Have you ever wanted to influence the way medical professionals are trained so that you could help make the experiences of families like yours better?  PPMD sponsors a program called Families as Faculty that tries to do just that.  If you have a child with a chronic medical condition like asthma, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis or a disability like autism, cerebral palsy or down syndrome and would be interested in hosting students in your home for a brief visit, please contact Kelly Meissner at 410-768-9100 or kelly@ppmd.org.  Families do receive compensation for visits.  Training sessions are being formed soon. 

It's that time of year when IEP teams meet to discuss Extended School Year services.  Be prepared by brushing up on what ESY is, whether your child qualifies, and how to ask for it.

Maryland State Dept of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin

Wrightslaw Negotiating for ESY

 Unfortunately, there are times when families may feel they need the assistance of a special education advocate or attorney.  Before choosing an advocate or attorney to hire, do your homework.  Not all attorneys are experts at special education law, although they may be experts in other areas of law.  Find out the training and experience of the advocate or attorney.  Ask for references from other families who have worked with them.  Before signing a contract, make sure you understand all fees you might be charged.

The Council of Parents, Advocates, and Attorneys (COPAA) has developed a list of guidelines to consider before hiring an advocate or attorney.

Transition from Elementary School to Middle School can be a stressful time for parents and children.  Work with you school IEP team to make sure your child's IEP is ready to be implemented in the new school.  Ask that a representative of the middle school attend an IEP meeting to learn about your child and meet him or her.  You may want to ask that your child visit the school for a tour before school opens. During this visit, you and your child could meet any related service providers, the school nurse, or counselor. 

Indiana's Institute on Disability and Community has a publication that addresses many of these concerns.  They researchers spoke with over 150 students and their family members about their experiences with transition from elementary to middle and middle to high school.  They were asked what they wish they had known that would have made the transition easier.