Parents of students with special educational needs may want to join Fairfax County’s Special Education PTA (SEPTA). They provide a lot of great materials and events. We share some of those resources here as well.
Check out the FCPS Parent Resource Center YouTube for the videos
Parent Information Relating to Special Education for October 2023
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
Todos estos eventos son gratuitos excepto donde se indique.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
Plan Ahead — Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Thu. Oct. 19, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, $165-$225
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests and measurements, SMART IEPs; and effective advocacy. Includes 4 books.
Register: https://www.ppmd.org/event/wrightslaw-special-education-law-advocacy-conference/
Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish
REVIVE! Training
Multiple dates & times
Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Receive supplies.
Register: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
Creative Housing Solutions
Tue. Oct. 3, 10:30 am
A panel of parents and professionals will present creative solutions for families of persons with IDD, but without a DD Waiver.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HwBtGn7IRb6v9mDjqYbV9g#/registration
ADHD in Communities of Color: Scrutinizing Barriers to Health Equity, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Tue. Oct, 3, 1 pm, with replay link
Consider the factors that hamper proper diagnosis and treatment, and gain strategies for improving outcomes.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/health-equity-racial-disparities-adhd-diagnosis-treatment/
Restrained and Secluded: How a Change in Perspective for Students With Disabilities and Simple Science Can Change Everything
Tue. Oct. 3, 1 pm
A new lens on behavior can reduce and eliminate punitive practices and lead to endless potential.
Register; https://thearc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/8416909883727/WN_MRHjt5h9Q_OafDgfDVOaTQ#/registration
Special Topics in Raising Your Challenging Child (Buffet)
One or more Wednesdays, Oct. 4 to Oct. 25, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course plus group discussion on neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, children’s violent play, and helping siblings get along. $$ varies
Oct 4: Coexisting ADHD, Anxiety and Autism
Oct 11: Neurodiversity, Gender and Sexual Variation
Oct 25: Helping Siblings Get Along
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Transition Lunch & Learn
Wed. Oct. 4, noon-1:30 pm
Plan for the transition to adult services by learning about supports for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/
Skill Development and Employment of Neurodiverse Young Adults
Wed. Oct. 4, 2:00-2:30 pm
Learn which skills neurodiverse young adults need to succeed in the workforce and how they can learn these.
Register: https://vcurrtc.org/training/webcasts/webcastDetails.cfm/1658
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Children, Teens, and Young Adults: What Parents and Educators Can Do
Wed. Oct. 4, 7 pm Zoom
Fostering a healthy sense of control at home and in school will be emphasized, and multiple strategies will be covered.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/1016946033178/WN_dWX3tldwRsWFoMll2gNiSA#/registration
Special Education Workshop Series
Wednesdays: 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6, 6:30~7:45 pm
Learn about all the major features of the special education process in Virginia. Register for one or more presentations.
From Referral to Eligibility
Wed. May 4, 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn how to initiate a a referral and about the other initial stages of special education in Virginia.
Special Education Formed Families: Making It Work
Wed. Oct. 4, 7-8 pm
Learn about specialized topics for foster, adoptive and kinship families to be aware of regarding special education.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErduiurjwoE9BTJbufX_wjBqSuGmGfI53m#/registratio
Meet the Tech for Independent Living Team
Thu. Oct. 5, noon-1 pm
Learn about a free service that creates custom apps to help your child with activities of daily living and safety.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtce6qqD8jHNz6UyPkRgItKT7nmk3ecB6h#/registration
Building Family and School Partnerships for Twice Exceptional (2e) Students K-12
Fri. Oct. 6, 10:00-11:30 am
Join the FCPS 2e Specialist for ways to work with school and outside staff to address your child’s learning, social, and emotional needs.
Creating Future Guidance and Security: Letter of Intent & Long-Term Advocacy Planning
Fri. Oct. 6, 10-11 am
Use this workshop to guide you in documenting all the important information for a Letter of Intent for a loved one,
ADHD Resource Fair and Lecture
Sat. Oct. 7, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, 120 Cherry St. Vienna
Dr. Stixrud will speak (11:30 am-12:30 pm) on how to nurture a healthy sense of control in kids with ADHD to support their self-motivation.
Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions
Mon. Oct. 9 to Thu. Nov. 30, with access 24/7
Learn about the many current options to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school.
Register: https://buytickets.at/peatc/1008973?
When Lack of Motivation Runs in the Family: Getting Kids with ADHD Organized & Focused for Learning
Tue. Oct. 10, 1 pm,
Consider effective strategies for helping parents with ADHD to guide the schoolwork of their children with ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/lack-of-motivation-organization-adhd-students/?
