Community Events Relating to Special Education
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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/
A new Virginia Office of the Children’s Ombudsman will advocate for systemic changes in Virginia’s child welfare system and will both receive and investigate complaints regarding the actions or decisions of departments of social services in cases involving children alleged to have been abused or neglected and children who are in foster care.
Information: https://bit.ly/3885c1O
Fairfax County Park Authority Adapted Recreation Survey
FCPA would like to know your needs and preferences in adapted recreation in order to improve future classes..
Access until June 5: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VQGTSVV
Early Childhood Academy — For families of young children with disabilities
May 14 to June 18 — self paced course
Learn practical information to help you help your child develop skills to be successful in life.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/early-childhood-academy-spring-2022/
Plan Ahead — Parent Institute 2022
Thu. Jun. 23, 9 am-3 pm and Fri. Jun. 24, 8 am-noon
This training connects parents who are new to special education with resources, guidance, and networking opportunities.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-institute-2022registration-297097796507
When Dyslexia and ADHD Overlap: Symptoms, Misconceptions, and Interventions
Wed. Jun. 1, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn the key signs and traits of ADHD and dyslexia, the differences between them, and effective interventions for children with both.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/dyslexia-adhd-overlap-symptoms-interventions/?
Letter of Intent & Long-Term Advocacy Planning
Fri. Jun. 3, 10:00-11:30 am
A Letter of Intent is an important guidance document for a loved one who will need a longterm caregiver/advocate. Learn how to write one.
Register: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/event/fffp-june-3-2022-letter-of-intent/
Preparing for a Military Move? What Every Military Family Needs to Know
Fri. Jun. 3, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain tips and strategies on the registration and withdrawal process, using the education binder and resources in FCPS.
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Sat. Jun. 4, 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
Building Strong Parent Advocates — 6 hour self-paced course
Mon. Jun. 6 to Fri. Jul. 1
This training helps families to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate.
Register: https://bit.ly/3wQqSd4
The Biology of ADHD and Medication Options for Treatment
Tue. Jun. 7, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about the biological basis of ADHD, other disorders that co-occur with ADHD, differences in girls and boys, and medication options.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-medication-options-brain-biology/?
Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers
Tue. Jun. 7, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, the variety of benefits, eligibility for services, and how to apply and obtain benefits.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/disability-benefits-vas-medicaid-waivers-2/
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Jun. 8, 6:30 pm
Well-written goals lead to better instruction. Learn how to contribute to this part of the IEP process.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hsSoTkuwSjOOsUO74qcEAA#/registration
Mindfulness & Self Compassion for Teens with ADHD... and Parents, too!
Fri. Jun. 11, 11 am-noon, with replay link
Learn how to help a teen via mindfulness and self compassion — evidence based supports that help anyone to develop resilience and self efficacy.
Register: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/june-webinars
For Dads with (and Without) ADHD: How to Understand and Support Your Kids
Wed. Jun. 15, 1 pm
Explore approaches to improve your relationship with your child, and learn strategies to help your child get things done and fulfill their responsibilities.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/dads-with-adhd-parenting-advice/
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth and Family Members
Thu. Jun. 16, 1:00-2:30 pm, with extended access $15-$0
Best practices will be discussed for creating an affirming environment for LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ headed families.
Register: https://case.myabsorb.com/#/catalog/5889e7ba-e136-4f09-a4b1-937c6146a208 Use coupon code: IDENTITY
Social Security Basics
Fri. Jun. 17, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance, Survivorship and Disabled Adult Child (SSDI).
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvce-hqTMoHtOFmZmzLyNALzxnW3sGNlQl
Tech Trouble with Complex Kids? Ask Us Anything!
Fri. Jun; 17, 1-2 pm with replay link
Send general questions in advance or join us live to ask your specific question relating to kids and tech!
Register: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/june-webinars
Disability Benefits: Medicaid Waivers in Virginia — In Spanish
Beneficios por Discapacidad: Exenciones de Medicaid de Virginia
Mar. 21 de Jun. 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Obtenga información sobre las exenciones de Medicaid, la variedad de beneficios, la elegibilidad para los servicios y cómo obtener beneficios.
Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/beneficios-por-discapacidad-exenciones-de-medicaid-de-virginia-3/
How To Talk So Schools Will Listen (And Listen So Schools Will Talk)
Wed. Jun. 22, 6:30 pm
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hsSoTkuwSjOOsUO74qcEAA#/registration
Parent Institute
Thu. Jun. 23, 9 am-3 pm and Fri. Jun. 24, 8 am-noon
Parents will be introduced to the special education process, discover new resources, and have opportunities to network.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-institute-2022registration-297097796507
Suicide, Access to Guns, and Extreme Risk Protection Orders:
What Providers And Families Need to Know
Fri. Jun. 24, Noon-1 pm, $10
Learn about the importance of gun access as a suicide risk factor and key interventions to restrict access, including Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
Register: https://www.rosscenter.com/event/suicide-access-to-guns-extreme-risk-protection-orders/?
Plan Ahead — GMU STEM Summer Saturday — For 3rd-5th graders
Sat. Jul. 16, 9 am-3 pm, Nguyen Bldg. 4511 Patriot Cir. Fairfax
Student-centered activities will include team-building, design, the sciences, math, engineering, manufacturing and computer science.
Register: https://cec.gmu.edu/gmu-stem-summer-saturdays
Plan Ahead — Parents as Collaborative Leaders Training
Jul. 20 - July 22
Parents of children with disabilities will gain information, resources and skills to become active leaders in policy development and evaluation.
Plan Ahead — GMU STEM Summer Saturday — For 6th-8th graders
Sat. Jul. 23, 9 am-3 pm, Nguyen Bldg. 4511 Patriot Cir. Fairfax
Student-centered activities will include team-building, design, the sciences, math, engineering, manufacturing and computer science.
Register: https://cec.gmu.edu/gmu-stem-summer-saturdays
Plan Ahead — PACL Advanced Training
August 30 - September 2
Past trainees of Parents as Collaborative Leaders will explore ways to continue to develop their leadership skills and teacher others.
Plan Ahead — 2022 Family Engagement Conference
Sat. Jul. 16, 9 am-4 pm
The speakers will focus on equity in family engagement and sustaining effective partnerships with school personnel.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/2022-family-engagement-conference/
Ongoing and On Demand
Learning Your Way — Online Self-Paced Courses
24/7 Access, Feb. 15, 8 am to Jun. 30, 11 pm
Courses for foster, adoptive, and kinship care families on Special Education 101, Constructive Communication, and Trauma 101.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learning-your-way-spring-2022-tickets-233867141917
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/?
Family Coaching — 8-12 week program
Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan.
Register: https://a109092.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/e8afd273-4daa-4525-a1f1-b8ee33528344
Fairfax County’s Pre-Notification 9-1-1 Program
Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities.
Details & Registration: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile.
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 gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov 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
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
Ongoing Community Support Groups for 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.
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com 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 BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism Society of NoVA Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682; 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: BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov 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, ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 303-903-9972.
West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com 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
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: Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group
Formed Families Together consists of 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 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 (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)
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
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 2nd Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov
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 mczero@yahoo.com
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
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net 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 BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
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 administrator@poac-nova.org .
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 mojgan.pourmand@eastersealsucp.com
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 nanjum@namivirginia.org .
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 nanjum@namivirginia.org .
