04/07/2026
Today, we had them pleasure of being present for the Autism Awareness Proclamation at the Calvert County Commissioners meeting. The following remarks were given by Ashton Felton, SECAC chairperson:
“Good Morning Commissioners. My name is Ashton Felton and I am the Chairperson of the Calvert Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC). I want to thank you and Christine Finnamore for ensuring there is time each year to recognize those in your county that are touched by the Autism community.
Every year at this time, I think of the quote by Temple Grandin, "the world needs minds of all kinds to work together". Many different abilities, viewpoints and backgrounds are needed to have a rich and diverse community.
SECAC is committed to embodying this. We are parents, caregivers, CCPS teachers support staff, leaders and supervisors, related service providers, and community resources that come together for one thing: improve the lives and education of children and young adults with disabilities who receive services and support in our community. We bridge communication gaps, facilitate meaningful conversations surrounding CCPS staffing, supports and services and assist in resource referrals if needed.
Autism awareness and acceptance is not confined to one month out of the year. It is 24/7/365 for many families, including my own. I am a mom of 4, and my eldest daughter is autistic. Through our own personal journey, and in sharing journeys with many families over the years it is profoundly important to remind this body to foster a culture of inclusivity, understanding and support as well as making sure your constituents have a fully funded school system, ample ability for continuing and expanding parks and recreation programming (shout out to Therapeutic Recreation), and have first responders and health services staff equipped to aid the "minds of all kinds" in their home county. It is important to ensure that there is collaboration between the county and educational partners like Infants and Toddlers, Child Find, Secondary Transition & Job development, and the disability resources that are local to Calvert. There is also the continual need to support the welcoming and growth of businesses that support the disability community.
Calvert SECAC always welcomes those who are interested in making a difference for our community. We meet most months out of the school year and our information can be found on the CCPS website under Quicklinks. Upcoming, we are hosting a Special Education Resource Fair this Saturday at CHS from 10-2 that will host approximately 40 resource businesses, providers, presenters, and outdoor displays. We are also excited to celebrate over 200 CCPS staff members nominated by Calvert families at our Annual staff appreciation awards on April 29th. Thank you again for allowing me to join you today. I look forward to continuing to move Calvert forward for all.”
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will meet on Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. The public can attend BOCC meetings virtually or in-person at the Calvert County Administration Building at 150 Main St. in Prince Frederick.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Comcast channel 99 and 1070 HD and on the county website at www.calvertcountymd.gov/Meetings.
You may also call in to listen to the meeting or to participate remotely in public hearings or public comment:
Dial-in number: 929-229-2458
Meeting ID: 202-970-551
Passcode (if asked): #
Public access to any audio, video, internet or web-based broadcast of the meeting will be discontinued when the public body enters into a closed session. Each meeting may experience unique circumstances that may require last-minute changes in protocol, including cancellation or rescheduling. Find the current agenda and past meetings online at www.calvertcountymd.gov/BOCC.
