Upcoming Opportunities for Parents Relating to Special Education
**All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.**
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
*Two 9-1-1 Pre-Notification Programs Are Now Available
Both allow prior registration so that first responders will be aware of the special needs of individuals at the scene.
*Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
*Fairfax County Community Connect
https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.
*6-Month Parent Support for Raising Children with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) meets monthly on the 3rd Monday, Oct. 17 through Mar. 20, 1-2 pm. Register: Email Carey Tompkins, [email protected] your name and a brief explanation of your interest in the group.
*Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions
Mon. Oct. 10 to Tue. Nov. 29, with access 24/7
Learn about the many options to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/transition-university-fall-2022/
*IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Sun. Oct. 30 to Sun. Nov. 20, with access 24/7. Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings, including many practical strategies.
Register:: https://peatc.org/event/iep-university-5/
*REVIVE! Training
Multiple dates & times
Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Get supplies.
Register: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
*Helping Lonely Teenagers with ADHD: Parent-Teacher Strategies for Combating Peer Rejection
Tue. Nov. 1, 1 pm, with replay link
Gain strategies to help your kids to improve their behavior and reputation, and ways to enlist teachers to provide similar help.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/lonely-teens-adhd-strategies-peer-rejection/?
*Transition Lunch & Learn
Wed. Nov. 2, noon-1:30 pm
Plan for the transition to adult services by learning about supports for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpceysrT4iHtLq8xMpk521618VpRN1L7rJ#/registration
*Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
Wed. Nov. 2, 6:30 pm
Learn what to expect at an IEP meeting, how to prepare for it, and how to work together afterwards to support your student.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ap2upLW7Sk2IbdpQ0TYAzg#/registration
*Nontraditional Families: Fostering Resilience and Inclusivity While Welcoming and Affirming All Families
Thu. Nov. 3, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the strengths and challenges of these families, effective communication practices, and strategies for supports.
*DMV Connect
Fri. Nov. 4, 9:30 am-3:30 pm, 601 Catoctin Cir. NE Leesburg
Make an appointment to transact DMV business at the Ally Advocacy Center in Leesburg.
Register: https://www.thearcofloudoun.org/event/dmv-connect-3/
*Where to Start: Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has Cancer
Fri. Nov. 4, 10:00-1:30 am
Information and guidance on how to support your children throughout a cancer journey.
*Real Estate in a Special Needs Trust
Fri. Nov. 4, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn how real estate can be handled in a Special Needs Trust to increase housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YESQ9D9Qcqr2DNoTlIajQ
*Circle of Support Conference
Sat. Nov. 5, 10 am-noon
Gain a sense of how multiple entities can work together to support and encourage special needs individuals.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zm5oQziuR-aQmOJMeCSkKg
*How to Get Unstuck And Write: Start to Finish — for HS Students
Sat. Nov. 5, 1:00-2:30 pm, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. # 200, McLean
Students will learn how for every writing roadblock there is a strategy they can choose to help them plow through it.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-get-unstuck-and-write-tickets-423572104567
*Sensory-Friendly Hours at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Sun. Nov. 6, 8:30-10:00 am, 245 First St. Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Register: email [email protected] with your family name and the number of individuals that will be visiting
*Considerations for Autism Evaluations in the Public Schools
Wed. Nov, 8, 3:30-4:30 pm
The definition of autism in medical and legal settings will be compared and contrasted with its educational identification.
Register: https://vcurrtc.org/training/webcasts/webcastDetails.cfm/615
*Mindfulness: Your Resource for Achieving Control and Calm at Any Age
Wed. Nov. 8, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learn about the science supporting mindfulness and strategies to help families to experience its benefits.
Register: https://www.mcleanschool.org/events/ces_mindfulness/
*Ways to Adulthood — in Spanish
WAZE a la Adultez
Mier. 9 de novembre, 6:00-7:30 pm
Este taller compartirá información sobre las cosas que deben tenerse en cuenta cuando su ser querido cumpla 18 años.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s1kHyKSmTeqGBHQUwpND1Q#/registration
*My Teen with ADHD Lacks All Motivation! How to Build Executive Function Skills and Drive
Wed. Nov. 9, 1 pm
Learn how ADHD impacts motivation and executive functioning in teens and how to compensate for these challenges.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/i-dont-care-teen-angst-motivation-executive-function-adhd/?
