People Sought To Help With Group Transitioning Disabled Students

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Parents in particular are being sought to serve on Howard County's Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities. A total of 28 members serve on this board, but it is not a requirement to be a parent in order to have a seat. The deadline to apply is June 30.

"Together, we can create a community that provides opportunities for self-determination and independence, whether in college or in one’s career, for residents of all abilities," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. "I encourage parents who are looking to play an integral role in ensuring all our students are ready and successful, to apply to this commission."

The commission’s responsibilities include:

• Advocating for policy on behalf of students with developmental, intellectual and/or physical disabilities;
• Examining current practices and making recommendations on ways to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities;
• Making recommendations that would facilitate successful customized employment and postsecondary education for students exiting the Howard County Public School System; and
• Fostering greater collaboration between the business, academic, non-profit and public sectors to engage in successful initiatives designed to immerse students with disabilities in a work environment and provide important job skills.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, have an interest in the issues impacting transitioning students with disabilities and be able to attend the commission’s meetings, which are held on the second Thursday of the month in January, March, May, September and November from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Roger Carter Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City.

Applicants should send a resume and brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Commission to Kimberly Pruim either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and then to the County Council for confirmation.