LCPS Special Education Advisory Committee

It’s Newsletter Wednesday! 🎉 Every other Wednesday, we share helpful resources, upcoming events, and practical information for families and professionals supporting students with disabilities. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update!

This week, we’re featuring our resource on understanding Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Knowing your child’s educational rights can make a big difference when navigating special education decisions.

PEATC’s FAPE factsheet breaks down key information about educational rights, services, and supports in a clear, easy-to-understand way, helping families feel more informed and confident every step of the way.

📘 Access the resource today: go.peatc.org/fape
➡️Subscribe to our newsletter: go.peatc.org/PEATC-enews

Don’t forget! There’s still time to register for PEATC’s Pathways to Employment and Independent Living webinar.

🗓 June 11, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM EST

This free session explores what’s possible after high school, including how employment can build independence and open the door to new opportunities. We’ll cover the benefits of working, break down common fears and myths, and share practical ways to overcome barriers to employment.

Save your spot: go.peatc.org/PathwaysWebinar26

coding instruction differentiated and accessible to students by selecting or adapting materials that can work with screen readers or AAC supports, incorporate visual block based coding, robots, or gamification, and utilize multi-sensory learning with tactile / manipulative activities so that coding instruction is inclusive!

https://bit.ly/InclusiveAccessibleCoding

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"We are so excited to announce our 2026 Recognition of Excellence in Supporting Special Education Award Winners! ✨

This year, SEAC received over 350 nominations, and every single one was a beautiful reminder of how much heart, dedication, and inclusion exists throughout our school community.
Congratulations to all of our outstanding educators, administrators, students, peer groups, support staff, teams, programs, parents, and community partners who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities."

📚 Heading into an IEP meeting soon? A little preparation can go a long way. Understanding the process, knowing what questions to ask, and feeling confident in your role as part of the IEP team can make all the difference.

PEATC’s “How to Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting” fact sheet is designed to help families feel informed, organized, and ready for productive conversations that support their child’s success. 💜

🔗 Scan the QR code or visit go.peatc.org/IEPFactsheet to access the infographic.

Curious about AI and how it can help you plan your future? 🚀

🚀Join us for a FREE, live Zoom training just for students with disabilities, ages 12-22!

Discover how AI can make schoolwork easier, help you explore careers, and support your journey to independence. You’ll get hands-on tips for using AI safely and responsibly—plus, you can ask your own questions!

Don’t miss out—this session will NOT be recorded.

🗓️ Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 pm EST
🔗 REGISTER HERE: tinyurl.com/2pzcxu78

💥Understanding Special Education

📅May 7 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join us for a clear, easy-to-follow overview of how special education works in Virginia—from referral through services and IEP development. You’ll learn the basic steps, key terms, and your rights under special education law, along with practical ways to participate as an equal member of your child’s team. You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of the process, what to expect at each stage, and how to advocate for your child with confidence.

REGISTER HERE: go.peatc.org/UnderstandSPED

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

Presented by PEATC in partnership with West Point Public Schools

🚨Reminder 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 11, 2026. 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) 418-4672 or via email at [email protected].
🔗 Survey link: https://virginiadoe.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2lttr1DqNfixIH4

Independent Living
A free online training for students with disabilities age 12-22 who live in Virginia!
Happening next week!!!

Monday, April 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Join us to discuss various independent living skills that will benefit you as you prepare for adulthood.

Topics include what vocational rehabilitation (VR) is and how they can help, soft skills for employment and reaching your greatest level of independence, and the importance of building self-advocacy skills for the future.

REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2yt9ts95

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Presented by PEATC in partnership with the Parent Resource Center of Montgomery County Public Schools