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AT:LAST/The Maryland A.T. Co-op

AT:LAST/The Maryland A.T. Co-op conducts an annual bid to
vendors and manufacturers on a variety or products to help
reduce the high cost of assistive technology (hardware and
software including vision-related items). Since 1998 we have
saved area schools, facilities, and families almost $2 million.
We receive discounts on over 18,500 products. Last year we
opened an adjacent Assistive Technology Learning Center to
host smaller, more frequent trainings in addition to our larger
trainings for which we host nationally renowned speakers and
practitioners.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Services:
Discount buying service
Equipment rental to “try before you buy”
Assistive Technology Learning Center suite for training
Qualified professionals to conduct evaluations: communication,
computer access, cognitive support, learning disabilities, Aids
for Daily Living (ADL’s)
AAC Specialist on staff with no “brand loyalty” and lots of
experience in educating and guiding parents and educators

CONTACT INFORMATION:
AT:LAST, Inc.
Susan Garber, Executive Director
Laura Neidlinger, Communications Coordinator
communications@matcoop.org
Diana Jurist, Assistive Technology Specialist
(djurist@matcoop.org)
Columbia, MD, 410-381-2667, www.matcoop.org

Maryland A.T. Cooperative (The Co-op)
Discounted Purchasing Service
Amanda Cheong, Purchasing Director
Tina White, Program Assistant
410-290-1327
purchasing@matcoop.org

American Association on Health and Disability,
110 N. Washington Street, Suite 340A, Rockville, MD 20850,
301-545-6140, www.aahd.us

Our mission is to support health promotion and wellness
initiatives for people with disabilities at the federal, state and
local level, reduce the incidence of secondary conditions in
people with disabilities, as well as reduce health disparities
between people with disabilities and the general population.

The Arc of the United States,
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 650, Silver Spring, MD 20910,
301-565-3842, 800-433-5255,
www.thearc.org

The Arc of Montgomery County,
1160 Nebel St., Rockville, MD 20852, 301-984-5777,
www.arcmontmd.org

Affiliate of the National ARC, provides care facilities for children
with & without developmental disabilities.

AngelsForeverUp!
PO Box 868, Waldorf, MD 20604,
angelsforeverup.org, angelsforeverup@aol.com
Angels Forever Up! is a non-profit organization whose mission
is to raise Down syndrome awareness in Southern Maryland.

We are an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society
(NDSS) and can be found on their affiliate list at www.ndss.org.

Autism Society of America,
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814,
301- 657-0881; 800-3-AUTISM,
www.autism-society.org

ASA, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists
to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by
increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced
by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services
for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest
information regarding treatment, education, research and
advocacy.

AutismConnectMD.org, www.autismconnectmd.org

The purpose of AutismConnect is to provide stakeholders in the
state of Maryland with an online resource that will assist them in
locating and securing resources for individuals with Autism. The
website focuses specifically on research, educational
resources, and advocacy organizations available to families in
Maryland.

Fast Facts about Autism in Maryland:

In 2006, Maryland Public Schools provided services to
approximately 5,764 students, ages 3-21, with Autism.

Since 1993, the first year that Autism was available as a
specific disability category, there were 260 students in Maryland
identified as Autistic.

At this time, Autism is the most prevalent of the Pervasive
Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150
births, and this number is rising at an alarming rate (Centers for
Disease Control, 2007).

While the need for early screening identification and services
has grown significantly, the need for professional development
and training for individuals working with students with Autism
has also grown. Administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals,
therapists, school psychologists, guidance counselors, and
higher education personnel need additional and ongoing
professional development to assist in developing programs,
supports, and services for children with Autism.

To address these emerging areas of need, the Maryland State
Department of Education is collaborating with local programs
and interagency partners in a number of initiatives to increase
the information about and support for children with Autism.
These programs, partnerships, and initiatives are highlighted on
this site.

Brain Injury Association of Maryland, Inc.,
2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207, 410- 448-2924,
www.biamd.org

Building Futures, LLC,
P.O. Box 2162, Ellicott City, MD 21041, 410-707-6288,
info@buildingfutures.biz,

Building Futures wants to help parents break the poor parenting
chain that has been passed down from generation to
generation. Parents have a tendency to be on automatic pilot.
They do what their parents did; whatever comes natural to them.
Or they hate what their parents did so they do the opposite. Both
have a tendency to work poorly. There is a third alternative and
that is to be a conscious choice maker. Learn which strategies
works best for your family and have the greatest chance of
delivering your desired results.

Chesapeake-Potomac Spina Bifida Association,
P.O. Box 1750, Annapolis, Maryland 21404, 1-888-733-0988,
www.chesapeakespinabifida.org

The impetus to create the Chesapeake-Potomac Spina Bifida
Association came from parents of local chapters and
professionals from the regional spina bifida centers concerned
about the unmet needs of their children and adults with spina
bifida. The organizers met in 1993 and began an effort to create
a regional association to provide coordinated medical,
educational, vocational and social services to individuals with
spina bifida. In 1997, the association became a 501(c) 3
organization serving individuals with spina bifida and their
families in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (CH.A.D.D), National Office, 8181 Professional Place,
Suite 150, Landover, MD 20785, 301-306-7070,
www.chadd.org

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(CHADD), is a national non-profit, tax-exempt (Section 501 (c)
(3) ) organization providing education, advocacy and support for
individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site,
CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep
members and professionals current on research advances,
medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD.
These materials include Attention! magazine, the CHADD
Information and Resource Guide to AD/HD, News From
CHADD, a free electronically mailed current events newsletter,
as well as other publications of specific interest to educators,
professionals and parents.

Educare, Jacquline Hirsh, Executive Director,
11140 Rockville Pike, #196, Rockville, MD, 20852,
301-588-2130, www.1e ducare.com

Educare is a unique learning and motivational service
committed to helping individuals achieve their life goals.
Through its workshops and consultation services, Educare has
gained a national reputation as a valuable resource for families,
schools, and organizations.

Since 1984, Educare has facilitated scholastic and
organizational improvement.

Psychological Services
Psychoeducational Evaluations -Specifically for children
suspected of having a learning disability and/or having Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Behavior Management Consultation- For parents and teachers
interested in working one-on-one with a behavior specialist to
manage specific child behaviors.

Parent and Child Interventions- Counseling for families with a
focus on teaching parents ways to be more therapeutic with their
difficult to manage children.

Tutoring Information - Educare provides specialize tutoring
services for all ages focused on the following:

Reading and Writing- Tutoring for learning disabled individuals
of all ages.

Pinpointing the Solution-   Educational and organizational
tutoring for individuals with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder

Getting Ready- Helping to prepare individuals for college

Seminar Information- Educare has the capability to custom
design a seminar that is tailored to your needs.

Educare provides a broad and evolving array of educational and
motivational seminars. Some of these include:

Leading the Way: Transforming your visions into realities.
Leadership skills for teachers, administrators, and students.

Curriculum Cornucopia: An opportunity to dabble and discover.
Curriculum development with a hands-on approach for teachers.

Mirror, Mirror, On the wall, Are We Standing Tall? Multisensory
and experiential learning strategies to cultivate self-esteem and
employee satisfaction.

When the Going Gets Tough- Teaching exceptional children and
adults conflict resolution skills.

The M & M Lesson - Countering Racism and valuing cultural
diversity in the classroom and community.

Calgon Take Me Away- Stress management strategies for
teachers and parents.

The Spice of Life- Providing parents and teachers with the
ingredients for positive interactions with children.

How To Increase Compliant Child Behavior- Behavior
management for parents and teachers.

Easter Seals Child Development Center, National Archives
Records Administration (NARA),
8601 Adelphi Rd., College Park, MD 20740, 301-837-3515,
gwbr.easterseals.com

Easter Seals Child Development Centers provide early
education and full-day child care for children with and without
disabilities, ages six weeks through five years. Our staff are
specially trained to work with children with a wide range of
disabilities and developmental delays, helping children of all
abilities work toward their developmental goals at a time in their
lives when they are most ready to learn.

Easter Seals Child Development Centers practice inclusion,
placing children with and without disabilities in the same
classrooms and activities. These settings enable children with
disabilities to learn and grow by imitating the actions of their
nondisabled peers. Children without disabilities learn at an
early age to understand, respect and accept differences.

Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region,
8503 LaSalle Road. Towson, MD 21286-5915, 410-828-7700,
800-492-2523,
www.epilepsyfoundation.org

The Epilepsy Foundation is a system of community-based,
affiliated organizations that work to provide people with epilepsy
and their families with access to critical services where they live
and work.

Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH),
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300
Baltimore, MD 21202
www.odhh.md.gov, odhh@gov.state.md.us
410-767-6290 Main / Voice
443-453-5954 Video Phone
410-767-7756 TTY
410-333-1016 Fax

ODHH was established in 2001 to provide expertise related to
deaf and hard of hearing issues to Maryland citizens and to
facilitate their ability of access resources and services. We
hope that this website will help us to fulfill our mission by
providing access to information and resources related to deaf
and hard of hearing individuals in Maryland.

ODHH believes that all Maryland citizens who are deaf or hard
of hearing should have equal and full access to resources,
services, and opportunities for participation in all aspects of
community life through the provision of appropriate
accommodations.

Individual Differences in Learning Association, Inc.,
Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, 12101 Linden
Linthicum Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029, www.
gifteddifferentlearners.org

IDL, Individual Differences in Learning Association Inc., is a
parent-led, non-profit organization, promoting awareness,
understanding and change in the approach to educating and
supporting students. Our purpose is to provide information,
training and support for teachers, students, parents and others
concerned with the education, health and social and emotional
well being of different learners.

We support families and educate parents through:

*Monthly meetings, second Monday of the month, doors open
@ 7 p.m., presentation from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
* Guest speakers
* Gifted/LD/ADHD Online support group
* Telephone message line
* IDL Website
* Book Discussions
* Partnerships with related organizations

Jewish Social Service Agency, (JSSA),
Maryland Offices: 6123 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Maryland
20852, 301-881-3700; 11B Firstfield Rd., Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20878, 301-990-6880
Virginia Office: 3018 Javier Rd., Fairfax, Virginia 22031,
703-204-9100, www.jssa.org/services/disabilities.html

JSSA's Special Needs and Disabilities programs offer services
to children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities,
autism, Asperger's Syndrome and other related conditions, as
well as those with developmental disabilities, physical
impairments and mobility impairments. JSSA also provides
services to parents, siblings and other family members of
individuals with disabilities. Some services are available for
individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families.
JSSA offers counseling and therapy, the JVS (Jewish
Vocational Services) supported employment program and
individual and family support services. The agency also offers
many social skill support groups for children and adolescents
with ADHA, Asperger Syndrome, PDD, peer relationship
difficulties, ect.

Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute, Maryland Department of
Health & Mental Hygiene, Developmental Disabilities
Administration, Montgomery County Regional Center,
1010 Grandin Avenue Rockville, MD 20851, 301-251-2860,
www.dhmh.state.md.us

Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County,
Inc.,
PO Box 623, Rockville MD 20848-0623, www.ldamc.org

Our volunteer organization is dedicated to enhancing the quality
of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their
families through awareness, advocacy, education, service and
collaborative efforts.

MANSEF,
6501 North Charles Street Towson, Maryland 21204,
410-938-4413

We are located on the grounds of the Sheppard Pratt Hospital
Campus in the Gibson Building, 410-938-4413,
www.mansef.org, email: mansef@aol.com

The Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education
Facilities (MANSEF) is a not-for-profit organization of nonpublic
special education facilities approved by the Maryland State
Department of Education. These facilities, throughout Maryland,
promote quality services for children and youth with disabilities.
They serve more than 4,500 students between 3 - 21 years of
age.
MANSEF unites a diverse community of educators,
professionals and parents into an accessible, visible and
effective organization that champions the continuum of services
for special needs children and adolescents. MANSEF works in
partnership with, and reaches out to, private/nonpublic special
education facilities, families, parent groups, state and local
education and government officials and related service
professionals.

Maryland PTA, www.mdpta.org

PTA is the largest child advocacy organization with over 7
million members in the National PTA and with nearly 220,000
members in the Maryland PTA, whose sole purpose is the
education and welfare of all children at home, in our schools and
communities nationwide.

Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association,
P.O. Box 31,Manchester, MD 21102, 410-239-7770,
office@mdslha.org, www.mdslha.org

Founded in 1964, the MSHA is a non-profit organization
representing nearly 1,000 licensed professionals with advanced
degrees in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Reflecting the cultural diversity of our state, MSHA represents
professionals sensitive to the diverse needs of all consumers.

MSHA is recognized as the official professional organization for
Maryland speech-language pathologists and audiologists by the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

We're committed to ensuring that all people with speech,
language, and hearing disorders have access to quality
services to help them communicate effectively.

On this site are resources to help you understand
communication and communication disorders, as well as a
professional referral service for access to qualified care.

Mental Health Association of Maryland,
The Rotunda, 711 West 40th Street, Suite 460,
Baltimore, MD 21211, 410-235-1178,
800-572-MHAM (6426), info@mhamd.org, www.mhamd.org

Since 1915, the Mental Health Association of Maryland has
been a leader in progressive programs that have led to more
humane treatment, increased research and greater public
understanding and awareness of the needs of children and
adults with mental illness and emotional disorders.

