families with copies of records and reports five days before an IEP meeting.
PPMD Workshops

The Parents' Place presents a variety of workshops, seminars, and training programs for parents. Topics include special education, health care advocacy and information, and parent leadership. Check our online calendar
regularly for a listing and description of our training programs.
Save the Date!

September 27, 2010
Medical Home Forum
Easton

September 27, 2010
S.M.A.R.T. IEPs
Baltimore

September 30, 2010
ASD Brown Bag Workshop
Executive Functions
Centreville

October 10, 2010
Life Transitions
Baltimore County

October 23, 2010
Around the World of Special Education
Frostburg
 
Check the PPMD online calendar for time, location, and registration information of these and many other training opportunities.
www.calendarwiz.com/ppmd
 
Parent Resources

Looking for documents explaining your special education rights in Maryland? Check out the Maryland State Department of Education website. Link
 
Here's great resources from PACER in Minnesota. Link
Lots of great downloadable resources from PACER on this page. Link
 
Both IDEA 2004 and the No Child Left behind Act call for education professionals to implement academic and behavioral interventions based in quality scientific research. If you're interested in learning more about what works in teaching children with disabilities, check out NICHY's resources  on evidence-based practices at this  link.
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Health Care Reform and Your Family

Health care reform has passed, but what does it mean for you and your family?  Some changes go into effect this year and some over the next several years.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed a website to help understand all the changes.  Sections address issues including families with young children and people with disabilities. 
Young Rembrandts

Young Rembrandts is offering art classes in several areas in Maryland. Children with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to attend. Check out their website. Link
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