Special Education Resources

Community Events on Special Education topics

Support Groups for Special Education Families

Community Events Relating to Special Education

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.

When other events become available they will be posted at:

Upcoming Community Events

Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group

Wednesdays, Sep. 6 to Dec. 6, 6:00-8:30 pm

Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills and relationship skills.

Pre-Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement or Bennie Herron 703-324-7308

Plan Ahead — Miracle League of Alexandria Baseball

Wed. Sep. 13, 4:30 pm, Season opens

This program accommodates children with mental or physical disabilities to play baseball. Special field, equipment, and rules.

Active Parenting Class — For families with teens — in Spanish

Clase de crianza activa para familias con adolescentes

Martes, 19 de septiembre al 12 de diciembre, 6-8 pm

Los miembros del la familia aprenden a reconocer las necesidades de los demás y a desarrollar su propio poder personal, su autoconcepto, y su autoestima.
Registrarse: email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone Alba Quinones 703-324-7310

Plan Ahead — Transition Series $50/ family; $25/ individual

Saturdays, Sep. 23, & Oct. 21, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Tysons

This course empowers families of individuals with disabilities who transition from school to community services. Scholarships.

Register by Sep. 13: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/transition-series/

REVIVE! Training

Multiple dates & times

Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Receive supplies.

Successful Transition Planning and the IEP
Tue. Sep. 5, 6:30-7:30 pm

Gain direction and encouragement for active participation in developing an effective plan for your student for after high school.

Special Topics in Raising Your Challenging Child (Buffet)

One or more Wednesdays, Sep. 6 to Nov. 22, 9:30-10:30 am

Video course plus group discussion on neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, anxiety, eating, or sleeping concerns, etc. $$ varies

Sep. 6: ADHD Part I, Helping Your Child with Medication

Sep. 13: ADHD Part II, Problems with Medication

Sep. 20: Anxiety Part I, Child-Centered Approaches

Sep. 27: Anxiety Part II, Parent-Centered Approaches

Examining the Transition to Adulthood in Autism

Wed. Sep. 6, 1 pm

Recent findings highlight the need for service access, employment support and post-secondary education for autistic adults.

Dispute Resolution Options in Special Education

Wed. Sep. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm

Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option.

Interfaith Survivor Support Forum —for adults

Wed. Sep. 6, 7-9 pm

Learn from survivors and child safety educators to help make our community a safer place for children.

Visionary Voices: Introducing Raising a Kid Who Can

Thu. Sep. 7, 9:00-10:20 am

The authors will introduce their book including science-backed and experience-based tips for how to build motivation and adaptability.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visionary-voices-introducing-raising-a-kid-who-can-tickets-706039431947?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tech Team Thursday

Thu. Sep. 7, noon-1 pm

Learn about a free service that creates custom apps to help your child with activities of daily living and safety.

Secure Act 2.0
Fri. Sep. 8, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about provisions in the Secure Act 2.0 that allow IRAs and other retirement savings to be left to people with disabilities.

New School Year, New Strategies: How to Plan, Persist, and Achieve Academic Success This Year

Fri. Sep. 8, 10:00-11:30 am

Uncover strategies to instill a positive family outlook and greater confidence in your child at the start of the school year.

Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/ann-dolin-new-school-year-new-strategies-how-plan-persist-and-achieve-academic-success-year?

Parents of Autistic Children Back-to-School Meeting

Sat. Sep. 9, 10 am-noon, W. Springfield Gov. Ctr. Springfield

Meet with FCPS Dept. of Special Services administrators to raise your concerns about educational services.

Information: https://poac-nova.org/events/

No More Nagging: How to Improve Communication with Your ADHD Child

Mon. Sep 11, 1-2 pm

Gain the tools you need to build a stronger, more supportive bond with your ADHD child, leading to a happier family dynamic.

Navigating State Support and Live-in Caregivers

Tue. Sep. 12, noon

An experienced parent and industry experts will share practical advice on this way to care for family members to age 25.

Nurturing Motivation and Resilience in Children and Teens with ADHD

Tue. Sep. 12, 1-2 pm

Adopt a strength-based approach that highlights each child and adolescent’s interests and “islands of competence.”

