Civil Rights Protections Against Retaliation
This new resource was recently released by the U.S. Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):
Plan Ahead — DMV Connect
Mon. Jan. 13, 9:30 am-2:45 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax
A Virginia Dept.of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Connect team will be at the Arc and equipped to conduct most DMV transactions.
Plan Ahead — Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Tue. & Wed. March 18 &19, 9 am-noon each day
Learn about special education law, rights, tests and measurements, SMART IEPs, and advocacy.
Note: Several Fairfax County parenting classes are included in this list because many families with children with disabilities benefit from every ounce of wisdom to best care for their children.
Plan Ahead — Active Parenting Class —Families of children age 0-4
Wednesdays, Jan. 15 to Apr. 29, 6-8 pm
Learn nurturing parenting routines, how to recognize emotions, child development, and infant massage, and build self-esteem.
Active Parenting Class —In Spanish
Planifique con anticipación — Crianza activa — en español — para familias con niños 0-4 años
Martes, 21 de enero a 30 de abril, 6-8 pm
Aprenda rutinas de crianza enriquecedoras, cómo reconocer las emociones, el desarrollo infantil y los masajes infantiles, y desarrollar la autoestima.
Plan Ahead — African American Culturally-Focused Parenting Class
Wednesdays, Feb. 2 to May 14, 5:30-8:00 pm, Gum Springs CC, Alexandria
This class emphasizes African American history, culture, and traditions. All family members have age-appropriate activities.
Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group
Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to Apr. 26, 6:00-8:30 pm
Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills and relationship skills.
Plan Ahead — I’m Determined Youth and Family Summit
Tue.-Thu. June 10-12, James Madison Univ. Harrisonburg, VA
Youth (age 14-18) with disabilities and parents will meet to network, discuss issues and learn about self-determination.
Building Independence with the TFIL Team
Thu. Jan 2, noon-1 pm
Learn how the Arc2Independence app can be customized to help your student navigate daily routines and challenges.
Metro Travel Training
Fri. Jan. 3, 10 am to -12:30 pm, Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro Station.
This is a practice trip on the metro for an individual with a disability and a designated adult. Metro card included.
Medication for Struggling Children and Adolescents
Tuesdays, 10-11 am
Jan. 7, Medication for ADHD
Jan. 14, Medication for anxiety
Jan. 21, Medication for depression and severe irritability
Includes a 10-session video course followed by one or more of the live discussion sessions, $ varies
Small Wins Add Up: How to Build New Habits in 2025
Tue. Jan. 7, 1 pm, with replay link
If ADHD runs in your family, consider how to take manageable steps to improve life for your whole family.
Special Education Webinar Series — in Spanish
Serie de educación especial — en español
Cada taller: 6:30-7:45 pm
Enero 7: Comprensión de la Educación Especial
Enero 21: De la Referencia a la Eligibilidad
Febrero 4: Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Febrero 18: Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Marzo 25: ¡Su Voz Vale!
Aquellos que asistan a más de tres talleres, podrán participar de una rifa y ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $50!
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Webinar Series
Tuesdays, Jan. 7-28, 7-8 pm
Learn about this under- or mis-diagnosed disability, and how to support affected children at home or in school.
Understanding FASD as a Brain-Based Disability
Tue. Jan. 7, 7-8 pm
Gain an overview of FASD characteristics, variability, diagnosis, and the strengths of affected youth.
Perspective: Adult Sibling with Profound ASD
Wed. Jan. 8, 1 pm
Join us for a sibling perspective as an physician shares her journey as a legal guardian, caregiver, and advocate for a loved one.
Extended School Year (ESY): A Guide for Families
Wed. Jan. 8, 6-7 pm
Learn about ESY services for students with IEPs, including the purpose, decision process, and the types of services.
What Is PDA? Exploring the Autism Profile Everyone’s Talking About
Wed. Jan. 8, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learn about PDA: a Persistent Drive for Autonomy, and how students with this profile can be supported at home and school.
Chantilly (HS) Academy Open House
Learn about career and technical education classes in health sciences, auto tech, construction, ROTC, Korean, marketing, engineering, cyber/IT, firefighting, and human services.
Transition Lunch & Learn
Thu. Jan. 9, noon-1:30 pm
Plan for the transition to adult services by learning about supports for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.
