FORD Free Driving Skills Class for Teens
March 19 & 20
Dulles International Airport
http://www.thedcmoms.com/2016/03/ford-offers-free-driving-skills-class-for-teens/
Register: https://drivingskillsforlife.com/events-cat/events/state/VA
Adapted Sports, Recreation and Travel Fair for Individuals with Disabilities
Sat, March 19, 1pm – 4pm
James Lee Community Center, 2855-A Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA
PEATC Discussion on Dyslexia
Mar. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
PEATC, 100 N. Washington Street, Suite 234, Falls Church, VA 22046.
With Kristin Kane.
For more information contact: (703) 536-3023, norris@peatc.org.
Metro Accessibility Community Presentation
March 29, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
HSC Pediatric Center, 1731 Bunker Hill Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017.
RSVP to info@dcautismparents.org or rwinston@hospsc.org with subject line "Metro" by March 25.
Understanding Medicaid Waivers
Wed, March 30, 7pm – 9pm
Minnie Howard, Media Center, Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA
ID Waiver? DD Waiver? EDCD? The process of figuring out which waiver might be right for your child and applying for it can be overwhelming. The goal of this workshop is to answer questions parents have about the process.
Presented by: Tia Marsili, the Arc of Northern Virginia
http://www.acps.k12.va.us/curriculum/special-education/workshops.pdf
Spring 2016 Professional Workshop
Fri, April 1, 8:30am – 1:00pm
Formed Families Forward 4031 University Dr., Fairfax, VA
Helping Those Who Hurt Without Harming: A Trauma Informed Approach for Coaching Children, Teens and Families Children and youth who have experienced trauma, broken and insecure attachments, and other assaults to the brain present significant challenges to clinicians. Counselors, educators, social workers, parents, caregivers and others who support trauma-impacted families are invited to this intensive training on the use of coaching as an approach to building and strengthening attachments, addressing the emotional and behavioral manifestations of trauma and resolving interpersonal conflicts.
Presenter Shenandoah Chefalo is a professional coach and author who presents to professional and family audiences across the country. Shenandoah is a survivor and alumni of the foster care system, and brings this personal experience to her work. Following a career in the legal field, Shenandoah wrote Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals, and recently published a memoir, Garbage Bag Suitcase. Shenandoah’s work has been featured on regional and national radio and social media.
$50 per participant; CEUs available for additional fee. Learn more and register at www.FormedFamiliesForward.org
Life Planning Tools Workshop
April 2, 8:30am - 1:15pm
The Arc of Northern Virginia offices
2755 Hartland Road, Suite 200
Falls Church, VA 22043
These intensive workshop sessions provide families with an understanding of several important programs to help them make decisions for future planning. April 2016 session includes: Medicaid Waivers with Lisa Fong, Assistant Director of Programs, Special Needs Trusts with Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, and Legal Authority presented by Cheryl Johnson, Director of Services, and Loretta Morris Williams from the law firm of Hale Ball.
https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/arcofnva/event.jsp?event=4419&
Spring Forward Family Fun Day
Sat, April 2, 9:30am – 3:00pm
Providence Community Center 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
You are invited to the 3rd annual celebration of families formed by adoption, foster care, and kinship connections! Children will enjoy a morning of games and activities while parents, caregivers, and older youth participate in great personal development sessions and workshops. Keynote by former foster youth and Garbage Bag Suitcase author Shenandoah Chefalo. Only $5/family member (age 3+) - includes box lunch Childcare available for infants and toddlers
Learn more and register at www.FormedFamiliesForward.org or 703-539-2904
Screening of the award wining documentary “2e: Twice exceptional!”
Tuesday, April 5, 7pm – 8pm
Carderock Swim and Tennis Club, 8200 Hamilton Springs Ct., Bethesda, MD
Register and purchase tickets:
www.WithUnderstandingComesCalm.brownpapertickets.com
VISION 2016
April 5 Sign-in starts at 3:30pm, Program duration: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
An opportunity for students interested in NVCC to learn about available options
Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003-3796
Lab School Lecture Series: Tools for Helping Children with Executive Dysfunction Become More Independent and Effective
Wed. April 6, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
The Lab School 4759 Reservoir Rd. NW, Wash.
Register: www.labschool.org/lectureseries or 202-965-6600
Lauren Kenworthy, PhD
Children’s National Medical Center
Director, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Division of Neuropsychology
Principal Investigator, Children's Research Institute,
Center for Neuroscience Research (CNR)
George Washington University
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Neurology,
Pediatrics
This presentation is designed for parents, teachers and other professionals who work with children and adolescents with executive function problems. It will help you identify when a child is having trouble with executive functioning, so that you can better distinguish a "can't" from a "won't" and therefore intervene more effectively. It will present an intervention framework that includes accommodations, teaching new skills and giving you strategies that you can use today.
Public Safety Considerations for Children with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Guidance for Families, Caregivers and Self-Advocates
Wed, April 6, 7pm – 9pm
T.C. Williams Minnie Howard Campus Media Center, Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA
This workshop will provide practical advice and offer strategies to parents of children with cognitive disabilities to help keep their children safe when dealing with public safety risks and emergency situations. The presenter is the former President of the Autism Society of Northern Virginia, a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Public Safety Workgroup for Autism Awareness, and an Autism Safety and Awareness trainer of families and first responder personnel in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.
FCPS 11th Annual Special Education Conference
Sat. April 9, 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Rd. Alexandria, VA
Attend this FREE conference to learn the latest in special education. Choose from over 40 workshops and many exhibits.
Register: http://www.fcps.edu/dss/conference/registration/Please RSVP
Flash Forward! Post-Secondary Education & Employment Options
Tues. April 12, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Woodson High Sch. Cafeteria 9525 Main Street, Fairfax
Learn about supported employment, competitive employment, and post-secondary education for students with disabilities. Register: www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/prc/index.shtml
USA Science and Engineering Festival
April 14, 15, 16-17
Celebrate Science at the largest STEM education event of its kind in the United States. Over 1,000 leading STEM organizations will present hands-on science and engineering activities for people of all ages. The event is free of charge.
Children Together Spring Conference: Mind in the Making: Seven Essential Life Skills
April 14, 3:30-7:00 p.m..
First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, Alexandria, VA
This engaging, multi-dimensional presentation covers the importance of Executive Function Life Skills in children and in adults. The audience has the opportunity to watch videos of the evidence based research, participate in interactive executive function exercises and learn about the Seven Essential Life Skills and how they can be promoted in adults and children. The impact of Executive Function Life Skills on future school success is also discussed.
Accessibility Summit: A Conference of the Special Needs Community
Fri, April 15 & 16, 9:00am – 1:30pm
Mclean Bible Church, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182
Patrick Schwarz, a highly-regarded expert in special and inclusive education and author of From Disability to Possibility will deliver the keynote address. Guest Artist, Jon Sheptock, will share his inspiring vocal talent and story of overcoming many obstacles in his life.
There are 40+ workshops to choose from and over 50 exhibitors to visit providing products and services for those connected to individuals with special needs. Visit www.AccessibilitySummit.org for more information.
Group discount also available for 5 or more people from an organization.
The lecture is free and open to everyone.
The lectures are for adults only; please make other childcare arrangements if necessary.
To RSVP (appreciated, but not required): Erin.Roundtree@mcleanbible.org or 703-770-2938
Sensory friendly performance of Sleeping Beauty.
Sat, April 16, 2pm – 3pm
Children's Theater of Annapolis, MD
Fairfax Area Living Well, Aging Well Summit
Saturday, April 16 • 9:00am - 3:00pm
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Transportation and Mobility Expo, Technology Fair, Venture into Volunteering, Health, Wellness & Community Resources. Who should attend? The Summit is open to individuals, family members, general community members and industry professionals interested in exploring living and aging well.
Autism & Safety
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Service, 2334Gallows Road Entrance 1 - Room 100 Dunn Loring, VA 22027
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other cognitive disabilities may not recognize danger, react well in an emergency or be able to seek help.
Safety risks for individuals with special needs,
Proactive steps to reduce the risk of potential dangers,
Resources available in the community for emergency preparedness,
Safety guidelines & more!
The Auburn School Professional Open House
Tue, April 19, 7:30am – 9:30am
The Auburn School—Fairfax Campus 3800 Concorde Parkway, Suite 500 Chantilly, VA 20151
Learn more about:
• Students we serve
• Programs we offer
• What makes us unique
• Where we are headed
• Our success stories
RSVP mivey@theauburnschool.org
Parenting For Independence: Realistic Expectations and Tools for Fostering Age Appropriate Autonomy from Kindergarten through High School
Wed. April 20, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
The Auburn School 3800 Concorde Pkwy. Suite 500 Chantilly
Learn appropriate expectations for autonomy across different ages, and how to help kids with ASD become independent. Technology tools will be included.