The Baffling IEP Maze

Tue. Sep. 12, 7:30 pm

Gain strategies to navigate the IEP process while avoiding a breakdown of trust with your child’s school.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-baffling-iep-maze-and-how-parents-can-navigate-their-way-through-it-tickets-681396123147?aff=ebdssbeac

Fall Registration for Therapeutic Recreation (for ages 6-22)

Begins Wed. Sep. 13

Social clubs, a cooking program, art or music activities, interest groups, and sports teams.

Transition Lunch & Learn

Wed. Sep.13, noon-1:30 pm

Plan for the transition to adult services by asking about supports for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.

Common Treatment Barriers for Patients with Depression, Trauma

Wed. Sep. 13, 1 pm

Aimed at doctors, helpful for parents. Become aware of how to avoid communication barriers for mental health diagnoses and treatment.

The Roadmap to College for Students with ADHD

Wed. Sep. 13, 1-2 pm

Consider the critical pieces for a comprehensive roadmap tailored specifically to students with ADHD moving onto college life.

Knowing More Protects Our Teens: Understanding and Addressing Drug Usage in Adolescents with Disabilities

Wed. Sep. 13, 6:30 pm

Equip yourself with knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate the landscape of drug usage among teens with disabilities.

Medicaid Waivers: Tools for Independent Living and Employment

Thu. Sep. 14. 11 am

Learn what Waivers are, the services they offer, how to apply, and tips for families on waiting lists for services.

Managing Your Child’s Excessive Screen Time and Gaming

Thu. Sep. 14, 1-2 pm

Make informed decisions to create a balanced approach to screen use for your child and your family.

Talk Saves Lives

Thu. Sep. 14, 7-8 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.

Meet the Author Series: The Self-Driven Child by Dr. William Stixrud

Fri. Sep. 15, 10:00-11:15 am

Develop your child’s resilience via a healthy mental life, decision making skills, and help dealing with stressful situations.

Social Security Basics

Fri. Sep. 15, 10:00-11:30 am

Government programs can help pay for the needs of adults with disabilities. Learn when and how to apply. …

A Parent’s Guide to Study Skills and Organization for Students with ADHD

Fri. Sep. 15, 1-2 pm

Learn practical strategies to empower you to support your ADHD student’s study skills and organization.

Characteristics and Needs of Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners

Tue. Sep. 19, 10:00-11:30 am

Twice-exceptional (2e) students have atypical learning strengths and weaknesses. Find out how to support them.

Screening — It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health

Sun Sep. 17, 6-7 pm

Learn about mental health issues of college students, and how these can be managed with treatment. Know when to seek help.

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Wed. Sep.. 20, 8 am-5 pm, $25

Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.

Transition Lunch & Learn

Wed. Sep. 20, noon-1:30 pm

An expert from DARS (the Dept. of Aging and Rehab. Services) will speak on transition services they provide starting at age 14.

What Educators Don’t Know About ADHD (and Need To)

Wed. Sep. 20, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn facts and fallacies about ADHD, how to recognize it at school, andaccommodations that help students with ADHD.

Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers

Wed. Sep. 20, 5-6 pm

Virginia provides some disability services via Medicaid Waivers. Learn how the system works, and what to expect.

Stares, Glares and Harmful Words

Thu. Sep. 21, 10 am

Let’s share strategies to educate, sensitize and react to unwanted attention from others toward our children.

Career Cafe: Chatting with Employers About STEM & Healthcare

Thu. Sep. 21, 3-4 pm

Join the Virginia Dept. of Aging and Rehab. Services as they chat with employers about careers in STEM and healthcare.

NAMI Northern Virginia Mental Health Festival and Walk

Sat. Sep. 23, 10 am-2 pm, GMU 4441 George Mason Blvd, Fairfax

Promote awareness and celebrate recovery from mental illness; reduce stigma, and learn about community mental health resources.

Talk Saves Lives

Sun. Sep. 24, 4-5 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.

REVIVE! Training — in Spanish

¡REANIMAR! Capacitación

Lunes, 25 de septiembre 1-2 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

It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health — for ages 14 +

Mon. Sep. 25, 6-7 pm

This program raises awareness about mental health, how to start a conversation about it, the importance of self-care, and how to get help.

