Community Resources
Below is information on:
All of 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 at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
- Parent Information Related to Special Education
- Ongoing and On-demand Programming
- Ongoing Community Support Groups for Parents
All of 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 at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
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Parent Information Relating to Special Education
FCPS Special Needs Summer Camp Guide The Parent Resource Center has posted information (without endorsements) for a wide variety of camps for students with special needs. Access: https://padlet.com/prc9/SNsummercamp Plan Ahead — Thrivers Book Discussion with the Author Wed. Apr. 6, 7 pm Read Thrivers: Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, and discuss the character strengths we can develop to help kids flourish. Register: http://bit.ly/CES040622 Plan Ahead — Beyond Behaviors Book Study Wednesdays, May 25 & June 1, 4:00-5:30 pm, book provided Caregivers, parents, and educators will learn practical tools for supporting youth with disruptive behaviors and trauma histories. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-formed-families-forward-collaborative-book-study-tickets-294568882457 Adapted Sports, Recreation and Travel Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities https://poac-nova.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Adapted-sports-and-rec-list-2021.pdf Disbursing from Your Special Needs Trust Fri, Apr. 1, 10:00-11:30 am Be informed about the benefits of a special needs trust and effective strategies for using it to benefit your child. Register: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/event/fffp-april-1-2022-disbursing-from-your-special-needs-trust/ Connecting the Dots: Potty Training for Children with Disabilities Tue. Apr. 5, 1:30 pm Plan ahead to include the IEP and coordinate home and school to ease the process of potty training for your child. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-the-dots-potty-training-for-children-with-disabilities-registration-277592234847 Sibling Roles and Relationships Tue. Apr. 5, 7 pm A panel of siblings of children with disabilities will discuss key issues and how to foster positive sibling relationships. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sibling-roles-and-relationships-registration-295409125647 Start with ‘Hello’: How to Reduce Social Anxiety and Foster Connections Wed. Apr. 6, 1 pm, Pathways to Graduation: Alternative Assessments & Diploma Options Wed. Apr. 6, 6:00-7:30 pm, LCPS 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn Access: https://www.lcps.org/Page/140009 Stress-Management Tools for Students Wed. Apr. 6, 7:30 pm, with extended access $10 Come practice concrete stress-management tools you can share with your children. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stress-management-tools-for-students-tickets-272816951847 Lunch and Learn with Moms in Motion Tue. Apr. 11, noon-1 pm Find out how Moms in Motion can help you navigate the Virginia Medicaid Waiver process for a child with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/#moms-in-motion Facilitating Social Opportunities Wed. Apr, 12, 7 pm Learn how to promote friendships between people with and without ID/DD via strategies and examples of challenges and successes. Register: https://peatc.org/event/facilitating-social-opportunities/ ABLEnow Accounts Thu. Apr. 13, 6:30 pm Discover the advantages of ABLEnow accounts: how the money can grow and be used; who is eligible; and how to open an account. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ablenow-accounts-registration-290800611457 Supported Decision Making from Theory to Practice: Health Care and Life Planning Thu. Apr. 13, 6:30 pm, Learn how supported decision making can allow people with ID and DD to be more in control of their lives and rights. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supported-decision-making-health-care-and-life-planning-registration-267062088897 Helping Your Child Experience Social Success Tuesdays, Apr. 19 & Apr. 26, 8-9 am, with video course $10-$100 Use the video course to learn about a developmental approach to helping children connect with peers and use the discussion group to apply it. Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/ Nurturing Parents Nine Tuesdays, Apr. 19 to Jun. 16, Weekly raffles & prizes Parents acquire a support system and new skills including healthy, effective discipline, stress management, and family rules. Register: https://scanfamilies.org/classes-workshops/ “I Can’t Focus!” When ADHD Impacts Your Child’s Math & Writing Performance Wed. Apr. 20, 1 pm, with replay link Help your child via research based math study skills, organizational strategies, relaxation techniques, and tech tools. Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/how-to-focus-on-schoolwork-adhd-math-writing/? Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack: Supporting and Celebrating LGBTQIAA+ Students and Families Wed. Apr. 20, 7:00-8:30 pm Gain tools to support and celebrate LGBTQIAA+ students as they navigate school. Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5116279322528/WN_5NzUL83zRRyCGYpy9nZUMw One, the Other, or Both? Navigating Medicaid and Medicare for Dual Special Needs Populations Thu. Apr. 21, 11 am Figure out how these programs work together for individuals with developmental disabilities and how to make the most of them. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/ Parent Child Journey— for Parents of Children ages 8-13 Thursdays, Apr. 21 to Jun. 16, 8-9 pm, with video course. $50-$350 Parents discuss and apply information from the video course to ease and improve their child’s home life and social functioning. Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ Parent Autism Conference Sat. Apr. 23, 10 am-2 pm Current and very practical information about living with autism. Including a key note and multiple breakout topics Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-annual-parent-autism-conference-2022-being-offered-online-tickets-293851376377?aff= Talk Saves Lives Sun. Apr. 24, 4-5 pm Suicide can be prevented. Learn how, by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and by learning appropriate responses. Register: https://ncactsl04242022.attendease.com How Emotional Dysregulation & ADHD Transform Teen Relationships from Messes to Minefields Tue. Apr. 26, 1 pm Gain an understanding of how emotional dysregulation can impair teen socialization, and explore helpful evidence-based interventions. Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emotional-dysregulation-adhd-teens-relationships/ Working with Executive Function Challenges in Foster and Adopted Children Tue. Apr. 26, 1:00-2:30 pm, with extended access, $0-$15 coupon code: Executive Recommended interventions for executive function challenges will be provided for both parents and professionals to assist these children. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/syfwebinars/ Pathway to Success: Life and Entrepreneurship as a Disabled Individual Tue. Apr. 26, 2:00-2:45 pm An individual with quadriplegia will discuss her successful path to a career in art. Register: https://vcurrtc.org/training/webcasts/webcastDetails.cfm/593 Nurturing Parents — In Spanish Padres cariñosos Nueve martes, del 19 de abril al 16 de junio, sorteos y premios semanales Los padres adquieren un sistema de apoyo y nuevas habilidades que incluyen una disciplina saludable y efectiva, manejo del estrés y reglas familiares. Registrarse antes del 18 de abril: https://scanfamilies.org/classes-workshops/ Strengthening Families — In Spanish — For parents & tweens Fortalecimiento de Familias — para padres y preadolescentes Jueves y viernes, 28 de abr. al 18 de jun. Sorteos y premios semanales Únase con otros padres y jóvenes, edades 10 a 14, y fortalece el enlace familiar con discusiones, juegos, proyectos familiares. Registrarse antes del 18 de abril: https://scanfamilies.org/classes-workshops/ Plan Ahead -- Spring Forward Family Fun Day Sat. Apr. 30, 8:30 an-2:00 pm, GMU Sci.and Tech. Campus, Prince William Families formed by adoption, foster, or kinship care will have age appropriate fun programing for kids and expert sessions for parents. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-forward-foster-adoptive-kinship-family-fun-day-tickets-266938509267 OCD Southern California 6th Annual Conference Sat. Apr. 30, noon-9 pm, with extended access $20-$35 A keynote panel will be followed by three time slots with a choice of a total of 30 presentations plus an ending Q&A. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocd-southern-california-6th-annual-conference-a-virtual-event-tickets-263955898197 Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group — 13 meetings Mondays, May 2 to Aug. 1, 6:00-8:30 pm Buff up your Dad skills with group activities, discussion, meals, resources, and camaraderie. Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement Plan Ahead -- MILCON 2022: From Alpha to Zulu Sun, May 8, 6 pm; & Mon. May 9, to 3:30 pm, 1000 Virg. Ctr. Pkwy. Glen Allen An exhibit hall and networking, will be followed by presentations on special education, PCSing with an IEP, transition services, etc. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/milcon-2022-from-alpha-to-zulu-registration-257285326337 |
Ongoing and On Demand Programming
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months Build up your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services and supports your child needs at school. 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. Special Education During a Pandemic Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child. Access: https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/ 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://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F 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
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 Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805 Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. 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 (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP 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 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682 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 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 Tuesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/jun-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 |