ReSET Family Decision Making Tool
Restarting Safe Education and Testing (ReSET) for children with medical complexity has created a decision making tool for families. This tool will help you make the best decisions for your child and family with COVID-19’s frequent changes.
Plain Language COVID-19 Fact Sheets
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council (Council) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) have created 7 different fact sheets about COVID-19. Fact sheet topics include: Testing, High Risk Health Conditions, Vaccines, Vaccinations at Home, Vaccines for Children Age 5-11, Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, Booster Shots.
All fact sheets are translated into multiple languages! Spanish, Russian, Korean, French, Chinese, and Amharic.













Korean Translated COVID-19 Materials
Information for families who speak Korean!
CIDA is excited to share a Korean translated version of COVID-19 Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Care Providers. The original materials were developed by the Center for Disease Control.
COVID-19 Vaccination for children ages 5 -11 (and up!)
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths
Myths and misinformation about the COVID-19 Vaccine and what it does to our bodies have been floating around since before we were able to receive the vaccine. The CDC has provided factual information that bust these myths and clear up any misunderstanding. Find this information below!
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.
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.
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.












How to Get Unstuck During Remote Learning
As parents, we face challenges when we try to help our children in their school work. It is even more challenging when we are “going to school” from home. Sometimes children may get stuck and frustrated during remote learning. Here are some strategies and tools to help your child get “unstuck” when they are frustrated with learning. These will help your child be more independent and successful learners. Choose what works for you.
Parent’s Guide to Compensatory Education and Recovery Services
MD State Department of Education created a guide to help families understand what Compensatory Education and Recovery Services is, how the process works, and the steps that families can take if a family has questions or disagrees with the school.
Confronting COVID-19-Related Harassment in Schools
The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights have created a resource for families to help if they believe that their children have been harassed in school. If a child/youth has experienced harassment this resource includes steps a family can take.
FCC ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT!
FCC ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT!The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help households having difficulties paying for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms. Read more here:
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
MSDE TAB Supplement to #20-09: Tips to Support Behavior & Social Emotional Well-Being During Transitions Across Service Delivery Models
Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips to Support Behavior & Social Emotional Well-Being During Transitions Across Service Delivery Models
MSDE TAB Supplement to #20-09: Tips to Address Special Education Staff Shortages, Scheduling, and Logistical Challenges Across Varied Service Delivery Models
Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips to Address Special Education Staff Shortages, Scheduling, and Logistical Challenges Across Varied Service Delivery Models
MSDE TAB Supplement to #20-03: Tips for Supporting Engagement of Students with Disabilities through Alternative Service Delivery Models
Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips for Supporting Engagement of Students with Disabilities through Alternative Service Delivery Models
MSDE TAB Supplement to #20-09: Tips to Support Concurrent Virtual and Face to Face Instruction
Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips to Support Concurrent Virtual and Face to Face Instruction
MSDE TAB Supplement to #20-07: Tips to Support Mask-Wearing for Students with Disabilities
Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin Tips to Support Mask-Wearing for Students with Disabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 Supporting the Use of Assistive Technology in a Virtual and/or Distance Learning Environment
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 ).
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
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.