Maryland Transition Resources for Families: Fairs, Coordinators, and Where to Get Help

Finding Help That Isn't Behind a Waitlist

Maryland has a deeper network of transition resources than most families realize. The challenge isn't that help doesn't exist — it's that the resources are scattered across state agencies, school systems, nonprofits, and federally funded parent centers, none of which advertise to each other's audiences. A family dealing with the DDA application might never learn about the free advocacy support available through the state's Parent Training and Information Center, or that their county hosts an annual transition fair where adult service providers set up tables and answer questions.

School Transition Coordinators

Every Maryland school system assigns transition support staff to work with students on IEPs who are approaching adulthood. The title varies by county — transition specialist, transition support teacher, secondary transition coordinator — but the role is consistent: coordinating between the IEP team, DORS, DDA, and the family during the transition planning process.

The transition coordinator should be:

• Attending IEP meetings when transition is discussed
• Facilitating DORS and DDA referrals
• Connecting families with local adult service providers
• Helping students access Pre-ETS and work-based learning experiences
• Ensuring the IEP transition plan is updated annually with current goals and services

If you don't know who your child's transition coordinator is, ask the special education department at the school. If the coordinator isn't actively involved in your child's planning, request their participation in writing — their role is written into the school system's transition infrastructure.

Transition Fairs

Some Maryland counties host transition fairs, often in the spring, where families can meet adult service providers, state agency representatives, and advocacy organizations in one place.

At a transition fair, you can:

• Talk to DDA-approved community rehabilitation providers and ask about their programs
• Meet DORS transition counselors and learn about Pre-ETS enrollment
• Connect with SSA representatives about the age-18 application process
• Pick up materials from advocacy organizations and parent centers
• Network with other families who are navigating the same process

Check your county school system's special education department website for fair dates and locations. Some counties also host smaller "transition information nights" throughout the year.

Parents' Place of Maryland (PPMD)

Parents' Place of Maryland is the state's federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center. PPMD provides free support to families of children with disabilities, including:

• Individual assistance understanding IEP rights and transition planning
• Workshops on topics like guardianship alternatives, benefits planning, and adult services
• A statewide helpline for parents who need guidance navigating the special education system
• Connections to local resources and support groups

PPMD is particularly valuable for families who can't afford a private special education advocate. Their staff won't attend IEP meetings or represent you in disputes (that's an advocate's role), but they can help you understand your rights, prepare for meetings, and identify next steps.

Disability Rights Maryland

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is the state's designated Protection & Advocacy organization. DRM provides free legal advocacy for individuals with disabilities, including:

• Legal representation in special education disputes (for qualifying cases)
• Information about guardianship alternatives and supported decision-making
• Sample SDM agreement templates and witness guidelines
• Advocacy around Medicaid, SSI, and DDA service issues

DRM also hosts the state's Client Assistance Program (CAP), which helps individuals resolve problems with DORS vocational rehabilitation services. If DORS fails to assign a counselor, delays services, or denies eligibility, CAP can intervene on the family's behalf.

Respite Care

Families caring for a child with significant disabilities need breaks — and Maryland funds respite care through several channels:

DDA Family Supports Waiver (now part of the consolidated Community Pathways Waiver) covers respite care for eligible families. Hours and funding depend on the person-centered plan.

The ARCH National Respite Network maintains a Maryland-specific directory of respite providers, searchable by county and disability type.

Local Autism Society chapters (Autism Society of Maryland and county affiliates) maintain respite provider lists and sometimes offer respite grants for families of children with autism.

Maryland's Lifespan Respite Program provides small grants to families who don't qualify for DDA respite or who need respite while on the DDA waiting list.

State Agency Contact Points

The key state agencies and their transition-specific contacts:

MSDE Family Support Services — Kenneth Hudock (410-767-0255, [email protected]) helps families resolve compliance disputes with school systems about transition planning and IEP implementation.

DORS Transition Specialists — Jessica Markum (410-554-9109, [email protected]) handles questions about Pre-ETS and student employment services. Muttasim Fadl (410-554-9104, [email protected]) specializes in services for students with blindness or vision impairments.

DDA Regional Offices handle waiver applications and eligibility determinations. Contact information is available on the Maryland Department of Health DDA website.

Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) coordinates cross-agency transition efforts and maintains a transition resource page with links to all relevant state programs.

The Maryland IEP Transition to Adulthood Guide compiles these resources into a single reference directory alongside the transition timeline, so families know exactly which resource to reach for at each stage of the process.

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