MommyDocs local Maryland website. Practical Information for
Moms, by Moms (and Doctors), www.mommydocs.com

Muscular Dystrophy Association, Maryland/S. Delaware
Chapter, 8501 LaSalle Road, Suite 211,Towson, MD 21286-
5923, 888-484-7072,
email: baltimore@mdausa.org, www.mda.org

National Alliance of Mental Illness of Maryland (NAMI),
804 Landmark Drive, #122, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-863-0470, helpline 1-800-467-0075, namimd@nami.org

NAMI Maryland is a grassroots organization dedicated to
education, support and advocacy for persons with mental
illnesses, their families and the wider community. Our mission is
to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe mental
illnesses and their families.

Pathfinders For Autism,
P.O. Box 10501, Baltimore, MD 21285,
866-806-8400, 410-769-9500,
www.pathfindersforautism.org

“Our mission is to find a path for our children.”

In 2000, Pathfinders for Autism was founded by a group of
parents of children with autism to support and develop lifespan
services, raise funds for autism research, and provide
information and resources for
families of children with autism. Pathfinders for Autism is a 501
(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Special Love, Inc.
Specialove for children with cancer, www.specialove.org

Special Love Headquarters:
117 Youth Development Court
Winchester, VA 22602
540-667-3774 or 888-930-2707
fax: 540-667-8144

Maryland Office:
31 Center Drive, Box 2062
Bethesda, MD 20892-2062
888-930-2707

Every kid has the right to be a kid.
That's why Special Love gives children and young adults with
cancer and their families a chance to enjoy normal childhood
activities that healthy kids often take for granted. From week-
long camps, like Camp Fantastic and BRASS Camp (for
siblings), to weekend retreats for families, teens, and young
adults, Special Love's programs represent a community of
support that shows kids with cancer and
their families that they are not alone.

Special Signers
443-722-4479, www.specialsigners.com

Lisa Blumenthal, M.Ed, a certified special educator from
Gallaudet University and fluent in American Sign Language,
spent the last 7 years working in the Deaf community and
teaching American Sign Language. Lisa has extensive training
and experience educating both children and adults. As a way of
opening the doors of communication to a broader population,
Lisa has become passionate about the progressive use of sign
language for hearing children with vocal language barriers. Lisa’
s initial work with these children and their families has shown
unequivocal success and potential.
Provides private sign language lessons for special needs
children with spoken language barriers and their families.
Cost: $45/session
12 unit curriculum
Classes in Silver Spring, MD

The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), Inc.,
10100 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895,
301-929-8824,
PEPOffice@aol.com, www.PEPparent.org

PEP is a non-profit educational organization for parents,
teachers and others who want to deal constructively with children
and teens. PEP is dedicated to the building and strengthening
of healthy, harmonious adult-child relationships in the home or
classroom.

All PEP services (classes, workshops, talks, library) present a
practical, proven approach to childrearing based upon the
Adlerian philosophy of mutual respect, shared responsibility,
developing competence, and winning cooperation.

The Parents' Place of Maryland,
801 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite 103, Glen Burnie, MD 21061,
410-768-9100, info@ppmd.org, www.ppmd.org

The Parents' Place of Maryland is a non-profit family-centered
organization. Our sole purpose is to enhance the lives of
persons with disabilities.

We are here to serve the parents of children with disabilities
throughout Maryland, regardless of the nature of their child's
disability or the age of their child. We know that all parents want
their children to participate as fully as possible in home, school,
and community life. We also serve the greater Internet
community by providing these web pages of information helpful
for anyone with a child in special education.

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland,
1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 226, Baltimore, MD
21208-2935, 410- 484-4540,
info@ucp-cm.org , www.ucp-cm.org

For more information on UCP services offered in your
community, please contact your local UCP affiliate. Services
may include therapy, assistive technology training, early
intervention programs, individual and family support, social and
recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals,
employment assistance, and advocacy. If there is no UCP
affiliate in your area, please contact the UCP National Office at
1-800-872-5827 for resource information.

VSA arts of Maryland, MD State Dept of Education,
200 West Baltimore Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland
21201, 410-767-0173, www.vsarts.org

The mission of VSA arts Maryland is to enrich the lives of
persons with disabilities through active involvement in the arts.
VSA arts of Maryland operates on the principles that the arts are
fundamental to the human experience; the arts provide
experiences for children and adults that contribute to their
intellectual, social, physical, and aesthetic well-being; and that
every individual has the inherent right to realize their creative
potential, know the joy of creating and achieve fair and equitable
inclusion in the cultural life of their community.

Washington Parent Magazine,
4701 Sangamore Rd.. # N270, Bethesda, MD 20816,
301-320-2321,
www.washingtonparent.com

Maryland Local Resources