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Submit a proposal to share your knowledge and expertise with other special education professionals at the 2026 VACEC Annual Conference!  Proposals can be accessed and submitted here:  https://forms.gle/Pbcs6vRyTDhFoKqt6

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Join us in 2026 for the Virginia CEC Annual Conference—network, learn, and grow together in person!

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STLA Cohort II - Appreciation Presentation

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Review the slides from Tammy Burns and Daryl Lann for more great information on family engagement.

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Center on Transition Innovations' Family Engagement Webpage

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Center on Transition Innovations' Family Engagement Webpage

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Family Engagement - VCU Center on Transition Innovations

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Due to the long relationship between family and child, family members play a crucial role in their child’s transition from school to postsecondary settings. Families know their children before they start school and remain a part of their lives long after they exit school services. Their insight into the child’s life outside of school provides transition teams with vital information on strengths, interests, and contributions in the home and community. Greater involvement and engagement by family members during the transition process yield better outcomes for young adults with disabilities as they transition to postsecondary success. Use these resources and materials to better engage and involve families in secondary transition planning.

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2023 Parent Involvement Survey

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education's annual Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 15, 2023. If you have questions concerning this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via telephone at (804) 225-3898 or via email, at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.

Understanding Special Education

The Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education

This publication is a revision of the former A Parent's Guide to Special Education that was originally published in 2010. This new state guide was developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to help those involved in special education, whether as families, teachers or school administrators, advocates, or students. Meeting the needs of children with disabilities requires an understanding of rights and responsibilities which include the child's rights, and the school's responsibilities to meet their needs. This guide includes a description of the special education process and what is required during each step of that process. Important timelines are highlighted throughout.

The Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education is available in multiple languages below and a limited number of printed guides in both English and Spanish are forthcoming.

Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities

The Critical Decision Points page provides information to assist parents with understanding not only what decisions will need to be made, but also when those decisions need to start being considered.

The New Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Assessment

At the start of the 2021-2022 school year, the portfolio-based Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) was replaced with a new multiple-choice assessment in the content areas of reading, mathematics, and science that will be administered to students in an online or paper format. The new VAAP is based on academic content standards derived from the Standards of Learning (SOL) in reading, mathematics, and science that have been reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity. The following resources have been developed in order to assist families with understanding the recent changes:

Applied Studies Diploma

The VDOE's new resource, Understanding the Applied Studies Diploma is here to assist families with understanding everything they need to know related to this specific diploma option. An accessible Word document version as well as an accessible Spanish Word document version, is also available.

Resolving Disputes

Parent Ombudsman

VDOE has an Ombudsman for Special Education who acts as a source of information and referral, aids in answering individuals' questions, and assists in the resolution of concerns and issues. School divisions, parents, and children benefit and build relationships when school divisions and parents work together to resolve problems, the Parent Ombudsman for Special Education serves to facilitate that process.

Ombudsman Contact Information

Parent Ombudsman
Toll Free: 800-422-2083
SpecialEducationOmbudsman@doe.virginia.gov

Resolution Resources

Parents are encouraged to resolve special education concerns at the local school division level. View the documents provided below for additional resolution resources.

Family Engagement

Parent Information Email Updates

Subscribe or update your GovDelivery subscriber preferences to receive email updates from the Virginia Department of Education. For information designed specifically for parents, look for the heading News and Updates and check the box marked "Information for Parents and Families." You can also select other topics that you would like to receive. For more information or questions related to the GovDelivery system, please contact Tracy Lee, via email at Tracy.Lee@doe.virginia.gov, or by telephone at (804) 225-3492.

Virginia Family Special Education Connection

Virginia Family Special Education Connection provides comprehensive information on special education issues, practices and services to Virginia families who have children with disabilities. This resource was developed by VDOE, in collaboration with the Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities at George Mason University.

Parent Resource Centers (PRC)

The VDOE has set aside Parent Resource Center (PRC) Sub-grant Funding to assist PRCs in continuing to staff the center and/or developing and implementing activities/products centered on students and families with disabilities. These subgrant award funds are available only by application to the VDOE. In that these funds are extremely limited, they will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Special Education Advisory Committee

Local Special Education Advisory Committees - Every school division is required to have a SEAC as detailed in Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, effective January 25, 2010 (special education regulations).

Additional Resources Available to Help Support your Child

Virtual Learning

Special Education Regulations & Rights

Military Family Information

The Virginia Department of Education's Family Engagement Network (FEN) is a group of professionals from local school divisions, university training and technical assistance centers, state agencies, and other organizations whose purpose is to foster family involvement and engagement in education, especially for children with disabilities.

The FEN has created four new resources for military-connected families of students with disabilities. These three one-pager resources, as well as a video, all containing valuable information are linked below.
Additional Resources:
Private Schools

Outside Resources

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Endrew F. Question and Answer Document

On March 22, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District Re-1, 137 S.Ct. 988. In this decision, the court held that "to meet its substantive obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a school must offer [a child] an IEP [individualized education program] reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances."

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is pleased to announce its release of a Question and Answer (Q&A) document addressing the Endrew F. decision. OSERS is issuing this Q&A document to provide parents and other stakeholders information on the issues addressed in Endrew F. and the impact of the Court's decision on the implementation of IDEA. We hope that you find this Q&A document useful, and we look forward to receiving additional questions and comments related to the Q&A and the Endrew F. decision by email at EndrewF@ed.gov.

Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District Case Q&A

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Special Education for Families | Virginia Department of Education

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All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education's annual Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 15, 2023.

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Check out the free course offered by Radford this summer on transition development.

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The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center builds positive futures for Virginia's children by working collaboratively with families, schools and

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Pleaes consider nominating a former student who exemplifies success as a young adult. It can be success with employment, postsecondary education, indepedent living, or some other facet of adult outcomes.

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Spotlight Virginians - Candidate Nomination Form

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Spotlight Virginians: Student Success Stories is a video series highlighting young adults with disabilities in Virginia who have had successful post school outcomes in one of the transition areas of employment, postsecondary education or training, or independent living. The series provides a glimpse into the journey of these individuals in reaching their post school goals and the factors that contributed to their success. Purpose of Spotlight Virginians
To motivate, inspire, and educate students, families, educators, and other stakeholders about what a successful transition from high school into the next phase of life can look like. Criteria for Nomination
We are seeking nominations of young adults with disabilities who demonstrate achievement in various post school environments. The nominee’s actions and attitude should be exemplary and valuable to share with others. The nominee should also demonstrate self-determination and the ability to use their resources effectively to accomplish their goals in one of these transition areas: employment, postsecondary education, postsecondary training, or independent living. Nomination/Vetting:
Please complete the sections below with as much information as possible to assist the selection committee in understanding how this person meets the criteria for being featured.

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Partnership for People with Disabilities

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Partnership for People with Disabilities

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Explore the PPD website for all the fabulous resources they offer for professionals and families.

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Partnership for People with Disabilities | VCU

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Partnership for People with Disabilities. Located in Richmond, Virginia, our mission is to partner with people with disabilities and others to build communities where all people can live, learn, work and play together.

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Chris's slides with the Executive Summary information.

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Due date: April 24, 2026

Questions? Contact Tonya Gokita at gokitat@vcu.edu

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2026 Middle School Enterprise (Presentation) (1)

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ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

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ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

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Maura Schmidt works for the ECNV serving the localities of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, Fairfax, & Falls Church.

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Skip to Main Content

Message of Gratitude

By: Jill Jacobs, Executive DirectorI want to express my gratitude and appreciation to our community which includes our consumers, partners and sponsors. We couldn't be more thankful. We appreciate you for supporting the mission of ECNV through the years. I am especially grateful to take on this new position of Executive Director. ECNV is close to my heart because many years ago I came to this organization to help me advocate for my daughter when she was denied entry into the regular school system due to her disability. I am excited to work with people with disabilities to help expand our mission and create a world in which there are no limits to what we can do. I wanted to also show my gratitude to our wonderful staff and board members who have helped me to transition into my new role. We are very excited about 2021, and are looking forward to what is to come!

Thank you for being part of our mission and I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.

[Image: Rectangular sign that says there is always something to be grateful for with yellow sunflowers on either side.]

