Events By Month and Day:
*In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic please check with event sponsors as to the status of events*
Variety of Recorded Webinars on Adoption-Related Topics — April 1- April 30
Topics range from emotional regulation, to supporting children with FASD, to dealing with loss and grief. View 48 hours. FREE with Coupon: HOME at checkout.
Information: https://store.adoptionsupport.org/webinars/in-demand-webinars
FFFP: Letter of Intent & Long-Term Advocacy Planning
Fri. Apr. 3, 10 am-noon — Webinar
Learn how to write a Letter of Intent and/or Long-Term Advocacy Plan as documentation for a future primary caregiver for a loved one with special needs.
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MQ-O02RzQD2UtvTAVf-U2A
When You and Your Child Have ADHD— Communication Skills to Resolve Conflict
Fri. April 3, 2:30-3:30 pm Webinar
Learn to communicate effectively and resolve conflict with your child with ADHD.
Register: https://chadd.org/ask-the-expert/
Community Sensory Day
Sat. Apr. 4, 10 am-1 pm, 12099 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
The Dept. of Neighborhood & Community Services is hosting this fun event focusing on safety for families of individuals with development disabilities.
Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/therapeutic-recreation/fantastic-times
Too Much Screen Time? Practical Tips for Parents — Online Chat
Mon. Apr. 6, noon-1 pm
Learn practical tips to manage your child’s screen time, and learn a little about children’s current online fads.
Info: https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/experts-live-chats-webinars?
Tour of the Library of Congress for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Sat. Apr. 11, 9:30-10:30 am, 101 Independence Ave SE Wash. DC
This Touch History walking tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building will include its history, art, architecture, and the Library’s history and work.
Register: email grouptours@loc.gov or 202-707-9779
Medicating Your Child with ADHD: How to Manage the Feelings of Guilt
Wed. April 15, 1-2 pm Webinar with recorded option
Learn about the role of medication in treatment, myths about ADHD medications, and helpful ways to talk with yourself and others (including your children).
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/medicating-children/?
An Individualized Approach to Raising Your Challenging Child — 9 Sessions
Wed. Apr. 15-Jun. 10, 7:30-9:00 pm, Med. Dental Bldg. 3900 Reservoir Rd. NW, Wash. DC or via Zoom
This program is designed to help parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it. For parents of children ages 3-12.
Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ $ Cost varies.
Parent Workshop on Executive Functioning Skills
Thu., Apr. 16, 7:00-8:30 pm, Sycamore Sch. 4600 North Fairfax Dr. #300 Arlington
Learn what executive functioning is, how the skills apply to children of various ages, and how to support children at home and in school.
Register: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/upcoming-events/
Supported Decision Making in Healthcare and Life Planning
Thu. Apr. 16, noon–1:00 pm, — Webinar with recorded option
Learn how to use Supported Decision Making for individuals with developmental disabilities for various types of healthcare, as well as in planning for aging.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/workshop-series-sdm/
LifeSkills Training — 6 Week Class for Middle Schoolers
Thu. Apr. 16-May 21, 5:30-7:00 pm, 4031 Univ. Dr. Fairfax (Enter South St.)
LifeSkills Training is an evidence-based program for middle schoolers to learn healthy habits and build skills. Dinner served. Attend regularly for gift cards!Register: 703 539-2904 or https://lifeskillsspring2020.eventbrite.com
REVIVE Trainings To Prevent Opioid Overdoses
Fri, Apr.17, 10:00-11:30 am, Northwest Center 1850 Cameron Glen Dr. #600, Reston
Sun. Apr. 19, 3:00-4:30 pm, A New Beginning Gym, 4213 Walney Rd. Chantilly
Learn what to do and not do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies are provided for use when needed.
Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
Gap Year, Community College and Other Post-High School Options
Wed. April 22, 7-9 pm, Sycamore Sch. 4600 North Fairfax Dr. #300 Arlington
Panelists will discuss community college offerings, gap year experiences, and other options to diving directly into a traditional four-year college. Students welcome
Register: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/upcoming-events/
Feeling Stressed? 10 Simple and Powerful Coping Strategies for Parents and Kids
Wed. Apr. 22, 7:30-9:00 pm, Lab Sch. 4759 Reservoir Rd, NW, Wash. DC
Learn how to make simple changes in your thinking and behavior that will lead to a healthier approach to managing stress and even help you get back to enjoying life!
