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PPMD Awarded UnitedHealthcare Empowering Health Grant

Many factors affect someone's health and well-being - things like access to healthy food, affordable housing, and the environment where a person lives may make a big difference. In fact, 80% of what influences a person's health has nothing to do with clinical care. When outside factors, like a global pandemic, are thrown into the mix - it may be detrimental for an already vulnerable population.

To help ease the burden and aid in recovery from the effects of the pandemic, UnitedHealthcare is donating $12.3 million through Empowering Health Grants to community-based organizations across 21 states. The Empowering Health commitment focuses on expanding access to care and addressing the social determinants of health for those in underserved communities. 

The Parents'' Place of Maryland (PPMD) is one of eight community-based organizations in Maryland to be awarded a UnitedHealthcare Empowering Health Grant to work with community partners to support families of children with disabilities and special health care needs to be more connected and included in their communities.

To learn more, check out the UnitedHealthcare press release here.

Transition in Maryland - 5 Tips for Families

It''s back to school time! During this time of COVID when so many parents are figuring out and doing a great job around virtual learning, others are also thinking about transition. Transition planning is as important as reading and math. It is important for you, as the family of a student with a disability, to actively participate and partner in the transition planning process.

In this video, we will provide you with 5 helpful tips for developing a strong transition plan that will help your student with disabilities achieve their greatest potential. For questions about transition please contact The Parents' Place of Maryland at 1-800-394-5694.

Watch our webinar here!

We have also translated the video in Spanish! Transici?n en Maryland 5 consejos para familias en espa?ol aqu?!

Back to School Resources

 PPMD has a new resource section on our   website. Click here! to find resources     about going back to school during the   pandemic. We will be updating this section   frequently, so be sure to check and see what new resources are available to support you and your family''s needs.

Resources in this section include How to Prepare a Student for a Virtual Meeting, Google Classroom for Parents, Family Guide to At-Home Learning, and many more!

Coffee and Conversations Discuss: Back to School 

Throughout the month of September, PPMD''s Coffee and Conversations groups will tackle topics focused on your child going back to school. Parents, use the links below to sign up for a group or groups that best fit you!

Mondays 2pm - Families with a child in Middle or High School
Tuesdays 2pm - Families with a child Birth - 5th grade
Wednesdays 10am - Families with a child who has behavior challenges?
Wednesdays 2pm - Families with a child who has complex needs
Thursdays 2pm - Spanish Speaking families
Fridays 2pm - Military-Connected Families 

Check Out Our New Webinar!

 
PPMD has a new webinar titled "Eating During a Pandemic" about how to prioritize your family''s nutrition during unprecedented times.

Watch it here!

Watch all PPMD webinars on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

October 15 Deadline for Non-Filers to Provide Information to IRS to get Stimulus Payments  

 On June 3rd, the Internal Revenue Services   (IRS) announced that its non-filer tool will be   available until October 15. Through the non-filer   tool, information can be provided to the IRS by people eligible for the Economic Impact (stimulus) payment who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who do not receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement benefits, or Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension benefits. 

Non-filer tool website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here  

Online Teaching Resources for Families and Educators

 Set your family up for success with   distance learning tips and   schedules for kids at home. You''ll   find helpful resources from   Common Sense and other trusted   organizations on a range of topics,   from using Zoom to managing anxiety and supporting social and emotional well-being. Welcome to your go-to guide for giving your kid a positive experience learning from home. Click here.
 

The Family Guide to At-Home Learning from the CEEDAR Center has practical strategies that work for helping children of all ages who may be struggling with an at-home learning task. Families may find these strategies useful when helping their children complete various reading, math, and/or behavioral tasks at home. View it on our website here.
 

Let NASA bring the universe into your home by clicking here!

Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) at Home here.

DDA Participant and Family Survey

DDA is looking to hear from the people we support and their families. This input will help guide the DDA provider network in its plans for reopening.
 

Please complete the DDA''s anonymous survey by clicking here to share your ideas and experience.

Check Out NPR's Latest Comic

PPMD''s 30th Anniversary Virtual Open Houses

We would like to thank our 30th Anniversary sponsors:
Fernando and Nicole Acle
 Sputnik Moment

Thank you to those who joined our 30th Anniversary Virtual Open House Sessions. Did you miss a session? Don''t worry! You can watch them on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Have you downloaded PPMD''s resources?

PPMD has many resources for families to access on our website. This year, we have come out with resources about Behavior, Virtual Learning, Special Education, and more! Below, please find some of our most used resources:

• Questions to Ask Your Child''s School Team for Support with Behaviors
• Positive Behavior Support: Top 10 Tips for Parents
• Top 10 Tips for Distance Learning for Young Children
• Am I Ready for My Child to Attend School In-Person

You can find all of PPMD''s resources at www.ppmd.org/resources/

Thank you for supporting PPMD in 2020!

