While Parents Learn at Training Conference, Kids have Fun
By Janet Parke
What an exciting day we had in early March hosting a collaborative training on the Eastern Shore. Several groups worked diligently to provide a dynamic training experience for local parents of children with disabilities.
On Saturday, March 4, over a dozen parents met with Teri McGuire from the Maryland Disabilities Law Center (MDLC) and Deborah Janis from Parents Place of Maryland for a training on "Assistive Technology in Your Child's IEP". This three-hour training, held at Holly Center, Salisbury, was sponsored by Maryland Technology Assistance Program (Holly Foundation affiliation), Wicomico County Partners for Success and the Wicomico Infant and Toddler Program. The collaborative effort of each group made it possible for the parents to receive training and for their six children to have respite care during the training.
MDLC began with an overview of Special Education Law including important highlights of recently amended federal and state laws, with a focus on provisions relating to assistive technology. Continuing on, a clear definition of assistive technology was discussed with explanation of what components constitute a good assistive technology assessment. How assistive technology is included on the IEP as well as common legal and practical issues were explained.
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Janet Parke, from the Maryland Technology Assistance Program (Holly Foundation affiliation) gave an overview of their program including loan program highlights, training possibilities and the information and referral service. Several pieces of assistive technology were on display for parents to view and try. Questions were answered on the selection of devices for loan and how the process works. Parents were informed of the new contract between the Maryland Technology Assistance Program and Holly Foundation, Inc.
MDLC provided morning refreshments and a light lunch as an opportunity for participants to network with other parents. Teri McGuire was available for individual consultation and problem solving after the training. The evaluation forms gave high marks to the training content and trainers. The provision of respite care made it possible for several parents to attend.
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During the training, the children were in the care of six student volunteers from the Assistive Technology class at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The children enjoyed toys, games, adapted bicycle rides and the sensory room, which included the ball bin. The pictures show you how much they enjoyed their special time with the college seniors.
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We plan to offer more collaborative training opportunities in the coming year. Our efforts bring excellent training opportunities to the shore and benefit our educational goals for children. If you have questions regarding our training schedule please call 443-260-0822. We can be reached via email at mdtap@ezy.net
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