Total Care Services, Inc.

WEBINAR: A Conversation with ABLE Savings Plans
2023-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
A Conversation with ABLE Savings Plans
When: April 19, 2023 at 1:00pm
Register for the webinar here.
In case you missed it – last month, National Association of State Treasurers (NAST)’s ABLE Savings Plan Network (ASPN) and ABLE collaborated with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and ABLE experts to host a comprehensive webinar on ABLE accounts. The response was tremendous with over 400 participants. The engagement with participants and others who submitted questions during that event highlighted the opportunity for our network to continue the discussion about ABLE accounts.
ASPN invites you to join them on April 19, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET as additional ABLE state program administrators provide answers to questions received about ABLE accounts. You will benefit from information regarding several topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

Eligibility, Enrollment, and Account Management
Contributions and Withdrawals
Qualified Expenses
Impact on means-tested disability benefits including HUD, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others
Post-death treatment of ABLE accounts

Who will benefit from this webinar?
People with disabilities, their family members and legal representatives, their caregivers, disability benefits staff and leadership, disability advocates, service providers and others including financial advisors, legal professionals and estate planners.

Register for Webinar

IN-PERSON Collaborative Conversations: An Autism Summit hosted by Prince George's County Public Schools
2023-04-15 08:30 - 13:30
What: Collaborative Conversations: An Autism Summit
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 8:30am to 1:30pm
Where: John Carroll Building, 1400 Nalley Terrace, Landover, Maryland
Hosted by the Prince George’s County Public Schools Department of Special Education and co-sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism ~ Parent’s Place of Maryland ~ Spectrum of Hope ~ SECAC-PG ~ The Office of Psychological Services
Details:
Parent Panel Discussion featuring conversations on: Transition, Advocacy, Adaptive Needs of Children with Autism, Relationships and Boundaries, and more!
Featured Speaker, Gabrielle Czaja, PT, mATI, mAmSAT, is a senior Alexander Technique teacher, physical therapist, and holistic educator. She is passionate about guiding young people to thrive and succeed, building the foundation for maturing into happy, healthy and successful adults. For 33 years, Gabrielle has helped children strengthen developmental foundations for movement and learning, as adults and children heal from complex injuries and stress-related conditions. Gabrielle is known as a dynamic presenter of group workshops for educational and health professionals, students and parents.
Register online HERE or register by phone at 301-431-5675.
Light breakfast will be provided!

Click below to view & print the flyer for this event:

Autism Summit Flyer – English

Autism Summit Flyer – Spanish

Autism Summit Flyer – French

IN-PERSON: Southern Maryland Secondary Transition Expo 2023
2023-04-14 10:00 - 13:00
Connect to Your Future!
Southern Maryland Secondary Transition Expo 2023
When: Friday, April 14, 2023 ~ 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where: College of Southern Maryland – Prince Frederick Campus
Sponsored By: The Southern Maryland Transition Team of Calvert County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, and the College of Southern Maryland.
Attend this Expo to:
►Meet your local Community Rehabilitation Agencies
►Attend the CSM’s Personal Enrichment Presentation
►View exhibits
►Meet college representatives, employers, community agencies, and post-secondary providers
►Get critical information from organizations in Southern Maryland (serving Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s counties) that offer assistance to students with IEP services
Personal Enrichment Classes

Animal Interests
Art, Music and Photography
Food and Drink
Home and Garden
Recreation, Wellness, Fitness
Technology and Finance
Travel, History, Culture

This important event should not be missed!
Click HERE to view or print the flyer for this event.
For more information contact one of the following:

In Calvert County—Paul Reilly, reillyp@calvertnet.k12.md.us OR 443-550-8384
In Charles County—Ivalynn Gist, igist@ccboe.com OR 301-302-8307
In St. Mary’s County—Alana Beatty, ajbeatty@smcps.org OR 301-475-5511

IN-PERSON: College & Career Fair hosted by Prince George's County Public School's Department of Special Education
2023-04-12 18:00 - 20:00
Start Planning for Your Future!
The Prince George’s County Public School’s Department of Special Education will host its annual College and Career Fair:
When: Wednesday, APRIL 12, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Fairmont Heights High School, 6501 Columbia Park Road, Landover, MD 20785
Who should come? The fair is open to ALL high school students with IEPs and 504 plans. The PGCPS’ Department of Special Education invites you to join them and connect with their talented and diverse group of students and families.
Click HERE to register TODAY!
View or print flyers for this event:

