Resources
The Center for Family Involvement housed at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University recommends these state and regional resources for people with disabilities and their families.
DISABILITY LEADERSHIP
Center for Disability Leadership – The Center for Disability Leadership provides people with disabilities access to information and training, so that they may lead the lives they want.
I’m Determined Youth Summit – Bringing youth ages 13-22 together to learn and practice self-advocacy and self-determination skills. (540) 568-2641
RESOURCES BY LOCALITY
Virginia Family Special Education Connection
VIRGINIA FAMILY SPECIAL EDUCATION CONNECTION
Special Education Student Services Reopening Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Virginia Department of Education Parent Page
Virginia Department of Education List of Special Education Lawyers and Advocates
Virginia Family Special Education Connection website
Virginia Parent Education Advocacy Training Center
Resources In English and Spanish
EARLY INTERVENTION & GENETICS
NYMAC – The New York Mid-Atlantic Caribbean Regional Genetics Network (NYMAC) is one of seven federally-funded regional genetics networks in the U.S. and Territories.
Virginia Early Intervention – This site provides information, resources and a broad range of professional development efforts specifically designed for early interventionists, students, families, faculty and all committed to ongoing learning.
Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia – The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia is Virginia’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (age 0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. Any infant or toddler in Virginia who isn’t developing as expected or who has a medical condition that can delay typical development is eligible to receive early intervention supports and services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
1-3-6 FAMILY EDUCATOR
Fotonovella Part 1 – Baby Screened at Hospital
Fotonovella Part 2 – Baby was Diagnosed by an Audiologist
INCLUSION
Parent Education and Advocacy Training Center – Can provide technical assistance to parents with questions/problems with inclusion. (800) 869-6782
Partnership for People with Disabilities – Operates over 25 programs promoting the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in communities. (804) 828-3879
MILITARY
Military Guidance Document of Virginia
SIBLINGS
FOSTER/KINSHIP CARE
POST SCHOOL TRANSITION
Partnership for People with Disabilities – Dana Yarbrough, Community Supports Specialist, (804) 828-0352, dvyarbrough@vcu.edu
Center for Transition Innovations @ VCU
Parent Education and Advocacy Training Center – (800) 869-6782
Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services Transitions Services
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services – Employment Services
Virginia Department of Education Transition Services
Coming of Age and Supporting Decision Making
Colleges and Students with Visual Disabilities
Transition Assessment and Goal Generator Site
ADVOCACY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Partners in Policymaking – Advocacy training program for parents and self-advocates. (800) 846-4464
Partnership for People with Disabilities – Various training opportunities for parents and self-advocates. Dana Yarbrough, (804) 828-0352
Parent Education and Advocacy Training Center – Provides easy-to-understand, research-based information and training. (800) 869-6782
Youth Leadership Forum – Empowers young people with disabilities to further develop their leadership skills. (800) 846-4464
LEGAL ADVOCACY
Legal/Advocacy Groups and Resources
Center for Special Education Advocacy – Maintains a list of advocates and attorneys across Virginia
disAbility Law Center of Virginia – Advocacy and legal representation for persons with disabilities. (800) 552-3962
Legal Aid Justice Center (Just Children) – Provides free legal services on noncriminal matters to income eligible persons in our service areas. Andrew Block, (434) 977-0553
Special Education Advocacy Clinic (College of William & Mary) – was formed to assist special-needs children and their families with eligibility or Individualized Education Program meetings, discipline matters, mediation, and administrative hearings. Law students offer their services to families at no charge. Students also conduct a free training class each semester that offers tools and information to parents to help them become more knowledgeable advocates for their children.
University of Richmond Clinical Programs: Education Rights Clinic – Law students represent children and parents seeking appropriate special education and community-based services mandated by both federal and state law. Adrienne Volenik, (804) 289-8921
Wrightslaw – Website about special education law and advocacy, with thousands of articles, cases and free resources.
POLICY ADVOCACY
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities – Serves as Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Planning Council. (800) 846-4464
Voices for Virginia’s Children – Voices is a statewide, privately funded, nonpartisan awareness and advocacy organization that builds support for practical public policies to improve the lives of children. (804) 649-0184
Arc of Virginia – Policy development to benefit people with intellectual disabilities in Virginia. (804) 649-8481
700 East Franklin Street
P.O. Box 843020
Richmond, Virginia 23284-3020
FAX: (804) 828-0042
TTY RELAY: (800) 828-1120
HELPLINE: (877) 567-1122
EMAIL: cfihelpline@vcu.edu