From Washington to MCPS: How Special Education Funding Actually Works
APRIL WEBINAR FEATURES SELENE ALMAZAN, ESQ. |
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One year ago, the president signed an Executive Order which directed the Secretary of Education to begin the process of closing the U.S. Department of Education and moving its pieces to other departments and ultimately, back to the states. It is important to know that this order was written to take effect "to the maximum extent permitted by law." In practical terms, this means that while the administration can change how the department is run or staffed, they cannot fully close it without a new law passed by Congress. |
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Despite these legal limits, disability advocacy groups like the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) criticized the Executive Order: "Doing so will significantly harm students with disabilities and limit their access to education, career training, and employment opportunities.”
There's even been speculation that remnants of Education will end up in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). But bipartisan advocacy nonprofit First Focus on Children warns that "[this] would turn back the clock to a time when students with disabilities were treated as patients rather than students.”
Meanwhile, amidst the confusion, parents are waiting for the other shoe to drop. Families with autistic children should be prepared for what the changes might mean for special education.
To get you up to speed on how special education works across the federal, state, and local levels — and why understanding this system is essential for parents of autistic students, join xMinds for our monthly speaker series, From Washington to MCPS: How Special Education Funding Actually Works, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m. with speaker Selene Almazan, Esq., Legal Director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).
Join us to pull back the curtain on shifting policies from Washington to MCPS to gain a deeper understanding of how the special education framework functions today. By knowing exactly how the system is designed to work, you’ll see clearly what is truly on the line for your child and be prepared to protect their rights and services. |
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What this means for your family: Federal laws that protect your child’s rights — specifically the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — remain in place. Your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and the IEP process are still protected by federal law, regardless of this administration's ongoing changes in Washington. xMinds will continue to monitor these developments to ensure our families stay informed. |
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Selene Almazan, Esq. Legal Director, COPAA |
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Speaker Bio
Selene Almazan, Esq. works contractually as Legal Director for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and maintains a private law practice in Maryland representing families in special education matters. A founding member of COPAA since 1998 and former Board member (2003–2014), she has held multiple leadership roles including Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, and has contributed extensively through committees, strategic planning, and litigation initiatives. Selene has been deeply involved in federal policy and legal advocacy, including IDEA reauthorization, charter school policy, and disability rights litigation, and has authored amicus briefs in multiple federal circuits. Previously, she served as Co-Executive Director and Director of Advocacy Services at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and as a Supervising Attorney at the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland. She brings decades of experience representing families and training parents, educators, and advocates on special education law and disability rights. |
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Autism Acceptance Month in Full Swing
FAMILIES CELEBRATE AROUND THE WORLD |
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Since the UN General Assembly first designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007, the day (and the month) have expanded beyond simply awareness into acceptance, appreciation and inclusion. This year’s UN theme was “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value” which we at xMinds celebrate every day.
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April 2 in Annapolis – Closer to home, the Maryland Autism Coalition was present for the formal declaration of Autism Acceptance Month on the House and Senate floors of the Maryland General Assembly. xMinds is a proud member of the coalition. As part of the festivities, the Coalition “received a well-deserved commendation for their incredible dedication to the autism community.”
In advance, the coalition distributed pins and information packets in Annapolis to our elected officials on March 30. Don’t worry, there are still opportunities for you and your family to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, including this weekend: |
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Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Shine Brighter Together at Wheaton Regional Park. Activities will include sensory-friendly story times, exercise demos, arts and crafts, performances and more. Various agencies throughout Montgomery County will be on hand to provide information about local resources. Stop by the xMinds table to meet our staff and volunteers. |
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Saturday, April 18, 8:30-11:30 am, EESNC 5th Annual Autism Walk Benefiting Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community (EESNC), 4425 Garrett Park Road Silver Spring 20906. Join EESNC for a fun, inclusive walk for individuals with special needs, their families, and the community! Visit eesnc.org for more information! Tuesday, April 21 at 1:15 pm - Councilmember Will Jawando and County Executive Marc Elrich will continue their practice of recognizing Autism Acceptance Month with a proclamation at the Council Office Building in Rockville. And throughout the month, check out our resources for fun ways to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month at your child’s school and at home.