ECNV / LEND OFFICE CLOSURE INFORMATION

Due to recent developments regarding the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and the potential health risk this poses to our consumers and staff, the Executive Board of Directors of the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) and LEND voted to close our offices effective March 16th 2020 until further notice. To reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, all in person events have been cancelled. ECNV will reassess the situation to decide when to reopen our offices.
Even though our offices will be closed, we will still serve our consumers to the best of our ability. Please go to our website
Image: Rectangular picture with image of COVID that is a grey round ball with red spikes. In white it says coronavirus then in orange outbreak. In white ECNV/LEND office closed. ecnv.org to contact staff for services via email or work cell. We will continually update our medicaid services page to bring you information regarding these services as we receive them from DMAS. You may also send an email to info@ecnv.org for general questions and concerns. This has been a difficult decision but our highest priority is keeping the community safe to stop the spread of this virus. We thank you for your understanding.
For information about COVID-19 and how you can stay safe, please visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Dynamic. Diverse. Powerful.

Image Description: ECNV staff on zoom smiling to the camera

We are all in this together. Our team at ECNV is continuing to stay connected with each other, our consumers and partners. We have a working document to bring you up to date resources during this pandemic. Please email elizabethk@ecnv.org if you have resources you would like to add to this list.

ECNV has great wheelchairs, scooters, and mobility equipment available for those in need. Contact Selvin Garcia at (703) 525-3268 or selving@ecnv.org for more details.
Image: Durable Medical Equipment lined up in the following order : cane, crutches, grayscooter, walker, commode,chair with tray and blue shower chair.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to ECNV. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-1302368 from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

ECNV / LEND Satisfaction Survey

If you have received any services from the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) or LEND, we'd like your feedback. Your input helps improve the quality of our services and ensures we are meeting your needs.

Blog by: Pansy Walker , Medicaid Programs Coordinator The Month of November is known as Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Former President Ronald Reagan made November the designated month in 1983 and it is still recognized today. During November, there are many observances that include fundraisers, tips for healthy aging, Alzheimer's information that is now downloadable, "memory walks," and so much information and resources for caregivers. Please note the resources listed below for more information on where to find information and what you can do to be a part of Alzheimer's Awareness Month. There are many stages to Alzheimer's and there are current treatments to focus on maintaining the mental function, behavioral actions and ways to slow or delay the progression of the disease.
Read More "

By: Michelle Williams and Pansy Walker The Young Adult Social group started in September 2019 for Western Fairfax and Loudoun Counties serving those with disabilities from the ages of 18-30. Participants voted on and named the group Young Adult Knights. The focus and purpose of the group is to provide and facilitate opportunities for socialization among peers. The group helps those who struggle with anxiety, depression to stay connected and positive. We have participation from Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Fauquier Counties along with the cities of Falls Church, Fairfax and Alexandria. A natural outcome has been friendships, bonds and connections developing within the group structure and flowing over into the daily lives of participants. There are more than 50 group participants in Young Adult Knights.
Read More "

By: Eizabeth Kumar Did you know September is spinal cord injury awareness month? The US Senate designated this month for SCI to bring awareness to education, better treatment and prevention. My injury happened in November 2004. I just started by second year teaching 5th grade and during Thanksgiving break my life changed forever. Since then I learned a lot about disability rights, my rights. I also met amazing people in our community. This month is the time to bring awareness to the daily challenges people with spinal cord injury face from getting equal treatment when it comes to employment, preventing pressure ulcers from sitting in the chair to being able to travel comfortably like everyone else. Simple tasks can be challenging but conquering those challenges turns into independence and peace of mind. Through blood, sweat and tears, I have met most of my goals and I continue to push myself though patience and understanding. I believe we all have challenges in this life that may not be obvious to all; it is how we deal with these challenges that help us grow as human beings. Some general statistics for people with SCI according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center include:
Read More "

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Skip to Main Content By: Jill Jacobs, Executive DirectorI want to express my gratitude and appreciation to our community which includes our consumers, partners and sponsors. We couldn't be more thankful. We appreciate you for supporting the mission of ECNV through the years. I am especially grateful to take on this new position of Executive Director.

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Valley Associates for Independent Living (VAIL) 

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Valley Associates for Independent Living (VAIL) 

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Andrea King works for VAIL serving the localities of Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, Bath, Highland, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Buena Vista.

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Valley Associates for Independent Living, Inc.

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Slides with resources and links from Andrea King's presentation on CIL services.

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Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL)

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Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL)

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Check out the information on VACIL to find out more about CIL services and how you can collaborate with them on transition services. If you aren't sure about the CIL serving your area, check out the map on the main page that links to a listing of locatlities and their corresponding CIL.

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Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) | Advocating for the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities.

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A CIL is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private, non-profit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services which are described in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

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Upcoming PEATC Youth Training: Understanding Informed Consent

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Upcoming PEATC Youth Training: Understanding Informed Consent

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Registration link for April 22 or May 12

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Register – Understanding Informed Consent (YOUTH Training) – Zoom

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Understanding Informed Consent (YOUTH Training) – Zoom, Wed Apr 22, 2026 - Tue May 12, 2026 - Calling all middle school & high school students with a disability!
Before you say yes to any service or program, you have the right to know what it is, why it matters, and how it can help you. This session will…

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So much good stuff!

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As students who have IEPs get older and progress through school, their special education program is required to focus more intentionally on preparing that

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Program referenced by Dr. Chapman during his presentation.

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Making Virginia more Inclusive through the Leadership of Youth with Disabilities.

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The Partnership for People with Disabilities

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The Partnership for People with Disabilities

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Check out the Partnership for People with Disabilties where Dr. Chapman works.

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Partnership for People with Disabilities | VCU

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Partnership for People with Disabilities. Located in Richmond, Virginia, our mission is to partner with people with disabilities and others to build communities where all people can live, learn, work and play together.

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High expectations for Persons  with Disabilities and other   Conversation About Disabilities

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High expectations for Persons  with Disabilities and other   Conversation About Disabilities

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Dr. Chapman's presentation.

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High expectations presentation for persons with disabilities.pptx

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Dr. Chapman referenced this case study during his presentation.

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Webinar: Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships

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Webinar: Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships

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You are invited to join the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s (ODEP) Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth) on Thursday, March 26, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. ET, for the webinar “Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships.”

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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Join CAPE-Youth for a webinar on supporting youth and young adult apprentices with disabilities. Apprenticeships offer employers a direct pipeline to skilled, reliable talent while providing young people with disabilities valuable hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a pathway to long-term financial stability. This session will highlight recommendations state policymakers and apprenticeship partners can implement to increase the number of apprentices with disabilities in apprenticeship programs and showcase two model programs that lead to high wages and full-time employment. Speakers from the Arc Southwest Indiana, Toyota, and Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) will share their experiences: • Educating businesses on the value youth and young adult apprentices with disabilities bring to their workplace; • Supporting apprentices with disabilities as they navigate apprenticeship programs; and • Leveraging partnerships and best practices to make apprenticeship opportunities the most successful for both the employer and apprentice.

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Webinar: Supporting Apprenticeship Success: Unlocking the Power of American Workers with Disabilities through Apprenticeship

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Webinar: Supporting Apprenticeship Success: Unlocking the Power of American Workers with Disabilities through Apprenticeship

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Employers need a skilled workforce to stay competitive, and apprenticeships help build that pipeline by combining paid experience with classroom learning. Expanding opportunities for Americans with disabilities strengthens both workforce capacity and industry growth.

Join JAN and EARN on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET for “Supporting Apprentice Success: Unlocking the Power of American Workers with Disabilities through Apprenticeship.” Learn how accommodations support apprentice success and how employers can tap into the talents of workers with disabilities to meet workforce needs.

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Here are the 5 academies available this summer at WWRC. Share with your colleagues, students, & families.

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Here are some additional links explaining how to use the pomodoro technique to organize and focus your time on task. https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/

https://studywithme.io/aesthetic-pomodoro-timer/

https://studywithme.io/aesthetic-pomodoro-timer/

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An aesthetic timer with multiple themes. Let a cat watch you work! Pomodoro is a time management method that breaks work into manageable chunks of time.

