Maryland IEP Timeline
When will your child’s IEP be developed? When should updated evaluations of your child be conducted? Find answers to your questions about the timeline of the IEP process using PPMD’s Maryland IEP Timeline.
Social Story: Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute is part of a national collaboration to create a virtual “Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities.” The Center created the attached plain language social story regarding getting the vaccine.
Model Letters
To make sure your requests, concerns and/or questions are understood, it is important to document them in writing. PPMD has a new resource that parents can use for specific requests and situations. Use these samples letters as models when you write your own.











Política Escolar vs. IDEA
¡AYUDA! La escuela de mi hijo ha enviado una nueva política / procedimiento / práctica escolar y sí lo seguimos, el IEP de mi hijo no se puede implementar.
Preguntas para hacerle al equipo escolar de su hijo para obtener apoyo con las conductas
¡Todo comportamiento es comunicación! ¿El comportamiento de su hijo se interpone en su aprendizaje durante su clase virtual? Primero, infórmeselo a su equipo IEP (por escrito). A continuación, se encuentran las preguntas que puede hacer y la información que pueden necesitar para poder ayudarlo a usted y a su hijo.
Educación en el hogar, instrucción en el hogar y en el hospital, aprendizaje remoto … ¡¿Qué significan todos?!
Es importante comprender estos términos. Esta hoja informativa le ayudará a conocer las diferencias
para que pueda tomar una decisión informada para su familia.
Educación Pública Gratuitita y Apropiada (FAPE, por sus siglas en ingles)
Bajo la Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades (IDEA), las escuelas públicas
están obligadas a proporcionar a cada estudiante que tiene un Programa de Educación
Individualizado (IEP) una Educación Pública Gratuita y Apropiada (Free and Appropriate
Public Education).
Adaptaciones y modificaciones comunes en la escuela
Hay muchas formas en que los maestros pueden ayudar a los niños que tienen dificultades en la escuela. Aquí están algunas adaptaciones y modificaciones comunes que las escuelas y las familias pueden discutir como posibles opciones para los niños.
Factores especiales en el desarrollo del IEP
La Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades (IDEA) enumera cinco factores especiales que el
equipo del IEP de su hijo debe considerar al desarrollar el IEP de su hijo.
Early Intervention Services: The IFSP
Once you know your child is eligible for an IFSP, you may have some questions. How do you get started on an IFSP? Who attends these meetings? What can I expect? Read on to learn the answers to these questions.
Parent IFSP Checklist
Now that your child is eligible for Early Intervention services, you will have a meeting to build the IFSP, or Individualized Family Service Plan. View this handy checklist as you plan for your IFSP meetings.
IFSP Process
Early Intervention Services are for children with disabilities ages 0-2. It begins with a parent concern about your child’s development. Read more on how this process begins and what it looks like.
The Parts of an IFSP
The IFSP document can be quite long and hard to understand. It has a lot of good information that can support your child during this time of learning and growth. This factsheet labels each section of the IFSP and tells you a little bit about what should be here. Remember, you know your child best and can work together with your team to make a great IFSP!
Supported Decision-Making for People with Disabilities
Watch PPMD’s webinar about Supported Decision-Making for People with Disabilities here! Also, see here a resource on Supported Decision-Making from The Arc.
How to Think College
Students should use this guide to help them conduct a college search.
Student College Resource Guide
Thinking about college can be overwhelming. There are so many decisions and so many options. It can
feel like the biggest decision of your life. But it’s really just a lot of little choices. This student guide pulls
together some information that we hope will help. Remember, you have to do what’s right for you. Trust yourself!!
Coping in the 2020/21 School Year
The Maryland Department of Health came out with this resource guide for students and young adults. Use this guide to learn about coping during the 2020/21 school year.
Benefits of Effective Family Engagement: For Students, Parents, and Educators
This factsheet provides examples of the benefits of effective family engagement in three categories: benefits for students, benefits for parents, and benefits for educators.
Health Care Transition Webinar
Watch PPMD’s Health Care Transition webinar here to learn about the process of moving a child to an adult model of health care. Be sure to check out our companion factsheet for more Health Care Transition resources.https://youtu.be/QJ4xIi_xtrs
Accommodations and Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications? Use this factsheet to better understand the differences.
Etiqueta de ZOOM
Sugerencias para el éxito del aprendizaje a distancia para los estudiantes
Dreambox
Si su hijo asiste a las escuelas públicas del condado de Howard, consulte la tercera página de este documento para obtener instrucciones adicionales sobre cómo acceder a DreamBox.
5 Special Factors in IEP Development
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists five special factors that your child’s IEP team must consider while developing your child’s IEP. Use this factsheet to learn about these five special factors.
Tips to Support Mask-Wearing for Students with Disabilities
Check out this MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin about mask-wearing for students with disabilities.
Virtual Learning Feedback Form
Use this form to collect data on your child’s learning during virtual/remote/distance learning. After you fill out the form, you should share it with your child’s IEP or 504 team.
Common Accommodations and Modifications in School
There are many ways teachers can help kids who are struggling in school. Here are some
common accommodations and modifications that schools and families can discuss as possible options for kids.
Integrated Tiered System of Supports
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) supports using a multi-tiered or level system of supports. This gives educators the tools needed to meet the needs of ALL students. Learn about Integrated Tiered System of Supports with this factsheet.
OSEP Question and Answer for IDEA Part B
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of
Education’s (Department) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
issues this Question and Answer (Q & A) document in response to inquiries concerning
implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision
of services in the current COVID-19 environment. View here.
Homeschooling, Home & Hospital Instruction, Remote Learning… What Do They All Mean?!
Understanding terms is important. Use this factsheet to understand the difference between home school, home and hospital instruction, and remote learning.
Free Appropriate Public Education
Use this factsheet to understand what it means to truly have Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Lower Shore Judy Centers Webinar
Watch this webinar to learn about the Judy Centers on the Lower Shore of MD.
School Policy vs. IDEA
School has started which means there are many policies and guidance being sent. Here is a quick one-pager to remind you of the importance of your child’s IEP.
Specially Designed Instruction Is and Is Not
Use this guide to understand what is and what isn’t Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).
Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities
Watch our webinar about Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities to learn about the importance of discussing sexuality, comprehensive sex education, sexual development, and more with your children and adolescents.
Questions to Ask Your Child’s School Team for Support with Behaviors
PPMD collaborated with TIES Center to bring you a factsheet that will help you ask questions to your child’s school team to support your child’s behaviors at home during distance learning.
Transition in Maryland – 5 Tips for Families
Its Back to School Time! During this time of COVID when so many parents are figuring out and doing a great job around virtual learning, others are also thinking about transition. Transition planning is as important as reading and math. It is important for you, as the family of a student with a disability, to actively participate and partner in the transition planning process. In this video, we will provide you with Five helpful tips for developing a strong transition plan that will help your student with disabilities achieve their greatest potential. For questions about transition please contact The Parents’ Place of Maryland at 1-800-394-5694.
Am I Ready for My Child to Attend School In-Person? Checklist
This checklist can be used to help you decide if you are comfortable with your child returning to school
in-person. Discuss your concerns with your child’s health care provider and school team.
Key Considerations for Special Educators and the Infants, Children, and Youth They Serve as Schools Reopen
The Council for Exceptional Children released an article about considerations for special educators and children as school reopens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this article to learn what your family and your child’s school team should consider before school begins this fall.
Return to School During COVID-19
With the start of a new school year, a lot needs to happen so that students can learn and thrive without raising the risk of spreading COVID-19. Read this article to learn what your child’s school can do to ensure children will be safe.
COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a guidance for school re-entry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read it here to learn what school re-entry policies should consider before re-opening.
Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
The CDC created this resource for families to use before their children go back to school. Back to school planning will look different this year than it has in previous years. Your school will have new policies in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You may also be starting the school year with virtual learning components. Whatever the situation, these checklists are intended to help parents, guardians, and caregivers, plan and prepare for the upcoming school year.
School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians
The CDC developed this tool to help parents, caregivers, and guardians weigh the risks and benefits of available educational options to help them make decisions about sending their child back to school.
