The Arc South of the James

04/23/2026

04/23/2026

DBHDS Division of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking volunteers to become members of the Waiver Slot Assignment Committee (WSAC) who have knowledge of or experience with services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include reviewing information presented of nominees for vacant and available Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver and hold confidential all information reviewed. DBHDS provides training specific to the DBHDS mission, all responsibilities, and the positive impact these waivers and services have to promote inclusion within our community.

WSAC members can determine how little or how much time they would like to volunteer. On average a WSAC lasts about four hours per Community Service Board (CSB). Virginia has 40 CSBs who at anytime throughout the year could have a WSAC to assign new or vacant DD Waivers.

WSAC members should not be current CSB, DBHDS employees or board members, not current employees, owners or board members of an agency providing waiver services, or a family member of an individual currently on the DD Waiver Waitlist.

Apply today at https://forms.office.com/g/kytz8AUv57

04/21/2026

It's your last week to get registered for the Lake Anna Elite Anglers 5th Annual Day of Fishing for Children with Special Needs event. Don't wait as registration spots are limited,follow the link previously posted to get signed up today.

04/21/2026

Abby, Elmo, Julia, and friends from Sesame Workshop share new resources to help explain autism in kid-friendly ways and support how we can connect, help, play, and be kind to one another! ✨ They also share tips to help parents and providers plan activities to support all children in group activities.

📲 Check them out @ https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism!

AND.... there's a new downloadable communication board with core vocabulary and our favorite Sesame Street characters.️ 🎊
➡️ https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/sesame-street-communication-board

Communication boards are a great way to help us communicate and to build literacy skills!

Materiales están disponibles en Español.

04/17/2026

📣Understanding Vision & Hearing Loss in Young Children
A PEATC Connecting the Dots Webinar

Helping families & professionals support children with dual sensory loss!

Young children learn by seeing, hearing, and exploring. When a child has both vision and hearing loss, they learn in unique ways and may need extra support. We’re connecting the dots to give families the confidence, tools, and resources available to help their children thrive!

📅Tuesday, May 5, 2026
⏰12:00 pm (noon) EST

👉Register - go.peatc.org/VisionHearingLoss

04/14/2026

🟠Have a done the new action alert yet?

Funding services is more than a best practice, and we need to keep reminding legislators that the commonwealth is REQUIRED to fund the services in our action alert.

Click the link below to spend a couple minutes advocating for the Virginia budget!

https://arcva.quorum.us/campaign/159975/

04/10/2026

We love getting to celebrate all the siblings out there, whatever type you may be. Some are biological. Some are chosen. Some are right next door, and some are missing each other. Siblings can be each other's fiercest advocates, allies, and -well- debate partners. Thank you to all the siblings out there advocating for and with each other, providing support, needing a break, or being a best friend!

04/10/2026

Attention Military Families in Virginia! 🌟

Are you a military-connected parent of a child with a disability? Navigating special education and disability services can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Join PEATC and Terrilyn Williams, School Liaison Program Manager at DAF JBLE Langley, for a FREE session designed just for you! Discover valuable resources, get your questions answered, and connect with experts who understand your unique journey.

🗓️ Date: May 20, 2026
⏰ Time Options: 12:00–1:00 pm OR 5:30–6:30 pm
🔗 Register now: go.peatc.org/SPEDMilitary

04/06/2026

Have you joined YET? 👀

PEATC's Youth Empowerment Transition (YET) Council is for Virginia youth with disabilities, ages 14-26, interested in:
⭐ Building self-advocacy skills
⭐ Giving input and advising PEATC on issues that involve youth
⭐ Creating new friendships
⭐ Learning to be an active member in their school and community
⭐ Developing leadership skills

NEXT MEETING:
📆 When: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
💻 Where: Zoom (virtual)

Meetings are held monthly (every second Monday unless otherwise stated).

👉 Interested? Complete the Interest Form here! -
forms.office.com/r/tt8i1at46m

03/19/2026

Have a child or loved one with a disability? Need support from someone who knows how to navigate disability service?🔦

CFI's Family Navigators are here to listen, guide, and support ~ parent to parent.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

03/10/2026

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.

History matters. Not for nostalgia, but for understanding. We honor the past by building a better tomorrow.

Learn more about the past, present, and future of the DD Act in Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qlTITezhBw

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities