MD FAMILIES: Parents as Advocates for Their Child with a Disability

MD FAMILIES: Parents as Advocates for Their Child with a Disability

Date Sep 03, 2026
Time 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost FREE
Register Register

We are pleased to offer a free, three-part webinar series presented by Deborah F. Sharpe, Founder & CEO of Sharpe Educational Consulting, LLC designed to help Maryland parents and caregivers better understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, advocate effectively for their child, and learn about the rights and protections available to students with disabilities. Whether you are just beginning the referral process or seeking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this series will provide practical guidance and tools to help you navigate each step with confidence.

These opportunities are offered at no cost to families through our partnership with the Maryland Department of Human Services.

WHEN: Thursday, September 3, 2026

TIME: 10:00-11:30 AM EST

WHERE: ZOOM

COST: FREE*

REGISTER

This webinar empowers parents and caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to effectively advocate for their child’s educational and developmental needs.

Objectives Include:

  • Define advocacy and why it matters
  • Build confidence in communicating with educators
  • Learn strategies for effective IEP meeting participation
  • Understand conflict resolution approaches
  • Create a personal advocacy action plan

Series Webinars Include:

 

Know Your Rights: Discipline Protections for Students with
IEPs & 504 Plans in Maryland

Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 AM EST

Register

About the Presenter

Deborah F. Sharpe is an executive leader and Founder & CEO of Sharpe Educational Consulting, LLC. She partners with CEOs, superintendents, and executive leaders in the public and private sectors to develop policy, lead strategic change initiatives, and implement organizational improvement plans. Her expertise includes executive leadership, organizational development, professional development, facilitation, and budget management.

Ms. Sharpe served for 30 years in the Baltimore City Public School System, holding progressive leadership roles including Special Education Teacher, Special Education Manager, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent/Executive Director of Principals. She is recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education as an expert in turning around low-performing schools and increasing achievement for students with the greatest needs, including those with disabilities. She also contributed to the development of the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) with the National Board of Examiners.

She holds an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Administration and Supervision from The Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Education in Special Education from Coppin State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University.

*This opportunity is offered at no cost to families through our partnership with the Maryland Department of Human Services.

For questions, concerns, or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact
Lauren Lynch at lynch@adoptionsupport.org