Register: https://www.labschool.org/community-and-resources/lecture-series
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Thu. Apr. 23, 9:00-10:30 am, Building #625, 601 Catoctin Cir. NE, Leesburg
Connect with fellow special needs parents who are business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices at this networking event.
Info: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
How to Manage Meltdowns — Webinar
Thu. Apr. 23, noon-1 pm
Learn strategies for managing your child’s meltdowns or emotional outbursts, and ask your questions about how to help your child self-regulate.
Info: https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/experts-live-chats-webinars/2020/april/23/how-to-manage-meltdowns
Would My Child Benefit from Medication? — Webinar with Extended Access
Thu. Apr. 23, 1:00-2:30 pm, Access Recording: Apr. 23 – May 23
Learn what you should consider and the questions you should ask of treatment providers when making decisions about use of medication for a child
Register: https://store.adoptionsupport.org/product/SYF-0423/apr-syf-webinar-would-my-child-benefit-from-medication. $0-$15. Free with coupon code.
National Drug Take Back Day
Sat. Apr, 25, 10 am-2 pm. All eight Police District Stations in Fairfax County
National Take Back Day is a safe, responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at all 8 Police District Stations in Fairfax County.
Info: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
Using Growth Mindset Strategies for Writing! — For 4th & 5th Graders
Sat. Apr. 25, 1:30 – 3:00 pm, StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200 McLean
During this workshop, we will explore different types of writing, practice ideas to get started when stuck and learn how to look at editing in a more positive light.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-growth-mindset-strategies-for-writing-4th-5th-graders-tickets-81635842001?aff=ebdssbeac
Plan Ahead…
Plan Ahead — Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day
Sat. May 2, 8-am-2 pm, GMU Sci. and Tech campus 10900 Univ. Blvd. Manassas
Kids age 4 and older have outdoor activities next door to where parents and caregivers meet for learning and connection. Youth and young adult track speaker.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-spring-forward-family-fun-day-tickets-89880355563?
Plan Ahead — Family And Youth Leadership Summit
Sat. May 16, Richmond Area
This event is for Virginia families of children or youth with mental health and co-occurring challenges. Parent and youth voice is promoted through knowledge, skills and networking.
Info: https://namivirginia.org/events/family-and-youth-leadership-summit/
Plan Ahead — Three Day Summer Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Wed-Fri. July 8-10, Wilson Workforce & Rehab. Ctr. Fishersville, VA
Students (ages 14-22) will participate in activities to learn about various careers, training options, independent living skills, and self-advocacy.
Contact: Traci.Branch@DARS.virginia.gov Cell: 804-389-5509 VP: 804-616-4838
Ongoing…
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
Get Ready for College: A Resource for Teens with Disabilities
Online, Self-Paced 8 Class Course from VCU
This course for high school students with disabilities focuses on preparation for college, selection of a college for best fit, and the disability services process. Access: http://vafamilysped.org/Event/j8Gu8yhL54NjdEsQYzfwtg/Event-online-self-paced-free-course-get-ready-for-college-a-resource-for-teens-with-disabilities
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. Access: https://accesstosuccess.ctb.ku.edu
Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.
To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563
Fairfax County Parks – Adapted Recreation for Kids
Swimming, gymnastics, ice skating, fitness, park explorers.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/adapted-programs
Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs/tracers/up/ProgramListing.aspx?pDGID=2
Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks
Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships
Post-Adoptive Recreation Program for Youth 10-15 with Special Needs
A once-monthly Saturday recreation and respite program open to Fairfax County residents who have adopted via public or private agencies.
Contact: Formed Families Forward info@formedfamiliesforward.org
Give an Hour Healthy Minds Fairfax
A new program will provide no-cost mental health services to income eligible children and youth ages 5-21. Information: https://giveanhour.org/initiatives-and-programs/healthy-minds-fairfax/
On Demand – Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar On demand, available 24/7.
*Please Note: FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) and ACPS (Alexandria City Public Schools) can often provide translation services for their events into Spanish, Arabic, or other languages if you contact them well in advance.