Registration required: www.theauburnschool.org/forms.cfm?myForm=11022
Wings For All
April 23, 2016, 8:00am
Dulles International Airport
Wings for All is designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a child with a disability experience when traveling by air. The program provides families with the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtain boarding passes, go through security and board a plane. Wings for All also gives airport, airline, Transportation Security Administration professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment.
REGISTER: https://fs30.formsite.com/wingsforautism/form108/index.html
For more information and questions contact Kymberly Deloatche, Travel Training Coordinator at 703-208-1119 x112.
Understanding Mood Dysregulation in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Friday, April 29, 2016 10:00 am - noon
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Road Entrance 1 - Room 100 Dunn Loring, VA 22027
Dr. Sajjad Khan, an experienced clinician and researcher at NeuroScience Inc., will cover assessment, and treatment of mood dysregulation in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Topics at this workshop for parents and educators will include brain development, environmental triggers, behavioral outcomes, and interventions.
Recurring Events
OCD Family Support Group
First Mondays of the Month, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom, Lane, Arlington, VA
For family and friends of those with obsessive compulsive disorder.
202-215-5859 familygroupocd@verizon.net
Youth and Young Adults: Stronger Together
Alternate Thursdays at 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Fairfax, VA
4031 University Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030
Mar 1, 15; Apr 5, 19; May 3, 17.
Formed Families Forward hosts Stronger Together peer-to-peer support groups.
We believe that youth and young adults really are stronger when they share their experiences and work together to improve their own lives and the systems that are supposed to help youth and families.
The group is designed for teens and young adults, ages 14-22, who have lived experiences in one or more service systems such as:
Light dinner of pizza and salad will be served.
Register: http://formedfamiliesforward.org/youth-together-peer-group/ or call (703) 539-2904
Lunch Bunch
The Autism Society Northern Virginia, Down Syndrome Association Northern Virginia and The Arc of Northern Virginia now offer our popular informative Lunch BunchMeetings on Saturday. Every second Saturday of the month, from noon to 2pm at ASNV.Bring a bag lunch and talk to experts about your questions and concerns in navigating the maze of services for individuals with disabilities and on the spectrum.
The number of families is limited to provide personalized information, so RSVP to ASNV at 703-495-8444 and ask to RSVP for LUNCH BUNCH. Topics include what is on the top of your list, but also can include: Getting a diagnosis, Medicaid Waivers, IEP's and other school issues, Guardianship, Special Needs Trusts, Recreation, Transportation, and Housing.
ASNV 10467 White Granite Dr. 3rd Floor Oakton, VA 22124
CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
West Fairfax CHADD Parent Support Group
Meets each 2nd & 4th Thurs. at 7:30 pm
Room 201 at Fairfax Church of Christ, 3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax, VA 22033
Contact Sharon 703 716-4646 or clintob@aol.com.
Support Group for Middle School Students with ADHD
Meets the first Sunday of each month 2:00 - 3:00 pm
4031 Univ. Dr Fairfax, VA (enter on South St.)
NO parents!
Support Group for High School Students with ADHD
Meets the first Sunday of each month 3:30 - 5:00 pm
4031 Univ. Dr., Fairfax, VA (enter on South St.) No parents!
Call 703-403-3335 to enter the building.
Contact: coach@BrainRelief.org (703) 641-8940
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Works to build better lives for those affected by mental illness.
Oakton Family Support Group
Meets on the 1st Thurs. of each month, 7:30-9:00 pm
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, Room 9, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA
Alexandria Family Support Group
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9:00 pm, First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St., Alexandria, VA
Contact: Joanna Walker at 703 620-2633 or Joannaw.walker@gmail.com
For other Family Support Groups visit http://www.nami-northernvirginia.org/for-families-and-friends.html
Alexandria City Public School:
ACPS Monthly Support Group for Parents of Preschoolers Receiving Special Education Services
Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of
T.C. Williams High School, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Road
The group will meet monthly on the following Tuesdays:
Apr. 5, May 3, and June 7, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Please join us for support, strategies and conversation.
For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, (703) 824-0129 or janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us
ACPS Monthly Support Group for Parents of Students in the Citywide Autism Classes
Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of
T.C. Williams High School, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Road
The group will meet monthly on the following Wednesdays Apr. 13, May 11 and June 15, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Please join us for support, strategies and conversation.
For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, (703) 824-0129 or janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us
ACPS Monthly Support Group for Parents of Students with Learning Challenges
Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of
T.C. Williams High School, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA
The group will meet monthly on Wednesdays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., on the following dates: March 16, April 20, and May 18.
Please join us for support strategies and conversation.
For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, (703) 824-0129 or janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us
