The Latest in Special Education News from The Parent Resource Center

FROM THE ALEXANDRIA PARENT RESOURCE CENTER: 

October is Disability Awareness and History Month in Virginia and National Disability Employment Awareness Month 

The Virginia Youth Leadership Forum joined youth from the I'm Determined Summit this summer to film a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that promote disability awareness. The seven PSAs were developed by and feature youth with disabilities discussing topics ranging from disability awareness to employment to interesting historical facts. They can be viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/user/DHAMPSAs

ANNOUNCING THE 2012-2013 SPECIAL EDUCATION INVOLVEMENT SURVEY: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012VAParentInvolvementSurvey

All parents of school-aged children and youth who receive special education services in Virginia’s schools are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual Parent Involvement Survey. This survey will be available September 15, 2012 to June 30, 2013. If you are unable to take the survey online, your child's school will provide paper versions for your use. All paper versions of the survey will include a pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. All responses will be sent directly to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). For more information please contact Patricia Haymes at the VDOE patricia.haymes@doe.virginia.gov or 804.786.0116.

ANNUNCIO DE LA ENCUESTA DE 2012-2013 SOBRE LA PARTICIPACION DE LOS PADRES DE JOVENES COLEGIALES EN EDUCACIO ESPECIAL:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012VAParentInvolvementSurvey

El Departamento de Educacion de ViRginia querria que todos los padres de jovenes colegiales que ya reciben los servicios de educacion especial completaran una encuesta. El Proposito de la encuesta es para determinar si las escuelas han facilitado la participacion de los padrea o no. Esta encusta estara disponible el 15 de septiembre de 2012 al 30de junio de 2013.Si usted no usa el Internet, las escuela de su hijo le dará una versión de papel y un sobre con sello y dirección para enviarlo al Departamento de Educación. Si usted tiene alguna pregunata sobre la encuesta o necesita más información, por favor, llame al centro de padres que abogan por la educación especial de sus hijos (PEATC) al 1-800-869-6782, o a María Isabel Frangenberg de la asociación de gente con discapacidades al 804-827-1547.  También, usted puede ecribir a Patricia Haymes por correo electrónico en patricia.haymes@doe.virginia.gov.

The Family Resource Center Thursday morning support group will meet this week  
10:00 am-Noon, Minnie Howard, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria

Please join us for coffee, bagels, and sharing.

TONIGHT October 2: Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

7:00-9:00pm, Minnie Howard Media Room,  3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA

This is SEAC's first meeting of the school year. Among the items on the agenda will be a short presentation on the building plans for the new Jefferson-Houston school and children with disabilities. Please plan to attend. For more information please contact co-chair Janet Reese jreese3286@aol.com.

October 10: PEATC Webinar: Change the format; change the outcome. How mediation works.

Noon, Duration: 1 hour

When there are problems in developing an IEP, holding subsequent meetings with the same location, people and agenda often occurs.  This session will focus on what to expect which is unique when a mediator is invited to facilitate the discussion.  We’ll consider what each party brings to the table and how that defines the task of the mediator.  Examples of successful mediations will illustrate ways that the process can be effective in helping people to move from deadlock to resolution. Presented by Art Stewart, the Virginia State Special Education Mediation Services Coordinator. For more information: http://readytalk.com/r/2hku3ysse994?1348495218833

October 13: "Practice Flight" program

7:00-10:00am, Dulles International Airport 

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is pleased to announce the launch of its pilot “Practice Flight” program for individuals with special needs. This program is designed to give families an opportunity to practice checking-in for a flight, going through the security screening process, and boarding a plane in a controlled, yet realistic environment.MWAA is partnering with United Airlines, AirProjects, Inc., and the Transportation Security Administration for this event.

Families wishing to participate in this event must pre-register in advance.For more information:http://www.mwaa.com/net/discover-dulles-special.aspx

October 13: Learning Disabilities Association of VA's 2012 Conference:

Learning Disabilities & Transition to Higher Education: What Students, Families, Professionals Should Know…

8:15am-2:00pm Marymount University, Reinsch Library

With the increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities seeking admission and being admitted to colleges and universities, it’s important for students and their families to be informed about the processes, legal information, and procedures that enable successful preparation for transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Getzel, director, postsecondary initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. For more information:http://www.ldavirginia.org/events.html

October 15: Access Community Lecture: What to Do Now? Resources for Those with Special Needs

7:30-9:00pm, McLean Bible Church, Tysons Campus, Community Room A, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA

When someone learns of a disability, often the first question is "What do I do now?" There is a great deal of information available on specific disabilities, services, education, supports and laws for individuals of any age.  In fact, there is so much information that it can be difficult to wade through it all.  Come learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to determine which information may be best for you. Guest Speaker Suzanne Ripley, Director, Accessing Disability Services.