We created this YouTube video to show our appreciation for you.
Click below to watch!


 

TeleHealth Readiness Quiz

Please complete this Family TeleHealth Readiness Quiz.  This survey will tell us about your access to, confidence in and concerns about TeleHealth.  

Please complete this Family TeleHealth Readiness Quiz. Feel free to share this survey link with other families.   

Save the Date!

Shop AmazonSmile to Support PPMD

You can make an impact while you shop this holiday season. Simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1693204 and AmazonSmile will donate to
The Parents'' Place of Maryland at no cost to you!

Shop AmazonSmile this Black Friday

You can make an impact while you shop for Black Friday deals today. Simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1693204 and AmazonSmile will donate to
The Parents'' Place of Maryland at no cost to you!


 

Today is Giving Tuesday!

Join us for a day of giving today!

Your contribution or recurring donation will help The Parents'' Place of Maryland continue to support families in obtaining quality services for their children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Donate now to PPMD!

Thank you for supporting PPMD and our mission. We wish you and your family health and happiness during the holiday season.

Thank you!

Thank you to all who helped us support our mission this Giving Tuesday.

Your donation helps families obtain support and quality services for their children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Did you miss Giving Tuesday? You can still donate to PPMD by clicking here.

PPMD Offering Virtual IEP Reviews!  

Parents can schedule a one-on-one, virtual call with a PPMD Parent Educator to review your child's IEP.  This is an opportunity for parents to ask specific questions or to ensure that they understand how the different sections of the IEP can be used to ensure your child's needs are met.   

Schedule here!

We had some technical challenges when this opportunity was launched, however believe we have addressed them.  Currently, there is one appointment available each workday.  If you are unable to meet during those times please email Allie Cox (allie@ppmd.org) and she will try to arrange a day/time that works for your schedule.   

Check Out Our New Webinars!

PPMD has three new webinars on our Youtube channel.
1. Benefits of Telehealth and Telemedicine (Maryland Eastern Shore)
2. Zoom, Google Classroom, G Suite, Oh My!
3. Learning Occurs Naturally

Watch them on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Immunizations During COVID-19

The Academy of Pediatrics provides guidance to families on when it is okay to call their pediatrician during COVID-19.

The Maryland Department of Health created this PSA about immunization during COVID-19.

Parents can view their children's official vaccination records online via MD.MyIR.net, a free and secure online portal where users can access official copies of their records and those of their family members. These records are accepted by schools, camps, child care facilities, state agencies and other organizations that require proof of immunization. 

Federal Public Health Emergency Extended

On July 24^th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services renewed the federal public health emergency (PHE) as a result of the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Maryland Department of Health issued an official statement that all COVID-19 related flexibilities implemented by the Department remain in place, including the ability to offer telehealth services delivered using audio-only or non-HIPAA compliant technology. View the official statement here.

2021 Advocacy Plan Survey

Parents of children with medical complexities: Your opinions are needed!

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is leading a project called, "Raising Children with Medical Complexity: Issues of Housing and Household Expenses." They are seeking parents of children with special health care needs to provide input regarding any housing and household expense challenges you may face as a result of caring for your child''s health care needs. Here''s the link to the survey:

http://jhsph.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezgjEZkqPgMvvU1

After completion of the survey, parents may enter their email address for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards!

Many New Policies in Effect Now

Did you know that when a bill is passed by the legislature, or signed by the Governor, it doesn''t become law immediately? Most bills take effect in October, some earlier. On July 1, 2020, a handful of the Council''s priority legislation took effect. Below are bills that are in effect now.
 

HB847: State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism Related Needs

HB277/SB365: State Department of Education - Guidelines on Trauma-Informed Approach

HB699/SB504: Office of the Attorney General - Special Education Ombudsman 

To learn more, check out the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council's 2020 Legislative Overview here.

Youthline

YouthLine is a teen-to-teen crisis, support, and national helpline that provides crisis support and referrals via call, text, and chat. The helpline is answered by youth daily from 4pm-10pm PST (7pm-1am EST) and by adults at all other times. 

.Call 1(877)968-8491 

.Text 'teen2teen' to 839863 

.Chat www.oregonyouthline.org 

Website: https://oregonyouthline.org/ 

Ditch the Clip!