*Everything You Need to Know About Opioids
Thu. Nov. 10, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn: how teens are getting drugs; opioid risk and misuse; withdrawal and overdose symptoms; naloxone and how it works.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0TMfdr6MV3nw7-CDuMqHc20Md_n5UkelKCony7MQJ-YEcPA/viewform
*Unpacking Inclusion: If it is right for us, how will it work?
Thu. Nov. 10, 1:30 pm
Consider the challenges and benefits of inclusion so that you can figure out what is best for your child’s unique needs. With Q&A
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wHT87I2wRhi3MThWdsqT6A
*Moving On to Life in the Community: Resource Fair
Thu. Nov. 10, 6:30-8:30 pm, 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr. #1000, Fairfax
A presentation and resource fair will help parents of students with significant disabilities think concretely about after graduation.
*Mindful Parenting
Thu. Nov 10, 7:00-8:30 pm, 4600 N. Fairfax Dr. # 300 Arlington
Put mindfulness to work when you show up for your child to help them thrive. $10
*Transition Lunch & Learn
Wed. Nov. 16, noon-1:30 pm
Plan for the transition to adult services by learning about the Arc’s Tech for Independent Living program.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpceysrT4iHtLq8xMpk521618VpRN1L7rJ#/registration
*Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Wed. Nov. 16, 6:30 pm
Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific one.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ap2upLW7Sk2IbdpQ0TYAzg#/registration
*When to Worry: Pediatric Emotional Problems in a Time of Stress
Wed. Nov. 16, 7:00-8:30 pm
A review of the major symptoms of pediatric emotional disorders and therapies will be followed by when to seek help.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/3916609303099/WN_jr-1z2KxR6uHE-6zWJPEwg
*Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Thu. Nov. 17, 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=47
*Twenty-Two Cents an Hour: Disability Rights and the Fight to End Subminimum Wages
Thu. Nov,.17, 2:00-2:45pm
Consider the past and present of disability employment, the disability industrial complex, and a current bill in congress (HR 2373).
Register: https://vcurrtc.org/training/webcasts/webcastDetails.cfm/633
*Bullying Prevention
Fri. Nov. 18, 10:30 am-noon
Consider how FCPS defines and handles the various types of bullying and related behaviors, and how to prevent them.
*Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Nov. 20, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl11202022.attendease.com
*More Than Sad: Parent Education
Sun. Nov. 21, 4-6 pm,
This program teaches caring adults about depression, demystifies treatment, and encourages those in need to seek help.
Register: https://mtsssc10022022.attendease.com
*REVIVE! Training — in Spanish
¡REANIMAR! Capacitación
Martes, 29 de nov. 1 pm
Aprenda qué hacer en una situación de sobredosis, cómo administrar naloxona y qué hacer después. Se pueden proporcionar suministros.
Registrarse: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revivm
*Building a Resilient Relationship with Your Teen
Wed. Nov. 30, 6:30-8:00 pm, 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Learn the practical parts of adolescent development to guide your nurturing and limit setting for your teen.
Register: https://bit.ly/3DedrXp
*Ongoing and On Demand
*Gun Violence Prevention Resources
https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/gun-violence-prevention-resources
Back-to-School ADHD Master Class — Self-Guided Course
This 10-part multimedia course has modules on accommodations, executive functions, behavior challenges, learning differences, etc.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-school-master-class-ceus-teachers-parents/?
Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Participants will learn how to use the ALSUP assessment and how to solve problems collaboratively. $149
Access: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/2dayjan22
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months
Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs. Scholarship: https://thearcus.surveymonkey.com/r/H7WNHB7
Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar, available 24/7
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.
To request accommodations, email [email protected] or 703 324-8563
Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks
Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships
NAMI Basics
This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).
Register: https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy.
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm $50-$90
Get Ready for College: A Resource for Teens with Disabilities
Online, Self-Paced 8 Class Course from VCU
This course for high school students with disabilities focuses on preparation for college, selection of a college for best fit, and the disability services process.
Access to Success — Online Self-Paced 8-class Course for Students with Disabilities
High school and college students can learn about their disability rights and how to obtain accommodations in college. Use the mp3 files for audio.
