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Extended IFSP Option Survey from MSDE
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (DSE/EIS) is requesting feedback from parents and other stakeholders to help the MSDE determine the ending age for the Extended Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Option. The Extended IFSP Option, which was implemented February 1, 2010, provides families the choice to continue to receive early intervention services through an Extended IFSP until their child's fourth birthday. Currently, and until June 30, 2013, the age of exit from the Extended IFSP Option is a child's fourth birthday. However, new federal IDEA Part C regulations will not allow Maryland to continue the age of exit as the child's fourth birthday. In order to determine a revised age of exit from the Extended IFSP Option, the MSDE-DSE/EIS is seeking stakeholder input through a survey monkey.
The survey provides three choices for the ending age for the Extended IFSP Option that are included in the revised Infants and Toddlers Program (ITP) federal regulations. MSDE is in the process of revising the State Infants and Toddlers Program (ITP) regulations and is required to make a decision on the Extended Option ending age that will be included in the revised State ITP regulations. The results and feedback from this survey, as well as feedback from the Infants and Toddlers Program Regulations Stakeholder Workgroup will be shared with Marcella Franczkowski, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services, for consideration. The deadline for this survey is June 14.
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DDA Allocates Additional LISS Funds
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is pleased to announce that effective May 29, 2012, an additional $1.25 Million has been allocated for the DDA Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) program. These funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for eligible people until June 30, 2012 or until all funds are allocated. Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) are support services established under Maryland Health-General Article §7-717. The program is designed to enable a family to provide for the needs of a child or an adult with developmental disabilities living in the home or to support an adult with developmental disabilities living in the community. The LISS program is flexible to meet the needs of people or families.
People eligible for the DDA's Service of Short Duration (SSD) funding shall have their needs addressed under the Waiting List Initiative and not through LISS. The LISS agencies are also able to assist with requests under SSD. Additional information about the LISS program is available on the DDA website at:
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ADA Rules on Pool Accessibility
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a regulation Friday extending the date by which existing swimming pools must comply with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. Under the regulation issued last week, existing pools will have until January 31, 2013 to comply with the accessibility standards. Any new pools must comply with the rules immediately. The rules require large hotel pools to have at least two accessible means of entry and at least one swimming pool lift. Smaller pools need only have accessible entry. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires existing pools to meet these standards to the extent that doing so is readily achievable, or "easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense." For more information, see the DOJ press release. |
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Focus Groups to Discuss Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (DSE/EIS) is currently coordinating Focus Group Sessions to gather information from stakeholders about the services and programs that are available to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and students in the State of Maryland. Our plan is to use the information obtained from the Focus Group Sessions to revise the next draft of the Maryland State Plan for the Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Youth. The Focus Groups will be held in four different regions of the State, and will provide an opportunity for stakeholders from across the State to share their varied perspectives and experiences related to the development and education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children.
The focus groups will be held:
Tuesday, June 5th at Urban High School in Frederick County
Wednesday, June 6th at the Maryland School for the Deaf Columbia Campus
Tuesday, June 12th at Thomas Stone High School in Charles County
Wednesday, June 13th at Easton High School in Talbot County.
The sessions will be held from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. Each focus group will consist of up to fifteen (15) participants, and will be managed by a facilitator. We are looking for all levels of stakeholders to participate, including teachers, parents, sign language interpreters, related service providers, and others. Individuals who are interested in participating Focus Group session MUST contact Kathleen Heck directly at kheck@msde.state.md.us. In the subject line of the email please indicate the location of the focus group you want to attend and in the body of the email, provide your name and your participant status (parent, teacher of the deaf, interpreter, etc.). Please feel free to email or call Dr. Heck, (410) 767-0739 with any questions you may have.
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Grants for Inclusive Student-run Businesses
Tarjan Center at the University of California Los Angeles, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, has partnered with the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation and Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) to support inclusive, student-run businesses. The Tarjan Center will provide small grants of up to $2500 to help schools and community-based programs include secondary school age students with and without disabilities in socially responsible student-run businesses. The organizations selected will help uncover best practices for including all students in entrepreneur leadership activities. The application deadline is July 20, 2012. Visit their website for complete details. |
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Montgomery College Offers Developmental Driver Education Program
Special education in driver education is possible by incorporating differentiated instruction to make learning to drive easier. At Montgomery College, rookie drivers can have the opportunity to access the State Driver Education curriculum regardless of placement on the learning development spectrum. They have carefully developed programming tenants to support students with learning disabilities to provide them the opportunity to experience driving skills and expectations. More information and class schedule are available online.
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Save These Dates!
June 6, 2012
Supporting Smiles Dental Care
Largo, MD
6:30 - 8:00pm
June 6, 2012
Focus Group for Families of Children with Mental Health/Substance Abuse
Rockville, MD
6:30-8:30pm
June 13, 2012
Rockville, MD
7:00-9:00pm
June 13, 2012
Baltimore, MD
11:30am - 12:30pm
June 16, 2012
Millersville, MD
6:30-8:30pm
July12-14, 2012
Boston, MA
Check the PPMD online calendar for time, location, and registration information for these and many other training opportunities. www.calendarwiz.com/ppmd
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Guide to Understanding Education Acronyms
You need only spend a few minutes listening to an education policymaker describing legislation to be aware of the "alphabet soup" of educational acronyms. The Institute on Community Integration National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) developed this "acronym handbook" as a resource to define, clarify, or remind one of definitions of acronyms routinely found in legislative and policy discussions. Whatever your role, be it as a state legislator, teacher, parent, or other, this pocket guide will be a useful tool. |
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Free Summer Bowling
AMF Bowling is offering two free games of bowling per week for all children ages 15 and younger. For more information and to find the location nearest you, click here. |
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FBI Child ID App Now Available for Androids
The Child ID App, first released in August 2011 for iPhones, provides parents with an easy way to electronically store pictures and vital information about their children in case they go missing Using the app, you can show pictures of your kids and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. You can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks. The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing. |
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Focus on Challenging Behavior
The 2012 Special Edition of Baltimore's Child is available online. Focus on Challenging Behavior is sponsored by Maryland Department of Education. The guide contains articles on a variety of topics and state wide resources.The issue is dedicated to providing information on the biological and environmental factors that influence children's behavior, strategies to effectively intervene and resources available in Maryland. |
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Health Care Transition Guide
For a youth or young adult who has intellectual disabilities, his or her health care transition often raises questions for health care providers and families about guardianship.This brief guide provides a high level look at guardianship and other decision-making supports as well as resources that will provide more in-depth information.
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