special education

A child’s IEP has lots of moving parts including several pieces of paper which can feel confusing and hard to be prepared for their meeting. This fact sheet has tips that can help families be better prepared.

You are your child’s best advocate but we all need help to advocate effectively. This fact sheet has 10 tips that can be helpful.

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.

The procedural safeguards notice includes a full explanation of parental rights in an easily understandable manner and in a parent’s native language. This procedural safeguards notice applies to children and families receiving services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and to children and youth with disabilities receiving services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This document, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), details the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

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.

Among the topics to be covered are:
– What is a Special Needs Trust?
– What is the ABLE Account?
– What are the benefits and drawbacks of both?
– What are the questions every family should ask before opening a Special Needs Trust or ABLE account?

Guest speaker is Mr. Stephen Elville, principal of Elville and Associates. Mr. Elville’s work is centered in elder law, special needs planning, and estate planning with special emphasis in the areas of tax planning and asset protection.