Clip charts have been a common classroom strategy for many years. Once considered an effective tool for displaying behavioral progress and adherence to classroom rules, they may not be as helpful as once thought. This article describes how such strategies are inconsistent with a PBIS approach and, more importantly, can be harmful. It also provides alternative strategies that are evidence based and more likely to improve student behavior while promoting a safe, positive classroom. 

Read the article here.

Teach Your Kids to Social Distance with the Help of a Lobster!

2020 COVID-19 Time Capsule
 

Take some time to complete this fun activity with your children! Have them fill out and color these pages for your future selves to look back on. 

The pages in this time capsule encourage you and your children to write down memories and important events that occurred during COVID-19. Your family is living through history right now, and one day you will want to look back and remember these challenging times.

Find the time capsule pages here.
En espa?ol aqu?.
   

PPMD''s 30^th Anniversary Open House
 

2021 Open Enrollment

The 2021 Open Enrollment Period is November 1 to December 15, 2020, with coverage beginning on January 1, 2021.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has created the 2021 Open-Enrollment Fact Sheet for you to learn more.  If you do not enroll in a plan by December 15, you will not be able to get 2021 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 

Consumers can log in to www.HealthCare.gov or www.CuidadodeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 to fill out an application and enroll in a 2021 Exchange health plan.

Supported Decision Making

The Arc''s Center for Future Planning has created free Decision-Making Resources to:

• Learn about decision-making options for people with IDD
• Understand the myths and limits of guardianship
• Learn how to make, review, and adjust a decision-making plan throughout a person''s life to maximize their ability to make their own decisions

To learn more about Support Decision-Making in Maryland, please check out our latest webinar: "Supported Decision-Making for People with Disabilities" with Megan Rusciano from Disability Rights Maryland!  

Family Voices has Launched a New Tool on Shared Decision Making!

This toolkit provides more information about this concept, and some examples on how families can initiate conversations with their care team. The tool can be downloaded here.  

Telehealth Tools

In case you missed it, check out our previous webinars: "Telehealth in a Pandemic" and "Benefits of Telehealth and Telemedicine (Maryland Eastern Shore)".
 

Family Voices Survey on Telehealth

As health care providers ramp up the use of telemedicine, Family Voices is interested in improving families' access to and use of telehealth. They are asking families to complete a survey describing their access to telehealth, and their confidence in and concerns about virtual services. Take the anonymous survey in English or Espa?ol.

The U.S. Department of Education Issues Clarifying Q/A on FAPE, Evaluations and More 

The Office of Special Education (OSEP) within the U.S. Department of Education has released a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision of services in the current COVID-19 environment. Stating that the document is "meant to aid districts and parents in identifying steps they can take to ensure that as the 2020-2021 school year continues, children with disabilities are well positioned with an educational program that meets each child's unique needs" OSEP clarifies for states and districts that "no matter what primary instructional delivery approach is chosen that states and districts and the individualized education program (IEP) Teams remain responsible for ensuring that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to all children with disabilities. If State and local decisions require schools to limit or not provide in-person instruction due to health and safety concerns, States, districts and IEP Teams are not relieved of their obligation to provide FAPE to each child with a disability under IDEA." 

The Office for Civil Rights also issued a Q&A on considerations for students with disabilities when physical buildings open, waiving requirements for mask wearing and more. 

Behavior Challenges:  Conversation Starters to Use with your Child's Teachers

But having these conversations can help you and the teacher be partners. It also helps you get support for your child at school, even if learning is happening at home. You can have this discussion in different ways-email, phone calls, or in person, if possible. Your parent-teacher conference is also a good time to talk about challenges. Learn more here.

Wandering and Elopement at School  

2020 TRICARE Open Season is November 9 to December 14, 2020.

TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) is available for purchase by certain family members under the age of 26 who have lost or will lose TRICARE eligibility due to age. Qualified adult children can purchase TYA coverage after regular TRICARE coverage ends at: 

- Age 21

- Age 23 (if enrolled in college full time or at a college graduation, whichever comes first)

See the TRICARE Young Adult Program Fact Sheet to learn more about who qualifies for TYA and how to purchase TYA coverage.
To keep up with TRICARE and COVID-19 updates, sign up for email alerts.
Download the latest TRICARE East Region or TRICARE West Region newsletter at www.tricare.mil/publications.

Something funny...

December 1st is Giving Tuesday!

Join us for a day of giving on December 1st, right after Thanksgiving!

Your contribution or recurring donation will help The Parents'' Place of Maryland continue to support families in obtaining quality services for their children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Look for a reminder on the morning of December 1st.

If you wish, you can also donate now.

Thank you for supporting PPMD and our mission. We wish you and your family health and happiness during the holiday season!