Friday, November 6, 2020 - Effective Strategies to Address Challenging Behaviors with Ellen Brosh, BCBA 
Your Host:  The Arc of Greater Prince William / INSIGHT and Prince William County Public Schools

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 - Meet Our Trustee - KeyBank (Evening)
Your Host:  The Arc of Northern Virginia

Friday, October 30, 2020 Action Alert to Call Governor Northam and his Administration
       https://www.thearcofva.org/take-action-now

Thursday, October 29, 2020 Building the Movement - An Advocacy Organizing Event with Mary Gonzales
Your Host:  The Arc of Virginia Board of Directors & the A Life Like Yours Self-Advocacy Alliance

Tuesday, October 20, 2020   DARS Defined - Transitioning from School to Work and Adult Life  Zoom meeting 
Your Host:  Fauquier Co. Public Schools' Parent Resource Center

 Friday, October 23, 2020 Empowering Parents to Engage - Do you feel disengaged from your child's education? Zoom  Your Host:  The Arc of Greater Prince William and PWCPS' Parent Resource Center

Today - October 20, 2020 Urgent Action Alert to Call Governor Northam to Preserve DD Services             https://www.thearcofva.org/take-action-now

Friday, October 16, 2020  Housing Referrals and Action Plans Zoom meeting
Your Host:  The Arc of Northern Virginia

Tuesday, October 13, 2020  Introduction to Medicaid Waivers Zoom meeting
Your Host: Fauquier Co. Public Schools' Parent Resource Center

Tuesday, October 13, 2020 Trust Talk Tuesday - Special Needs Trusts and Futures Planning ZOOM meeting
Your Host:  The Arc of Northern Virginia 

October 8, 2020  One Month into School, how are you Doing? Questions about transitioning from EI services? Does your child have an IEP? New Path and PEATC are taking questions to help you help your child from birth - 12 years. Q&A to be shared on Facebook, October 9th. Please complete the form and add your questions. https://tinyurl.com/y353xhgs  Your Host:  New Path/The Arc of Virginia and PEATC-Parent Education and Advocacy Training Center

Wednesday, October 7, 2020  What Are Medicaid Waivers Webinar
Your Host:  The Arc of Greater Prince William

Your Host:  The Arc of Northern Virginia

Tuesday, September 29, 2020  Medicaid Waivers: Introduction to DD and CCC Plus Waivers Webinar
Your Host: The Arc of New River Valley 

August 3-7, 2020  The Arc of Virginia Virtual State Convention - Home Edition
Full Schedule & Session Descriptions
Each live session will be available "On Demand" after airing for those who could not attend

MONDAY AUGUST 3RD
New Path, Early Intervention and Beyond
August 3rd, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11 am 
Robin Church, Program Director, The Arc of VA, Sarah Moore, Monitoring Consultant DBHDS, Lia Tremblay, Writer, Mom, Kelley Webb, Parent
This session defines and explains Early Intervention Services (EIS) and focuses on support provided for families of infants and toddlers. You will also learn about the transition process as your child ages out of EIS.  Hear from parents as they share how EIS supported them, what they learned (ah-ha moments) and what they want you and other parents to know. 

Virtual Table Discussion with DOJ - For People with Disabilities and Families
August 3rd, 2020 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Kyle Smiddie, Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice & Jessica Polansky, Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice 

Learn to Advocate for Inclusive Schools and Inclusive Practice in Your Schools and Your Community!
August 3rd, 2020 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THIS SESSION WAS REQUIRED
Liz Altieri, Karen Douglas and Darren Minarik, Radford University’s Inclusive Practices Center   
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Practice at Radford University will provide personalized training, planning and support for family members and youth/young adults with disabilities passionate about Inclusive Education who are willing to become advocates for Inclusion for ALL students with disabilities in their school divisions.  In this two-hour training session and Q&A you will learn how to advocate for a greater commitment to inclusive practice in your school division, and how and what to present to your Building Team, Special Education Advisory Board or School Board. You will have access to already prepared PowerPoint Presentations with talking points and documents which can be shared as handouts at public meetings. The training will include a follow-up personalized practice and planning session in the fall to map out an advocacy plan for your school AND division, practice your presentation and receive feedback.  Participants agree to make two short presentations in their community during the 2020-2021 school year - examples include parent groups, PTA, a school faculty meeting, your special education advisory board, or school board. Help and support will be available!  Twenty family members with financial need will receive free registration for The Arc conference which includes registration in this training opportunity. 

"Funding for this session was supported, in part, by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, under grant number 1801VASCDD-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy."