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Webinar: Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships

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Webinar: Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships

# data[].attributes.body
Apprenticeships offer employers a direct pipeline to skilled talent while providing young people with disabilities valuable hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a pathway to long-term financial stability.You are invited to join the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s (ODEP) Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth) on Thursday, March 26, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. ET, for the webinar “Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships.”

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join CAPE-Youth for a webinar on supporting youth and young adult apprentices with disabilities. Apprenticeships offer employers a direct pipeline to skilled, reliable talent while providing young people with disabilities valuable hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a pathway to long-term financial stability. This session will highlight recommendations state policymakers and apprenticeship partners can implement to increase the number of apprentices with disabilities in apprenticeship programs and showcase two model programs that lead to high wages and full-time employment. Speakers from the Arc Southwest Indiana, Toyota, and Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) will share their experiences: • Educating businesses on the value youth and young adult apprentices with disabilities bring to their workplace; • Supporting apprentices with disabilities as they navigate apprenticeship programs; and • Leveraging partnerships and best practices to make apprenticeship opportunities the most successful for both the employer and apprentice.

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CTI is seeking nominations for CTI’s video series,  Spotlight Virginians. Because a well‑told story can educate and inspire, this project highlights young people across the Commonwealth who have achieved success in postsecondary education, training, independent living, and employment.

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Postsecondary Education Transition Planning & Services: Barriers & Recommendations- SCHEV

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Postsecondary Education Transition Planning & Services: Barriers & Recommendations- SCHEV

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Dream! Design! Do! Middle School Student-Led Enterprises

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Regional Resources for PS Education & Training

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Regional Resources for PS Education & Training

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Postsecondary Education & Training Regional Resources 

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: United States Military 

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: United States Military 

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: FastForward Career Training Program 

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: FastForward Career Training Program 

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: Registered Apprenticeship

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Training Options: Registered Apprenticeship

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Education and Training

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Fast Fact: Postsecondary Education and Training

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PS Education & Training Resources Info. Sheet

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PS Education & Training Resources Info. Sheet

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This document has links to resources in VA related to postsecondary education and training.

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This document is shareable so you should be able to open it to complete the activity. Please find the modules you are reviewing on this form and fill in your responses.

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Business Connections shared this video as part of their presentation employment supports. Great one to share!

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The Hiring Chain performed by STING | World Down Syndrome Day 2021.

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Make a copy. Reflect on what supports and challenges your learning. How do you stay current with what is happening in postsecondary education & training? How do you promote lifelong learning for yourself, your team, and your students.

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Make a copy and fill in the information for your case study.

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Get Ready for College Facilitator's Guide

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Get Ready for College Facilitator's Guide

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Take the mystery out of college planning

Continuing your education in college offers many opportunities, but it requires planning to be successful. In this course, we'll provide the knowledge and resources you need and outline simple steps you can take to get ready for college.

Did you know that accessing accommodations in college is different from high school? With our guidance, you will be well prepared to advocate for the services you need in the next phase of your education. We'll cover the differences between high school and college, selecting a college that fits best for you, accessing accommodations, and what you can do now in high school to prepare for college.

Learn at your own pace through online lessons that include engaging and accessible videos, practical activities, and high-quality resources.

Are you an educator or service provider who wants students to be prepared for college?

Educators and service providers can use this course to help prepare students for postsecondary education success. The content can be taught in either in-person or virtual environments.

Featuring videos, practical activities, and high-quality resources, this course is free, accessible, and provides 10 recertification points if approved by your building administrator.

Lesson 1: The Difference Between High School and College

Whether it's the amount of freedom or how much more responsibility students have, college is a very different environment than high school. This lesson provides information on the differences between high school and college and will give you a glimpse of what to expect while attending college.

Lesson 2: Postsecondary Education and Training

Part of the preparation for going to college is becoming aware of the options available to you. This lesson provides information on some of the various reasons people choose to go to college, gives an overview of the different types of colleges, and examines some of the types of training opportunities you may want to consider as an alternative to college.