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Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training
Thu, Jan. 9, 1 pm & other dates & times
Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Receive supplies.
Building Friendships for Middle & High School Students
Both students and parents are welcome to attend this presentation on ways to build lasting friendships for those with IDD/DD.
From Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year will Enhance Your Teen’s Growth Trajectory
Thu. Jan. 9, 7-8 pm
Consider the benefits of a gap year, whether it might be a good fit for your teen, and how to plan for it.
Parents of Challenging Adolescents
Thursdays, 7-8 pm $ varies
Jan. 9, Avoiding Power Struggles
Jan. 16, Working with Your Adolescent
Jan. 23, Behavioral Strategies
Includes 10 session video course followed by live discussion sessions.
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Thu. Jan. 9, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Falls Church (HS) Academy Open House
Learn about career and technical education classes in criminal justice, biotechnology, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, and health sciences.
Examining an Employment Planning Tool for Students with Significant Support Needs
Thu. Jan. 9, 1:00-2:45 pm,
Consider a way to assist students with significant support needs in connecting to employment while in high school.
Help! My Kid Won't Go To School! Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Schools
Fri. Jan. 10, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about the root causes of school refusal, and how to set supportive boundaries at home.
Sibshops — For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Next Steps: College, Careers and Beyond
Sat. Jan. 11, 9:00 am-12:30 pm, 21000 Educ. Ct Ashburn
Prepare early for life after graduation by gaining information and resources. Vendor fair 11:00 am-12:30 pm.
Cooking Club with Arc2Independence
Sat. Jan. 11, 10 am-1 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax
Learn to use the app, Arc2Independence, to guide students step-by-step through instructional cooking. $25
How to Talk So Schools Will Listen (and Listen so Schools Will Talk)
Fri. Jan. 11, 10 am-noon, Lorton Library, Lorton
Discover communication techniques, recognize and
prevent barriers to communication, and build agreements.
FCPS Math Week
Mon-Fri. Jan. 13-17,
Enjoy a full week of stories, games, and math activities in English and Spanish for families with students in K-6.
DMV Connect
Mon. Jan. 13, 9:30 am-2:45 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax
A Virginia Dept.of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Connect team will be at the Arc and equipped to conduct most DMV transactions.
Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Jan. 13 to Feb. 3, 6 hours of content
Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.
IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Jan. 13, to Feb. 3, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP (Individualized Educational Program) development, including practical strategies.
Use Your Words: Getting Community & School Supports in Early Childhood
Tue. Jan.14, noon-1 pm
Learn what to ask for and how to find early childhood specialists, city or county programs, and when to use private alternatives.
The Use Your Words Workshop will empower you to advocate for your child so
Supporting Children and Youth with FASD: Strategies for Home and School
Tue. Jan 14, 7-8pm
Gain strategies for navigating brain function deficits caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder while enjoying your child’s strengths.
Middle School Toolkit: Systems for Improving Study Habits, Getting Organized, and Reducing Procrastination
Tue. Jan. 14, 7 pm
Gain study strategies, organizational routines, tips to prevent procrastination and advocacy guides to help your child.
Straight Talk about ADHD Treatment: The Pro's and Con's of Medication
Wed. Jan. 15, 6:30 pm
Onward to Preschool: Taking the Big Step from Early Intervention!
Wed. Jan. 15, 6:30-7:30 pm
Dive into the roles of parents, service coordinators, and educators in ensuring a smooth transition for your little superhero.
Key Neuropsychological Insights for Guiding Teens to College Success
Wed. Jan. 15, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
High school parents are invited to consider your child’s developing brain as you foster essential life skills for college success.
Therapeutic Recreation Advisory Council (TRAC) Open House
Wed. Jan. 15, 7:30-8:30 pm, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
New Council members are sought to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through therapeutic recreation programming.
From Battles to Bonding: A Parent’s Guide to Trading Defiance for Cooperation
Thu. Jan. 16, 1 pm, with replay link
Gain information on how to prevent emotionally dysregulated children from becoming defiant, and strategies to foster cooperation.
Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills (K-2)
Fri. Jan. 17, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about executive functions, milestones for young children, how to recognize executive difficulties, and ways to improve skills.
Chat with an Attorney About Special Education
Thu. Aug. 17, 10:15 am–2:00 pm
Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.
