Family Support & Resource Center
MSD partners with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to provide families with the resources and information necessary to support families with a Deaf or hard of hearing child.
Services include workshops and special events, IFSP and IEP assistance, newsletters, a lending library, facilitation of parent support groups, and community resources and service referrals. The Family Support and Resource Center offers information resources and coordinates with service agencies statewide to empower families to support their child's educational program and to nurture the child's learning development and social well-being in school, at home, and in their communities.
Family Support and Resource Center staff are committed to provide information to parents and families to work as equal partners with the Maryland School for the Deaf. Specifically, each Family Support and Resource Center seeks to:
- Increase parental involvement in the early intervention and special education decision making processes;
- Increase collaborative relationships through information and training;
- Assist families in resolving concerns and making informed decisions regarding their child's education; and
- Provide information about disabilities, school systems, and community resources.
— MSDE Parent Information Series
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has launched its Parent Information Series, a valuable resource for families. These booklets offer essential information for students with disabilities from ages 3 to 21. Covering important topics, MSDE aims to strengthen collaboration between home and school in the educational planning process. Families are encouraged to utilize these resources as valuable tools, empowering them to actively engage as equal participants in their children's special education processes.
— MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletins
Families are encouraged to explore the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Technical Assistance Bulletins webpage. By visiting this page, families can access a wide range of resources, information, and support to enhance their child's educational experience.
Additionally, Technical Assistance Bulletins are informative documents that offer guidance on various aspects of special education and related services. These bulletins are typically issued by state education agencies or relevant authorities to help educators, school administrators, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders better understand and implement special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
— Contacts
The Family Support and Resource Center staff is available to meet with families and professionals throughout the year and serves all families and professionals in Maryland who have or work with a Deaf or hard of hearing child. Appointments are available at both Frederick and Columbia campuses or at a convenient location.
To make an appointment or request more information, contact MSD's Parent Coordinator:
Cheri Dowling
Parent Coordinator, Family Support and Resource Center
443-277-8899
The MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.
The MSDE contact at the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch is:
Kenneth Hudock
Section Chief, Family Support Services
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services
410-767-0255