Event Calendar

The events included below are shared for informational purposes, and listing may not be inclusive of all available community learning opportunities and inclusion of opportunities does not reflect endorsement by Arlington Public Schools.   

Arlington County Events

 

 

 

 

Unmuted: Mental Health Stories, Strength, and Solutions in our BIPOC Communities
Monday, September 29, 2025: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kenmore Middle School – 200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA

Use this link to register for the event
Sponsored by: NAMI Northern Virginia, Arlington Department of Human Services- Child & Family Services, Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), and Community Health Equity Alliance.

Honoring the diversity of our community and recognizing Suicide Prevention Month, join us on Monday, September 29, for an impactful evening discussing how we address stigma within communities of color, how culture shapes mental health experiences, available resources, and what we need to do to create community-level solutions and systems changes.

KEYNOTE: Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr., Member, Arlington County Board

PANELISTS INCLUDE:

• Monique Bryant, Executive Director, Challenging Racism
• United Community
• Hyun Sun Park, Director of Health Services, Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington
• Solomon Ayalew, DMV Chapter Director, African Communities Together
• Karuna Antani, MSW, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)

Schedule:

• Registration & Networking – 5:30 pm
• Event Begins – 6:00 pm

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Therapeutic Recreation Corner
Office: 703-228-4740
TTY: 711
Email:[email protected]
Follow TR on Facebook!

• Visit the Therapeutic Recreation Facebook page to see recreational activities posted weekdays that can help you practice your skills or develop new skills ones. Their daily themes are:
  • Monday: Self-Regulation skills
  • Tuesday: Fine motor skills
  • Wednesday: Gross motor skills
  • Thursday: Communication skills
  • Friday: Social skills

Parenting Wisely
Parenting Wisely, for parents/guardians of children ages 6 to 11. This self-paced course is available 24/7, online, in English and Spanish.
Parenting Wisely English flyer
Parenting Wisely Spanish flyer

Support Group for Parents/Caregivers Affected by Youth Substance Use Connect with others who are coping with the challenges of supporting a youth who has substance use concerns. This virtual group is facilitated by Children’s Behavioral Health specialists, including a Family Support Partner and meets every other Thursday at 5:00 pm, starting on March 13. Support Group English flyer

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Reoccurring programs:  Visit here to learn more and sign up.

• TRUST TALK TUESDAYS
  These small group discussions will focus on Special Needs Trusts and futures planning. Questions pertaining to general disability issues in regards to future financial planning are welcome.
• CHAT WITH AN ATTORNEY
  Parents can schedule a free 45-minute meeting with an attorney to receive advice and guidance on any number of special education topics for their student.
• BASICS of MEDICAID WAIVER
  In this one hour presentation, Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy, will review what Waivers are, services Waivers offer, how to apply, and give tips for families on waiting lists for services.
• Building Independence with the TFIL Team
  The Tech for Independent Living Team invites you to join their monthly virtual event on the first Thursday of each month to discover the amazing Arc2Independence app.
• Transition Lunch and Learn
  These sessions are not recorded. Planning to transition from school to adult services can be overwhelming. Once your child exits the school system, adult services are based on eligibility criteria and funding availability. These small group sessions are an opportunity to begin creating a plan for the future. Learn what employment and meaningful day support services are available, how to explore post-secondary options, what transportation supports exist, how to help your child make decisions and advocate, when to apply for SSI and manage benefits, and what recreation activities are available. This informal opportunity is to ask questions and discuss with the facilitator and other participants.
• Metro Travel Training
  Interested in travel training? Come join our Tech for Independent Living (TFIL) team on a metro trip! Individuals with disabilities and a designated adult are invited to join our TFIL team on a short Metro trip. During this practice trip, individuals with disabilities will learn basic travel skills and will become more comfortable traveling on the Metro. SmarTrip cards will be provided. These in-person travel training events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.

A New Kind of Transition Series
October 4, 2025 – 9:00-11:30am
Mandatory In-Person Kick-off Session
October 6-31, 2025 – Transition Series Webinars Provided Virtually
The Arc of Northern Virginia is excited to launch a reimagined Transition Series this October, designed to meet you exactly where you are on your journey. Whether your loved one is just beginning to explore post-school options or you’ve been navigating services for years, this year’s series features custom “tracks” to help you focus on what matters most to you. From “Planning for the Future” to “College Bound,” “Finding a Job,” “Building a Meaningful Day,” “Funding Supports,” and more, participants will select their interests and needs when they register—so the information you receive is tailored, not one-size-fits-all. They’ll start things off with a mandatory Kick-Off Session that sets the stage:

• A warm welcome and overview of the program
• A Parent Panel sharing real-life transition stories and advice
• Resource Tables featuring local organizations ready to support you

Then, throughout October, dive into live weekly webinars (all recorded and available to rewatch later for registered participants). Topics include:

• Supported Decision Making & Legal Authority
• Medicaid Waivers
• SSI & SSDI
• Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts
• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) & DARS Vocational Support
• Future Planning strategies …and much more.