October 16: Sexuality: Information for Parents of Children with Disabilities

6:30-8:00pm, Minnie Howard Media Center, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA

Young people with disabilities are no different from their peers in the need to understand their bodies and relationships. Parents will learn how they can help their child with a disability understand these important issues. Please join us for a healthy dialogue on this important topic. Presented by Carolyn Beckett, Project Coordinator, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). For more information contact Monica Sanjur at 703-824-0129 or monica.sanjur@acps.k12.va.us.

October 16: Special Needs Trusts Free Informational Session:

7:15 pm, Tuckahoe Library, 1901 Starling Dr, Henrico, VA 23229

If you are a parent planning for the future of your child with special needs, or if you work with individuals with special needs, this event is for you! Special needs trusts allow funds to be set aside for the benefit of an individual with a disability in a way that will not jeopardize eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits.  Join us to learn more! For more information: http://specialneedstrust.eventbrite.com

October 18: Los ABCs para Padres®EN ESPAÑOLLos jueves, 18 de octubre - 13 de diciembre, 
¡Prepare su familia para ser exitosos! SCAN of Northern Virginia los invita a una clase de 8 semanas para padres de familia con
hijos menores de edad en donde se discutirá: *Desarrollo Infantil, Elojio y Empatía *Construyendo el Autoestima de su niño *Reglas de familia y Disciplina Apropriada
para la edad del niño *Consecuencias y Premios *Manejo de Estrés de familia...y MÁS! Llame a la coordinadora de educación para padres al 703-820-9001.
¡Inscríbase pronto porque la clase se llenará pronto!

October 19-20: Insight Conference: Topics in AutismRichmond, VA
Insight 2012 is a collaborative effort between VDOE’s Training and Technical Assistance Center at VCU, Autism Society Central Virginia, and the VCU Autism Center for Excellence. We are very excited to be bringing in Brenda Smith Myles. Brenda has made over 500 presentations all over the world and written more than 150 articles and books on ASD. At Insight 2012, Dr. Myles will be speaking in depth regarding strategies for teaching the hidden curriculum as well as strategies for addressing difficult behavior moments.Friday is open to all audiences, including special educators, general educators, related service providers and family members. The Saturday session will be specifically geared towards parents and families. Register online at: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqzfc

October 20: ADHD ACROSS THE LIFESPAN8:00am–12:30pm, Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22043
A half-day mini-conference for parents of children with ADHD, adults with ADHD, educators, mental health professionals. Each presentation geared to all audiences. CEUs and recertification points for professional counselors and teachers.To register and for more information:http://wordsmth.tripod.com/chaddofnorthernvirginia/

SAVE THE DATE: Free Workshop: Life Planning ToolsOctober 27, 8:30am-1:00pm, Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road Burke, VA
These critical workshops are designed to give individuals with disabilities and their families an understanding of several important programs for future planning. Sessions will address Special Needs Trusts, Social Security Income, and Medicaid Waivers. RSVP by calling (703) 532-3214 x110 or email SAvila@TheArcofNova.org

SAVE THE DATE: ADHD Coaching Strategies for Parents

November 1, 7:00-9:00pm, George Washington Middle School, Room 348A, 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA

The Office of Special Education Services is proud to present "ADHD Coaching Strategies for Parents" presented by Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, author of Empowering Youth with ADHD. As the creator of the ADHD youth coaching model used as the basis for a groundbreaking two year coaching research study (2010), Ms. Sleeper-Triplett is the foremost expert in the field of ADHD coaching for youth.This session will teach parents strategies to help their children at home and provide tips for a better home/school collaboration. All participants will receive a copy of Ms. Sleeper-Triplett's book. To RSVP for this event please contact Monica Sanjur 703-824-0129 ormonica.sanjur@acps.k12.va.us.

SAVE THE DATE: Pathways to the FutureNovember 10, 9:00am-4:00pm, Chancellor High School, 6300 Harrison Road, Fredricksburg, VA
A free conference and resource fair for youth with disabilities, their parents/guardians and the professionals who support them.

Vendor fair and information sessions to assist you in preparing for the move from school to adult life in the community-TRANSITION!

Sponsored by (FACT) Fredericksburg Area Council on Transition For information, contact the disAbility Resource Center (540) 373-2559 

Other Resources:

• The Virginia Ability Alliance maintains a calendar of local events . For more information:http://www.thearcofnova.org/info-referral/calendar/
• Youth Topics is a service of the Center for Children and Families, Department of Community and Human Services, City of Alexandria.
  Sign up to receive the Youth Topics Newsletter: https://enews.alexandriava.gov/index.php?CCheck=1
• SCAN's October calendar of offerings: http://www.scanva.org/downloads/parent-calendar-october2012.pdf

Latest Headlines from DisabilityScoop.com

DSM Autism Update May Have Little Impact, Study Finds

States Get Millions To Train Special Educators

Brain Donations Urged For Autism Research

Disability Concerns May Sway Vote

For more information: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/emailers/ds121002.html

Report: Parents With Disabilities At Risk

Concerns Raised Over Independent Living Centers

Intellectual Disability Often Not Inherited

Scientists Look To Down Syndrome To Treat Alzheimer's

For more information: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/emailers/ds120928.html