Webinar

Kindness and inclusion have shaped Ben’s life. We may never see how our actions affect others. Ben
gives credit to those who have helped him. Through the many highs and lows of Ben’s life he has found others to support him with kindness and inclusion. Ben seeks to encourage everyone to display this same kindness and inclusion. Be the one kind person. Be the one who includes others. Be the one to change lives. The cost of kindness is low, but the impact is immense. Presented by Ben Hartranft, Self-Advocate, Public Speaker, Benergy1

Register via Eventbrite: https://sercbenjourney.eventbrite.com
Thursday, May 12, 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM

About Ben Hartranft: Diagnosed with autism at age 2, I knew only 20 words. I have gone beyond all expectations and am strengthened continually by my faith in God. My journey began when I started raising money for the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge. After a few years of fundraising, I was invited to be a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote autism awareness and raise funds for research. From that moment on I knew my dream was to be an advocate for autism awareness, taking awareness into action

Join parents, caregivers, and community partners to discuss COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for everyone ages 6 months and older. Learn the risks, benefits, and myths associated with COVID-19 vaccinations for children and youth. Explore how community partners are working to protect Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander children and youth with disabilities who live in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Visit www.cdc.gov/protect-children to join the webinar and get the latest info on COVID-19 vaccination for children and youth.

Protecting Our Children from COVID 19 Webinar Flyer 508 – July 29

Why are IEP meetings often uncomfortable, awkward, and stiff? Educators and families all have a common goal—to support the development of the child. Yet, educators often feel confused that families act like reluctant participants who are just fulfilling a requirement. And families often feel that they’re viewed as intruders, whose insights and dreams for their child don’t count. In this webinar, our presenter will explain perspectives of both families and educators and suggest questions families should ask to make the IEP process a productive experience for all. Presented by Amy Pleet-Odle, Ed.D., Inclusion Focused Coaching

Register via Eventbrite: https://serciepconversation.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Social media use has many benefits for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), including maintaining connections with others, being included within the digital world/society, and having a way to contact others in case of an emergency. However, there are also dangers and risks that come with using social media. In this presentation, social media safety strategies and resources formed specifically for parents, guardians, and caretakers supporting positive and safe social media use for their family member with I/DD will be shared. At the closure of this webinar, opportunities to ask  questions will be given. Presented by Dr. Mary Jo Krile,Assistant Professor, Eastern Kentucky University

Register via Eventbrite:https://sercsocialmedialiason.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 12:00 – 1:30 PM

The spoken word is the primary tool adults use to educate, motivate, and positively influence the social and emotional health of children and youth. In this workshop, parents and helping adults will learn the three pillars of “Wonder Words” to elevate the critical tool of verbally engaging with kids: 1) Word choice; 2) Delivery style and 3) Context. Strategies for building emotionally safe environments, boosting motivation, shaping behavior, developing effective academic habits, and promoting resilience will be shared and practiced. Participants will walk away from this learning experience with practices they can
apply immediately to respond to the needs and opportunities children and youth bring to our ever-changing home and learning contexts. Presented by Frank Kros, MSW, JD, Kros Learning Group

Register via Eventbrite: https://sercwonderwords.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM

In “Home Behavior Management” or “Parenting” workshops we often learn only the basics about
many parenting tools and strategies. This workshop aims to go beyond the basics and teach you the “how-to”. We will delve specifically into steps required to effectively create and/or implement 10 common parenting tools. Tools and strategies broken down for immediate use include “Giving Good Directions, Creating Charts, Chore Charts, Choosing Effective Rewards, Giving Meaningful Consequences, Over Correction and Positive Practice, Setting up Homework Routines, Teaching Perspective Taking Skills, Managing Bedtime, and Being an Active Listener”. Presented by Tana Hope, Ph.D. The Child and Family Therapy Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute Register via Eventbrite:

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 12:00-1:30 PM https://serctopparentingtoolsday.eventbrite.com
OR
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 6:30-8:00 https://serctopparentingtoolsnight.eventbrite.com

In “Home Behavior Management” or “Parenting” workshops we often learn only the basics about
many parenting tools and strategies. This workshop aims to go beyond the basics and teach you the “how-to”. We will delve specifically into steps required to effectively create and/or implement 10 common parenting tools. Tools and strategies broken down for immediate use include “Giving Good Directions, Creating Charts, Chore Charts, Choosing Effective Rewards, Giving Meaningful Consequences, Over Correction and Positive Practice, Setting up Homework Routines, Teaching Perspective Taking Skills, Managing Bedtime, and Being an Active Listener”. Presented by Tana Hope, Ph.D. The Child and Family Therapy Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute Register via Eventbrite:

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 12:00-1:30 PM https://serctopparentingtoolsday.eventbrite.com
OR
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 6:30-8:00 https://serctopparentingtoolsnight.eventbrite.com

An Effective Practices Webinar: Special Education and English Learners – Yes They Go Together!

Register here!

There are so many challenges for families who are new to the country, new to school, trying to learn an additional language, and also have a child with a disability. How can this all work together? How can we support families? How should we support families that sets everyone up for success? Join us on June 9 at 3PM ET to find answers to all these questions! This webinar will highlight two parent organizations, from Georgia and Maryland, their successes and challenges. It is important to know that they are not alone in this work so come to learn and share!

Watch this PPMD webinar for helpful tips about taking care of yourself during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Use these companion tip sheets and resources.

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) for students with disabilities is made up of unique supports and services that are included with the Individual Education Program (IEP) to enable them to access and make progress in general education. SDI may not be the same for every student. It is created to suit each student’s individual needs. Learn about SDI with this video in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services.

Watch this webinar to learn the importance of Telehealth from PPMD and Dr. Debbie Badawi from the University of Maryland Department of Pediatrics.

Learn about Pre-Employment Transition Services from PPMD and the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation.

Watch this webinar to learn how to make an early intervention referral.

Learn about the various services PPMD has to offer and who PPMD is based on the following categories:

• Early Childhood
• Spanish Speaking Families
• History of PPMD
• Transition
• School Age Children

Learn from PPMD’s Early Childhood team about how young children learn naturally in their environment.

Watch this webinar to learn about crisis, how to move away from a crisis, and trauma.

Learn the basics of Supplemental Security Income for Young Adults with this PPMD 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.