PEATC Transition University

 Transition University – Fall 2020

https://fall2020transitionuniversity.eventbrite.com

Life is full of transitions. For families of children with disabilities thinking about the future can bring mixed emotions. Some families are just trying to make it through day-to-day challenges and might not feel they have the energy to think about what happens after high school. Others may want to plan for that transition, but are confused by unfamiliar language, complex steps, and the many agencies that may be involved in adult services.

Join us for this FREE 5-week SELF-PACED online course that focuses on providing parent-friendly transition information to help make transition planning easier. This course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle or high school students that receive special education services, but is open to everyone.  The goal is to share factual information on transition services and to help make the transition from school services to the adult services world less confusing.

Topics covered in this course will include:-What is Transition and Why is it Important? -Transition Services in the IEP -Supported Decision Making, Power of Attorney, Guardianship and Age of Majority -Future planning including Special Needs Trusts, ABLE accounts and Letters of Intent-Transitioning into Independent Living (employment, further education, housing, etc.) -Connecting to Your Community and to Adult Services- and much more!

The course begins October 11, 2020  and will be open until November 23, 2020.

Each session will open on Sunday and then be open the remainder of the course.

Sessions contain video content, written content, discussion opportunities and resources.

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services

 The Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services (RRCSB) offers many different services to meet the many different needs of our kids and families!

Please check out the Intellectual / Developmental Disability Brochure for services that are available, to help an individual or family in our area.

RRCSB also has an Infant-Toddler Connection, Children's Connection and a service called LINK.

Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board

Family Services

1. Infant and Toddler Connection

1. provides supports and services for babies and their families so that families can help their child learn during everyday activities and routines. 

2. A child and family may receive early intervention supports and services if the child is up to three years old and,

1. Has certain levels of developmental delay, or differences in development

2. The delay or difference in development can be in one or more of the following areas: Understanding & using sounds, gestures & words, thinking, learning, & playing, Moving, seeing, and hearing, developing relationships - Taking care of one's self, including eating and dressing. 

3. Certain diagnosed conditions (i.e. Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or a NICU stay of greater than or equal to 28 days or Autism Spectrum Disorder or Vision and/or hearing loss). Also includes NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome). 

3. Referrals to ITC can be made by ANYONE that is concerned about the baby’s development.

4. Contact Donna Baldwin at  540-829-7346 ext 101; 540-827-7337; or dbaldwin@rrcsb.org

5. ITC accepts referrals from the parent, physician, hospital, and other community agencies.

2. Children’s Support Coordination (case management) 

1. Support Coordination provides help to learn about, find, and access services to address behavioral health needs.

2. Support Coordinators:

1. Link children/adolescents to appropriate behavioral health services.

2. Coordinate needed services thru regular contacts with service providers, child, and family.

3. Support and monitor the services received by the youth.

3. Contact Erika Hommel, Support Coordinator Supervisor at 540-717-6902 or at ehommel@rrcsb.org. 

3. LINK

1. is an intensive case management service for parents/caregivers who are “at risk” or currently abusing substances.

2. LINK is an interagency collaboration between local DSS, CSA, & RRCS.

3. The goal is to reduce the number or length of foster care placements associated with parental substance use.

4. Services are recovery oriented, strength focused, and person-centered. 

5. LINK Services provide:

1. Linkages to pre-natal care and family planning services; Home visits; Transportation assistance; Substance use screening and assessments; Health & Life Skills education; Referral and coordination of outpatient mental health services, substance use disorder services, detoxification services, and intimate partner violence services; Linkages to shelter and other family services; etc. 

6. Referrals to LINK services are made through CSA. 

7. Contact Taisha Chavez at 540-423-7365; tchavez@rrcsb.org  if they have questions.

disAbility Resource Center Opportunities

 The disAbility Resource Center that is located in Fredericksburg, VA has many, many resources for everyone!  Check out their link at: https://www.cildrc.org/

They offer different webinars and connections on building Independent Living, Peer Mentoring, Advocacy / Self-Advocacy, Transition Planning and Services.