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Kendra Scott Fundraiser for xMinds JEWELRY IS PERFECT FOR MOTHER’S DAY
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Just in time for Mother’s Day (May 10), we're partnering with jewelry brand and retail outlet Kendra Scott for a Gives Back Event; you can help make a difference while getting some beautiful jewelry! 20% of every sale goes directly to xMinds.
Here’s how: Visit the downtown Bethesda Kendra Scott store at 4835 Bethesda Ave. on Saturday, April 25 from 2-4 p.m. xMinds staff will be there, so come say 'hi.' Browse the boutique to find the perfect bangle, hoops, or pendant for the mother or caregiver you want to honor this Mother's Day. And if you want something one-of-a-kind, stop by the Color Bar® to design your own pieces. We have some xMinds inspired pieces, too. Just remember to mention xMinds when you make your final purchase. Can’t get to the Bethesda store in person? No problem! Shop online for 48 hours from Saturday, April 25 - Sunday, April 26 at https://www.kendrascott.com and use code GIVEBACK-LRRBB at checkout. |
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Calling All Teen Jedis STAR WARS SOCIAL EVENT - MAY 2
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Ready to share your love of the original Star Wars trilogy with your middle or high-schooler? If they think the galaxy begins and ends with Baby Yoda and The Mandalorian, it's time for a Jedi intervention! xMinds, in collaboration with Slush & Krust Productions, is thrilled to host our third annual Teen Jedi Night for autistic middle and high-school students. This is an out-of-this-world opportunity for teens to connect, create, and celebrate in a supportive environment. |
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What's on the agenda? - DIY Lightsabers: Start the night with a craft project to build your very own glow-in-the-dark lightsaber.
- Jedi Academy: Once your weapon is ready, join our "training" for expert dueling lessons.
- Galactic Giveaways: Visit our "Trade Federation" table to pick up awesome party favors including Ewok Ears, Wookie Masks, Death Star Necklaces, and Storm Trooper Cups.
- Gaming & Music: Video games and groovy tunes will be running all night long.
No Jedi can train on an empty stomach! We'll be serving a full spread of themed treats, including: - Pizza slices -- either Cheese 3PO or Obi Pepperoni
- Chewbacca Chips and Ewokamole
- Vader Veggies and Hyperdrive Hummus
- Yoda Soda and Vader-ade
Join xMinds in collaboration with Slush & Krust Productions for an out-of-this-world experience at the Gaithersburg High School Cafeteria, 101 Education Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Costumes are encouraged; We’ll provide snacks, pizza, and refreshments. Teens will enjoy Jedi Academy training, video games, and groovy tunes. May the force be with you. |
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Special Sunday Playground Meetups
FUN FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY FAMILIES |
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We’re finally back outside! Families had so much fun at xMinds’ first outdoor meetup of the season. Both newcomers and regulars played together (with no arguing!), some brought their older siblings, too! All the little ones ate snacks, while their parents talked to each other and xMinds staff. |
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You can join the fun at the jungle gym for the first of two special Sundays, May 17, 2-3:30 p.m. at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School,11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD.
Everyone is welcome, and there’s no cost to attend! Registration is not required, so feel free to just show up. But if you would like to receive event reminders and an email if we need to postpone due to inclement weather, sign up here.
Mark your calendars for the spring and summer playground meetups:
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Sunday, June 14, 2-3:30 p.m.
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Saturday, July 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
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Saturday, August 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
Registration is not required but sign up here for reminders and notifications of rain dates.
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Wondering About Transition Services?
GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED AT XMINDS/AUSOM EVENT |
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Eric Jorgensen Disability Planning Expert |
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Navigating the transition to adulthood shouldn't feel like a solo mission. Join us for a clinic designed to help you and your young adult master the application process for critical state and federal services and benefits, including DORS, DDA, and SSI. We are thrilled to bring back keynote speaker Eric Jorgensen, disability planning expert and founder of Special Needs Navigator, who will provide the roadmap your family needs to secure these essential services. |
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Take advantage of free, 1-on-1 professional guidance on your transition-to-adulthood questions. Here is how to secure your private consult:
1) Register: Click the 'REGISTER' button below for general admission to the clinic.
2) Check Your Email: Open your registration confirmation email to find the exclusive link and instructions for booking your consultation appointment.
3) Use the Waitlist: If your preferred time is full, please join the waitlist! We prioritize waitlisted families who attend in person, as we often have 'no-show' spots open up on the day of the event.
Community organizations and professional partners will display their resources, and AUSOM and xMinds staff will be available if you would like additional assistance filling out applications. No matter where you are in the process — wondering if you should apply, completing the paperwork, or filing an appeal — this clinic will have something for everyone. |
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Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
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Join xMinds for Bike to the Beach 2026 GET FIT WHILE SUPPORTING A WORTHY CAUSE
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Daniel Tims and his training buddy (and inspiration)
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Whether you ride a bike or simply want to help autistic children, we all have our reasons for supporting xMinds’ team for Bike to the Beach.
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xMinds Program Assistant Daniel Tims explained his inspiration for riding: This year will be my first ever Bike to the Beach ride! I got involved with xMinds after my son's diagnosis in 2024 at age 4 - something that had initially felt overwhelming and isolating turned around as I met this amazing community of parents and kids coming together with support and understanding. Riding with Team xMinds offers that same spirit of camaraderie and making a positive impact. I'm grateful for another opportunity to support this mission and give all our neurodiverse learners the chance to thrive at school.
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As one of xMinds' most beloved annual traditions, Bike to the Beach brings our community together to raise critical funds. This support allows us to maintain the high-quality services our families rely on, from individual advocacy consults to the classroom grants that help local teachers better support their students.
This year’s Bike to the Beach will be held on Friday, June 19. The whole route runs from Union Station, D.C. to Dewey Beach, Del., but you can choose shorter legs of 25, 50, or 70 miles. To get you ready, Team xMinds will hold a series of optional training rides throughout the spring.
Our next training session is Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m., Shirlington to Vienna and back on W&OD Trail, total distance: 25 miles. Drop in and give it a try; no commitment required. If you have any questions, please email our Team Captain Patrick Quigley. Many of our cyclists find that training together offers a fun way to meet other xMinds families.
Find out more about this fundraiser on the xMinds website, where we spell out all the details about this fun and important event. |
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xMinds 2026 Summer Camp Guide
SUMMER WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT |
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Time is ticking away – now that spring break is in the rearview mirror, it might be time to think about summer plans. To help you, we’ve put together the xMinds Summer 2026 Camp Guide. Our guide features an extensive list of camps and programs that autistic kids and teens have enjoyed in past years – including day and overnight programs. |
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We’ve just updated the dates and times for DC Peers half-day morning themed camps and afternoon social clubs for teens. Check out the offerings at https://www.dcpeers.org/camp. Be sure to check our camp guide throughout the spring for updates! |
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Policy Update: Protecting the Potential of Our Youngest Students
MARYLAND STATE SUPERINTENDENT ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES |
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While we celebrate our children exactly as they are, we must also ensure that the educational systems serving them never limit their potential. In Maryland, this conversation often centers on the Alternate Assessment Aligned to Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS) — a path that determines whether a student will work toward a high school diploma or a certificate. |
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The "Certificate Track" in MCPS
At MCPS, this alternative track is called Alternate Learning Outcomes (ALO). While the ALO track provides necessary supports and specialized services for some, it can become a profound disservice when this life-altering determination is made too early in a child’s development. Assigning a child to the "certificate track" often leads prematurely to more restrictive placements and reduced access to the full curriculum.
