Home

Check It Out: Check It Out
Check it Out features items on the Virginia Family Special Education Connection website.
To bookmark an item, go to “Create an account” (upper right corner) and complete the entry form to create an account. Your bookmarks will be stored under My Community in the My Family section.
VA Family Website Handout
VA Family Website Business Card (Front)
VA Family Website Business Card (Back)
New Resource: New Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Resource is now available on the VDOE Assistive Technology Network website
Description: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. The information on this site includes How to get started, the AAC Assessment Process, Implementation and Use, Research, Resources and Professional Development. Professionals and families now have access to all of this information in one location to help in planning for those students needing communication goals and strategies. (Click on the AAC Tab on the home screen.) More Information
Read More...
New Resource: Charlie and the Cardboard Box (Book)
Mike DeBellis thinks that there's a big hole when it comes to children finding role models with disabilities in their reading, so he wrote a book called “Charlie and the Cardborad Box,” about a the adventures of a boy who uses a wheelchair. DeBellis says the book gives kids with disabilities someone to relate to, and it also helps spread awareness about disabilities to kids without disabilities. (disability awareness) More Information
Read More...
New Event: Webcast: 3 R’s To Bullying Prevention for Students with Disabilities: Recognize, Respond, and Report (Mar. 10, 2015)
Date and Time: 3/10/2015 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Description: Bullying in the United States was once a silent epidemic which was endured by millions of children on a daily basis. The attitude “kids will be kids” was just part of normal childhood development. Today, bullying in schools is being recognized as a national health problem and safety issue for all students including students with disabilities. The prevalence of bullying in schools is roughly one in three students and can occur twice as often for students with special needs. Dr. Ernsperger will provide up-to-date research and specific interventions in order for all school professionals to create a safe educational environment and follow the legal requirements set out by the federal government on bullying and harassment prevention for students with disabilities. (VCU ACE) More Information
Read More...
New Event: Webcast- In Their Own Words: The Career Planning Experiences of College Students with ASD (Feb. 10, 2015)
Date: 2/10/2015 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Description: This webcast will provide results of a study on the career planning experiences and overall college experiences of students on the Autism Spectrum. Structured interviews were conducted with college students with ASD attending community colleges and/or state universities in Virginia. Seven emerging themes based on students’ knowledge of, and participation in, career related services and supports will be described. (VCU ACE) More Information
Read More...

» Home

Welcome to the Virginia Family Special Education Connection

Welcome!

The goal of this website is to provide a one-stop-shop for parents, families and caregivers of children with special needs to:

Learn about and plan your child's educational program
Understand your legal rights and responsibilities
Access local resources including school system contacts and disability services in your community
Access an abundance of resources, including instructional strategies, assistive technology and behavioral supports to help your child succeed.

The Virginia Department of Education hopes that you find the information you need, whether you are new to special education or looking for the latest news, research, and resources.

Parents and families can make a difference in their child's education.

Guests

Please select the region of Virginia where you live or select your county from the drop down menu. If you do not live in Virginia, please select the “Out of State” box. If you prefer, you can select the "Opt Out" box.

Map of Virginia. Where in Virginia do you stay?

County: