Please email securep@cespta.net if you have any questions.
SECAC
Under law, Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) advises the school system on the needs of students with disabilities. SECAC collaborates with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of our students in Howard County, MD.
The topic for the next SECAC meeting is IEP 101 presented by SECAC Co-Chairs Stephanie Carr and Mai Hall.
Learn IEP basics as well as some tips and tricks for navigating the IEP process. This talk is for new and experienced parents. During our normal meeting time Wednesday, January 8th, 2020, 7-9pm in the Wilde Lake Middle School cafeteria.
Thank you,
Beth Stolte
SECAC Secretary 2019-2020
For more information contact SECACChair@gmail.com or visit www.howardcountysecac.com.
Other meetings this school year will be:
- January 8
- February 12
- March 11
- April 15
- May 13
- June 10
All are held at Wilde Lake Middle School from 7-9:00pm.
Previous meeting notes:
November 13
October 7
September 11
Questions about Special Education in Howard County?
HCAS offers advice, guidance, and support through consultations, workshops, and seminars. Topics include IEPs, school services, modifications, accommodations, and regulations under state and federal law. If necessary, a free phone consultation with an attorney specializing in special education law can be arranged.
Call: 410-290-3466
E-mail:AskusSpEdquestions@howard-autism.org
Visit: Special Education News Center on our website
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
SENSORY FRIENDLY STORIES & FUN
Children of all abilities and their caregivers are welcome to this supportive, judgment-free class that includes stories, music, and movement in a small group. Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. If you would like a reminder for this class, please provide an email address. Registration is required.
Check with your nearest Howard County Library branch to find out when and where.
Support Groups
Howard County Autism Society, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD
Asperger’s Family Support Group
January 9, 2020 – 7:30 – 9:00pm
February 13, 2020 – 7:30 – 9:00pm
March 12, 2020 – 7:30-9:00pm
General Support Meeting
January 14, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
February 18, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
March 17, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
HCAS Shine In Your Own Light Showcase: Performances and Visual Art by Teens and Adults with Autism
January 24, 2020 – 7:00pm (Interested artists/performers contact momofzoe@hotmail.com)
Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (Tickets go on sale January 1)
Special Needs Camp Fair – FREE To attend!
January 28, 2020 – 6:30-8:30pm (Camps interested in participating should email info@howard-autism.org)
Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD (Snow date is February 4, 2020)
Sensory Friendly Days at the B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O is proud to host Sensory Friendly Days for children and guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences. The museum will be opening one hour early at 10am on the following Sundays to accommodate our guests and their families: March 22, May 17, July 19, and September 20.
This more accessible museum experience features added signage and modified lighting & sounds, as well as the presence of additional volunteers and staff to support visitors throughout their stay. Sensory kits will be stationed throughout the Museum’s campus and include feeling charts, break timers, fidgets, stress balls, and noise canceling headphones.
If smaller crowds, specialized activities, less sound and light stimuli, and a designated quiet room will make it easier for you or your child to explore all that the B&O has to offer, this is the day for you! Event is free with general admission.
RSVP
To RSVP and receive the specialized sensory story, please contact Rebecca Funk at RFunk@borail.org.
Howard County Autism Society Pieces of the Puzzle Gala — CASINO NIGHT!
April 25, 2020 – 7:00-Midnight
Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD
Howard County Autism Society
Event Calendar: http://www.howard-autism.org/hcas-events/
Pathfinders for Autism
Event Calendar: https://pathfindersforautism.org/calendar/
Camp Inclusion
Event Calendar: https://www.facebook.com/pg/campinclusion/events
HCPSS
Special Education Parent and Guardian Calendar: https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/calendar/