Family Guide to At-Home Learning
This guide has practical strategies that work for helping children of all ages who may be struggling with an at-home learning task. Families may find these strategies useful when helping their children complete various reading, math, and/or behavioral tasks at home.
Eating During a Pandemic Webinar
Watch our webinar to learn how to prioritize your family’s nutrition in unprecedented times. Featuring a licensed dietician.
Federal Public Health Emergency Extended
On July 24th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services renewed the federal public health emergency (PHE) as a result of the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maryland Department of Health issued an official statement that all COVID-19 related flexibilities implemented by the Department remain in place, including the ability to offer telehealth services delivered using audio-only or non-HIPAA compliant technology. View the official statement below.
Ditch the Clip! Why Clip Charts are NOT a PBIS Practice and What To Do Instead
Read this to learn why clip charts are inconsistent with a PBIS approach and can be harmful. This document also describes alternative strategies that are more likely to improve student behavior while promoting a safe, positive classroom.
MSDE TAB: Home and Hospital Teaching Supplement on Students with Disabilities
View the Maryland State Department of Education’s Technical Assistance Bulletin on Home and Hospital Teaching. This document answers frequently asked questions, that you may have, about about Home and Hospital Teaching.
Extending Transition Timeframe for Autism Waiver Participants Exiting the School System and/or “Aging Out” During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration, and the Maryland State Department of Education have continued funding for services covered by its waiver for individuals who are 22 years of age or older during COVID-19.
This means that Autism Waiver participants, who would have otherwise been disenrolled, can remain on the Autism Waiver after June 30th. Please see the attachments for more information.
Webinar: Data Collection during COVID-19
Watch this webinar to learn how to track your child’s progress while engaging in virtual learning from home.
Parent Tips for a Virtual IEP Meeting
IEP meetings will still be held despite not being able to meet in person. Read these tips on how to prepare and take part in a virtual IEP meeting.
How to Set Up a Mobile Hotspot
Your phone carrier may allow you to set up a mobile hotspot through your smartphone at a lower cost to help with your internet needs during COVID-19. Use this guide to help set up your mobile hotspot on your android or iPhone.
Transition Activities for School and Home
PPMD has compiled lists of transition activities to be used by educators and families. These lists include activities related to employment, postsecondary education, independent living, and activities specific for educators. Use these lists to find activities to support your transition aged youth.
Special COVID Payments: Frequently Asked Questions
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, Department of Disabilities, Department of Health, and Maryland ABLE created a factsheet answering questions about the COVID-19 Stimulus Payment and provide information about ABLE accounts. Use this factsheet to help answer the questions you have had about the COVID-19 Stimulus Payment.
Youth Workforce Programs and Services Brochure
Use this brochure provided by the Department of Labor to learn about youth employment services and programs in your area.
What Military Families Need to Know about COVID-19
The National Military Family Association has created a hub of information for military families regarding COVID-19. This website is updated regularly.
Resources for the Rare Disease Community
The following fact sheet was adapted from the webinar, “A Rare Response: Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic” sponsored by National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) on March 31, 2020
Financial Resources for Military Families
For a military family, the need for a financial resource can pop up when least expected. Use this resource to learn about direct services, financial support, or information and referral.
Parent Guides for Face Mask Use
PPMD has created a factsheet with helpful hints for getting your child to wear a face mask.
The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School created these resources for parents to support their children in wearing face masks.
A Family Toolkit: Pediatric-to-Adult Health Care Transition
Got Transition and its National Family Health Care Transition Advisory Group developed a new toolkit for families to use during the transition from pediatric to adult health care. It includes a set of tools for youth and parents/caregivers to use to better prepare for the transition to adult care.
DD Council Resources
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council has created a resource to support families engage in virtual meetings. View this resource here in English and Spanish.
TOP 10 TIPS for Distance Learning for Young Children
Use this resource to learn tips for distance learning if you have young children.