Lesson 3: Knowing Myself

When transitioning to college, it serves you well to know who you are. This lesson provides information on the importance of learning styles. You will also explore your strengths, preferences, interests, and needs and how knowing yourself can help you in determining your future pathway.

Lesson 4: Goal Setting and Action Planning

Successfully transitioning to college requires completing some key milestones and goals. This lesson provides information on the importance of setting goals and introduces you to a process for turning goals into actions.

Lesson 5: Applying and Paying for College

Applying for college can be a stressful experience for many people. This lesson provides information on college entrance and admission requirements and discusses the various ways to pay for college.

Lesson 6: Selecting a College

How do you know whether a certain college is a good fit for you? This lesson provides information on identifying important aspects of choosing a college.

Lesson 7: Disability Support Services

Navigating college as a student with a disability includes learning about the resources and services that can support your success. This lesson provides information on a college's Disability Services Office and explores the process for accessing college accommodations.

Lesson 8: Exploring Technology

Technology is another resource you can use to support your success in college. This lesson provides information on the technology that can be used to enhance learning.

Audience

Students, grades 8 and higher, who are interested in attending college and have a desire to take a self-paced online class to learn more about the skills and knowledge necessary for college success.

Educators, school counselors, service providers, and family members interested in utilizing the course content to equip students who are interested in gaining information to successfully navigate the college preparation, selection, and disability services process.

For those interested in facilitating the course in small-group or whole-class instructional settings, CTI provides the Get Ready for College Facilitator's Guide.

Technical requirements

Participants need a computer with internet access and the ability to view PDFs and watch videos. CTI video lectures are captioned and have transcripts.

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Continuing your education in college offers many opportunities, but it requires planning to be successful. In this course, we'll provide the knowledge and resources you need and outline simple steps you can take to get ready for college. Did you know that accessing accommodations in college is different from high school?

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Student have many choice and pathways they can choose after high school. Virginia Career VIEW developed this one page document representing a few choices along with links to supporting resources.

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Read more about Genevieve Weaver's non-profit ice cream and dessert shop, cravABLES.

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Your CTI contacts are available to provide support throughout the month. You don't need to wait for a monthly session to request assistance or ask questions! Use this list to identify your contact by your superintendent region.

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Get Ready for Your Career - VCU Center on Transition Innovations

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Help students and families explore career clusters with this bright, colorful handout.

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Get Ready for Your Career Facilitator's Guide

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Get Ready for Your Career Facilitator's Guide

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Chapter 9: Preparing for Postsecondary Education 

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Chapter 9: Preparing for Postsecondary Education 

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Utilize this guide to help frame and extend your learning as you read Chapter 9.

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Chapter 7: Inclusion in General Education Guiding Questions

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Chapter 7: Inclusion in General Education Guiding Questions

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Use this reading guide to help frame and extend your learning as you read Chapter 7.

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Michelle Kizer from Fluvanna County shared this assessment she uses to help students identify triggers that impact their school experience.

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Identify Your school triggers assessment

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Check out Michelle Kizer's examples of the organizational charts she used in Fluvanna County to keep track of transition assessment data.

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Transition Planning Assessment Tools for Students with Significant Disabilities Assessment Matrix					

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Transition Planning Assessment Tools for Students with Significant Disabilities Assessment Matrix					

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Check out this listing from Pennsylvania for more options to consider when working with students with significant barriers to employment and independence.

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Transition Planning Assessment Tools for Students with Significant Disabilities Assessment Matrix

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The activity Debbie Grosser used with the Chris Case Study

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Resource from Debbie Grosser that was used during the case study review.

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With Carla, you took the AIR Self-Assessment Scale today as part of the TypeFinder leadership activity. To find out more, please use this link to learn about the AIR and access the assessment forms.

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The ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Assessment is a curriculum-referenced tool that measures students' self-determination skills and progress in the ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Curriculum. Educators of students with mild-to-moderate disabilities can assess these students' self-determination skills and opportunities at school to exercise these skills across three areas: (a) choosing educational, vocational, and personal goals, (b) students' involvement in their IEP meetings, and (c) students' attainment of IEP goals, including developing a plan, implementing the plan, self-evaluation of plan progress, and adjusting any of the plan parts.

The ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Assessment requires educators to complete a 5-point Likert scale response for each of the 62 items across the student skills and opportunities at school sections. The raw scores for each of the choosing goals, IEP involvement, and goal attainment domains are tabulated, graphed, and compared to the total points available to find the percent positive for each domain. Using a ChoiceMaker Curriculum goal and objective matrix, educators circle each assessment item with a score of 0, 1, or 2 to develop a pool of potential instructional goals and objectives.

The ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Assessment has been validated using over 300 students with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavior problems from four states. A test-retest study suggests the reliability of the assessment results across time.

Of the available self-determination assessments, the ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Assessment is the only curriculum-referenced assessment.

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CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Guide

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CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Guide

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Don't forget that those HQWBL experiences also provide valuable data for transition planning.

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This website includes the poster you received a hard copy of from Debbie Grosser, along with a variety of other resources related to WRS.

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The CTE Resource Center, in collaboration with CTECS, has developed instructional resources to introduce or reinforce student understanding of workplace readiness skills (WRS) in the classroom. Mastery of these skills will increase when the concepts and vocabulary are continually applied and reinforced throughout the core competencies of the course.

The Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth instructional resources provide you with an efficient, adaptable set of resources to introduce and/or reinforce student understanding of one of Virginia's workplace readiness skills. While it is encouraged and expected that instruction in all of the workplace readiness skills will be integrated throughout your course, it is acknowledged that students could also benefit from more explicit instruction, particularly in certain skills.

There are several ways to use the lessons.

Option:
Choose one week (or a series of five class sessions) to focus on the skill. Teach one lesson each day, with the final day reserved for assessment. The lessons can be kept brief (around 30 minutes each day), or they be expanded to create longer lessons, depending on your time constraints and the needs of your students.

Option:
If you are on a block schedule or have a long class period, the lessons can be "stacked" and taught back-to-back in two or three classes. Assessment can take place the following class or as a homework assignment.

Option:
Individual lessons can be used to supplement your own unit, review something you have already taught, or reinforce an identified weak area.

Whichever option works for you and your students, follow-up is not optional. Real learning is not likely to take place if the concepts and vocabulary are not continually used and reinforced throughout the course. Each lesson provides tips for taking advantage of formal and informal opportunities to reinforce knowledge and skills.

We hope that you and your students enjoy your journey through Virginia's workplace readiness skills!

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Workplace Readiness Skills | CTE Resource

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You received a hard copy of the Fast Fact related to the 5 Steps to Transition Assessment. This topical paper provides a bit more information on this topic.

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Debbie Grosser talked about the Workplace Readiness Skills as skills to assess. The rubric is a great resource for assessing a student's skills and identifying both strengths and challenges.

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Here is a form for you to use to explore transition assessment tools & resources.

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REV Sample Assessment Tools and Resources.docx

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Council for Exceptional Children Website

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Council for Exceptional Children Website

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CEC has great resources to assist educators, families, and transition collaborators.

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Council for Exceptional Children | The premier association for special education professionals

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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)'s Partner Solutions Directory is an online resource for special education products, services, and programming support! Search for a topic and quickly receive a list of partners who provide products, services, or programming supporting your work and career.
View More Partner Solutions

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Council for Exceptional Children | The premier association for special education professionals

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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

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Review Dr. Morgan's slides for the information she shared during her presentation.

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Check out the NTACT-C website for a vast array of materials and resources mentioned by Michael and Sandi.

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NTACT:C | National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

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The Collaborative (NTACT:C) Supporting you to improve opportunities and outcomes for students and youth with disabilities

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Chapter 12: Working with Outside Agencies

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Chapter 12: Working with Outside Agencies

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Suggestion to prepare for the October STLA. Read Chapter 12from Your Complete Guide to Transition Planning and Services

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Chapter 11: Preparing for Interpersonal Engagement

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Chapter 11: Preparing for Interpersonal Engagement

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Suggestion to prepare for the October STLA. Read Chapter 11 from Your Complete Guide to Transition Planning and Services

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Summary - Virginia Division on Career Development and Transition 2026 Conference

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Special Education Performance Report 2023-2024 | Virginia Department of Education