Check out this Resource / Opportunity from UVA

 Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share this opportunity with our families, information about an opportunity to learn about some new supports for our kids who have been experiencing some challenges during this time.  To learn about Families Covid-19 Echo, go to this website:

https://curry.virginia.edu/faculty-research/centers-labs-projects/star/training/star-echo-k-12-education

Fall Parent Workshops

 We are continuing with our Fall Workshop Series on tips, tools, strategies and informational workshops for all of our parents and families.:

We have recorded the past series webinars and created a Google Site for workshops.  The link is:

https://sites.google.com/ccpsweb.org/returntolearningccps.  

Once you open the Google Site, select the Presentations Tab at the top.  As we share each workshop, we will post a recording of the webinar and powerpoints for everyone to view and refer back to.

Exciting Resources from VDOE!

Work Place Readiness Tool Kit

  

This Workplace Readiness Toolkit was designed by the Center for Transition Innovation (CTI) at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to provide activities to reinforce and embed Virginia’s 21st Century Workplace Readiness Skills at home. Workplace readiness skills are personal qualities, people skills, and professional traits that are necessary to maintain employment. These skills are important because they are the most desirable skills employers are searching for in potential employees. Skills such as communication, teamwork, integrity, problem-solving, work ethic, and initiative, are essential for workplace success.  

Detailed Information about the Toolkit

CTI's Workplace Readiness Toolkit

Pre-Employment Transition Services

The Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) continues to offer youth Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). These services include:

• Job exploration counseling
• Work-based learning
• Workplace readiness
• Counseling on post-secondary training options
• Self-advocacy

These activities and the connection to DARS are important as students, ages 14-21 return to school. They enhance the student's transition focused IEP and 504 Plan. The Pre-ETS providers will coordinate with schools, following the school division's plan. They may also deliver these services in-person, remotely, and virtually. If invited, with prior consent of the parent or age of majority student, they will attend an IEP meeting.

My Life, My Community

 The Center on Transition Innovations and VCU shared some really important information for all families learning to navigate Community Resources that can help you plan for the future.  Check out this website:

http://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org

My Life, My Community is an online tool that helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families answer basic questions about services and supports and where to go to find help because sometimes knowing where to start can be hard.

                                                   

During these uncertain times, VCU-ACE is working to provide resources for families. Weekly, VCU- ACE will provide an opportunity for parents to join us for Lunch and Learn. An interactive and secure Zoom meeting that will address different topics each week. There will be a short presentation with a time for Q&A. 

Please register below for the Zoom webinars.

Lunch and Learn: Creating meaningful relationships to promote learning

Date: September 10, 2020

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Register on Zoom

Lunch and Learn: Improving your child's/youth's conversation skills by playing

Date: September 17, 2020

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Register on Zoom

Lunch and Learn: Parent reinforcement and child preferences

Date: September 24, 2020

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Register on Zoom

Virginia is for Learners! Updates for VDOE

 

As you settle in to the 2020-2021 academic year by adopting in-person, hybrid, and virtual plans based on the health conditions in your area, know that we’re in this together. We are inspired by the innovation and flexibility we've seen.

 

Watch the video graphic Back to School Message from Dr. James F. Lane to hear more about how the VDOE is committed in supporting families, students, educators, and school divisions. Stay engaged with us on social media and tag photos using the #Return2LearnVA hashtag.

video graphic Back to School Message from Dr. James F. Lane

SEAC Update

 Hi Everyone!

As we begin to make plans for the beautiful Labor Day weekend, I wanted to share with you all the update for the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting.

 

SEAC and CCPS are switching this first meeting of the 2020-2021 School Year to a virtual meeting.  The presentation at this meeting is going to be on Community Resources for Post Secondary Life.

 

SEAC is a great way to learn about resources, topics, tips and tools for collaborating with your child’s school and teachers.  It is also a great way to network with other parents, families and community support members.

 

Members of the public may submit public comment at seac@culpeperschools.org or call (540) 825-3677, Ext. 3135 to attend the virtual meeting.

 

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!