Uncovering Your Teen’s Unique Story: Strategies to Shine on College Applications
Tue. Jan. 21, 12:30-1:00 pm
Learn from a former admissions director how to help your teen find their unique story and use it effectively in essays and interviews.
Making Special Education Work for Students with FASD
Tue. Jan. 21, 7-8 pm
Gain an overview of how to access and use special education for both academic assistance and behavioral support for your child.
Empowering Parents: How to Prepare for a Successful IEP Meeting
Tue. Jan. 21, 7:00-8:30 pm, with replay option
Gain practical tips and expert insights to help you navigate the IEP process with confidence. Includes Q & A.
Responding to Our Community’s Mental Health Challenges: A Role for Volunteering
Wed. Jan.. 22, 1:30-3:30 pm
A panel of four will address actionable ways to achieve community mental health benefits via volunteering of youth and/or elders.
Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers
Thu. Jan. 23, 6:30-7:30 pm
Disability benefits from Virginia can complement disability benefits from Social Security. Find out how to obtain this state benefit.
Depression in Teens
Fri. Jan. 24, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about the prevalence and identification of depression in teens, along with strategies for treatment and recovery.
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Fri. Jan. 24, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Parent Child Journey — For Parents of challenging children ages 3-12
Tuesdays, Jan. 28-Apr. 1, 11 am-noon $ varies
This program helps parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.
FCPS Gap Year Fair
Tue. Jan. 28, 6:00-8:30 pm, Marshall HS, Falls Church
Learn about the benefits of a gap year before college,. Talk with providers and alumni. Presentation followed by fair.
Understanding Therapy Options for FASD
Tue. Jan. 28, 7-8 pm
A FASD therapist will discuss two options: Families Moving Forward and the FASCETS Neurobehavioral model.
TFIL Talks: Lessons from Arc2Independence
Tue. Feb. 28, 7-8 pm
Individuals with IDD or DD can learn how to use this app to help them with transportation, safety, or daily living.
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Wed. Jan. 29, 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Special Education Series
Wednesdays, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, & 3/26, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn detailed information about each of the steps of the special education process in Virginia.
From Referral to Eligibility
Wed. Jan. 29, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the initial stages of special education in Virginia, and how to get it started.
Marshall (HS) Academy Open House
Thu. Jan. 30, 4:30-6:00 pm, MHS 7731 Leesburg Pk. Falls Church
Learn about career and technical education in languages, automotive tech, engineering, entrepreneurship, cyber, human services, and criminal justice.
Parent Child Journey — For Parents of challenging children ages 3-12
Tuesdays, Jan. 30 to Apr. 3, 7-8 pm, 4201 Albemarle St. Wash. DC
This program helps parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.
Understanding Trauma in Your Child — In Spanish
Comprendiendo el trauma en su hijo
Miercoles, 31 de enero, 10:00-11:30 am, y 14 de febrero y 21 de marzo
Las respuestas naturales y los efectos que esto puede tener tanto en los niños como en los padres y estrategias que los padres pueden usar para apoyar a sus hijos.
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting Class — In Spanish
Clase de crianza cariñosa — para padres y adolescentes
Lunes, 10 de febrero al 26 de mayo, 5:30-8:00 pm, 2855 Annandale Rd. Falls Church
Las familias aumentan su empatía, encuentran nuevas formas de fomentar un comportamiento apropiado, desarrollar la autoestima y aprender a divertirse juntos.
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting — For parents & teens
Mondays, Feb. 10 to May 12, 6-8 pm
Learn communication strategies, how to see each other’s needs, and ways to build personal power and self-esteem.
Active Parenting Class — In Spanish
Planifica con anticipación — Familias Fuertes — Grupo de padres y jóvenes (12-18 años)
Lunes, 10 de febrero a 12 de mayo, 5:30-8:00 pm, 3901 Rugby Rd. Fairfax
Padres y adolescentes aprenden estrategias de comunicación, comprenden el desarrollo de los adolescentes, y desarrollan poder personal y autoestima. Incluye comida y cuidado de niños.
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting —Families of children ages 5-11
Thursdays, Feb. 27, to June 12, 5:30-8:00 pm, 7434 Bath St. Springfield
Families increase their empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, build self-esteem, and have fun together.