SEPTA | Parent Information Relating to Special Education, December Edition

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 are announced they will be posted with these at:

https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/

                         December

Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course

Thu. Nov. 21 to Dec. 12, 6 hours of content

Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.

Register:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1038677?

Social Security Benefits for People With Disabilities:  Everything You Wanted To Know

Fri. Dec. 1, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about the various disability benefits provided by Social Security, including who qualifies, and how to apply.

Register:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B4LWhbgaRS6TAVGuMbxNyA#/registrationm

ABLE Accounts and the ABLEnow Program

Tue. Dec. 5, 11 am–noon
Learn about the advantages of ABLE accounts:  who qualifies, how to open one, and how the money can be used for disability expenses.

Register:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G75EOnToTQCWlz4IcIc3HQ#/registration

The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents

Tue. Dec. 5, noon-1 pm

Parents of autistic children will gain strategies to increase wellbeing and create/adapt traditions.

Register:  https://xminds.org/event-5492027

Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome: A Distinct Kind of Inattention

Tue. Dec. 5, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn about typical behaviors, how this syndrome is similar to and distinct from ADHD, recommended treatment, and home strategies.

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/cognitive-disengagement-syndrome-adhd/?


Is This Autism? A Framework for Understanding

Tue. Dec. 5, 7:00-8:30 pm

Three authors of a new book will discuss diagnostic criteria for autism that shows a wide variation of characteristics.

Register:  https://xminds.org/event-5451012

Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities — In Spanish

Beneficios del Seguro Social para personas con discapacidades

Miércoles, 6 de diciembre, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
En línea y en persona, 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax
Aprender los conceptos básicos de qué es el Seguro Social, cómo solicitarlo, y cómo utilizar los beneficios.

Registrarse:  https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/eventRegistration.jsp?event=8299

The Truth About Learning Styles and Why It Matters for Your Child's Success in School

Wed. Dec. 6, 1 pm

Learn how to turn passive studying sessions into active and engaging learning sessions.

Register:  https://ectutoring.com/webinar-series

Medicaid Waivers in Virginia

Wed. Dec. 6, 6:00-7:30 pm.

Learn who is eligible and how to obtain benefits for personal assistance and community support. 

Register:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1065659

Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia

Wed. Dec. 6, 6:30~7:45 pm

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

Register  :https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CbQs0PhnSiygocQ4lPn4tg?

How to Talk so that Schools will Listen (and Listen so that Schools will Talk) — In Spanish

Cómo hablar para que las escuelas escuchen (y escuchar para que las escuelas hablen) 

Miércoles, 6 de dicembre, 6:30~8:00 pm

Este taller lo ayudará a reconocer y prevenir barreras a la comunicación y a construir acuerdos en torno a problemas difíciles. 

Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw?

Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions 

Thu. & Fri. Dec. 7 & 8, 9 am-4:30 pm      $435

Learn how to move from power and control to collaboration and problem solving .

Register:   https://aepconnections.com/webinar-registrations/advanced-training-in-collaborative-proactive-solutions-moving-from-power-and-control-to-collaboration-and-problem-solving-3/ 

Building Independence with the TFIL Team

Thu. Dec. 7, noon-1 pm

Learn about the Arc2Independence app that can be customized to help your child navigate daily routines and challenges.

Register:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtce6qqD8jHNz6UyPkRgItKT7nmk3ecB6h#/registration

Talk Saves Lives

Thu. Dec. 7, 7-8 pm

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

Register:  https://ncactsl12072023.attendease.com

Executive Functioning:  Helping Your Kids with Organization, Emotional Regulation, and Flexibility — In Spanish

Funcionamiento ejecutivo - ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional, y la flexibilidad 

Lunes, 8 de diciembre, 10:00-11:30 am

Aprenda sobre las funciones ejecutivas y cómo ayudar a nuestros niños a desarrollar y fortalecer su funcionamiento ejecutivo.

Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/event/parte-2-funcionamiento-ejecutivo-ayudando-tus-hijos-con-la-organizacion-la-regulaci

Social Media and Cyberbullying:  What Parents Need to Know

Mon. Dec. 11, 6:30-8:00 pm, 21000 Education Ct.  Ashburn

Learn how to keep your students safe, how to have conversations about this with your child, and rules to set.

Register:  https://www.lcps.org/Page/180231

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Mon. & Tue. Dec.11&12, 1:00-4:30 pm,  $25

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

Register:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=47

Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

Tue.  Dec. 12, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn how to recognize stress in children, common sources of stress, and strategies to lower stress.

Register:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4GMPQrS_9OX585BY8ok59hLZgQrBvvVvuLSO5xHzHPbBYNg/viewform

The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents

Tue. Dec. 12, noon-1 pm

Parents of autistic children will gain strategies to reduce stress, prioritize the important, and commit to self care.

Register:  https://xminds.org/event-5492027

The Holiday Blues: Put Your Mental Health First This Holiday Season

Tue. Dec.12, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn about the “holiday blues," including symptoms, triggers, risk factors, treatment, tips for coping, and prevention.

Register:  https://www.webmd.com/webinar/webinar-holiday-blues-mental-health?ecd=par

From ‘I am Special’ to ‘H.A.P.P.Y.’

Sat. Dec. 13, 1 pm

Learn about a new program that focuses on the happiness and well-being of children with autism.

Register:  https://autism.org/from-special-to-happy/

Dip N Paint: Winter Wonderland Edition

Fri. Dec. 15, 6-8 pm

Adopted children and their parents are invited for a virtual, artist led, paint party.  All materials provided.

Register;  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dip-n-paint-winter-wonderland-edition-tickets-732959620957?

Family Village Forum

Sat. Dec. 16, 11 am

Families new to the intellectual or developmental disability worlds are invited to become part of an ongoing sharing community. 

Register:  https://thearcofnova.org/family-village-forum-december-meeting/

Morning at the Museum — U.S. Botanic Garden

Sun. Dec. 17: 8:30-10 am, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 

Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come to enjoy the model trains and pollinator displays.

Register:  RSVP to Maura.Nelson@aoc.gov  (202-226-1047) with your family name, # of persons attending, and date of visit. 

Talk Saves Lives:  An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Sun. Dec. 17, 4-5 pm

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

Register:  https://ncactsl12172023.attendease.com

Ongoing and On Demand


ADHD @ School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD

This 10-part self-guided course equips caregivers and students with effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD 

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-new-school-year-for-parents/

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

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).

Register:  https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand

Children’s Challenging Behaviors

This 6-hour workshop focuses on children’s challenging behaviors, mental health conditions, special education, and advocacy skills.  Register:  https://nami-northernvirginia.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/childrens-challenging-behaviors/

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.  $50-$90

Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm   

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  


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 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 F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the 1st Wed. monthly, in Chantilly or 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

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

Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm.  An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm.  Dinner and childcare are provided.  Register:  https://bit.ly/FxKinSupport 

Formed Families Together meets monthly as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An 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

Hablemos educación especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm  Registrarse:  https://xminds.org/event-4522635

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 

Military Families Support Group meets on 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 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. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org 

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.

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

Small Steps Together is a discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary children with autism.  They meet virtually on the 4th Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm.  Register:  https://xminds.org/event-4778134

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 Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. 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