Access: https://rtcil.ku.edu/ats-home
The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism
From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services.
Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm
Community Support Groups for Youth & Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is to be respected.
Support Groups for Youth
ASNV Autism Social Group for high school students and young adults meets on the 1st Saturday monthly noon-1 pm. Contact Nicci Dowd at [email protected]. Join meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87204681036?pwd=dlEvRWltZjlZdXZtN1g1Wll4SGRJZz09; Meeting ID: 872 0468 1036; Passcode: 276691
ASNV Teen Time for youth, age 13-19 with ASD, meets virtually Tuesdays, 6-7 pm. Contact: [email protected] Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile at (301) 715-8592
Escape Room Book Club (with hybrid-media) for neurodiverse teens, ages 12-18, to connect with their peers, meets monthly on the 4th Thu. At 4:30 pm at Brambleton Library, Brambleton. Contact: [email protected] for current books 571-258-3998
Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups
These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm. Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/heads-up-talk-it-out
People First for Young Adults is a social and self-advocacy group for youth with disabilities ages 14-26. It meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 pm. Contact: email [email protected]
S.L.A.M. (Share, Learn, Aspire, Mentor) for ages 16-24, meets the 3rd Thursday monthly, 6-8 pm. Contact: Melvin [email protected]
Youth MOVE, for ages 14-29, meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday monthly at 6:30 pm. This facilitated group is for teens with mental health concerns. Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXeiGDRnqHnPu6fqHBBylQ-1tBB6WtP_9d-goW5pDxJj0TBw/viewform
Youth Empowerment Transition Council, for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, meets on the 2nd Monday of the month to advise PEATC and build advocacy and leadership skills. Contact: [email protected]
Support Groups for Parents
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda [email protected] or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email [email protected] or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: [email protected]
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at [email protected]
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or [email protected]
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 6-7 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: [email protected] o 703-324-7720
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Susan, [email protected] or call 303-903-9972.
- West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, [email protected]
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: [email protected] or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George [email protected] or call 703- 545-6089.
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions
Embark in the DC Metro Parent Support Group is for parents of children and youth with mental health challenges. It meets virtually on alternate Thursdays, noon-1 pm. Register: https://www.embarkbh.com/event/dc-metro-virtual-parent-support-group/
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85-juvenile
Family F.I.R.S.T. Fridays Autism Support Group meets on the 1st Friday monthly, noon-12:45 at Gum Spring Library 24600 Millstream Dr. Stone Ridge
Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions. Contact: [email protected] www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group
Formed Families Together hosts monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805
Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.org/supportgroups
Grupo de Chat para Padres: Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw
Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682
Hablemos educación especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm
Registrarse: https://xminds.org/event-4522635
Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups
These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm. Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/heads-up-talk-it-out
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 1st Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email [email protected] .
Let’s Talk Transitions meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 7 pm to discuss their autistic teen’s post-high school plans.
Register: https://xminds.org/event-4522626
Military Families Support Group meets the 1st Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email [email protected] for details
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.
Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best [email protected]
NAMI Connection Support Group for Young Adults (18-36) meets on the 3rd Tuesday monthly, 7:30-9:00 pm. Register: email [email protected]
NAMI Family Support Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom for parents of children living with mental health challenges including ADHD, ASD, etc. https://zoom.us/j/94509229914
NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. Email namicva.org or call 804-285-1749
NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5687947368
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: [email protected] or call 202-215-5859
Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email [email protected] or 703-324-7720
Parent Support for Raising Children with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) meets monthly on the 3rd Monday, Oct. 17 through Mar. 20, 1-2 pm. Register: Email Carey Tompkins, [email protected] your name and a brief explanation of your interest in the group.
Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Wednesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/november-december-dates-for-virtual-parent-support-group-meetings/
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris [email protected]
Parents of Autistic Teens meets some Sat. of each month. Contact: Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or [email protected]
People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for BIPOC parents of children with autism. They meet virtually on the 1st Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4534279
REACH Parent Support Group meets monthly to support parents of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental health or behavioral issues. Contact: Dr. Pourmand [email protected] health
Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] .
Virginia Family Network Parent Meetup is on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8 pm for parents/caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] .
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