Autism Waiver (AW) & Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
On January 25, 2021, AW providers and Service Coordinators (SCs) received updated guidance that given an announcement from the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the PHE would likely be extended through 2021; the Appendix K flexibilities will remain in place at this time and likely through calendar year 2021.In response to this new and exciting news, we have received a number of questions from AW SCs and providers. The following guidance has been prepared by the MSDE and MDH to address frequently asked questions.
MSDE TAB: Recovery Efforts: Addressing the Provision of FAPE through Alternative Service Delivery Models for Students with Disabilities during the Re-Opening of Schools
Recovery Efforts: Addressing the Provision of FAPE through Alternative Service Delivery Models for Students with Disabilities during the Re-Opening of Schools
This document has been developed in alignment with Technical Assistance Bulletin (TAB) #20-01,
Serving Children with Disabilities under IDEA during School Closures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
and TAB #20-03, Providing Continuity of Learning to Students with Disabilities during COVID-19.
Self-Care
We cannot stress enough the importance of self-care, especially in times like these. Use this fact sheet to understand the basics of self-care.
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.
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.
Tips to Support Mask-Wearing for Students with Disabilities
Check out this MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin about mask-wearing for students with disabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.









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.












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.