Neurodiversity, Gender and Sexual Variation
Wed. Oct 11, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course will be available with registration and the group discussion will be held on Oct. 11. $$ varies
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Understanding Special Education
Wed. Oct.11, 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn the steps of the special education process and the importance of both high expectations and the role of parents in that process.
Register; https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C1cSU1SYQKqNwR2xoedIbg?
Communication, Collaboration, and What to Do When You Just Can’t Agree
Wed. Oct. 11, 7-8 pm
Learn the specifics about special education dispute resolution options for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vf-CsrjwtH9fUAKY-3dslgkasK3tXJ8ms#/registration
From Referral to Eligibility — in Spanish
De la referencia a la eligibilidad
Jueves, 12 de octubre, 6:30~7:45 pm
Conozca las etapas iniciales de la educación especial en Virginia.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw#/registration
What Your 11th and 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them
Fri. Oct. 13, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain information and practice skills to help prepare you to talk with your student about substance misuse.
Morning at the Museum — National Air and Space Museum
Sat. Oct. 14, 8:30-10:00 am, 6th St. & Independence Ave. Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Morning at the Museum — U. S. Botanical Garden
Sun. Oct. 15, 8:30-10:00 am, 100 Maryland Ave. SW Washington DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come explore the garden and for sensory-friendly activities.
Register: email family name and number attending to Maura.Nelson@aoc.gov
FCPS College Night
Mon. & Tue. Oct. 16 & 17; sessions at 5, 6, & 7 pm
Students (including those with disabilities) & parents can learn how to be better prepared for the college experience.
No Registration: links will be published by Mon. Oct. 9 at https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/college-and-career-planning/college-fair-and-college-night
ADHD in the Workplace: Finding the Fit, the Interface and How to Problem Solve
Tue. Oct. 17, 7:30-9:00 pm
A panel of adults with ADHD will share their experiences in the workplace.
Transition Lunch & Learn
Wed. Oct 18, noon-1:30 pm
Plan for the transition to adult services by learning about supports for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/
Research Updates: Nutrition and Autism 2023
Wed. Oct. 18, 1 pm
Learn about the recent research on nutrition and autism.
Register: https://autism.org/research-updates-nutrition-and-autism-2023/
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Oct 18, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Thu. Oct. 19, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, $165-$225
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests and measurements, SMART IEPs; and advocacy. Includes 4 books.
Register: https://www.ppmd.org/event/wrightslaw-special-education-law-advocacy-conference/
Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish
Supported Decision Making: A Tool for Future Supports for People with Disabilities and Families
Thu. Oct. 19, 11 am
Learn what Supported Decision Making is, how to get started, and its value for maintaining autonomy.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IwaJVekCSbqdbXduIQJuTg#/registration
RSD Toolkit: Strategies for Managing Your Sensitivities in Real Time
Thu. Oct 19, 1 pm with replay link
This webinar for adults with rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) may help you understand your child with ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emotional-dysregulation-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-toolkit/
Career Cafe: Chatting with Employers about Apprenticeships
Thu. Oct. 19, 3-4 pm
Join the Virginia Dept. of Aging and Rehab. Services for an employer chat on careers with registered apprenticeships.
Register: https://vadars.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sceuopzgvE9EkNDSqNJG4WUad2ppw9KfN#/registration
What Your 11th and 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them — in Spanish
Lo que sus alumnos de 11º y 12º grado están aprendiendo sobre las drogas y cómo puede hablar con ellos
Viernes, 20 de octubre, 10:00-11:30 am
Obtenga información y habilidades para hablar con su estudiante sobre el abuso de sustancias.
Registrarse: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSs65Xl690ihU7-tClQKfDrT_elCxazRLb4AFAp1Tdm-70WQ/viewform
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings — In Spanish
Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Lunes, 23 de octubre, 6:30~7:45 pm
Aprenda a planificar una reunión del IEP, qué esperar durante la reunión, cómo entablar relaciones allí y cómo defender a su hijo.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw#/registration
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Depression in Teens
Tue. Oct 24, 1 pm, with replay link
Depression in teens has become common. Learn its similarities with ADHD and what to attend to for your teen with ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/depression-in-teens-adolescent-symptoms/?
The Importance of Assessing and Treating Anxiety and Trauma in Understanding ADHD Symptoms
Tue. Oct. 24, 7:30-9:00 pm
Consider how ADHD symptoms can also reflect the impact of underlying anxiety.
Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Wed.Oct. 25, 9:00-3:30 pm
Free 45-minute appointments with an attorney are available for parents to receive guidance on special education topics.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/232527274803153
Helping Siblings Get Along
Wed. Oct 25, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course will be available with registration, and group discussion will be held on Oct. 25. $$ varies
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Preparing for Emergencies for People with Disabilities
Wed. Oct. 25, 11 am-noon
Three agencies will together guide participants in how to create their own emergency plan and toolkit.
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