TASK (Taking Action for Special Kids)

12/10/2025

From our friends at VDOE: All families of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education's annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey by December 12, 2025. The survey is available in Spanish and English. If you have questions concerning this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via telephone at (804) 225-3898 or via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
🔗 Survey link: https://virginiadoe.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6opHcg0Cu3xcYYK

12/08/2025

Save the date! FFF is hosting a free FASD webinar series every Tuesday in January. Join us to learn about FASD and where you can get support.
💙FASD 101: Understanding Symptoms and Providing Support (January 6, 7-8pm)
💚Diagnosing FASD (January 13, 7-8pm)
💙The Role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in Supporting Those with FASD (January 20, 7-8pm)
💚FASD Virginia: Exploring a New Resource for Families (January 27, 7-8pm)

🔗Register at: bit.ly/FASD-Webinar-Winter-26

12/08/2025

Applications for OAR's Postsecondary Scholarships are now open! 🎉🔆 These scholarships support autistic students planning to pursue full-time postsecondary education during the 2026-2027 school year.

Learn about each scholarship on our website and apply today! https://f.mtr.cool/jedrtqogef

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

A new study in Pediatrics found that twelve-year-olds who owned smartphones were more likely to experience depression and obesity and not get enough sleep than their peers without one. Consistent communication with children and teens about smartphones and screen time can help make sure that phones don’t crowd out important activities like exercise, sleep, and quality time with friends and family. Learn more in AAP News: https://bit.ly/3KvYJkB

12/07/2025

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Building Strong Parent Advocates
Upcoming session: January 5, 2026 - January 26, 2026

Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world of complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork. The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate.

REGISTER HERE: tinyurl.com/3uan9w57

This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 3-week timeframe.

Presented by PEATC in partnership with VDOE (the Virginia Department of Education)

12/05/2025

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Applications for OAR's Postsecondary Scholarships are now open! 🎉🔆 These scholarships support autistic students planning to pursue full-time postsecondary education during the 2026-2027 school year.

Learn about each scholarship on our website and apply today! https://f.mtr.cool/jedrtqogef

12/04/2025

Disability advocates are challenging the Trump administration's steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, arguing in a lawsuit that the actions will harm kids with developmental disabilities.

12/04/2025

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Planning for the Future: Financial and Decision-Making Options
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Planning for the future is important for all parents, but for parents of children with disabilities it is vital. This workshop will provide information on options and tools for making these important decisions. Topics covered will be: Age of Majority, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Supported Decision Making, Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, and Letters of Intent.

REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2wuxb3t7

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.

Presented by PEATC in collaboration with Region 3 school divisions: Caroline County, Fredericksburg City, Colonial Beach, and King George County

12/02/2025

✨Sensory-Friendly Night at Bluefield’s Holiday of Lights! ✨

The Special Needs Collaborative is proud to partner with the City of Bluefield to offer a sensory-friendly evening for individuals with special needs and their families. ❤️

Join us on December 2nd from 5–6PM at the Holiday of Lights in Lotito Park for a calm, accessible experience featuring:

• Little to no wait times
• No flashing lights or loud music
• A drive-through format so families can enjoy the display from the comfort of their own vehicles

We’re grateful to help make this tradition welcoming to everyone. We hope to see you there! 🎄💫

City of Bluefield - Local Government

12/02/2025

ONE week away! FFF is hosting a webinar about the Individualized Educational Program (IEP). This webinar offers an overview of the components of the IEP, as well as other procedural aspects of IEP development, implementation, and review. Register today!

📆Tuesday, December 9
🕖7pm-8pm
🔗 Register at: bit.ly/FFF-Special-Ed-Basics-2

11/30/2025

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