Upcoming Community Events

Various weeks in March through May at Middle Schools in Fairfax County
This program uses adapted bicycles, a special instructional program, and trained staff to run the weeklong trainings for children with disabilities.
Information and registration: https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-fcps-fairfax-va/

Details That Make a Difference in Special Education — With Webinar Option
Fri, Mar. 1, 10 am-noon, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. # 200, Falls Church
Learn about the special education process, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to become an effective advocate for your child.
Register: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/events/

Technology to Support Reading and Writing
Fri. Mar. 1, 10 am-noon, PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn about technology tools for students Gr. 1-12 who struggle with reading and writing. Bring a laptop, tablet, or phone and register for a Google account.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

Gang Awareness
Wed. Mar. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm, Ramsay ES Library 5700 Sanger Ave. Alexandria
Learn about the risk factors and warning signs of gang involvement (elem.- HS) and how to help prevent your child’s participation in gangs.
Register by March 1: email janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or phone 703-824-0129

Sibshops
Sat. Mar. 2, 9 am-noon Providence Comm. Ctr., 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
This workshop is for children in grades 2-5 who have siblings with special needs. Your child will meet other siblings, share experiences and receive peer support.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

How to ROCK College (Are You Ready?)
Sat. Mar. 2, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, The StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean
Seniors are invited to take a college readiness survey, learn how college is different from high school, and consider hard decisions they will encounter.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-rock-college-a-free-workshop-tickets-55994106881

Growth Mindset: Getting Our Minds Set for Math
Sat. Mar. 2, 1:30-3:00 pm The StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean
Fourth and fifth graders will learn tools and strategies they can use to work through challenging problems and reduce anxiety when they get stuck.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growth-mindset-getting-our-minds-set-for-math-4th-5th-graders-tickets-56256770515

ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia
March 3-17 locations vary $0-$14
View and discuss films dedicated to promoting an awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, of people with life challenges and different abilities.
Tickets: https://www.jccnv.org/reel-abilities/reelabilities-film-festival-northern-virginia/

Transition University — 4 Week Online Course
Mondays, Mar. 4-Apr 8, 9 am-5 pm,
Learn how to think ahead to navigate the planning process for a school age child with developmental disabilities so as to prepare for their future adult life.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-transition-university-virtual-training-registration-55386560694?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Resource Fair and Screening of Intelligent Lives
Mon. Mar. 4, 6:00-8:30 pm, Service Source 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton
After the resource fair at 6 pm, enjoy this documentary at 7 pm in the ReelAbilities Film Festival about Downs Syndrome.
Tickets: https://reelabilities.org/northernva/film/intelligent-lives/

Screening of Perfectly Normal for Me
Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 pm, Reston CC 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
Enjoy this film in the ReelAbilities Film Festival about an inclusive after-school dance program in Queens.
Tickets: https://reelabilities.org/northernva/film/1522-2/

In Our Backyard: The Opioid and Heroin Crisis
Audience: Students in Grades 7-12 & Parents
Learn how opioids impact the brain and body, how people become addicted, who is most vulnerable, ways to prevent addiction, and where to turn for help.
Webcast available at: https://www.fcps.edu/node/36964

REVIVE Training
March 6, 12, or 17, 1 hour class at various times and locations
REVIVE! is a program that makes naloxone (Narcan®) available to lay people so they can be prepared for, recognize, and respond to opioid overdose emergencies.
Information: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive

Communication and Play
Wed. Mar. 6, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Learn about important functions of play, facilitating play, and enhancing communication skills in young children ages 0-5.
Register: https://www.lcps.org/parentresourceservices or 571-252-6540

Anxiety in Children
Wed. Mar. 6, 7:00-8:30 pm, MH Ctr., Tr. Rm. 2, 13505 Hillendale Dr. Woodbridge
Learn about anxiety disorders in children, ways to help your child cope, and when professional help may be needed.
Register: email Jan Russel: jrussell@arcgpw.org or 703-730-3124

Screening of This Business of Autism
Wed. Mar. 6, 7 pm, Recital Hall at Robinson SS 5035 Sideburn Rd. Fairfax
This documentary by a local filmmaker highlights the feasibility and economic and social benefits of employing young adults with autism.
Register: https://thisbusinessofautism.brownpapertickets.com

Stress Less, Laugh More: Strategies For Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness For Families
Wed. Mar. 6, 7:00-8:30 pm, Sycamore Sch. 4600 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 300 Arlington
Learn how to recognize stress in kids, some strategies for reducing stress, and other ways to promote long-term psychological health.
Register: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/upcoming-events/

Emerging Young Adults: Preparing for Life After High School
Thu. Mar. 7, 2:00 pm Webinar with extended access
Learn about options available for graduating students with ADHD and practical strategies to facilitate independence and self-advocacy skills.
Register: https://chadd.org/ask-the-expert/

Guardianship and Transfer of Rights for Students Turning 18
Thu. Mar. 7, 6-8 pm, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Learn what you should consider about the transfer of rights for students with disabilities when they turn 18, and how to think about guardianship.
Register: https://www.lcps.org/parentresourceservices or 571-252-6540

Exploring Early Childhood AT Home: Assistive Technology for Preschool
Fri. Mar. 8, 10 am-noon, PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Explore strategies, websites, and resources to support nonspeaking preschool students at home.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

Tech Tools & Apps: Empower Yourself and Others
Tue. Mar. 12, 7:00-8:30 pm, Arl. Central Lib.1015 N. Quincy St. Arlington
Learn about free apps to improve attention, productivity and independence in reading, writing, managing time, studying, and taking notes.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-tools-apps-empower-yourself-and-others-tickets-56128584106?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

MPower Me Tech Workshop — For Parents and Students
Wed. Mar. 13, 6-8 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church
Parents and students will learn about and practice using this technology to plan complex tasks using smaller steps, set goals, and track progress toward them.
Register: https://goo.gl/forms/63tkoYEAeaJeoqNm2

Understanding the Special Permission Locally Awarded Verified Credit Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
Wed. Mar. 13, 7:00-8:30 pm, PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn about a new path to a standard diploma for students with disabilities who can demonstrate mastery but cannot pass the SOL exams.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1oB_1YYGPpy0CYlMfX-ps7Zrs8UqpREkitJ28I-SwlOUYhA/viewform?utm_name=

New Diploma Option for Students with Disabilities — Webinar
Thu. Mar. 14, 10-11 am, The Arc 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church
Learn about a new path to a standard diploma for students with disabilities who cannot pass the SOL exams, but who can otherwise demonstrate mastery.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/ds-ls-workshops/#new-diploma

Essential Social Skills
Wed. Mar.13, 6:30-8:00 pm, TCW HS Media Ctr. 3801 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria
Learn how important social skills are to success in life and specific strategies to strengthen social skills in children of all abilities and ages.
Register by Mar. 8: email janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or phone 703-824-0129

IEPs & Inclusion Workshop
Sat. Mar. 9, 10 am-noon, ASNV Office 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton
Learn how to advocate for your child via the IEP process and how to foster inclusion and autism acceptance in your child’s school and community.
Register: https://www.asnv.org/education

Fair Housing Protections for People with Disabilities — With Webinar Option
Tue. Mar. 12, noon-1 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. Ste. 200, Falls Church
Learn about fair housing protections for people with disabilities from two presenters who do housing discrimination investigations in Virginia.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/ds-ls-workshops/

Protecting Our Youth: A Conversation about Teen Trafficking for Parents and Teens
Wed. Mar. 13, 6:30-8:30 pm, Stone Bridge HS 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn
Teens and parents will learn about the dangers of teen trafficking in our community, learn about protective strategies, and develop plans of action.
Register: https://www.lcps.org/parentresourceservices

Launching Your Student to College
Thu. Mar. 14,11:45 am-1:15 pm StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean
Register: http://thestudypro.com/events-calendar/

Technology Tools to Support Executive Functioning
Fri. Mar. 15, 10 am-noon, Parent Res. Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
This workshop will focus on strategies and technology tools to help students manage their feelings, time, materials, and information.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

Ask the Expert: A Summer at Camp — Webinar with extended access
Tue. Mar. 19, 2:00 pm
Looking for a camp for your child with ADHD? Learn how to evaluate summer programs and their staff and how to understand the differences between them.
Register: https://chadd.org/ask-the-expert/

Parents & Caregivers: Learn to Be a Determined Family Together!
Tue. Mar. 19, 7:00-8:30 pm, Key MS, Springfield
Learn about the I’m Determined project and how to incorporate effective self-determination skills into everyday life at home and in school.
Register: https://fffimdetermined.eventbrite.com

MANDT Overview for Parents
Wed. Mar. 20, 9-11:00 am, LCPS 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Building healthy, positive relationships among people is the goal of the Mandt® training program. “Supporting People, Not Just Their Behaviors.”TM
Register: https://www.lcps.org/ParentResourceServices

Familias Reunidas — programa de 5 miércoles — en español
Family Reunification Workshop — 5 Wednesdays — in Spanish
20 marzo – 10 abril, 6-8 pm, Parkview HS 15101 400 W Laurel Ave, Sterling
¿Se ha reunido con su hijos, pero encuentra la situación difícil? Únase con otros padres para aprender maneras de mejorar la relación con sus hijos.
Have you reunited with your children, but find the situation difficult? Join other parents to learn ways to improve the relationship with your children.
Registración: Daiana Bañales-Dorman 703-820-9001 x 109 o ddorman@scanva.org

Collaborative IEP Meetings: Parents as Partners
Wed. Mar. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm Parent Res. Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn about the IEP process and its components, your role in the IEP meeting, responsibilities of the team members, and planning for your child’s IEP meeting.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

DMV Connect
Wed. Mar. 20, 10 am-2 pm, The Arc 2755 Heartland Rd. Set. 200 Falls Church
DMV Connect offers drivers’ licenses and ID cards for adults and children.
Information: https://thearcofnova.org/content/uploads/sites/6/2019/02/DMV-Connect_3-20-2019.pdf

Understanding Dyslexia
Wed. Mar. 20, 6:30-8:00 pm, CK Sch. 3600 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria
Learn about dyslexia and associated challenges, as well as tools and strategies to build your child’s reading skills (K-12) and self-confidence.
Register by Mar 15: email janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or 703-824-0129

Managing Bumps in the Road: Building Resilient Relationships with Your Teen
Thu. Mar. 21, 6:30-8:30 pm, LCPS 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
We will discuss parent-child relationships during the middle school and high school years.  Register: https://www.lcps.org/ParentResourceServices

Assistive Technology to Support Communication
Fri. Mar. 22,10 am-noon, Parent Res. Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) best practices including core vocabulary, common tools, and communication partner modeling.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

Loss and Grief Experienced by Children and Teens in Kinship Families
Tue. Mar. 26, 6:00-8:15 pm, Gum Spr. CC 8100 Fordson Rd. Alexandria
Learn about the factors affecting this loss, effective ways to open communication, and how to strengthen relationships and attachment. Dinner and childcare provided.
Register by Mar. 22: email KFI@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 246-4653

Summer Activities Resource Fair
Sat. Mar. 23, 9 am-noon, LCPS 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Explore summer at-home activities and camps that are available through nonprofit and for-profit organizations and government agencies.
Register: https://www.lcps.org/ParentResourceServices

Level Up: Tips and Tricks to Get Your First Job
Sat. Mar. 23, 10 am-1 pm, Fairfax HS 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax
First-time teen jobseekers with autism can learn how to search for jobs, write a resume, and fill out job applications. Food and prizes. Parents welcome.
Register: researchautism.org/levelup2019 or Amanda Rioux 703-517-8736

Abira and the Mountain
Sat. Mar. 23 2:00-3:30 pm, Robinson SS Theater 5035 Sideburn Rd. Fairfax
This teen and young adult theatre production is a fairy tale about disabilities, challenging life circumstances, acceptance, empathy and love.
Tickets: tinyurl.com/AbiraMarch23

Dyslexic Edge: Pathways to STEM Excellence $10-$100
Sat Mar. 23, 9 am-5 pm, GMU Exploratory Hall 4400 Univ. Dr. Fairfax
The morning speakers will focus on dyslexia and education. The afternoon will include STEM activities, demos, and challenges for children.
Tickets: https://www.thedyslexicedge.org

Job Fair for Teens
Sat. Mar. 23, 10 am-noon, West Springfield HS, 6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield
Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work.
Registration: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield/teenjobfairs

ADHD 101: My Child Has ADHD, Now What?
Mon. Mar. 25, 6:30-7:30 pm, Bridges Therapy 11166 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 207 Fairfax
Learn the basics about ADHD and how you can start helping your child with ADHD via education supports, medical supports, and social/emotional supports.
Register: http://bridgestherapyandwellness.com/events/

Social Stories
Mon. Mar. 25, 10:00-11:30 am, TCW, Rm.134, 3801 W. Braddock St. Alexandria
Learn to create social stories, an important tool to address specific behavioral challenges and to help prepare a child for upcoming events.
Register by Mar. 20: email janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or 703-824-0129

Understanding the Special Permission Locally Awarded Verified Credit Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
Wed. Mar. 27, 9:00-10:30 pm, PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn about a new path to a standard diploma for students with disabilities who can demonstrate mastery but cannot pass the SOL exams.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1oB_1YYGPpy0CYlMfX-ps7Zrs8UqpREkitJ28I-SwlOUYhA/viewform?utm_name=

Social Security and the Life Continuum — Benefits Counseling
Wed. Mar. 27, 11:00 am-2:30 pm, Service Source, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton
Learn about the life continuum of benefits, key planning phases, the differences between SSI and SSDI, and the impact of work on benefits.
Register: Alex Roos 703-970-3683 Alex.Roos@servicesource.org

The Keys to Successful Toileting
Wed. Mar. 27, 9-11:00 am, LCPS 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Learn behavioral strategies for children with autism including determining readiness, habit and schedule training, overcoming fear, modeling, and pre-teaching.

Tech Tools, Strategies & Apps
Thu. Mar. 28, 7:00-8:30 pm, Sycamore Sch. 4600 N. Fairfax Dr. #300 Arlington,
Learn about free and affordable features, apps, and resources to support your students! Reduce family stress, get things done more efficiently and free up time.
Register: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/upcoming-events/

Teen Depression: What Parents Need to Know
Fri., Mar. 29, 10 am-noon, Parent Res. Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn about depression in teenagers, elements of recovery, and strategies for treatment. Parents will be provided with strategies to use to help their teenagers.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941

Wings for All Airport Practice
Sat. Mar. 30, 8 am-noon, Dulles International Airport
Families with a child with a disability (including sensory difficulties) can practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security, and boarding a plane.  Information & Registration: https://thearcofnova.org/events/wings-for-all/