The Friday FYI
April 26, 2024
Visit our website & Facebook page for the latest updates!
Visit the Hanover County Parent Teacher Resource Center website for the latest announcements about upcoming workshops & webinars and the links to register. Don't forget to check out our Facebook page, too!
Please note: If you have "early access" (before Friday) to the Friday FYI, please be sure to revisit this page after Friday morning at 7:30am when the Friday FYI is officially published! We will continue to update each edition until Friday morning when the link is distributed through HCPS Blackboard Connect. Thank you!
Special Education Advisory Committee applications are OPEN!
The Hanover County School Board is accepting applications to serve on its advisory committees. These committees provide valuable perspective to the School Board on a variety of topics and the Board considers the committees’ recommendations during its work throughout the year. Click the link below to complete the application.
Please note that applications are due Monday, May 13. If you have any questions about the committees or the application process, please email info@hcps.us.
Community Activities & Events coming in May
Bug Squad at the Children's Museum of Richmond
ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day
The ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day returns to Crump Park on May 18, 2024. The in-person event will feature our 5K run/walk, a Resource Fair, and plenty of family fun!
Each 5K participant is also a fundraiser, with money raised supporting the Autism Society of Central Virginia and their mission to support, empower, and build connections for the local autism community.
Visit the ASCV Programming page for more activities and events.
Disability Inclusion Day at The Diamond (FREE Tickets!)
The Friendship Circle of Virginia is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond. This event will be held on May 19th, 2024!
Accommodation options:
- Increased accessible seating (first come first serve)
- Sensory break bags
- Sensory Zone
- Kids field activities
- ASL services
- Audio Description Services
- Additional quiet space
- Sensory friendly gate
- Closed captioning
- Lower speaker volume
- Giveaway
- Dietary Restrictions
- Adult changing area
Online Courses & Events
Critical Decision Points from VDOE
Join the Virginia Department of Education for a live, virtual training event, Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities.
Part One will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. Part Two will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. You will need to attend both sessions in order to receive all the information. The Critical Decision Points Registration will be limited to 100 participants. The training will be provided by Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) staff members. Additional details regarding this training will be provided upon registration. Questions regarding this event should be directed to Dr. Chiquita Seaborne by phone at (804) 418-4672, or by email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
Spring Workshop Series
PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) is hosting a free, virtual workshop series on a variety of topics in special education. Visit the PEATC website for more information and to register. The workshops are presented via Zoom from 6:30-8:00pm (see dates below) and are not recorded. Topics include:
May 1: Anatomy of an IEPMay 8th – Measurable IEP Goals
May 15th – Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
May 22nd – Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
You can also register for the free, self-paced IEP University Workshop and complete the course at your own pace. This session of IEP University will be open from May 6-May 26. The training takes approximately six hours to complete.
Think College!
- May 1st is IPSE Day (Inclusive Post Secondary Education) Day! Visit the Think College website for more information.
- Transition Resources from Think College: Click the link for a list of free resources to help think about, plan for, and transition to life after high school. Learn about all of the ways you can help your student to #thinkcollege.
Let's Talk About Work (an online webinar for students)
Summer Camp Information!
Many of these summer camps are NOW OPEN for registration! Take a look and find the best fit for your student!
- Virginia Family SPED Camp List (includes many camps out of our area and state)
- Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired Summer Activities
- VA Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
- Camp Loud & Clear (for campers who are deaf & hard of hearing)
- Autism Society of Central Virginia
- Jacob's Chance (in partnership with Henrico Recreation & Parks)
- New Community School Saber Summer Spectacular
- Weinstein JCC Summer Camps (Voices Together is for students in K-8 on the autism spectrum)
- YMCA Summer Camps/ EveryBuddy Camp
- Soar365 Summer Camp
- Summer Camp at Maymont
- Very Special Camps (NOT local to Richmond, VA)
- Camp Free2BeMe (ages 14 and up, young adults with autism)
- Miracles in Motion (*registration is not yet open)
- Hanover Parks & Rec (ongoing programs)
- Science Museum of VA
Summer Safety Resources
Planning for summer activities also means planning for outside activities and maybe even vacations away from home. Unfortunately, that means it's important to take the time to also plan for emergencies. In March, TASK Tech Center focused on Assistive Technology (AT) tools for safety. See the list below, and discover what might be helpful for your family as you prepare for this summer.