From Referral to Eligibility: What It Takes to Get Through the Door

Wed. Sep. 27, 7-8 pm

Learn how to start the process to access special education by submitting a referral and with an evaluation to determine eligibility.

Register: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/event/from-referral-to-eligibility-what-it-takes-to-get-through-the-door-webinar/

Epigenetics: Understanding Its Role in ADHD and Future Applications

Thu. Sep. 28, noon, with replay link

Epigenetics controls the development of traits such as ADHD, and in the future may allow for changes in treatment.

Who’s the Boss? 5 Ways for Families to Help Kids with Big Emotions

Fri. Sep. 29, 10:00-11:30 am

Gain ways to help your children tame their overwhelming emotions.

Children’s Challenging Behaviors

Sat. Sep. 30, 9 am-3 pm, 13505 Hillendale Dr. Woodbridge,

Learn about the range of behaviors, when and how to seek help, important parenting strategies and community resources. Childcare.

Ongoing and On Demand

College Partnership Program — For HS Students

This program prepares students with disabilities and other underrepresented groups to enroll and succeed in college.

Contact the student’s HS Counselor or Lakeyta Smith at 571-423-4413

Get Ready for Independent Living — for students in grades 8-12

This 4-part course uses videos and practical activities to develop knowledge and skills for independent living.

Get Ready for College — for students in grades 8 -12

This 8-lesson course uses videos and practical activities to help students get ready for college.

Back-to-School ADHD Master Class — Self-Guided Course

This 10-part multimedia course has modules on accommodations, executive functions, behavior challenges, homework, etc.

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

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).

Broad Futures Paid Internship Programs

Winter 13 weeks Summer 9 weeks

Program designed for neurodivergent high school graduates or rising seniors who are planning on college. $$ varies; Scholarships available.

Information: https://broadfutures.org/programs/

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

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

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: http://vafamilysped.org/Event/j8Gu8yhL54NjdEsQYzfwtg/Event-online-self-paced-free-course-get-ready-for-college-a-resource-for-teens-with-disabilities

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

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.

Ongoing 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 autismsoclub@gmail.com. Join meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success

Meeting ID: 946 600 1682;

ASNV Teen Time for youth, age 13-19 with ASD, meets on one Saturday monthly, 1-2 pm at in-person meeting at 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton. RSVP to director@asnv.org .

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: austin.ferraro@loudoun.gov 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

NAMI Young Adult Connection Recovery Support Group is for individuals age 18-36 who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Trained young adults, who are in recovery, lead the group on the 3rd Tuesday monthly, 7:30-9:00 pm. Contact: https://nami-northernvirginia.org/event/young-adult-connection-support-group-online/2023-02-21/

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, 6:307:45 pm. Contact: email Diane.Monnig@thearcofnova.org

Support Groups for Parents

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 F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the monthly, 9:30-11:00 am at 131 Elden St. #302, Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/

Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8 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: 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: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/

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

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-peer-led-support-groups-2023-2024-tickets-637423850897?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 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

El Grupo de apoyo ASNV para padres y cuidadores en español se reúne el segundo sábado de cada mes de 1 a 2 pm en ServiceSource, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton. Estacione en la parte de atrás. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a info@asnv.org

Grupo de apoyo para madres de habla hispana de niños con autismo se reúne mensualmente en línea y está patrocinado por Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Contacto: mariposas.autismo@gmail.com

Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 3rd Thursday of the month for those raising the children of relatives or friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov

Let’s Talk Transitions meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 7 pm to discuss their autistic teen’s post-high school plans.

Military Families Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email director@asnv.org 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 mczero@yahoo.com

NAMI Connection Support Group for Young Adults (18-36) meets on the 3rd Tuesday monthly, 7:30-9:00 pm. Register: email youngadults.nami.nova@gmail.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 or call 804-285-1749

NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. https://namicva.org/event/online-family-support-group-for-parents-of-youths-and-adolescents/all/

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: ela.mike@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org to learn the current location.

Parents of Autistic Teens meets some Sat. of each month. Contact: Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org

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 mojgan.pourmand@eastersealsucp.com 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 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