Review the Document Archive

Below are links to materials provided by past HCAS meeting speakers.

2021

September

The Housing Crisis for Adults with Disabilities: A Panel Discussion
September 14, 2021

This webinar explores the current challenges and some very creative ways individuals and families are addressing the housing crisis. Panelists will include individuals from the housing field, a real estate professional, an adult services agency, and parents have addressed the challenge for their loved ones with out of the box solutions. And you’ll get an update on Patuxent Commons, HCAS’ unique intergenerational housing project slated for construction in the Hickory Ridge community of Columbia, MD.

Panelists in order of appearance:

Tim Wiens, Executive Director, Maryland Inclusive Housing
Pam Beck, Parent & Advocate
Richard Dean, Parent & Advocate
Stephanie Maric, Parent & Real Estate Professional, The Legal Team of Long & Foster
Ami Taubenfeld, Executive DIrector and Founder, Itineris
Mark Dunham, Principal, Kindred Strategies & HCAS Consultant for Patuxent Commons Housing Project

Watch the Video

August

Preparing for the Return of School
August 30, 2021

This webinar features a discussion on what’s most important to communicate with teachers before school starts.

Presenter:

Beth Benevides, Hussman Institute for Autism

Watch the Video

July

Coming soon..

June

Coming soon..

May

MENTAL HEALTH and AUTISM: A PANEL DISCUSSION
May 20, 2021

This webinar features a panel discussion by and for parents, professionals and self-advocates to build awareness of the prevalence of mental health challenges in individuals with autism across the lifespan.

Panelists include:

Brenda von Rautenkranz, LCPC, NCC, Psychotherapist, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, President of Fit for Life

Dr. Andrea Goddard, Supervisor, Child and Family Therapy Clinic, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Kennedy Krieger Institute

Dr. Christine Dub, PhD, BCBA, NCSP Licensed Psychologist, Department of Behavior Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute

Sara Uram, LCSW-C, Social Worker, Neuropsychiatry Program, Sheppard Pratt

Dr. Robert Wisner-Carlson, Chief of Autism and Neurodevelopmental Outpatient Program, Senior Psychiatrist and Service Chief of Adult Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Unit, Sheppard Pratt

Mia Williams, Parent Representative, HCAS Board Member

Matthew Plantz, Self Advocate and HCAS Board Member

Denise Giuliano, Executive Director, NAMI Howard County

Watch the Video | NOTES: NAMI Howard County

Resource List | Matthew Plantz’s Story

Taller de deambulación y fuga en español (Wandering & Elopement – In Spanish)
Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Presentadoras:

Gicel Martinez & Rosa Lily – Educadoras de Padres Bilingues

Laurie Reyes, Montgomery Co. Police

Descargar folletos de seminarios web (Download webinar handouts)
Ver seminario web grabado (View Recorded Webinar)

April

Compensatory Education/Recovery Services (April 20, 2021)

Presenters: Beth Benevides, HCAS & The Hussman Institute and Trish Gunshore, HCPSS Depart. of Special Education

An informational webinar for parents and families on IEP implementation and compensatory education/recovery services for students who have an Individualized Education Program (ages 3-21). As students return to in-person learning, a team will evaluate your child’s progress—considering progress prior to the COVID19 school closures, during the closures and virtual learning, and present levels to determine if compensatory education/recovery services are required. This webinar will review frequently asked questions and provide guidance on how parents can prepare for discussions with their IEP/school team.

Hosted by the HCPSS Department of Special Education, Special Education Community Advisory Committee, and the Howard County Autism Society.

CLICK for Notes

CLICK to Watch Recording

March

Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Autism: It is about More than Handwriting (March 25, 2021)

Aaron Dallman, PhD, OTR/L, MT-BC (Emily Bravman, OTS)

Presented in Partnership with Pathfinders for Autism / Brown Bag Workshop Series

CLICK for Notes

CLICK to Watch Recording

February

EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR (ESY): WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2021

A two-part webinar in the Parent Empowerment Series sponsored by HCPSS Department of Special Education, SECAC, and HCAS (Tuesday, February 9, 2021)

PART 1: What is ESY, Who is Eligible, and What are the Plans for 2021?

Part 1 will be a presentation of information on:

* Extended School Year (ESY) services offered through HCPSS
* Eligibility criteria
* The timeline for ESY eligibility meetings and determinations
* ESY 2021 details – when, where, how (hybrid or in-person)

Presenters:

Janice Yetter – Director, Department of Special Education, HCPSS

Marcella Randall – ESY Consultant, HCPSS

PART 2: Parent Participation in ESY Planning / Q&A

Part 2 will offer tips to help parents prepare for ESY discussions, including:

* Information to document and share at the meeting
* How to prioritize goals
* Questions to ask during the ESY meeting

Presenters:

Beth Benevides – Parent Advocate, Howard County Autism Society / Hussman Institute for Autism

Leslie Seid Margolis – Managing Attorney, Disability Rights Maryland

Janice Yetter – Director, Department of Special Education, HCPSS

Download Notes Video Descargar notas

January

Supplementary Aids and Services in the Virtual Environment

Families often mention the lack of follow through or “adaptation” of certain supplementary aids and services in the virtual environment. This webinar addresses:

-The importance of supplementary aids and services for student success
-The legal requirements behind this section of the IEP and ASDM plan
-Tips on how to address issues with teachers and the IEP team
-Ideas on specific kinds of accommodations for virtual learning

Speakers:

Beth Benevides, Howard County Autism Society, Hussman Institute

Leslie Margolis, Disability Rights Maryland

Yvonne Cox, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)

Download Notes Video Descargar notas

2020

December

You Can’t Drink From An Empty Cup: Supporting Your Own Social and Emotional Well-Being. Helping Parents Survive the Roller Coaster of Parenting a Special Needs Child

December 2, 2020

Panelists:

Stacy Hurley, LCSW-C, Family Navigator, Howard County Autism Society

Brad Bernstein, LCPC, Crossroads Psychological Associates

Download Notes Video Self-Care Resources

ABC’s of Challenging Behavior Management

December 9, 2020

Panelists: Cathy Judkins

Video