Upcoming Events!

 PEATC is sponsoring the following events:

Building Strong Parent Advocates 

PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, invites families to join us in our newest online training course, Building Strong Parent Advocates. The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate. The training will take approximately 6 hours and can be accessed anytime during your preferred month-long session below.

June 6 through July 1: https://bit.ly/3wQqSd4

July 11 through August 11: https://bit.ly/3j6DTXT

August 25 through September 19: https://bit.ly/3IUtWXU

                      PEATC 2022 Parent and Youth Empowerment (PYE) Summit

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-peatc-parent-and-youth-empowerment-summit-tickets-330079796557

The Final 2021-2022 School Year SEAC Meeting

 As the 2021-2022 begins to wind down, CCPS and our local Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will be holding their final meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 6:30 pm - in person and virtual.  We would love to see you there!  The virtual link is: meet.google.com/xgv-jgho-ysd

ARC and in the Park Rescheduled

 The ARC of Northern Virginia will be holding the Arc in the Park Family Event this Sunday, May 15, 2022.

2022 Arc in the Park

If you are looking for a wonderful place to spend a beautiful day, come to the 2022 Arc in the Park

 

UPCOMING PEATC WORKSHOPS

 Check out the list below of some wonderful and informative workshops offered by PEATC.  To register, go to https://peatc.org/events/

Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers | March 24th, 2022 | 6:00 PM There are state government benefits available to individuals with disabilities. It’s important to understand that benefits such as personal assistance and community support can play an important role in planning for the future. Navigating state disability services can be difficult, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This workshop explains Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, eligibility for services, and how to obtain this state benefit.

Connecting the Dots: Potty Training for Children with Disabilities | April 5th, 2022 | 1:30 PM Let’s talk Potty Training! We’re Connecting the Dots on: preparing for potty training success for our children with disabilities easy tips to help make training manageable potty training in the IEP Presented by Dr. Rachel Cagliani, BCBA and Assistant Professor at University of Georgia. Dr. Cagliani is a former public school teacher whose current work involves classroom-based and telehealth-based toilet training. She is passionate about addressing the educational needs and life skills of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sibling Roles and Relationships | April 5th, 2022 | 7:00 PM This presentation will share information about the roles and responsibilities of siblings of children with disabilities. Attendees will learn about strategies on how to best support siblings of children with disabilities from a panel of siblings who will provide the benefit of their experience. The audience will gain an understanding the key of sibling issues, learn how to foster a positive sibling experience, and become more aware of the sibling support movement. Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development at Boston University. Dr. Rossetti’s research focuses on social interactions and friendships between students with and with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Facilitating Social Opportunities | April 12th, 2022 | 7:00 PM Friendships between people with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and people without disabilities are valuable and important. However, they don’t happen very often. One reason they don’t happen often is that there aren’t many opportunities to create those meaningful relationships. There is also a lack of assistance from educators, staff, and families that promotes friendships between people with and without IDD. This presentation shares examples of success, challenges, and strategies that will encourage authentic friendship between individuals with and without IDD. Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development at Boston University. Dr. Rossetti’s research focuses on social interactions and friendships between students with and with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ABLEnow Accounts | April 13th, 2022 | 6:30 PM More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join us for an information session to discover the advantages of ABLEnow accounts and the ABLEnow program. In just one hour, we’ll cover the answers to these questions, and more: What are ABLEnow accounts? Who is eligible? How can I use the money in an ABLEnow account? What are the features and benefits of the ABLEnow program? How can I learn more and open an account?

Supported Decision Making from Theory to Practice: Health Care and Life Planning | April 13th, 2022 | 6:30 PM PEATC is excited to welcome nationally renowned legal expert, Jonathan Martinis, Esq. to talk about the role of supported decision-making in health care and life planning. Supported Decision-Making is a way for people with disabilities to make their own decisions, with support from people they trust, and be more in control of their lives and rights. In this session, we’ll discuss ways for people to use Supported Decision-Making to play a lead role in their health care, money management, and other important life areas.

What's In My IEP? Virtual IEP Consultations with Students | April 23rd | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM To help students with disabilities (ages 14-22) feel more confident about participating in their IEP meetings and to ensure their needs, choices, preferences, and what they want to do after high school is accurately reflected in their IEP, PEATC is offering individual consultations with students. These virtual consultations will help student participants understand what is in the IEP and how it relates to achieving their goals and dreams. A parent/guardian should plan to attend the IEP consult with their youth. Students can pick a 20 minute time slot from 9 AM - 12 PM on April 23rd.

Spring 2022: VCU Lunch and Learn for February

 

Lunch and Learn: Lunch and Learn: Use Your Words! An Introduction to Everyday AAC

Date: February 2, 2022

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Here is the link to register for the webinar: 

https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcocu-vrzIoGtbsx6VjfJR67nGh3SOxMWUY

Upcoming Training and Workshop through PEATC

 

Here is the eventbrite link to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supported-decision-making-in-vocational-rehabilitation-registration-256952109677

Some Good Resources

 Check out the YouTube Channel for the The Arc of Northern Virginia at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKDVmeTWktIDbplAXoHItQ.

This is a series on people with disabilities interacting with law enforcement officers and other first responders on different topics that include, but to limited to:

• Talking with Police
• Traffic Stopes
• Calling 9-1-1
• Comfort Kits: Tools to Help People with Disabilities Stay Safe and Calm

VCU Fall Lunch and Learn Series Schedule

 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

Zoom Registration Information:

https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/lunchandlearn.cfm

October is Disability History and Awareness Month (DHAM)

YouTube Video: THE HIRING CHAIN performed by STING

By hiring someone with Down syndrome, you start a virtuous chain: the more that people with Down Syndrome are seen at work, the more they’ll be recognized as valuable employees, and the more they’ll be hired.