Chesterfield County Special Education Advisory Committee

09/09/2026

The transition from the K-12 system can be a daunting one. Log into this virtual training for our region to learn about options.

Transition Lunch and Learn is your opportunity to log in and learn from a team of professionals in the transition field. September's session will be on Expanding Pathways and Promoting awareness, preparation, and access to post-secondary education for students with disabilities. I hope to see you there!

bit.ly/Regions18LunchAndLearn

08/29/2026

CCPS educators! This conference is for you!

08/25/2026

Research studies show that students with disabilities are more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers. One study has it as high as 63% of disabled students as compared to 25% of non-disabled students.

CCPS has implemented a new tool this year to help combat bullying called STOPit. An email explaining the new tool was sent out by the division today. You can also go to the link in the comments to read about CCPS’ Promote Respect initiative which is how the division educates families and students about bullying prevention. Read about what you can do to prevent and report bullying.

08/20/2026

Did you know that the public is invited to attend our meetings?

Members of the general public can attend meetings to hear what is discussed and then have an opportunity to speak during our Public Comment period.

Come be part of our process and let your voice be heard to strengthen special education in CCPS.

Our meetings are on the first Wednesday of September-May (no meetings in January or April) at 5:45-7:45 pm in the large meeting room at the Midlothian Library.

Meeting dates are:
September 2
October 7
November 4
December 2
February 3
March 3
May 5

08/19/2026

Disability Resource & Community Fair https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW6RfeE2YLvS-0fuOvLg6gfnjA-8isFriZr8fNMWuaO-Txvw/viewform

Thank you for your interest in attending the O.B. Gates Elementary PTA Disability Resource & Community Fair!

Join us for an evening of connection as you explore local organizations, community resources, and services available to families throughout our area, including disability resources and supports.

Tuesday, September 22, 6:00–8:00 PM
O.B. Gates Elementary School
10001 Courthouse Rd
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Please complete this short form to help us plan for the event. If there are specific accommodations needed, please feel free to reach out our Accessibility & Inclusion Chair, Nyesha Nicholas, at [email protected].

08/17/2026

Navigating the transition to adulthood with a young adult with a disability comes with big questions, but you don’t have to figure out the answers alone.

Welcome to The Journey Series on Transition. Over the next four weeks, we’re sharing real stories and practical experiences from families who have been in your shoes, leading up to a live interactive forum on Zoom where you can ask questions, connect with peers, and find real support.

📌 Mark Your Calendars:

Aug 18: Podcast Ep. 1 – Journey to Postsecondary Education & Training
Aug 25: Podcast Ep. 2 – Journey to Employment
Sept 1: Podcast Ep. 3 – Journey to Independent Living
Sept 8: Live Virtual Family Forum (3:30–5:00 PM)

Register today to save your seat at the live forum: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/N_CCS6niRIy9AR5eU4qwnA #/registration

Email your questions to Dr. Staci Carr: [email protected]

08/17/2026

The Arc of the United States is offering access to their Special Education Advocacy Curriculum, a self-paced online training available in English and Spanish, thanks to scholarships provided by Comcast.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional who supports students with disabilities, this training is for you.

Scholarship slots are limited and will be filled on a rolling basis, so request yours as soon as possible.

Here's what you'll learn about, across eight modules:
*Building a foundation for advocacy
*IDEA and early intervention services
*Special education services
*Individualized education programs (IEPs)
*Procedural safeguards
*Section 504
*Educational records
*Advocacy skills

Once you complete the curriculum, you'll receive a certificate of completion and ongoing access to all course materials.

Find the application link in the comments.

08/06/2026

Your Choice, Your Voice
Thursday, September 24, 3-7 pm

Learn about services, build self‑advocacy skills, and meet providers at our upcoming provider fair.

This initiative empowers individuals to take an active role in choosing their service providers and speaking up about the supports they need. We’re also highlighting the importance of clear communication and accessibility, encouraging providers to use plain language and offer materials in multiple formats.

The free event will feature sessions on self‑advocacy, plain‑language communication, and information about waiver and Medicaid services. We’ll finish with a provider fair where individuals and families can meet providers and explore available options.

Location
Chesterfield Career and Technical Center - Hull Campus
13900 Hull Street Road North
Midlothian, VA 23112

Registration link in the comments.

08/05/2026

Have you joined YET?

The 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

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

Fill out the interest form with the link in the comments.