This is a thoughtful, flexible roadmap for families and self-advocates navigating the often-overwhelming world of adulthood with disabilities.

Registration is now open!  Scholarships are available for registration fees if needed, just ask! Space is limited.

• Register as a Parent or Caregiver
• Register as a Professional

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Infolock Open 2025 – Monday, September 22 Trust Talk Tuesday – Tuesday, September 23 TFIL Talks – Tuesday, September 23

OCTOBER EVENTS Trust Talk Tuesday – Tuesday, October 7 Transition Lunch & Learn – Thursday, October 9 Arctoberfest – Saturday, October 18 Trust Talk Tuesday – Tuesday, October 21 TFIL Talks – Tuesday, October 28

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Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
C.A.S.E. offers a variety of events and support groups for adoptive families. They’ve also shared the following sessions:

 

Preventing Escalation and Reinforcing Growth: Using Proactive, Affirming Behavior Supports with Children and Youth with Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders
September 29, 2025: 7:00pm
Use this link to register for the session
Presented by Drs. Jodi Duke, Grace Francis and Alexandra Raines from GMU College of Education and Human Development, this webinar will offer parents, caregivers and professional partners ways to learn how to reduce the likelihood of distress and build skills by reinforcing helpful behaviors—all while avoiding jargon and centering respectful, neuro-affirming practices.

• September 12- Together is Better: Building Collaborative Relationships between Caregivers and Educators webinar,
• September 17- next IN-PERSON meeting of Formed Families Together parent and caregiver peer support group, hosted by FFF, Fairfax.
• September 19-20- Special Needs Planning and Resource Fair, hosted by the 7Q Foundation and All Needs Planning, virtual and in Annandale.
• September 23- First weekly meeting of FFF’s Stronger Together Youth and Young Adult Peer Support group, in person in Fairfax.
• September 29- Preventing Escalation and Reinforcing Growth: Using Proactive, Affirming Behavior Supports with Children and Youth with Autism and related Neurodevelopmental Disorders webinar,
• October 23- Heroes and Role Models webinar, hosted by FFF.
• November 9- Circle of Support Conference, hosted by The Arc of Greater Prince William, Woodbridge.

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Lab School 2025-2026 Speaker Series

• October 15, 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM
  Sharing the Diagnosis: Talking to Your Child About Their Neurodiversity
  Presented by Katia Fredriksen, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Director of Training, The Stixrud Group and co-author of Different Thinkers and Yael Rothman, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist and co-author of Different Thinkers
  Use this link to register
• November 12, 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM
  Growing Up in Public
  Devorah Heitner, PhD, Author of Growing up in Public: Coming Of Age In A Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World
  Use this link to register
• January 28, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm
  Bounce Back Stronger: Proven Tactics to Build Resilience in Your Child
  Nina Shiffrin, PhD, Psychologist and Director of Research, Alvord Baker
  Register Now
• February 18, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm
  Executive Functioning and Dysregulation: Understanding and Supporting Neurodiverse Students
  David Black, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Director, Center for Assessment & Treatment (CAAT)
  Register Now
• March 18, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm
  The Secret Power of a Growth Mindset at Home and School
  Mary Cay Ricci, Educational Consultant, Author of NYT Best Selling Education Book, Mindsets in the Classroom and Ready to Use Resources for Mindsets in the Classroom
  Use this link to register

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NAMI Arlington – Parent Support Group
Parents/Caregivers of School Age Students and Teens (PK-12) for 2025-2026
3rd Mondays 7:00-8:30pm

This group is geared to parents whose child is experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, including: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders and more. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is respected.
Register here: bit.ly/PSGArlington

Questions? Contact:

• Michelle Best ([email protected])
• Sandy Minners ([email protected])
• Robin Pentola ([email protected])

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NAMI VA 2025 Mental Health Conference & Youth and Family Summit

NAMI Virginia will host the statewide Mental Health Conference & Youth and Family Summit at the Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & Spa in Richmond, Virginia on Thursday, September 25th from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Tickets for this event are free, but registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for this event.

NAMI Virginia Offers FREE training and support groups for Peers, Friends, Family, Parents, Caregivers, Youth, and Young Adults. Find more information about local training and support through your local Affiliate.

NAMI Family Support Group for Parents and Caregivers of Youth under 18.

• First and Third Wednesday of the month
  7 – 8:30 PM on Zoom
  This Family Support Group, following NAMI’s signature programming model, is for parents or caregivers of children under the age of 18. For more information, please contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] or join here. Hosted by Virginia Family Network.
• Parent Leader Network Call
  Second Monday of the month 10- 11:30 AM on Zoom
  Connect with other parent leaders, learn new skills, and find out about upcoming learning opportunities. For more information, please contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] or join here.
  Hosted by Virginia Family Network.
• Book Club
  Second and Fourth Thursdays 7-8 PM on Zoom
  This is an online book club for parents and caregivers. The books will center on mental health and wellness, discovering yourself, and systems that parents and young people have navigated. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents in a relaxed environment. The group is ongoing, so you can jump in at any point! For more information, please contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected].
• Virtual Coffee Chat for Self-Care
  Third Thursday of the month 9 AM on Zoom
  Connect in a relaxed, informal setting and discuss your own self-care journeys while drinking your morning coffee, tea, or water! Contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] with questions and join here.
• Monthly Lunch & Learn
  Last Thursday of the month at noon on Facebook.
  Lunch and Learn is a monthly, one-hour-long presentation on topics for parents and caregivers. Past presentations centered on trauma, restraint, and seclusion, self-care, school during COVID-19, and more. Please send questions to Nicole Anjum at [email protected] and Join us on our VFN Facebook Page.
• Youth Move Virginia Youth & Young Adult Peer Support Group.
  This youth support group creates a space for youth to take initiative in conversations, activities, and movements about mental health. Contact Miranda Schnoor at [email protected] for upcoming dates and any questions or register here.
  Hosted by Youth MOVE Virginia
• Apply for Youth MOVE Virginia’s Youth Advisory Board (Open until May 20)

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See peatc.org/events for descriptions and more information.

Special Education Workshop Series – FALL into Knowledge 2025
(Wednesdays)
All sessions will start at 6:30 p.m. and will last 1 – 1.5 hours.
These webinars will be presented on Zoom. They will not be recorded.

• October 1 – The Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
  Get strategies for effective communication and collaboration at the table.
• October 15 – Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
  Explore your rights and the tools available when disagreements arise.

PEATC & VDOE Training Opportunities

Self-Paced Trainings – New topics released every Sunday at 5pm

• SEAC Training – registration open now; perfect for families AND staff.
• Transition University
  October 6, 2025 – December 8, 2025
  This free 5-session self-paced online course focuses on providing parent-friendly transition information to help make transition planning easier. This course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle, or high school students that receive special education services, and the professionals that support them. The goal is to share factual information on transition services and to help make the transition from school services to the adult services world less confusing. The training will take approximately 9 hours and can be accessed anytime during the 9 week timeframe.

Spanish-Speaking Family Resources

• PEATC Latino Outreach Facebook Page

PEATC LATINX

Grupo de Chat para Padres: Únete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podrás mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino está haciendo.
Entra al GRUPO

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PLANET WORD – Sensory Friendly Morning
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
925 13th St. NW, Entrance on K Street
Use this link to get tickets

Sensory Friendly Morning is designed for families with neurodivergent children or teenagers to explore the museum at a quieter, less-crowded time. The recommended age for this experience is 10 and up, but all are welcome! The experience is self-guided, and guests can choose to participate in additional activities. Some exhibit elements will be adapted to accommodate sensitivities to light and sound.

All guests are invited to participate in a Halloween theme with optional, not-scary costumes and trick-or-treating around the galleries for fun fidgets, bookmarks, and mini-books.

Prior to the event, registered guests will receive pre-visit materials to help them prepare for their visit including a social narrative and sensory map. Registered guests are welcome to drop in any time during the event.
For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].

 

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Virginia’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Programs: Where to Go and What to Know
Friday, September 26, 2025 • 12 PM – 2 PM
Use this link to register
Join the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities for this educational and engaging session. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will provide an overview of Virginia’s four HCBS Waiver programs: the Community Living Waiver; