"To ensure that all children with special needs and their families receive the support necessary to participate in, contribute to and achieve fulfillment of life in their school or community."

The Family Support Resource Center is a resource, referral and training center established to assist parents of children and young adults with special needs. The center serves as a link between family, school and community. The Center, in collaboration with the Family Support Network, offers a full range of support for families of children with special needs, from birth to 21 years.

Our work includes helping families navigate the IEP process, hosting professional development for staff, workshops for parents, and offering dispute resolution as an alternative to mediation or attorney involvement.

The Family Support Resource Center is sponsored by Washington County Public Schools, in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Contact:

Michael Maginnis

Center for Education Services 10435 Downsville Pike Hagerstown, MD 21740

301.766.8221

maginmic@wcps.k12.md.us

Office Hours: M-F 8:00-3:30 pm

The Family Support Resource Center's newsletter, which is published three times in the school calendar, contains Information about upcoming workshops.  When workshops are offered in person, free childcare is available. Pre-registration is required at 301.766.8221 or click on the google link to RSVP.

DO YOU WANT ANSWERS?

• How do I know if my child needs special education or related services? How do I have my child evaluated?

• What are IEP, LRE and due process?

• What do all the special education terms really mean?

• What are my legal rights in relation to my child?

• How do I get the school to understand my child's needs?

• How can I become an advocate for my child at school?

• How can I encourage and motivate my child at home?

• What programs and services are available to help my child when schooling is complete?

• Are there discussion groups where I can meet other parents of children with special needs?

Our staff works to provide answers to your questions about special education and your child.

MARYLAND ACCESSIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM DISTRIBUTING IPADS TO ELIGIBLE PARENTS

You could qualify for FREE assistive telephone equipment through the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program from Maryland Relay. The MAT program is designed to benefit Maryland residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or are living with limited speech, mobility or cognitive abilities. Individuals in the program work one-on-one with a program specialist to create a personalized telecommunications solution.

To get started, download the MAT application from the link above. Please complete and sign each form in the 7-page PDF and return to the address listed in the packet.

SUMMER PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

When school is out for the summer, finding good summer activities for children with special needs takes careful planning.

For children who struggle in school the last school bell for the year is often welcomed. Parents and teachers, however, have different concerns. They know that over the summer many children will forget information taught during the school year. This is especially true for children with special needs.

Parents want to make certain children retain what has been learned. They also want children to have fun. More and more we are learning how important play is to children. It develops social skills, imagination, and abstract thinking. Children with special needs often can show their strengths in games or non-school related activities. And, parents need to find summer programs that meet real-world work schedules. How can parents accomplish everything the school did each day. Parents must work.

Parents also must deal with issues of letting go. When a child has a disability this can sometimes be more difficult. "Can my child make friends in a new situation without me to help each day?" It is hard to navigate between protection and separation. Yet, as children learn they can be successful away from the parent they also achieve positive self-esteem.

Deciding on the best summer program for children with special needs requires planning. Many options exist. A child's strengths are important parts of the decision process. This is a time when children can build self-esteem. Before you begin, plan to talk with your children. Know their interests. Involve them, if at all possible, in the decision making process.