New State Guidance: Delaying the Decision
To address these concerns, the State School Superintendent issued a memo in March regarding Alternate Assessment Eligibility to change how and when these decisions are made. The memo states:
“Because students do not begin participation in Maryland’s statewide assessments until 3rd grade, earlier eligibility determinations are inappropriate and unnecessary. In addition, such eligibility determinations often lead students to more restrictive placements, less access to the full curriculum and content experts, and less time with their nondisabled peers.”
The Maryland State Deparment of Education (MSDE) recognizes that policy change is only the first step. They have committed to providing local districts with the professional training needed to support students with significant cognitive disabilities within the regular classroom setting rather than defaulting to an alternate framework. What This Means for Your Next IEP Meeting
Despite these state-level shifts, the final determination still happens at the local level. Every year, your IEP team — which includes you, the family — must decide on the appropriateness of alternate assessments. In Maryland, teams use Appendix A: Participation Criteria and Checklist. This process pulls from multiple sources, including:
- Current IEP goals and progress data.
- Results from formal and informal assessments.
- Data gathered from classroom performance.
- Vital input and information from parents and guardians.
Learn More About Placements
MCPS offers various programs across both elementary and secondary schools to support different learning needs. If you want to understand how these placements work in our county, we encourage you to watch our November session with MCPS officials, available on the xMinds YouTube channel. |
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Join Our Monthly Parent Discussion Groups
SHARE STRATEGIES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE |
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Now is the perfect time to connect with other MoCo families who have similar interests and concerns. Our monthly online discussion groups offer the perfect opportunity to chat, share experiences, and exchange ideas.
We’re currently running five groups: |
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Let’s Talk Transitions. Parents/caregivers of an autistic child in middle or high school, approaching the transition to adulthood. Next meeting will be April 22. Register here. Small Steps Together: Parents/caregivers of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Next meeting will be April 27. Register here. Lunchtime Reboot: Relax, unwind and learn some methods to beat the stress of parenting. Next meeting will be April 27. Monthly topic: Celebrating Small Wins (and Redefining Success) Register here. People of the Global Majority. Parents/caregivers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students. Next meeting will be May 4. Register here. Hablemos Educación Especial. Spanish-speaking parents/caregivers of an autistic child. Next meeting will be May 6. Regístrese aquí.
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Ready to Help? BOOKMARK NEW XMINDS VOLUNTEER HUB |
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With a small staff and a big mission, xMinds relies on volunteers to power nearly everything we do — from staffing our IEP Clinic and bringing snacks to the playground, to advising a parent on their child's IEP. Simply put: we could not offer the breadth of services we provide without volunteers.
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Bookmark our new Volunteer Hub and check back often to explore the many ways you can get involved with xMinds as our volunteer community continues to grow.
Whether you have a few hours a month or a specific skill to share, there’s a place for you at xMinds. Together, we can strengthen our community and improve educational outcomes for autistic students in Montgomery County.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator Suzanne Minatra at sminatra@xminds.org. |
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
ROLLING THE DICE FOR KINDNESS |
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In this month’s Autistic Voices spotlight, we highlight Peter Jung, creator of Roll for Kindness, which is dedicated to using tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) as a tool for disability advocacy, inclusion, and accessible socialization. According to his website, Peter is a disability advocate, autism consultant, and public speaker with over 16 years of experience working with autistic clients and 11 years of facilitating social skills groups with neurodivergent teens and adults. |
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Professionally, Peter is advocacy and outreach specialist at Aspiring Youth, a Seattle-based organization that provides social groups, summer camps, coaching, and other programs that help kids make friends, try new activities, and build confidence.
In 2024, Peter published a groundbreaking framework for autistic social advocacy skills, offering an alternative to traditional social skills models. Traditionally, social groups teach such skills as reciprocal communication, eye contact, appropriate conversational topics, and socially accepted facial expressions.
In autistic groups, however, Peter found that instead of those social skills, “students would regularly advocate for their needs, navigate each other’s neurodiversity and access needs, and bond over their shared experiences with autism.” This allowed autistic students to be themselves and put away their masks. One male student enthusiastically stated, “Maximum autism! I love that everyone here is autistic, and we can talk about our special interests without feeling bad!” Peter wrote.
During this Autism Acceptance Month, we applaud anyone that helps our kids find their joy, even if we wish he wasn’t in Washington state. Road trip, anyone? And stay tuned for information about our D&D social group this summer, where we can put some of Peter’s framework into action.
Find Peter on BlueSky. |
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Professional Member Spotlight
As a benefit to both our families and professional members, xMinds publishes information about our professional members here in the xMindsWire as well as on our website. Inclusion does not constitute our endorsement. This month, xMinds would like to highlight the following new and renewing professional members:
Cultivate Rehabilitation Services, LLC
https://www.cultivaterehab.com/
5759 Sunset View Ln, Frederick MD 21703
Contact:Nathalie@cultivaterehab.com; 610-220-4748
Services: Occupational therapy
Cultivate Rehabilitation Services is a therapist-owned private practice that offers therapy services in a variety of settings including nature based therapy, hippotherapy, home and clinic based therapy, and occupational therapy sessions. Cultivate primarily serves children, teens and young adults. The services we offer at the farm begin as early as age 2.
Raising Orchid Kids
Washington, D.C.
http://www.raisingorchidkids.com
Contact:Jen Dryer and Gabriele Nicolet; raisingorchidkids@gmail.com; 917-696-1155
Services: Educational consulting, Behavioral support coaching
Raising Orchid Kids is a parent education and coaching practice dedicated to helping parents find practical strategies that actually work with neurodivergent kids/teens and fostering community among other parents navigating similar challenges. |
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS CORE EVENTS, RESOURCES & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m.
Team xMinds Training Ride
Join our next Bike to the Beach training ride at Shirlington to Vienna and back on W&OD Trail, total distance 25 miles; Starting point:W&OD Trailhead, Shirlington Rd. & S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206. All levels welcome!
More details here.
Wednesday, April 22, 7-7:45 p.m.
Let's Talk Transitions
Online discussion group for MoCo parents of autistic students in middle or high school. Register here.
Thursday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
April Speaker Series: How Special Education Funding Actually Works
Selene Almazan, Esq. explains how shifting policies in Washington, Annapolis, and MCPS directly impact your child's classroom services Register here
Saturday, April 25, 2-4 p.m.
Kendra Scott Fundraiser
Kendra Scott in Bethesda is partnering with xMinds to help us raise funds for our programming.
Monday, April 27, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting. April’s topic: Celebrating Small Wins (and Redefining Success). Register here. Monday, April 27, 7-7:45 p.m.
Small Steps Together
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic elementary or preschool children. Register here
Saturday, May 2, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Teen Jedi Night Join the Resistance for an out-of-this-world experience for autistic middle and high school students. Register here.
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Monday, May 4, 7-7:45 p.m.
People of the Global Majority
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Register here.
Wednesday, May 6, 7-7:45 p.m.
Hablemos Educación Especial
El comité de xMinds sobre el alcance del idioma español está organizando un grupo de discusión en línea mensual en español para los padres de un estudiante autista del condado de Montgomery. Regístrese aquí.
SUNDAY, May 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
Playground Meetup
Preschool and elementary families head back outside! Register here.
Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Transition to Adulthood Clinic
xMinds and AUSOM event offering free professional guidance on applying for disability benefits for your autistic teen or young adult. Register here.
Community Calendar
Our community calendar is FULL of great offerings not only from xMinds, but from professional service providers located in Montgomery County. Check out the programs and events posted on our Events Calendar.
Note: Our Events Calendar shows events on their start date, but some community programs require you to apply before the start date, so please look ahead! |
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Please consider donating to xMinds. We offer all our resources to families and educators at no cost to ensure they are accessible to everyone who needs them. Your support is essential in helping us continue this work. Every contribution makes a difference!
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