PRC Monday Message: 1.30.23

January 30, 2023

Good evening! Several weeks before the winter break, the Parent Resource Center was very pleased to attend the Arlington Public Schools 2022 Transition Fair. One of the things we love about events like this is running into families we have known for many years, and this year was especially lovely as we ran into a few families of young adults and high school students that we’ve known since their children were new PreK students in APS! It’s always wonderful to see students growing and maturing into adulthood, but for those of us who are parents of older students and/or have worked in APS for many years, we are reminded of how quickly time can pass. Whether you are the parent of a high school, middle school, elementary school or PreK student with disabilities, NOW is the time to start learning about and planning for your child’s future.

The Parent Resource Center is excited to partner with Arlington County’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Committee of the Arlington Community Services Board (CSB) in a collaborative initiative with Arlington’s Developmental Services program and the Arc of Northern Virginia to ensure that families are aware of resources available for children and adults in Arlington County, and we urge you to register for a Virtual Listen and Learn Event on February 7th from 4pm to 6pm.  A wide variety of supports are available to individuals with disabilities through something called a Medicaid Waiver. Many families may be unfamiliar with this term, and may not be aware that their child may qualify for this resource, which funds services and supports for people with disabilities who need help taking care of themselves, getting around in the community or keeping a job. Examples may include personal care, respite, group day (“day support”); employment (job development, job coaches, individual and group support employment), residential (in-home, group home, etc.), technology and more. It is also important to know that access to these services may require being on a wait list, and that some families access waiver services for their young children. So, the earlier you are aware of these resources and how to access them, the more information you will have to access supports and plan for the future. We hope to see you at this free virtual event on February 7th!

SEPTA Summer Camps and Activities Fair
Although January is not quite over, at this time of year, many families begin planning ahead for the summer. Arlington’s Special Education PTA (SEPTA) will be hosting an in-person Summer Activities Fair THIS SATURDAY, February 4th.

Learn more and register at: https://www.arlingtonsepta.org/summer-camps-activities-fair-spread-the-word/

Please visit aps2016.apsva.us/prc-events for a current list of Parent Resource Center, Arlington Public Schools, Arlington County and community events.