The Maryland State Board of Education convened on July 25, 2023, to address pressing issues surrounding special education services, particularly in light of budget cuts and the ongoing impact of a Department of Justice investigation. A key focus of the meeting was the autism waiver program, which provides essential support for families with children on the autism spectrum.

During the meeting, a parent shared a heartfelt testimony about their experience with the autism waiver. They highlighted the challenges faced by Frederick County Public Schools, which are struggling to maintain adequate special education programs due to financial constraints. The parent emphasized the importance of continued support for families, noting that their child had made significant progress with the help of the waiver, transitioning from a difficult situation to pursuing interests in a future career.

The parent urged the board to consider several amendments to the autism waiver program. They called for a yearly rate increase to keep pace with inflation and proposed allowing family members to provide therapeutic services. This change would enable children to feel more comfortable during social skills training. Additionally, they suggested lowering the minimum age for staff to 16, which could help address the shortage of special educators by expanding the pool of potential employees.

The parent also advocated for increasing the hours of services provided under the waiver, specifically for Alternative Living Programs (ALP) and respite care. They argued that these changes would not only benefit families but also lead to long-term savings for Medicaid and improve the state's competitiveness with other regions offering similar services.

The meeting underscored the critical need for enhanced support for special education in Maryland, as families continue to navigate complex challenges. The board's response to these concerns will be pivotal in shaping the future of autism services in the state.