CollegeCareer Fair 2023 – English
CollegeCareer Fair 2023 – French
College Career Fair 2023 – Spanish

WEBINAR Part One: Community Living Housing Options: Perspective on Barriers and Solutions from ACL/AoD
2023-03-29 15:00 - 16:15
The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) is hosting a three-part series on safe, accessible, and affordable housing options for people with I/DD. The webinars will explore barriers people with I/DD face in securing housing; highlight the limited range of housing options; and feature innovative strategies, resources, partners, and funding streams to help create more housing options for people with I/DD. The series will center around the perspectives and experience of individuals with I/DD. The target audience for the series is broad and includes state agency staff (including DD and housing agencies), providers (disability and housing), advocates (disability and housing), researchers, individuals with I/DD, and families.
This webinar will:
• Provide a baseline understanding of the unique barriers people with I/DD face in getting housing in the community and their specific housing needs.
• Provide information on a broad array of Federal, State, and local programs and partnerships to address housing barriers and needs.
• Provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences and successes of self-advocates navigating barriers to secure accessible and affordable housing in the community.

Time

Register HERE

WEBINAR: “Tech Tuesdays” Lunch and Learn Series with MDH/DDA Technology First Task Force
2023-03-28 12:00 - 13:00
The Maryland Department of Health – Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) Technology First Task Force is excited to invite you to their first-ever monthly DDA “Tech Tuesday’s” lunch and learn series leading up to the anniversary of Maryland being a Technology First State.
During this monthly series, they will dive into how Marylanders with developmental disabilities can utilize various technologies to LIVE, WORK and PLAY in the communities of their choice.
Below is a brief description of each “Tech Tuesday” topic:
March 28, 2023: Introduction to Enabling Technology and Remote Supports
This session will be an overview of the Technology First/enabling technology movement and practices along with an introduction to remote supports.
REGISTER
April 25, 2023: Enabling Technology & Quality of Life: My Home, My Health, My Privacy
This session will be an introduction to various technical devices individuals can have in their homes to promote independence and assist with maintaining their health. The presenter will discuss how having tech in one’s home does not mean they will have a loss of privacy.
REGISTER
May 23, 2023: Enabling Technology & Inclusion: My Home, My Health, My Privacy (continued)
This session will be a continuation of April’s introduction to technical devices and the various options individuals have to help them to live safely in their homes.
REGISTER
June 27, 2023: Enabling Technology & Inclusion: My Community and My Job
This session will look at job coaching technology that is available to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to get and maintain employment. This session will also cover various technologies that assist individuals to safely and independently access and participate in their communities.
REGISTER
July 25, 2023: “Let’s Talk”- A Conversation with DDA Provider Service Teams and Shift, Inc.
This workshop will cover how to become a technology provider in Maryland and the benefits of education and certification offered through Shift, Inc. as a provider in a Technology First State. https://www.techfirstshift.com/
REGISTER
August 15, 2023: One-year Celebration of Maryland as a Technology First State
REGISTER
Need more information?
For questions about registering for the DDA’s “Tech Tuesday” lunch and learn series, please reach out to DDA’s Director of Professional Development, Dr. Yemonja Smalls at yemonja.smalls@maryland.gov.
For questions regarding the DDA’s “Tech Tuesday” lunch and learn series, please reach out to DDA Director of Innovation, Stephanie Jones at stephanie.jones2@maryland.gov .

VIRTUAL 12th Annual Parent Empowerment Conference and Resource Fair (See Schedule for Sessions)
2023-03-18 - 2023-06-01
Join the Prince George’s County Public School System (PGCPS) for their 12th Annual Parent Empowerment Conference and Resource Fair. This virtual conference is FREE and available to anyone who registers, regardless of their place of residence. Also, there is no requirement for attendees to have a student in a PGCPS school. The conference covers a variety of topics, such as:

Technology for Students
Understanding & Managing ADHD
Supporting Coping Skills & Frustration Management
Becoming a Holistic Parent Advocate
And much more!

Events occur at various dates and times from March 18, 2023 to June 1, 2023. The conference kicks off on March 18, 2023 with a keynote speaker from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
View the complete lineup online here:
Click link for full lineup: https://tinyurl.com/PARENTEMPOWER
View or print flyers below:

Parent Empowerment Conference – English
Parent Empowerment Conference – Spanish
Parent Empowerment Conference – French

NAMI Prince George's County presents Self-Care for Caregivers to the Aging Population
2023-03-01 18:30 - 19:30
Join NAMI Prince George’s County for the latest educational presentation in their Elderly Outreach program to discuss Self-Care for Caregivers to the Aging Population with Nia Kilimanjaro, LMSW – Mental Health Clinician with Interdynamics, Inc.
For more information and to register, click HERE.

Social Security Benefits & ABLE Accounts Webinar
2023-02-22 13:00 - 14:00
Maryland ABLE is excited to announce a webinar offered by the National Association of State Treasurer’s ABLE Savings Plans Network (ASPN) that provides an opportunity for members of the disability community to hear directly from SSA experts and ABLE Administrators as they answer frequently asked questions about ABLE Accounts and SSI/SSDI benefits , We would really appreciate your help in sharing this resource!
Social Security Benefits & ABLE Accounts
February 22,2023 at 1:00 pm ET
Register Here
This webinar will provide participants with the following:

General knowledge about the benefits of owning an ABLE Account
Knowledge of the relationship between ABLE Accounts and SSI/SSDI Benefits
Understanding of ABLE-related information that must be provided to SSA
Resources on SSA benefits and ABLE Accounts

Who will benefit from this webinar? People with disabilities, their family members and legal representatives, SSA field office staff and leadership, disability advocacy and service provider organizations, and state ABLE program administrators.

Mental Health Matters: Understanding Mental Health Needs of the Aging
2023-02-21 13:00 - 14:00
Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for their virtual Fireside Chat Series on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 as they discuss how depression and isolation can affect the aging population differently, tips for self care, and resources available to you.
Register for this event here.

Happy Presidents' Day!
2023-02-20
Our office is closed in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.

DDA’s People and Family Forum: Person-Centered Planning
2023-02-15 08:30 - 14:30
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) would like to invite people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and families to its Inaugural Person and Family Forum on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 8:30 am-2:30 pm.
During this forum the DDA in collaboration with the University of Missouri Kansas City – Institute for Human Development will provide updates on DDA’s work to enhance its Person-Centered Planning process and its plan to incorporate the principles and tools of Charting the LifeCourse framework to further support all Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities plan for their good life.
This event will be held at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center at 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, Maryland. When you register, you will be able to request special accommodations, if any, including dietary restrictions. To register to attend in-person click the link below:
In-Person Registration
To accommodate increased interest and opportunity for those of you who may not be able to attend in person, this event will also be broadcast virtually via Facebook Live. beginning at 9 a.m.

Assistive Technology (AT) for Symptoms of Long-COVID
2023-02-09 13:00 - 14:00
On Thursday, 02/09/23 at 1:00 pm, join the MD Assistive Technology (AT) Program to learn about a variety of AT solutions to help combat symptoms of long-COVID. From brain fog to muscle weakness, we explore a variety of technology options and resources to support anyone who has experienced ongoing symptoms from COVID. Click here to register.
Maryland Technology Assistance Program – Providing access to trying, buying, and reusing assistive technology. For more information, call 1-800-832-4827 or email mdtap.general@maryland.gov

Virtual Training Event: MD DDA Self-Directed Services "Understanding Employer Authority"
2023-02-01 13:00 - 14:00
Join Support Broker, Linda Stringer, for this FREE, virtual training event to learn how to effectively manage your new role as an employer. This training is designed to help people who self-direct their waiver services understand their decision making authority as the employer of record, to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their staff under the Maryland DDA Waiver programs.
To register, visit www.vistachoice.org/resources.
Sponsored by Vista Choice Supports, LLC., Bowie, Maryland (240) 472-2846.

Webinar from Mid-Atlantic ADA Center: "Creating Accessible Recreational Gaming"
2023-01-25 14:00 - 15:30
Are you looking for ways to host a fun and inclusive recreational gaming event? Register for this webinar with experts from Kansas State University who will guide you through selecting games and using Assistance Technology (AT) here: WEBINAR: “Creating Accessible Recreational Gaming” (constantcontact.com)
This is a FREE webinar is brought to you by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. If you are looking for continuing education credits, you have the option to pay $10 for a certificate of attendance. However, this extra step/cost is not required.
Learn more about Mid-Atlantic ADA Center at Home – Mid-Atlantic ADA Center (adainfo.org)

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!
2023-01-16
Our office is closed in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We honor and celebrate Dr. King’s efforts toward achieving racial equality.