- ICE4Autism ($1.99) is the ONLY autism-specific In Case of Emergency (ICE) app. It conveniently stores vital information about YOUR unique needs, sensitivities and behaviors directly on your iPhone or iPad. First responders, ER doctors and nurses may lack a sufficient understanding of autism, leading them to misinterpret your unique behaviors and needs. ICE4Autism provides them with immediate access to that very information so they can treat you properly while helping to reduce what is likely a heightened level of anxiety. ICE4Autism was developed based on the understanding that autism is a highly individual disorder differing dramatically from person to person. Even a few seconds can make a difference in a crisis, so the ability to share YOUR specific, individual information quickly and efficiently can dramatically impact the quality of care you receive and the awareness necessary to respond appropriately to you.
- Ready, Set, Dial: Learn and practice phone safety with this unique app. It might be free, but it’s also packed with lessons, activities, and a fully functioning phone simulator. Play in browser, Amazon or iOS.
- RED CROSS - Accident Prevention and First Aid for Children: children are the family members who suffer accidents most often. Adults can teach them to take different steps to reduce the risk. In case of an accident, it’s important for children to know what to do. The Red Cross and DADA Company present an innovative way of teaching children how to improve their safety by preventing accidents and learning first aid. Available for Amazon and iOS.
- Sesame Street Let’s Get Ready: Through simple activities and games, you and your family can discover fun ways to plan ahead and stay safe in case an emergency ever happens. Available via Amazon and iOS.
- Ready.gov: This site has lots of information on safety and emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities. There are many topics to choose from. They have videos with ASL interpretation as well as specific resources for those that are blind or use a wheelchair.
Ready Kids: Emergencies and disasters can be scary, but there are ways to help you stay safe before, during, and even after a disaster. Here, you can play games to become a Disaster Master and learn how to build an emergency kit. You will meet our friend Pedro the Penguin, who will teach you all about staying safe. You will even be able to make your own emergency plan with your family. There are many activities for everyone, including teens, kids, families, and educators.
Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program
The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program will provide (reimbursement) funds for caregivers to coordinate respite care for persons in their care with an identified disability. The caregiver hires, trains, and pays the respite provider to provide services and then receives reimbursement from the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program. Caregivers may apply to be reimbursed up to $595/year. Respite solutions can be traditional or non-traditional and can include activities like summer camp. Respite providers are chosen by the caregivers and may be individuals (skilled or unskilled) or agencies. Respite providers must be 18 years of age and may not live in the home. (Please note: Caregivers cannot be reimbursed until AFTER the respite is provided/student attends the summer camp, etc.) Find out more information, and the application link, on the Virginia Lifespan Respite Program website.
Local Activities & Programming
Autism Society of Central VA
The Autism Society of Central Virginia has reorganized their website, so you can find activities and events for your student's age group. Visit the ASCV Programming page, and click on the tab for your child's age to explore all of the wonderful things the ASCV has to offer!
Jacob's Chance
Virginia Down Syndrome Association
Parent Involvement Survey
Share your thoughts with the Virginia Department of Education on the 2023-2024 Parent Involvement Survey. The survey is now open!
Contact the Parent Teacher Resource Center
Share your thoughts with the Parent Teacher Resource Center! Click on the survey link to share your ideas for what resources, webinars, and workshops the PTRC should be planning for the 2024-2025 school year! Thank you!
HCPS Parent Teacher Resource Center
Email: hanoverprc@hcps.us
Website: https://www.hcps.us/departments/instruction/special_education/parent_resource_center
Phone: 804-365-4596
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanoverParentResourceCenter