TASK (Taking Action for Special Kids)

03/18/2026

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/information-for-families/virginia-family-s-guide-to-special-education

This publication is a revision of the former A Parent’s Guide to Special Education that was originally published in 2010. This new state guide was developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to help those involved in special education, whether as families, teachers or school administr...

03/18/2026

https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/webcasts/series/stronger.cfm

Join our quarterly virtual sessions created for families and caregivers of autistic students. Discover strategies and resources, share stories, and build community as we support every student's journey from school to adulthood.

03/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Gh2XkC8z/

🎉IMPORTANT UPDATE on Alternatives to Guardianship & Supported Decision Making

Getting help with making decisions is a normal part of everyone’s life and it is important for all Virginians to understand the different ways they can get help with making decisions, while also keeping their fundamental rights.

There is a new resource they created regarding less restrictive alternatives to guardianship- Less Restrictive Options in Virginia: Guardianship and Conservatorship Are Not the Only Options.

This plain language guide was developed by The Supreme Court WINGS network, in collaboration with the Virginia Center on Aging, in order to provide an overview of a variety of formal and informal support options that can help people maximize self-determination and avoid unnecessary court orders for guardianship (link below 👇).

There is ALSO a new document DBHDS created about decision-making options in Virginia.

It has some similar information to the WINGS document, but in a different format, while also addressing the option of DBHDS Authorized Representatives and what support options can be/ cannot be combined.

This document is also available online, link below 👇

Link:https://dbhds.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Decision-Making-Options-Details-for-General-Use.pdf

Guide developed by The Supreme Court WINGS network - LINK:https://bad7b908-9e02-443f-ab67-7cc1e19cc92e.filesusr.com/ugd/0da23f_bc580cb533e54e838b857477ca82dd88.pdf

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

Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

03/16/2026

We wanted to share a really fun opportunity coming to our community!
Omnium Circus, known as America’s new accessible circus, is bringing its groundbreaking all-inclusive performance to the Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton on April 14 at 6:00 PM. The show features an inspiring cast of artists from diverse backgrounds, including performers with and without disabilities, and promises an exciting night of artistry, acrobatics, and entertainment designed for every audience member.
We have 15 seats reserved for the Special Needs Collaborative so we can sit together in an accessible area, and as of right now about 10 spots are still available.
Tickets are $35 each.
To reserve one of the SNC seats, you can:
• Stop by the Chuck Mathena Center
• Or call (304) 425-5128
Just let them know you are purchasing one of the SNC reserved seats.
We thought this would be a wonderful evening out for families, friends, and members of our special needs community. If you plan to go, we would love to see you there!

03/16/2026

📂 Create Your Special Care Notebook

The Special Needs Collaborative, in partnership with Legal Aid of West Virginia, is hosting a FREE hands-on workshop for caregivers to help you organize important documents like IEPs, medical records, contacts, and more — all in one place.

✔️ All materials provided
✔️ Refreshments included
✔️ Two session options available

⚠️ Space is limited. Registration is required.

📌 Registration Link:
https://form.jotform.com/260635062378055

📍See flyer for additional details.

03/16/2026

https://youtu.be/IdFpeUTnDA8?si=Absw8n2S9nPHgVP1

What does is feel like to live with both ADHD and autism? What are the most common signs of AuDHD? What is an AuDHD person looking for from the world? Dr Khu...

03/16/2026

Make plans to attend this parent meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at 1 pm, either in person, virtual or send comments. See flyer.

03/16/2026

REMINDER: Join us on Monday March 16th for a webinar for families about the school discipline process. This session presents an overview of the discipline process in area school districts with a focus on the types of suspensions and more serious discipline that be imposed, appeal rights through school systems, what to do if suspensions are a frequent occurrence, how to prepare if there is a pending school system hearing, and the interplay between discipline and a student’s IEP or 504 Plan. Presenter Joan Proper represents clients in special education and general education matters in public school systems in Virginia.
🔗Register here: https://bit.ly/FFF-School-Discipline-Webinar

03/16/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bBrY8bsZC/

Registration for 2026 Bluefield Rail Birds ABO team closes March 31st. Our 1st official practice will be April 11th.

Want to join a baseball team and you are 15 or older, becoming part of a family that accepts you for your special abilities in a non-judgmental atmosphere. No previous experience required. Use the link below to register. It only takes about 3 minutes to enjoy a summer of fun.

https://forms.office.com/r/QRdmE7Yy2U

03/14/2026

8.2 million students now receive special education services under federal law.

That’s 8.2 million students with unique needs, goals, and rights in school.

But do families and educators fully understand what those rights actually are?

That’s where an Individualized Education Program IEP) comes in.

An IEP is the written plan that makes sure a child gets the support and services they need to learn, make progress, and be included in school. With more students relying on these protections, understanding how IEPs work and what they guarantee has never mattered more.

We break down everything you need to know about IEP's in our new blog.

Get the link in the comments below ⬇️

03/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1H3tX1BKru/

An essential resource for caregivers.