MD Community of Practice for Supporting Families Monthly Webinar Series
2023-01-11 12:00 - 13:00
Please join the Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Maryland Community of Practice for Supporting Families for its monthly webinar series. This month they will be featuring the University of Maryland (UMD) College Park TerpsEXCEED Program on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Noon.
Mary Anne Kane Breschi, Parent and the DDA’s Director of Family Supports welcomes Amy Dwyre D’Agati, Senior Faculty Specialist at the Center for Transition and Career Innovation in the College of Education at the UMD, College Park and the Director of the TerpsEXCEED program; along with Hari Kannan, a student and senior in the program. Together Amy and Hari will share information about the program and how it may benefit your family member.
For this and future webinars in this series please
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
You will receive a link to join one day prior, and one hour prior to the webinar.

Lunch with MIA: How to Protect Yourself from Fraud, Identity Theft & Other Scams
2023-01-10 12:00 - 13:00
Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) is hosting this FREE online event to learn about the various types of identity theft, fraudulent activities, and scams that could impact you and how to protect yourself and your family. Register at https://mia01102023.eventbrite.com.
Registration is recommended, but not required. This event is FREE and all are welcome to attend.

Autism Speaks Walk - Baltimore, MD
2022-10-30 09:00
Consider joining Autism Speaks for a walk at Johnny Unitas Football Stadium in Baltimore, MD to support people with autism reaching their full potential and living their best lives.

Prince George's County Public Schools Transitioning Youth Webinar
2022-10-18 18:00 - 19:30
ATTENTION PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS & FAMILIES: The Department of Special Education and the Prince George’s County Transitioning Youth Workgroup is hosting a Virtual Transitioning Youth Webinar on Tuesday, October 18th from 6pm to 7:30pm to share information for students and their families on services after high school. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2022FallTYFair
Click here to view the flyer for the Transitioning Youth Virtual Webinar – Fall 2022

Autism Speaks Walk - Washington, DC
2022-10-15 09:00
Consider joining Autism Speaks for a walk on the National Mall to support people with autism reaching their full potential and living their best lives.

Ready2Vote Block Party (Free Event)
2022-09-17 10:00 - 14:00 | The Arc Prince George’s County, 1401 McCormick Dr., Largo, MD, 20774, United States
Copy of Ready2Vote – V5

Western Maryland Cup of Tea Online Support Group for Parents and Caregivers
2022-05-27 13:00
From Maryland Coalition of Families for residents of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties: Online support group for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, conduct disorders or other behavioral health challenges. Visit https://www.mdcoalition.org/support_group/ for Zoom link or to view other support groups offered.

PGCPS 11th Annual Parent Empowerment Conference "Steps to Adulthood"
2022-05-18 18:30
FREE Event: In this talk, Cathy Corwin will discuss steps to take to help prepare your child to be more independent and ready for work as they transition from school to adulthood. You will also learn about supports that your child may be eligible to receive as an adult, questions to consider in regards to guardianship and other useful information about future planning.

Bigs & Littles Support Group
2022-05-17 18:30
From Maryland Coalition of Families for residents of Charles County, Maryland: Join other parents of children age 3-17 with behavioral health challenges share experiences, receive support, and learn about community resources. Meets the third Tuesday of every month. Visit https://www.mdcoalition.org/support_group/ for Zoom link or to view other support groups offered.

The New DDA Rent Subsidy Program
2022-05-12 12:00
FREE Event: This webinar will provide families, providers and people receiving services information about the new DDA Rent Subsidy Program. Participants will learn about the eligibility criteria, affordability features, as well as participant expenses, and will be able to outline the process for participating in the program.

The Self-Expression Sessions
2022-05-11 17:00
Virtual parent and caregiver support sessions offered by the Maryland Coalition of Families. Ongoing, every Wednesday. Visit https://www.mdcoalition.org/support_group/ to Zoom link or to view other support groups offered.

Maryland Community of Practice for Supporting Families Webinar Series "Self-Direction: Living your best life!"
2022-05-11 12:00
FREE Event: The MD CoP for Supporting Families Webinar Series is an ongoing series held once a month on Wednesdays at noon. Hosted by the DDA’s Director of Family Supports, this webinar series features guest speakers and subject matter experts who discuss and address topics and concerns with which people with intellectual and developmental facilities and their families face in everyday life and as they work to build and live their “Good Life.”
