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.

Register:  https://peatc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b5868a79d7b2d88d8732aa3c&id=a3c895f4c9&e=be4d54597a

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.

Register:  https://peatc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b5868a79d7b2d88d8732aa3c&id=a3c895f4c9&e=be4d54597a

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.

Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/event/building-family-and-school-partnerships-twice-exceptional-2e-students-k-12

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,

Register:  https://thearcofnovatrust.org/event/fffp-october-6-2023-creating-future-guidance-and-security-letter-of-intent-long-term-advocacy-planning/

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. 

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chadd-of-northern-vadcs-2023-in-person-resource-fair-tickets-711692540547?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/event/what-your-11th-12th-graders-are-learning-school-about-drugs-and-how-you-can-talk-them

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. 

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morning-at-the-museum-at-air-space-tickets-717742987597?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adhd-in-the-workplace-career-fit-interface-and-resolution-tickets-711698899567?aff=oddtdtcreator

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).

Register:  https://peatc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b5868a79d7b2d88d8732aa3c&id=a3c895f4c9&e=be4d54597a

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.

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/assessing-and-treating-anxiety-and-trauma-in-understanding-adhd-symptoms-tickets-711699952717?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

Register: