Annual Special Education Resource Fair
Join us for our Annual Special Education Resource Fair, a free, family-friendly event designed to connect families, educators, caregivers, and community members with the information and support they need to help every child thrive.
This year’s fair brings together even more local service providers, therapists, advocacy organizations, assistive technology experts, and school system partners—all in one place. Whether you’re looking to understand available services, explore new tools, or meet others navigating similar journeys, you’ll find valuable resources for every age and stage.
What to Expect:
Dozens of exhibitors offering programs and services to students with disabilities
Information on IEPs, and family supports
Activities for children and youth in a sensory-friendly environment
Opportunities to ask questions and connect with experts
Everyone is welcome. Come explore, learn, and build community—we’re here to support every learner.
Annual Commendations & Recommendations to Frederick County Board of Education
SECAC Annual Commendations & Recommendations Presentation to the Board of Education
Each year, the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) presents its Annual Commendations and Recommendations to the Board of Education. This important report lifts up what is working well for students with disabilities and their families, while also outlining meaningful opportunities for improvement across Frederick County Public Schools.
The presentation reflects months of listening to families, educators, and service providers, as well as reviewing trends, data, and lived experiences. Together, the commendations and recommendations highlight both progress made and the work still needed to ensure every student receives the support, inclusion, and resources they deserve.
What the Annual Report Includes:
Commendations celebrating effective programs, staff, and initiatives
Recommendations to strengthen special education services, communication, and outcomes
Input from families, school staff, and community partners
A roadmap for collaboration between SECAC and FCPS leadership
This presentation is a cornerstone of SECAC’s mission: promoting transparency, elevating family voices, and advocating for high-quality, equitable services for all students with disabilities. We invite the community to follow this work and stay engaged as we continue partnering with the school system to build a stronger, more inclusive future for every learner.
Community Listening Series @ Urbana Regional Library Natelli Community Room
Purpose
To engage families, educators, students, and community members in meaningful conversations about the experiences, needs, and priorities of students with disabilities in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). These sessions will inform SECAC’s recommendations to the Board of Education and support inclusive policy development and advocacy.
Focused on gathering input related to special education, accessibility, equity, and family support within FCPS.
Location
The Anthony Natelli Community Room at the Urbana Regional Library is located on the ground level, just inside the lower entrance from the large parking lot, across from the Senior Center.
Approach
Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
Community Conversation Guiding Question (45 Minutes): What has your experience been like navigating special education in FCPS?
Interactive Feedback Activity (25 minutes)
Closing & Next Steps (10 minutes)
Privacy Language
These sessions are not intended to address issues involving individual personnel matters, complaints, or concerns that identify specific students, staff members, schools, cases currently under appeal, or any form of advertising or solicitation of products or services. Individuals with specific concerns regarding the actions of staff members are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Education Leadership directly at SpecialEducation@fcps.org. To reiterate, personal information about students, staff members, and school names should not be disclosed during the listening session.
Community Listening Series @ C. Burr Artz Community Room
Purpose
To engage families, educators, students, and community members in meaningful conversations about the experiences, needs, and priorities of students with disabilities in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). These sessions will inform SECAC’s recommendations to the Board of Education and support inclusive policy development and advocacy.
Focused on gathering input related to special education, accessibility, equity, and family support within FCPS.
Approach
Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
Community Conversation Guiding Question (45 Minutes): What has your experience been like navigating special education in FCPS?
Interactive Feedback Activity (25 minutes)
Closing & Next Steps (10 minutes)
Privacy Language
These sessions are not intended to address issues involving individual personnel matters, complaints, or concerns that identify specific students, staff members, schools, cases currently under appeal, or any form of advertising or solicitation of products or services. Individuals with specific concerns regarding the actions of staff members are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Education Leadership directly at SpecialEducation@fcps.org. To reiterate, personal information about students, staff members, and school names should not be disclosed during the listening session.
Community Listening Series @ Thurmont Regional Library Community Room
Purpose
To engage families, educators, students, and community members in meaningful conversations about the experiences, needs, and priorities of students with disabilities in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). These sessions will inform SECAC’s recommendations to the Board of Education and support inclusive policy development and advocacy.
Focused on gathering input related to special education, accessibility, equity, and family support within FCPS.
Approach
Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
Community Conversation Guiding Question (45 Minutes): What has your experience been like navigating special education in FCPS?
Interactive Feedback Activity (25 minutes)
Closing & Next Steps (10 minutes)
Privacy Language
These sessions are not intended to address issues involving individual personnel matters, complaints, or concerns that identify specific students, staff members, schools, cases currently under appeal, or any form of advertising or solicitation of products or services. Individuals with specific concerns regarding the actions of staff members are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Education Leadership directly at SpecialEducation@fcps.org. To reiterate, personal information about students, staff members, and school names should not be disclosed during the listening session.
Community Listening Series @ Brunswick Community Room
Purpose
To engage families, educators, students, and community members in meaningful conversations about the experiences, needs, and priorities of students with disabilities in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). These sessions will inform SECAC’s recommendations to the Board of Education and support inclusive policy development and advocacy.
Focused on gathering input related to special education, accessibility, equity, and family support within FCPS.
Approach
Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
Community Conversation Guiding Question (45 Minutes): What has your experience been like navigating special education in FCPS?
Interactive Feedback Activity (25 minutes)
Closing & Next Steps (10 minutes)
Privacy Language
These sessions are not intended to address issues involving individual personnel matters, complaints, or concerns that identify specific students, staff members, schools, cases currently under appeal, or any form of advertising or solicitation of products or services. Individuals with specific concerns regarding the actions of staff members are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Education Leadership directly at SpecialEducation@fcps.org. To reiterate, personal information about students, staff members, and school names should not be disclosed during the listening session.
Advocacy Success & Beyond
Join SECAC for a free online event with Rene Averitt-Sanzone of The Parents' Place of Maryland. Topics covered will include advocacy tips for Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings and beyond as well as strategies for summer.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ijV4PFxoS_O_6-Dgzmu4xw#/registration
Community Listening Series @ Middletown Library Meeting Room B
Purpose
To engage families, educators, students, and community members in meaningful conversations about the experiences, needs, and priorities of students with disabilities in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). These sessions will inform SECAC’s recommendations to the Board of Education and support inclusive policy development and advocacy.
Focused on gathering input related to special education, accessibility, equity, and family support within FCPS.
Approach
Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
Community Conversation Guiding Question (45 Minutes): What has your experience been like navigating special education in FCPS?
Interactive Feedback Activity (25 minutes)
Closing & Next Steps (10 minutes)
Privacy Language
These sessions are not intended to address issues involving individual personnel matters, complaints, or concerns that identify specific students, staff members, schools, cases currently under appeal, or any form of advertising or solicitation of products or services. Individuals with specific concerns regarding the actions of staff members are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Education Leadership directly at SpecialEducation@fcps.org. To reiterate, personal information about students, staff members, and school names should not be disclosed during the listening session.