Events By Month and Day:
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Needs Assessment Survey
What are the biggest barriers to community integration that your special-needs child and family face?
Share your input before October 10.
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/fadsbsurvey
Strengthening Families — 8 week course
Tue. Oct. 1-Nov.19, 6:00-8:30 pm, Hammond ES 4646 Seminary Rd. Alexandria
Parents and youth (ages 10-14) can strengthen family bonds through discussion, games, roleplaying, and family projects. Free dinner & Childcare (for ages 2-9).
Register: Aurea Galvan Palacios agalvanpalacios@scanva.org 703-820-9001×105
What to Put in the IEP — With Webinar Option
Wed. Oct. 2, noon–1:30 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church
Learn how to word effective long term and short term goals for an IEP. Bring your questions.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/ds-ls-workshops/#IEP
Strengthening Families — 8 semanas en español
Tue. Oct. 2-Nov. 20, 6:00-8:30 pm, Key MS 6402 Franconia Rd, Springfield
Parents and youth (ages 10-14) can strengthen family bonds through discussion, games, roleplaying, and family projects. Free dinner & Childcare (for ages 2-9).
Register: Aurea Galvan Palacios agalvanpalacios@scanva.org 703-820-9001×105
Get Past Procrastination
Wed. Oct. 2, 6:30-8:00 pm, Auditorium, TCW, 3801 W. Braddock St. Alexandria
Explore practical strategies to motivate children, help develop good study habits, increase focus, and reduce procrastination… without being the bad guy!
Register: https://www.acps.k12.va.us/Page/397 or phone 703-824-0129
CCC plus Medicaid Waiver Information Session
Wed. Oct.2, 7:00-8:30 pm, Arc of GPW 13505 Hillendale Rd. Woodbridge
Learn about the CCC Plus Waiver eligibility criteria, application process, services, EPSDT, managed care, and HIPP.
Register: Jan Russell at jrussell@arcgpw.org or 703.730.3124
Parenting Wisely for Parents/Caregivers of Teens — 5 Class Course
Wed. Oct. 2-Oct. 30, 6:30-8:00 pm, Sherwood CC 3740 Old Lee Hgwy. Fairfax
Using realistic videos, facilitators take parents through common issues such as sibling conflict, managing schoolwork, finding drugs, and curfews.
Register: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/event/parenting-wisely-for-parents-caregivers-of-teens/2019-10-02/
Parenting and Navigating the Tween and Teen Years — 7 week course — en español
Thu. Oct. 3–Nov. 7, 6-8 pm Oakton HS 2900 Sutton Rd. Vienna
This program will help parents build positive relationships, develop effective communication, set up boundaries and discipline, and strengthen family connections.
Register: Aurea Galvan Palacios at agalvanpalacios@scanva.org or 703-820-9001 ext. 105
I Have Needs Too!
Thu Oct. 3, 6:30-8:00 pm, FFF 4031 Univ. Dr. Fairfax, Enter on South St.
This workshop will provide strategies for managing the mixed emotions and increased responsibilities of siblings of children with special needs.
Register: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/event/i-have-needs-too-balancing-the-needs-of-children-in-families-where-some-kids-need-more/
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others — With Webinar Option
Thu. Oct. 3, 6:30-8:00 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church
Join us for a workshop to learn some simple daily practices you can implement to take care of YOU, so you can then take care of others.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/ds-ls-workshops/#self-care
Special Needs Tax Planning Workshop
Thu. Oct. 3, 7-9 pm, Pozez JCC, 8900 Little River Tnpk. Fairfax
Tax planning for families with an individual with special needs will be discussed, including possible deductions for expenses related those needs.
Register: RSVP to Carey 571-378-0245 or calford@financialguide.com
An Individualized Approach to Raising Your Challenging Child — 10 week course
Thu. Oct 3-Dec. 12, 7:30-9:00 pm, St. Columba’s 4201 Albemarle St. NW Washington
This program helps 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. $100-$300
Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
Kinship Café
Wed. Oct. 9, 6-8 pm, Mott Center 12111 Braddock Rd. Fairfax
Dinner and discussion for kinship caregivers and their family. Separate activities and games for children of all ages.
Register by Fri, Oct. 4: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/EReg/Registration.aspx?groupID=27
FCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference
Sat. Oct. 5, 8 am-4 pm, Fairfax HS 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax
This conference for parents, with a separate agenda for teens, will focus on social and emotional learning, and addiction prevention and treatment.
Registration starting Sept. 3 : https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/mental-health-and-resiliency/mental-health-and-wellness
Fallfest 2019 — For Young Adults, Teens & Famiies
Sun. Oct. 6, 1:00-3:30 pm, Frying Pan Farm, 2739 West Ox Rd. Herndon
Join us for friendship, free food, fall fun, wagon rides and a conversation about mental health topics led by young adult leaders.
Register: https://www.nami-northernvirginia.org/fallfest.html
Specialized Reading Strategies for Parents
Mon. Oct. 7, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Register: https://www.lcps.org/parentresourceservices or 571-252-6540
Positive Discipline — 6 semanas en español
Tue. Oct. 8-Nov. 19, 6:00-8:30 pm, Kilby ES, 1800 Horner Rd. Woodbridge
This program is designed to strengthen family communication, reduce power struggles, strengthen the self-esteem of the child, and discuss praise and empathy. Dinner & childcare included.
Register: Aurea Galvan Palacios at agalvanpalacios@scanva.org or 703-820-9001 ext. 105
Parenting and Navigating the Tween and Teen Years — 7 week course — en español
Tue- Oct. 8–Nov. 19, 6:00–8:30 pm at Kilby ES 1800 Homer Rd Woodbridge
This program will help parents build positive relationships, develop effective communication, set up boundaries and discipline, and strengthen family connections.
Register: Aurea Galvan Palacios at agalvanpalacios@scanva.org or 703-820-9001 ext. 105
REVIVE Training
October 9, 15, or 20, 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
Parenting and Navigating the Tween and Teen Years — 7 week course — en español
Wed. Oct. 9–Nov. 20, 6:30–8:30 pm, Holmes MS 6525 Montrose St. Alexandria
This program will help parents build positive relationships, develop effective communication, set up boundaries and discipline, and strengthen family connections.
Register: Aurea Galvan Palacios at agalvanpalacios@scanva.org or 703-820-9001 ext. 105
Creating Your Circle of Support — With Webinar Option
Thu. Oct. 10, noon-1:30 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church
Learn about about building a formal or informal group of people in your life who you choose and trust to help you make decisions and have a good life.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/ds-ls-workshops/#self-care
Parenting Education Program — 14 class meetings
Thu. Oct 10 – Feb. 6, 5:30-8:00 pm, Providence Comm. Ctr. 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
Parents learn positive, effective ways to interact with their children age 0-4. A family meal and childcare are included.
Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/parenting-education-programs Register: Lisa Payne-Chesley 703-324-7734
The Arc 2019 National Convention
Fri-Mon. Oct. 11-14, Grand Hyatt, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC
Large convention with exhibits and presentations on supporting the lives of those will intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Register: https://convention.thearc.org. $ Cost varies
ADHD and Mental Health Resource Fair
Sat. Oct.12, 8 am-1pm, ASCE HQ Bechtel Conf. Ctr. 1801 Alexander Bell Dr, Reston
This conference, sponsored by CHADD and NAMI, will include a keynote, exhibitors, and two workshop sessions with a choice of 8 topics.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-chaddnami-adhd-and-mental-health-resource-fair-tickets-59269143604?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
More Than Sad: Teen Depression Training for Parents and Other Caring Adults
Mon. Oct. 14, 6-8 pm, ServiceSource 10467 White Granite Drive, Oakton
This program teaches about depression, demystifies treatment, and encourages those who are struggling or have a loved one who is struggling to seek help.
Register: https://afsp.org/event/more-than-sad-teen-depression-training-for-parents-and-other-caring-adults-4/
Parenting and Navigating the Tween and Teen Years — 7 week course
Tue. Oct. 15–Nov. 26, 6-8 pm, Sterling MS 201 W Holly Ave. Sterling
This program will help parents build positive relationships, develop effective communication, set up boundaries and discipline, and strengthen family connections.
Register: agalvanpalacios@scanva.org or 703-820-9001 ext. 105
Moving on to Life in the Community: A Resource Fair — for Students and Parents
Tue. Oct. 15, Lake Braddock SS 6:30-8:45 pm, Lake Braddock
Learn about vocational, residential, leisure, and independent living options for individuals requiring ongoing employment and community support after graduation.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Positive Behavior Support Family Chat
Tue. Oct. 15, 8:30-9:30 pm
Join this APBS chat with expert professionals and parents to discuss ways to improve your child’s participation and behavior in home and school.
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yVQCiVM_S7ux_lY6atgq3w
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training $25 Includes workbook
W. & Th. Oct. 16 & 17, 8:30 am-1:00 pm, Merrifield Ctr. 8221 Willow Oaks Corp. Dr. Fairfax
Adults who care for or work with youth can learn key skills to help an adolescent who is developing a mental health problem or crisis.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=47
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 101
Wed. Oct. 16, 12:30 pm & 6:00 pm, 5425 Wisc. Ave. #600 Chevy Chase, MD
Learn what OCD is, how treatment works, and steps to take to help someone struggling with the disorder. Register: 301-968-2426 or Stephanie@StephanieWoodrow.com
Executive Function Challenges? 5 Proven Ways to Help —free lunch included
Thu. Oct. 17,11:45 am-1:15 pm, The StudyPro 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200 McLean
Learn how to recognize children’s executive function challenges and how to help with proven and straightforward techniques.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/executive-function-challenges-5-proven-ways-to-help-tickets-74425040299
Cultivating Racial Awareness for Transracial Adoptive Families
Thu. Oct. 17, 1:00-2:30 pm — Webinar $0-$15
Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/product-type/for-parents-family/
OCD Information Night
Thu. Oct. 17, 7-9 pm, Westminster Pres. Ch. 2701 Cameron Mills Rd. Alexandria
A panel discussion will provide personal, family, and professional perspectives on treatment and resiliency for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Information: ocdmidatlantic@gmail.com
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse and Today’s Youth
Fri. Oct. 18, 10 am-noon, PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Learn the signs of substance abuse, how to survive with risk taking teens, and how to help your child toward recovery.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
FFF Family Movie Night — The Business of Autism
Fri. Oct 18, 5:30-8:00 pm, FFF 4031 Univ. Dr. Fairfax, Enter on South St.
Foster, adoptive, and kinship families will enjoy pizza. Then adults and interested youth will watch this movie while children have other activities.
Register: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/event/fff-family-movie-night-the-business-of-autism/?
Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference
Sat. Oct. 19, 8:30 am -1:00 pm, Rachel Carson MS 13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon
Keynote followed by two sessions
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/assistive-technology-services-ats/real
Parents’ Night Out
Sat. Oct. 19, 5-10 pm, Arc of PWC, 13505 Hillendale Dr, Woodbridge
Enjoy an evening while trained adults care for your child with disabilities, and siblings. Social skills development will be emphasized. $5.00-$7.50 per hour
Register: Call the PWC Arc: 703 670-5060
Mandt Overview for Parents
Tue. Oct. 22, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 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 or 571-252-6540
Parenting towards Grit But Not Grind
Wed. Oct. 23, 7-9 pm, Auburn Sch. 3800 Concorde Pkwy. #500, Chantilly
We will focus on moving away from helicopter parenting to help your special needs child develop skills to become independent.
Register: https://www.theauburnschool.org/speakerseries
The Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Vaping, E-Cigarettes and Juuls
Wed. Oct. 23, 7:30-9:00 pm, Lab Sch. 4759 Reservoir Rd, NW, Wash. DC
Get a crash course in vapes and e-cigarettes. Learn how to help prevent use by teens and support cessation efforts for those already experimenting with the use of vapes.
Register: https://www.labschool.org/page/outreach/lecture-series
FCPS Dyslexia Open House
Thu. Oct. 24, 10-11 am, PRC. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring
Browse exhibit tables about FCPS resources, and learn about next steps for students with dyslexia.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Future Quest 2019: College and Career Forum
Oct. 26, 8 am-3:00, Johnson Ctr. GMU, 4400 University Dr. Fairfax
This conference for middle school and high school students and their families helps students with disabilities plan for after high school.
Register: futurequestgmu.org
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training $25 Inc. breakfast, lunch, workbook
Sat. Oct. 26, 8:00 am –5:30 pm, Lutheran Ch 6304 Lee Chapel Rd. Burke
Adults who care for or work with youth can learn key skills to help an adolescent who is developing a mental health problem or crisis.
Register: https://abidingpresence.net/mhfirstaid
Contact pastorheidi@abidingpresence.net to reserve free childcare
Social Emotional Learning
Tue. Oct. 29, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Register: https://www.lcps.org/parentresourceservices or 571-252-6540
Circle of Support Conference
Sat. Nov. 2, 8:00 am-3:30 pm Nylton HS 14051 Spriggs Rd. Woodbridge
This conference by the Arc of Prince William County focuses on supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cost varies $
Register: https://arcgpw.org/circle-of-support-conference/
Families Reunited — 4 semanas en español
Thu. Nov. 7 – Dec. 5, 6:00-8:30 pm, Kilby ES 1800 Horner Rd. Woodbridge
Join other families who have recently reunited with children and learn how to improve behavior and communication. Dinner & childcare included.
Register: agalvanpalacios@scanva.org or 703-820-9001 x 105
The Arc of NOVA Fall 2019 Transition Series $25-$50
Sat. Sept 28 & Nov. 9, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, Rowley Hall, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
This 2-day interactive event educates families for when a student transitions from school-based to community-based services for adults with developmental disabilities.
https://thearcofnova.org/programs/transition-series/
Kids Adoption Network Conference — For adults and children
Sat, Nov. 16, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, McLean Sch. 8224 Lochinver Ln. Potomac, MD
We will explore the challenges adoptees face in sharing their stories and explore using music, art, movement and story-telling. $70-$75 includes lunch
Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/kan-conference-2019/
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.
