Surviving Medicaid Waiver Redeterminations
Regency Ballroom
Medicaid Waiver redeterminations have become one of the greatest challenges for people who receive DDA-funded services and the programs that support them. For some, redeterminations have become a threat to their continuing services.
This training explains:
- The purpose of Medicaid Waiver annual redeterminations
- How they are supposed to work
- How they are working (or not working) in practice
- The most common problems and how to troubleshoot them
- How to get help resolving problems with redeterminations
You can download the session slides here and access the session handout here.
About the Presenter
Michael Dalto is a big, old benefits geek. He has delivered training and technical assistance on disability benefits and programs to thousands of people with disabilities, families, and professionals for 37 years. He consults with federal and state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities throughout the country. He is a firm believer in brief biographies.
Cultivating Inclusion and Belonging in Schools
Amphitheater
This session, led by the Special Education Equal Development Society (SEEDS) at the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County (CAPA-HC), will focus on student-led advocacy and family perspectives in supporting individuals with disabilities through a lens of limitless potential. Engage in a dynamic panel discussion featuring students, parents, volunteers, and community leaders directly involved in special education advocacy. The session will highlight lived experiences, challenges, and successes in building more inclusive school and community environments. Learn practical ways youth-led organizations can partner with families and schools to expand access, awareness, and support systems to foster meaningful dialogue that bridges generational perspectives and empowers you to take action in advancing inclusive, equitable communities.
You can download the session slides here.
About the Presenters
Olivia Wu is a junior at Marriotts Ridge High School and Co-President of Special Education Equal Development Society (SEEDS), a youth-led nonprofit organization sponsored by the Chinese American Parent Association (CAPA) of Howard County. Through SEEDS, Olivia promotes inclusion, awareness, and advocacy for students in special education by organizing outreach events, community initiatives, and family engagement opportunities. She is passionate about amplifying student voice and building stronger connections between families, educators, and the special education community. Olivia has led awareness campaigns and represented SEEDS at state and county events to promote equity and support in education. She is committed to fostering inclusive environments where every student feels valued and supported, and collaborating with others to create meaningful change in her community through advocacy and education.
Dr. Yi Han came to the U.S. for his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, College Park, and now resides in Ellicott City, MD. As an undiagnosed autistic adult, and father to two sons also on the spectrum, his advocacy is deeply personal. His commitment to the IDD community began in high school in China and continues through his work with the Autism Society of Maryland, where he serves on the education committee. He was a member of the Maryland Partners in Policymaking® Class of 2025 and serves as one parent supervisor for CAPA-HC SEEDS.
Dr. Han collaborates closely with HCPSS leadership on special education reforms, budget advocacy, and inclusive policy development. He also serves on the HCPSS Autism Workgroup, helping shape recommendations to improve support for students with autism system-wide.
He draws inspiration from Special Olympics champion Loretta Claiborne, who reminds us: “Remember to be your best!”
Michelle Wang is a senior at Glenelg High School. She is a Co-President of SEEDS and has helped SEEDS grow to accommodate over 50 special education families, facilitating over 6.9k SSL hours for youth volunteers. She loves to work with diverse groups of children in contributing to a warm and welcoming community. Outside of SEEDS, Michelle enjoys playing piano, learning new languages, and traveling.
Lanlan Xu, Ph.D., is a national health policy expert, community advocate, and candidate for the Howard County Board of Education. She currently serves as Vice President of Health Policy at KNG Health Consulting and previously held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Lanlan has been deeply involved in efforts to strengthen health, education, and community supports in Howard County. She currently serves on the HCPSS Operating Budget Review Committee and previously served as a Trustee of the Horizon Foundation and as a commissioner on the Local Children’s Board, where she worked to expand school-based mental health services and community partnerships. She also serves on the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention and has helped lead initiatives supporting inclusion, cultural engagement, and volunteer opportunities for students with disabilities.
A proud Howard County parent and longtime community leader, Lanlan previously served as Chair of the Howard County AAPI Commission and has been active in numerous school and community organizations. She brings a collaborative, data-informed, and community-centered approach to improving outcomes for children and families.
Dr. Melissa Brunson is a dedicated educational leader with more than 28 years of experience in special education, school leadership, and district administration. She currently serves as Executive Director of Special Education in Howard County Public Schools and previously served as Director of Special Education in Washington County Public Schools and Supervisor of Special Education in Montgomery County Public Schools. Throughout her career, Dr. Brunson has led strategic initiatives focused on inclusive practices, equitable outcomes for students with disabilities, MTSS implementation, compliance, staffing, and organizational improvement.
Prior to her central office leadership roles, Dr. Brunson served as a principal, assistant principal, and special education teacher, where she championed data-driven instruction, collaborative leadership, and student-centered practices. She has extensive experience leading large-scale professional learning, facilitating cross-functional partnerships, and supporting schools in improving outcomes for diverse learners.
Dr. Brunson earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University and holds multiple Maryland certifications, including Superintendent I & II, Administrator I & II, Special Education Supervisor, and Pupil Personnel Worker. In addition to her K-12 leadership experience, she has served as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University, Howard Community College, and the Community College of Baltimore County.
Jia Wang, M.S., BCBA, LBA, is an educator and behavior analyst with over 20 years of experience in education. She is a Maryland-licensed teacher, Maryland Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She currently serves as a Board Certified Behavior Supervisor with Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). In addition to her professional experience, she brings a personal perspective as the parent of a 14-year-old child with autism, navigating the journey of inclusion and support both at home and in schools. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Post-Master’s certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Johns Hopkins University. In the community, she volunteers through SEEDS to provide training and support for parents and inclusion coaches within local parent support groups.