What Everyone Needs to Know About Housing 
August 3rd, 2020 |  5:30  pm - 6:30 pm 
Jeannie Cummins Eisenhour, Senior Regional Housing Coordinator, Office of Community Housing, DBHDS
Do you know what “living with supports independently” means? It means that, regardless of the level of communication, physical, medical and behavioral support people need, they can live independently in their own housing with quality supports. Join us to learn about the financial assistance programs that make housing affordable for people with developmental disabilities, including Housing Choice Vouchers, the State Rental Assistance Program, Virginia’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit programs and Flexible Funding.   

KEYNOTE:  ADVOCACY FOR REAL CHANGE - Mary Gonzales 
August 3rd, 2020 |  7:00  pm - 8:30 pm

TUESDAY AUGUST 4TH
New Restraint & Seclusion Regulations and the Path to Change
August 4th, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am 
Alex Campbell, Disability Advocate, Colleen Miller, Executive Director, Disability Law Center of Virginia 
Hear an overview of the new Restraint & Seclusion Regulations taking effect January 2021 for schools.  Learn about the advocacy work that led to these changes and where to go from here to protect Virginia’s students.  

CCC Plus and DD Medicaid Waiver Programs Updates
August 4th, 2020 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm 
Ann Bevan, Director, Division of Developmental Services DMAS, & Nichole Martin, Director, Office of Community Living, DMAS
Virginia’s two Waiver programs that are most used by children and adults with disabilities/delays have responded to the COVID health emergencies with numerous  flexibilities and changes.  Flexibilities in  the CCC Plus and the Developmental Disability Waivers are changing in response to the health conditions and due to state and federal requirements.  In this session, the current and projected status of the flexibilities to waivers, regulations and Medicaid Health Insurance will be covered.  

Impact of COVID19 on Students with Disabilities
August 4th, 2020 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm 
Denise Stile Marshall, CEO, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
COVID has affected us all and its impact on students with disabilities is particularly significant.  The impact on educational services and supports, IEP goals, transportation and other aspects of the school experience will be discussed. Parents will be equipped with knowledge to navigate the educational system in this unprecedented time.    

STATE PANEL:  Governor Northam and General Assembly Members talk about Budget & Services 
August 4th, 2020 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 
Kelly Brooks, Jesse Monroe, Senators G. Barker and E. Hanger, and Delegate Sickles will discuss the impact of the budget on people with disabilities and their families. 

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5TH
ADA, Community, and Communication 
August 5th, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Tauna Szymanski, Executive Director, Communication FIRST & Bob Williams, Policy Director, Communication FIRST
Communication is a fundamental human ability, need and right. Yet many with significant communication disabilities lack the opportunities, tools and supports to effectively communicate with others.  Ways in which ADA enable such children and adults to express themselves and avoid bias, discrimination, and isolation in school, health care, employment and everyday life will be discussed.

Virtual Table Discussion with DOJ - For Providers
August 5th, 2020 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Kyle Smiddie, Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice & Jessica Polansky, Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice 

Journey to Independence: Meet Ben and Emma
August 5th, 2020 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm 
Emma Budway, Disability Adovcate, Ben McGann, Disability Advocate, Donna Budway, Disability Advocate, & Bertra McGann, Disability Advocate
Friends since preschool and starring roles in The Reason I Jump film, Ben McGann and Emma Budway will share their journey to living independently with supports. With apraxia/unreliable speech and no effective method of communication until their teens, they surprised their parents with their answers to the question, “Where do you want to live as an adult?”.  We will learn how their access to an effective communication method, self-advocacy for an inclusive education, and self-determination have made it possible for Ben and Emma to achieve their goals for living in their own apartments completely integrated in the community. Their respective communication and regulation partners (CRPs) will join the session.    

Intersection of Race, Disability and Criminal Justice 
August 5th, 2020 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm 
Delegate Marcia Price, LaShonda Dipasalegne, Brian Kelmar, Lavern Rushin, Waleska Rushin
As legislators plan towards an opportunity to enact substantial changes to justice systems and structures, The Arc of Virginia is encouraged by the numerous ways that addressing and pursuing racial justice can intrinsically include policies that support and protect individuals with DD.  The “Intersection of Race, Disability and Criminal Justice “ panel will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear from a diverse group of speakers on the intersection of disability and racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

 KEYNOTE: Punished by Rewards: Moving from "Doing to" to "Working with" - Alfie Kohn 
August 5th, 2020 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 
To support people with developmental challenges, we must begin by understanding what sort of approach DOESN'T make sense, and why. In his keynote address, Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards and Unconditional Parenting, will argue that manipulating people's behavior, is both morally objectionable and, according to decades of research, unlikely to be effective in the long run.
Kohn will offer a critique of interventions such as ABA, which he contends is particularly destructive for children on the spectrum. He will talk about the preoccupation with measurable behaviors that ignores the experience of the human being who engages in those behaviors; the proven drawbacks of carrot-and-stick control across a wide range of settings; and the poisonous message of conditional acceptance: "You are valuable only when you act the way you are told." Kohn will conclude his presentation by describing humane, constructive alternatives that are rooted in a respectful relationship rather than in power and control.

THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH
How You (Providers) Can Help Us to Have A Life Like Yours
August 6th, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Eric Cottrell, Self-Advocate, Brittney Lee, Self-Advocate Jesse Monroe, Self-Advocate
Are you a DD Waiver Provider (or Potential Provider) who is interested in developing or expanding inclusive Waiver services?  Join The Arc of Virginia and the “A Life Like Yours” Self-Advocacy Alliance, as we discuss the statewide movement to expand inclusive services in Virginia.  Learn about ways that YOU can be an ALLY for Virginians with Developmental Disabilities through the development of services that support us in living A Life Like Yours!

 Virginia's Compliance with the DOJ Settlement Agreement - How Do We Know How We Are Doing?
August 6th, 2020 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm   
Jenni Shodt, Settlement Agreement Advisor, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 
As part of the Settlement Agreement, the Judge ordered the creation of an Online Library to house the evidence of Virginia's compliance with the settlement agreement.  DBHDS turned that into an easy to use website where anyone can go to see how Virginia met compliance with any of the requirements in the agreement.  This information can be helpful to advocates, providers, and can empower people with disabilities with information on where VA does well in serving people and where opportunities for continued improvement lies.  

 Supported Decision-Making: From Justice for Jenny to Justice for All
August 6th, 2020 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm   
Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy Syracuse University
Study after study has shown that when people with disabilities have more control over their life and make more decisions for themselves – when they have more self-determination – they have better lives. People with disabilities who are more self-determined are more likely to live independently, work, be integrated into their communities, and avoid abuse. 
This session will introduce the audience to the theory and practice of Supported Decision-Making (SDM). When people with disabilities use SDM, they work with friends, family, and professionals so they can understand their choices and make their own decisions.  As a result, SDM can help people be self-determined, have better life outcomes, and avoid unnecessary guardianship. 

 "Funding for this session was supported, in part, by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, under grant number 1901VASCDD-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy."   

 Federal Policy Updates with DOJ and The Arc of United States
August 6th, 2020 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Kyle Smiddie, Dept. of Justice and Nicole Jorwic, The Arc 

 Supporting Emotional Regulation through Floortime
August 6th, 2020 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 
Ann-Bailey Lipsett, M.Ed., founder of Lipsett Learning Connection
Explore the DIR Floortime model, a Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based model that is a developmental model for assessing and understanding any child's strengths and weaknesses. The objectives of the DIR® Model are to build healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing exclusively on skills and isolated behaviors. 

 FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Virtual Table Discussion of "Crimp Camp" and the Self-Advocacy Movement
August 7th, 2020 | 10 am - 11:00 am 
Liaisons, A Life Like Yours Self-Advocacy Alliance
Liaisons with the new Statewide Self-Advocacy Alliance discuss "Crip Camp", and the disability movement, Then, Now and into the Future!  

 Finding Our Voices in Video
August 7th, 2020 | 12 pm - 1:00 pm 
Members of Our Voices, a experienced organization of self-advocates who live independently with support from Hope House, will show videos created during the COVID pandemic made possible through a grant from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.   Self-Advocate presenters will then talk about their process and lessons learned as they developed this new and powerful channel for self-advocacy in the hopes that others be encouraged to jump in and do the same

 "Funding for this session was supported, in part, by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, under grant number 1901VASCDD-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy."   

 The Culture of Coordinated Support Model: Change the Culture, Change the World!
August 7th, 2020 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 
Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy Syracuse University
Too often, services for people with disabilities are "silo-ed" – agencies,  organizations, and providers focus only on what they do and do not communicate or collaborate with others providing similar supports.  As a result, people with disabilities can receive ineffective, redundant, or even contradictory advice and support.  
This session will demonstrate ways to create and implement effective and efficient support plans and services.  Using the Culture of Coordinated Support Model, people can improve their services and ensure that providers work together, allowing them to specialize in the areas where they perform best -  so people and providers can do better work in less time, with less effort and waste of resources.   

 "Funding for this session was supported, in part, by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, under grant number 1901VASCDD-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy."   

 REMEMBER TO JOIN THE DANCE PARTY WITH DJ CAPTAIN KIRK 
FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7PM
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR DANCE HERE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-arc-of-virginia-2020-state-convention-at-home-edition-tickets-11226502

Past Events:
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
L'Arche DD Advocacy Day at VA General Assembly 900 East Main Street in Richmond, VA.
Contact Email:  [email protected]  or call (804)649-8481 x 104
 DD Advocacy Day Toolkit