MD Department of Health Issues Guidance for for Transitioning Youth and Families
On May 12th, The Maryland Department of Health issued guidance on Transitioning Youth Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
MD Departments of Disabilities and Health Issue Guidance for Patients with Disabilities
On May 11th, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and Department of Health issued joint departmental guidance on access to supports for patients with disabilities in hospital settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Telehealth Services: Webinar and Companion Resources
Watch this PPMD webinar to learn about telehealth during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Use these companion resources to view guides and other information about telehealth.
Self-Care Resources
Watch this PPMD webinar for helpful tips about taking care of yourself during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Use these companion tip sheets and resources.
COVID-19 and What’s Next: What Parents Need to Know Webinar & Companion Resources
Watch this PPMD webinar for helpful resources on what you need to know about how the COVID-19 Pandemic and School Closures affect your child’s education and special education services on PPMD’s YouTube channel, linked below in the resource section. Use these companion tip sheets and resources.







Dreambox Learning
Some schools are using Dreambox Learning – find out what you need to know about this tool.
Google Classroom for Parents
Your children are likely being asked to access learning via Google Classroom. Here’s a great resource (in parent friendly language!)
Zoom & Tele-Therapy Resource Guides for Parents
PPMD has created three new resource pages to help parents prepare their children to participate effectively for Zoom classes and Tele-therapy. The resource pages focus on how to use Zoom, Zoom etiquette, and preparing for a virtual meeting.
MD Dept of Health Expands Definition of Telehealth
The Maryland Department of Health has expanded the definition of a telehealth originating site to include a participant’s home or any other secure location as approved by the participant and the provider for purpose of delivery of Medicaid-covered services. This expansion applies to services delivered to a Medicaid participant via fee-for-service or through a HealthChoice Managed Care Organization (“MCO”).
MD DDA COVID-19 Updates
Families on MD DDA – make sure you check out the MD DDA COVID-19 Updates. The DDA Waivers Appendix K was submitted to the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Friday, and posted on the MD DDA website. In addition, the DDA COVID-19 Questions and Answers has been updated on this website – check them out!
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education TABs on Serving Children w/Disabilities During School Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education TABS:
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Serving Children w/Disabilities Under IDEA During School Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning to Students with Disabilities Through Nonpublic Special Education Schools during COVID-19
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Blind, Low-Vision, and DeafBlind Students during COVID-19
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Navigating Secondary Transition Services for Students with Disabilities during COVID-19
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Continuity of the IFSP for Young Children (Birth – Age 4) with Developmental Delays/Disabilities and their Families during Extended School/Agency Closure due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning for Students with Disabilities who require Extensive, Intensive, Individualized Instruction and Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Supporting the Use of Assistive Technology in a Virtual and/or Distance Learning Environment
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning to Students with Disabilities during COVID-19
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education – Extended School Year (ESY) Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education – A Parents’ Guide: Navigating Special Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education – A Guide for Emotional Well-Being
COPAA’s FAQ: Let’s Work Together to Embrace the IDEA and Educate Students













Resources for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing




OCR Issues Bulletin on Civil Rights Laws & HIPAA Flexibilities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that privacy restrictions on platforms for telehealth have been waived during the COVID-19 Emergency. OCR’s Notice of Enforcement Discretion allowing providers to serve patients where they are through commonly used apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom to provide telehealth remote communications. (Otherwise HIPAA and FERPA rules could have gotten in the way of online delivery of therapy and other health services ).
PPMD Resource List for Coronavirus Pandemic
PPMD links to many Maryland based resources, available in English and Spanish
Updated Coronavirus Links for MD Dept of Health and MSDE
Update Information on Coronavirus Pandemic in Maryland to include the Maryland Department of Health
The Maryland State Department of Education: closure of all public schools in Maryland for an additional four weeks through April 24, 2020
US Dept of Ed COVID-19 Supplemental Fact Sheet
March 21, 2020 Document: reaffirms the rights of students to receive educational instruction and related services under federal special education law during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they offered additional clarification about how states can creatively serve all students including students with disabilities.
US Dept of Ed-OSEP Q&A
U.S. Dept of Education-Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has released this informal guidance a set of questions and answers about the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on federal special education policies supporting school-aged children with disabilities
Wrightslaw Q&A on FAPE and Coronavirus
Wrightslaw just put out a newly published resource to answer questions about IEPs, IEP meetings and evaluations, and additional resources for at home support.
Maryland Emergency Refill Protocols
Per 2010 Maryland Code: HEALTH OCCUPATIONS–TITLE 12 -PHARMACISTS AND PHARMACIES, Subtitle 5 -Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies, Section 12-506 – Guidelines for unauthorized refills:
Under normal circumstances: A pharmacist can provide one refill of a prescription (not exceeding a 14-day supply) WITHOUT authorization. In this case the pharmacist must notify the authorized prescriber of the refill within 72 hours.
Under a state of emergency: A pharmacist can provide 1 refill not exceeding a 14-day supply. Pharmacist must notify authorized prescriber of the refill within 7 days.
Maryland Free Student Meals During Coronavirus Pandemic
List of Maryland distribution sites for Free Student Meals in both English and Spanish
US Dept of Education-Office of Civil Right Fact Sheet
March 18, 2020: US Department of Education-Office of Civil Rights released a Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students
Plain Language Booklet on Coronavirus
This easy to read booklet about the Coronavirus is from SARTAC was written by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It focuses on “need to know” information (not “nice to know” information).
Cartoon for Kids About Coronavirus
For your children, National Public Radio (NPR) collaborated with experts in social work and mental health to provide this cartoon for kids.
GOT Transition Webinar Healthcare Webinar & Companion Fact Sheet
Watch this PPMD webinar with GOT Transition for helpful resources on healthcare transition for your youth on PPMD’s YouTube channel, it includes the exciting new Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment for Students with an IEP! Use this companion fact sheet for all the helpful links.
MSDE Bulletin on Secondary Transition Services
Secondary Transition is the process of preparing students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition planning begins in Maryland at age 14 as students explore and discover what they want their post-school goals and outcomes to be through career awareness activities.
Questions to Ask When Selecting an Adult Service Provider
Ready to Select an Adult Service Provider for Your Young Adult with Disabilities?
If choosing an adult service provider or agency is part of your youth’s transition from school, you will want to be prepared with questions to ask to help you and your young adult determine which provider or agency is going to be the best suited to support his/her desired employment outcomes. Here is a list of questions that may be helpful in making this important decision!
IDEA Dispute Resolution Guides from CADRE
CADRE’s IDEA Dispute Resolution Parent Guides inform parents about their dispute resolution rights and options. These Parent Guides now have companion videos. The videos include: IEP Facilitation, Mediation, Written State Complaints, and Due Process.
CDC’s Milestone Moments Booklet
The Milestone Moments booklet includes full milestone checklists for all domains of early development. It covers ages 2 months through 5 years and matches the recommended ages for well-child visits. It includes age-appropriate activities that a parent can use at home to engage their child and encourage development.
A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (Available in English and Spanish)
Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this guide provides information about autism and the transition to adulthood.
Current resources and information on the Coronavirus Pandemic
You can find resources from the State of Maryland and national groups in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in our Resource Section
Navigating the Special Education System Guide
Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this special education guide is designed to give each family the information and tools needed to successfully navigate the education system anywhere in the country.
A Guide for Military Families
Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this guide is a resource for military families that have children with autism. Their purpose is to give each family the tools and access to information that it needs on its unique life journey through autism.
A Guide to Safety
Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this guide is an autism safety resource that covers a range of topics, including safety network development; prevention and management of wandering and elopement behaviors; relationship, physical, and sexual safety discussions; strategies to address bullying and online threats; and tips on money and workplace safety.
A Parent’s Guide to Research: Autism
Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this guide made specifically for parents includes information about how to find high-quality information about autism; distinguish between evidence-based and non-research-based information; and interpret and apply research findings to their individual situation and needs.
Concerned about Development: How to Help Your Child Tip Sheet (English and Spanish)
CDC Tip Sheet for parents of children 0-5 who may have concerns about development.
How to Talk to your Doctor Tip Sheet (English and Spanish)
CDC Tip Sheet for parents of children 0-5 who may have concerns about development.
Baby’s Busy Day-Being One is So Much Fun
Baby’s Busy Day is a CDC children’s book that helps parents learn what one-year-old milestones to look for in their baby and provides them with tips on how they can help.
Where is Bear? A Terrific Tale for 2-Year-Olds
Where is Bear? is a CDC children’s book that teaches parents developmental milestones as they read to their child. It includes milestones for two-year-olds, warning signs of delay, and tips on how parents can support their child’s development.
Amazing Me-It’s Busy Being 3!
Amazing Me is a CDC children’s book for ages 2-3 that teaches parents developmental milestones as they read to their child. It includes milestones for three-year-olds, warning signs of delay, and tips on how parents can support their child’s development.
Taking Charge of My Health Care Toolkits
Medical ID: Guide to Use this Feature on Phones
Perspectives on Neurodivergent Students’ Transitions
UMARC Videos Showing: Perspectives on Neurodivergent Students’ Transitions from High School to Higher Ed or Other Ventures
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood Making Quality Community Care Affordable!
Military Parents: Guide for Schools & Parents Compact
GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS/PARENTS
What is the Compact?
The Compact deals with the challenges of military children and their frequent relocations. It allows for uniform treatment as military children transfer between school districts in member states.
Independent IEP Meeting Facilitation
The goal of the facilitated IEP meeting is to help IEP team members communicate effectively and develop an educational program to meet the child’s need.
Medicaid and Military Families
Children with disabilities in military families, if qualified, can get benefits from BOTH Medicaid and TRICARE. Learn about the options.
Extended Care Option (ECHO)
This resource explains ECHO which provides supplemental services and supplies to active duty families* who have a child (or other family member) with disabilities.
Extended Early Intervention Services
This fact sheet informs families about extending services from age 3 until kindergarten, through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
What Is The 5-day Rule and How Does It Affect Me?
This resource explains Maryland’s 5-Day Rule, a law that enables parents to prepare and participate in their child’s IEP.
Section 504
This brief fact sheets gives an overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a law banning disability discrimination in public schools.
Formulario de denuncia de abuso, acoso e intimidación
Si desea denunciar un incidente de presunto de abuso, acoso e intimidación, este es el formulario que debes devuélvar al Director de la escuela del estudiante.
MSDE Technical Assistance on Missed IEP Services
This MSDE bulletin provides guidance on the decision-making for missed IEP services. See questions related to missed services that are often asked by local school systems.
Introduccion a la Tecnologia de Asistencia
Infórmese sobre las opciones de la tecnología de asistencia (TA) que puden mejorar la independencia de personas con discapacidades.
Toolkit to Help Boost Successful Transitions for Adolescents
This toolkit offers resources for Title V programs and public health professionals to ensure that adolescents with or without special health care needs receive the services necessary to transition to adult health care.
Healthy Living
This factsheet includes questions to consider when you are beginning to plan for healthcare transition into adulthood.
Positive Behavior Support: Top 10 Tips for Parents
Get tips on positive behavioral support which involves strategically giving positive encouragement for desired behavior.
IEP Meeting Tips
Parents are equal members of the IEP team. Finding ways to effectively advocate for your child during IEP meetings can be difficult. These tips will help prepare you for your next meeting.
Finding Adult Providers
Looking for a healthcare provider for transition to adulthood is vital. This factsheet offers key questions to consider, and to ask, while on your search.
Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Policy Manual
This policy manual outlines the process for use in the selection, administration, and evaluation of the effectiveness of instructional and assessment accommodations for students with disabilities and Section 504.
Maryland’s New Model Policy for Behavior Threat Assessment
The MD Safe to Learn Act of 2018 enacted updates for behavioral threat assessment teams in K-12 schools. This is MD’s policy and procedure guide.
Picking a Summer Camp for a Child with a Disability or Different Needs
Here’s a great article from Exceptional Parent magazine on picking a summer camp! “Every child with a disability has different needs, even those with the same diagnosis. Families may be at a loss to find summer activities for their children with special needs.”
Tips for Participating in Your Child’s IEP Meeting
IEP meetings can be overwhelming with lots of moving parts but it is important that families contribute and partner in the meeting. This checklist has some tips to help families more fully participate in their child’s IEP meeting.
Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice
This notice includes an explanation of parental rights for children receiving services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The Role of School Nurses in Transition Planning
The nurse can be a vital member of the IEP team. This short video explains their role in the development of the IEP.
IEP Process Guide
This document, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), details the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
MSDE Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Process and Document Guide
This document, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education, details the Early Intervention Process for the state.
Estate Planning for Special Needs
This PPMD webinar, featuring Stephen Elville, covered basic estate planning, universal concepts about leaving assets and financial and tax planning aspects of special needs planning.
Putting it all Together Planning Financially for Special Needs
In this PPMD webinar, Eric Jorgensen dicussed ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts and how they can work together as well as First & Third Party Trusts.
Guardianship and Alternatives
In this PPMD webinar, guest speaker Stephen Elville discussed benefits and drawbacks of guardianship, alternatives to guardianship and the questions every family should ask before making the decision to pursue guardianship.
Maryland ABLE Informational Webinar
ABLE accounts allow individuals who receive benefits to maintain those benefits while building assets in a tax advantaged account. This session will provide an overview of the ABLE Act, a look at the features and specifications of the Maryland ABLE plan, information on treatment of account funds, and an opportunity for questions and answers.
Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts
In this PPMD webinar, guest speaker Mr. Stephen Elville discussed Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts, the benefits and drawbacks of both and what are the questions every family should ask before opening these accounts.
Maryland Medicaid Home and Community-Based Long Term Care Services
This guide describes the range of home and community-based services available through Medicaid and can help consumers, families, and health care professionals make informed decisions about long-term care services.
Alternatives to Guardianship Supported Decision Making
Morgan Whitlatch joined us for this PPMD webinar to discuss practical alternatives to guardianship particularly supported decision-making, a way people can make their own decisions and stay in charge of their lives, while receiving any help they need to do so.
Hear to Learn
This website houses materials for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and aims to foster a community of learning.
Sign it (American Sign Language Classes Online)
Learn American Sign Language at your own pace with a fun online course taught by ASL professionals.
Family Leadership in Language and Learning Cooperative
This cooperative ensures that federally-funded EHDI programs use research-based concepts that support families and caregivers of deaf or hard of hearing babies and young children.
Visual Language Visual Learning (VL2)
Informs the education community of research findings, to present recommendations that educators and parents can use when addressing the multifaceted challenges of educating deaf and hard of hearing children.
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
Information and resources for families and professionals to meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Hands and Voices
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Described and Captioned Media Program
The Described and Captioned Media Program provides premium media designed for students with disabilities and leads as a resource for families and teachers, supported by the Department of Education
National Association of the Deaf
The NAD is the nation’s premier civil rights organization of, by, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States of America.
Alexander Graham Bell Association
AG Bell is working globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and speak. They provide support, information, resources and more to help guide you on your journey.
American Society for Deaf Children
The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is a national organization that is committed to empowering diverse families with deaf or hard of hearing children and youth by embracing full access to language-rich environments through mentoring, advocacy, resources, and collaborative networks.
Hearing and Speech Agency
A private, nonprofit organization located in Baltimore City, The Hearing and Speech Agency leads the way as a direct service provider, information resource center, and advocate for people of all ages and incomes who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech-language disabilities.
Maryland School for the Deaf
The Maryland School for the Deaf is Maryland’s school for the Deaf and hard of hearing students.
Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Promotes the general welfare of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Maryland by addressing policy gaps, providing expertise related to Deaf and hard of hearing issues, and facilitating the ability to access resources and services.
Understanding the Evaluation, Eligibility, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process in Maryland
This document contains information to help you understand your child’s rights, your rights and responsibilities, and the school’s responsibilities to meet the needs of your child. It also contains a description of the Child Find process, information about evaluation and eligibility, and information about the IEP process.
Questions and Answers on OCR’s Complaint Process
This document will answer questions about the OCR complaint process. It includes how to file a complaint and what to include.
OCR Complaint Consent Form
Here you will find a consent form needed for when you file an OCR complaint against a school or other educational program.
Directions for Completing the Victim of Bullying, Harassment, Or Intimidation Form
This document has instructions on how to complete a bullying, harassment, or intimidation form.
Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Reporting Form
Use this form to report an incident of alleged bullying harassment, or intimidation of a student.
Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Incident School Investigation Form
This is the form that is used by school personnel when investigating reported incidents of bullying.
Bullying Among Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs
This resource contains information about bullying of children with disabilities as well as what you can do if you think your child is being bullied.
OCR Complaint Form
This link will take you to an online form that can tell you if the Office of Civil Rights can help you with a complaint against a school, college, or education program, This website also provides alternative resources if you find an OCR complaint is not the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities
This document includes general information about Section 504 and IDEA as well as answers to some questions about this topic.
Provided here is a list of questions to ask when contacting your insurance company about therapy/habilitative services for your child.
In this document you will find information on how to make sure your child has a supportive health care team that meets your child’s needs. It also covers how to make improvements by talking to your child’s doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Health Insurance Company About Your Child’s Habilitative Services Benefits
Provided here is a list of questions to ask when contacting your insurance company about therapy/habilitative services for your child.
Parents’ Guide to Habilitative Services
Here you will find detailed information about different therapy options and the steps you can take if your insurance company does not cover these services.
Prescription Assistance Programs
Here you will find prescription assistance programs listed that may help with paying for medications. Links are provided with a short description of how to apply for each program specifically.
Maryland Oral Health Resource Guide
In this document you will find a list affordable dental care services organized by county for Maryland.
Maryland Health Connection
This link will take you to the Maryland Health Connection website.
Healthcare Coverage Options for Children with Special Health Care Needs in Maryland
This chart contains healthcare options for children with special needs in Maryland.
Emergency Information Form for Children With Special Needs
Here find an emergency information form that you can complete for your child in preparation for a disaster or emergency.
Emergency & Disaster Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities and Other Special Needs
In this document find tips on what you can do to prepare for an emergency or disaster as well as how to create an emergency plan for your child with special needs.
Maryland Relay
Maryland Relay provides assistive telecommunications equipment to qualified Marylanders.
Heading for College with Special Health Care Needs, Student Preparation for a Successful Transition
This document shares helpful tips for students with special needs for preparing for transition into college.
Maryland High School Graduation Requirements
This document provides a list of the Maryland high school diploma requirements.
OSEP A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities
This guide has information about transition planning, including education/work opportunities and programs, transition services and requirements, and real life examples. It also includes an overview of the transition process and a list of key terms.
Navigating the Transition Years
In this document you will find a guide to the transition process that will help you better plan for transition. It includes information about education and work opportunities and programs, transition services and requirements, and real life examples. It also includes an overview of the process and a list of key terms.
Seizure Log/ Registro de Convulsiones
This form can be used to record duration, frequency, and other details about your child’s seizures that can help in treatment.
Seizure Action Plan For School
This form helps in creating an action plan for your child with epilepsy which explains their condition and steps to follow when a seizure occurs.
Warning Signs that a Child is Being Bullied
This resource informs about warning signs that your child has been the victim of bullying. Find helpful information on what to do if you think your child is being bullied and what actions you can take to ensure your child’s safety.
Model Section 504 Plan for a Student with Epilepsy
This form contains a sample list of accommodations and services that a student with epilepsy may require while they are at school.
Individualized Seizure Action Plan/ Plan De Accion Durante Un Ataque
Here you will find form to complete your own seizure action plan for your child with epilepsy.
Care Book (English & Español)
In this epilepsy care book you will find important forms to ensure you have your child’s medical needs recorded.
What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied
This document provides detailed steps for parents if your child is being bullied including who to contact, how to report it, and how you can improve your child’s safety to prevent further bullying.
Discipline of Students with Disabilities: MSDE Manual
This document addresses school behavior. It includes information about behavior assessments, the intervention process and the disciplinary requirements for suspension, detentions, etc. according to the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Track Your Child’s Developmental Milestones
This document includes the CDC developmental milestones in a map format.
Developmental Milestones Checklist (In both English & Español)
This CDC checklist includes developmental milestones a child should reach between the ages of 2 months old and 5 years old.
Developmental Screening
This fact sheet contains information about developmental delays, screening and assessments.