The Arc South of the James

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Colonial Heights, VA
The Arc South of the James

The Arc South of the James is a local chapter of The Arc, which promotes the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

11/19/2025

Why is the IDEA important? For millions of parents, like Juliet Barraza, mother of Ben, it has been essential to a full life: "Without the IDEA, Ben's life and our life would have been dramatically different. IDEA was a light that shined on his educational needs and transformed his life and ours."

Learn more from the Center for American Progress on IDEA at 50 Week of Action at: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/idea-at-50-resources-to-support-students-with-disabilities-during-the-week-of-action/

11/17/2025

Applications for the 2026 Youth and Family Summit are now live! Click the link in our bio to apply 🌠

11/06/2025

Register today for Supported Decision-Making in Virginia: An Overview for People with DD and Their Families. Hear about the history of supported decision-making and Virginia's laws related to supported decision-making. Learn more about the Virginia Supported Decision-Making Agreement template, discovery tools, and how to create your own agreement.

Tuesday, November 18th, 6:00pm- 7:30pm

Who should attend? People with developmental disabilities and their family members who are interested in learning more about Supported Decision-Making and the steps Virginia is taking to create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement.

Learn more and register here: 8727086c-43ff-4514-be5c-65619b493a4e@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8727086c-43ff-4514-be5c-65619b493a4e@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309

11/03/2025

Diapers Available for Virginia Families Through Virginia Community Action Partnership's (VACAP) Diaper Distribution Program 🧷

Families in Virginia can apply for free monthly diapers and other support services through the Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP) diaper distribution program.

Questions or to enroll, contact your local partner agency or VACAP directly for application details and eligibility.

Links in comment

10/29/2025

Anatomy of an IEP
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Feeling overwhelmed by the IEP process? You're not alone.

This parent-friendly presentation breaks down each part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) in clear, simple terms. You'll learn what each section means, why it matters, and how it all works together to support your child's learning and growth.

Walk away with practical tips and insights to help you confidently participate in the IEP process and advocate for your child’s right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

*IN-PERSON WORKSHOP*

📍 Location:
OB Gates Elementary School
10001 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

REGISTER HERE: tinyurl.com/2rdyh79n

Presented by PEATC in collaboration with PTA OB Gates Elementary

10/26/2025

Want to learn about Assistive Technology (AT)?

Join dLCV at our FREE summit for our session on The Power of Assistive Technology: Bridging Gaps and Building Independence! This session will be led by industry experts who will share their knowledge about the latest technology, agencies available to provide training and access, and answer your questions about Assistive Technology. Our speakers include:

• Brittany Howard, Technology Assistance Program Manager, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Francie Mitchell, Richmond Clinical Director, Children's Assistive Technology Service
• Sheridan Knowles, Occupational Therapist,
• Dan Aunspach, Director of Rehabilitation Technology Services, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)

Register now! https://dlcv.salsalabs.org/2025summit/index.html

10/24/2025

Early Childhood Academy (ECA) Fall 2025
A FREE self-paced online course for families of young children (birth through age six) with disabilities & developmental delays.

You are your child’s first and most important teacher and you help set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success! In this 5-week online program, families of children with disabilities learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development and preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

The course begins November 7, 2025 and will be open through December 12, 2025.

Learn more and REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/mt9nfx86

10/23/2025

Are you or a loved one on the DD Waiver Waitlist? Did you know that you need to update your choice form at least annually to remain active on the Waitlist? Take Action Now! Visit https://www.wamsvirginia.org/WAMS/Ltss.Web/WaitlistPortal/Login and update your choice form to remain on the Waiver Waitlist today (if you haven’t updated your form in the past year).
If you do not update your choice form at least annually, you may be at risk of being removed from the waiting list.

10/22/2025

Every family deserves access to support, guidance, and community—right here in Virginia. From navigating special education to finding peer mentors and advocacy networks, these partners are here to help: The Center for Family Involvement, PEATC, and The Arc of Virginia—all free, statewide resources for families.

10/15/2025

Recognizing the importance of ensuring all people have equal opportunity to contribute their skills and talents, this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( ) theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” Learn more at dol.gov/NDEAM.

10/13/2025

Join the Alumni Development Program for “So, You Want to Make a Difference” — a statewide continuing education workshop designed to empower advocates with practical tools to create change.

🗓 Friday, October 24, 2025
⏰ 12 PM – 2 PM
Register: https://dsa-virginia.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/9SDXu5TBRVmYcKkvRtQ6zA #/registration

For more information about this event, you can contact them at training@vbpd.virginia.gov. Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

Address

Colonial Heights, VA
23834

Telephone

+18044461705

Website

http://www.thearcsoj.org/

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