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 notes from last week’s meeting are at the below link:
https://howardcountysecac.com/2020%2F01%2F08
A PDF of the slides, along with notes, are available for download at the bottom of that page.
The 2nd Annual Advocate Night is February 5th. Sign up by 1/31 for a free 15 minute session with a special education advocate and don’t forget to bring your student’s IEP.
We will try our best to pair you with the best advocate for your student’s needs as well as schedule at one of your preferred times. We will send an email with the time by Monday Feb 3rd.
https://forms.gle/EThWa9ixijYLGePL8
The topic for the February 12th SECAC meeting is the State of Reading in HCPSS. Members of Decoding Dyslexia Howard County and HCPSS Staff will present information on struggling readers, dyslexia and Ready to Read Act implementation. Questions can be pre-submitted using the form below before Jan 31st. Questions will be taken at the meeting but pre-submitted questions will be answered first.
https://forms.gle/arhv2wwcKfdcp5o87
For more information contact SECACChair@gmail.com or visit www.howardcountysecac.com.
Other meetings this school year will be:
- 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 Sundays at the Robinson Nature Center
February 16
March 8
April 19
May 17
This monthly event is designed for families with children, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. The center opens early, allowing visitors to enjoy a calm environment. Explore the exhibits, Discovery Room, nature trails and/or outdoor Nature Place play area. Sensory alert maps, sensory backpacks and quiet areas are available.
Call 410-313-0400 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/RNC/sensoryfriendlyvisit. You may also register in person at 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044. Due to expected demand, we encourage you to call 410-313-0400 to reserve your space ahead of time. Thanks to a generous donation by the Friends of Max Cowan, the first 70 families to attend these events will gain complimentary admission to the Nature Center.
All ages | 11:30am – 12:30pm
General operating hours begin at noon and guests of this program are welcome to stay after 12:30pm.
$5, adult; $3, child; Free for members & children under 3 yrs
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
February 13, 2020 – 7:30 – 9:00pm
March 12, 2020 – 7:30-9:00pm
General Support Meeting
February 18, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
March 17, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
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/