The Arc South of the James

01/09/2026

Highland Springs and nearby families! Join us for our upcoming workshop:

Addressing Behaviors Confidently
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm

📍 Location: The OAK Family Resource Center
15 S Oak Ave, Highland Springs, VA 23075

Registration: tinyurl.com/bdcr462a

This presentation will teach the basics of social and emotional skills like coping with feelings and making decisions. We’ll share tips and examples on:
• Responding to Interfering Behaviors & Big Emotions
• Support and Tools to Help at Home and School
• School Behavior Support Options (FBAs & BIPs)

01/09/2026

🔶 📣 Register Today!! The DD Rally at the Virginia Capitol is two weeks away! Are you signed up? Come show unity as a disability community and show up for disability rights at The Bell Tower in Richmond! Registration is free. When you sign up, you will receive a detailed confirmation email with what to expect. Please email lgerken@thearcofva.org for any questions or support in registering! Click the link to register now: https://thearcofva.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F30909

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

12/31/2025

Join PEATC for a free information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program.

📆 January 21, 2026 | 6:00 pm
📍Zoom

REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/zh4nvu9a

During this session, Brittany Bullock, Senior Marketing Specialist with ABLEnow, will cover the answers to these questions and more:

➡️What are ABLE accounts?
➡️Who is eligible?
➡️How can I use the money in an ABLE account?
➡️What are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?
➡️How can I learn more and open an account?

More independence, greater financial security, and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building.

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About the speaker:
Brittany Bullock joined Virginia529 in 2013 as a Financial Operations Analyst. Since then, she has moved into the role of Senior Marketing Associate, spending most of her time traveling the Central and Tidewater regions of the state, educating individuals and families on the importance of ABLE accounts and how empowering they are for people with disabilities. As part of the marketing team, she also conducts virtual events and webinars both statewide and nationwide.

Brittany has a B.S. in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a concentration in International Business. She is passionate about helping others and looks forward to sharing this wonderful information with you all.

12/18/2025

12/16/2025

If you’ve been ineligible for an ABLEnow account due to age restrictions, now is the time to prepare.

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 🌠
https://imdetermined.org/event/2026-youth-family-summit/

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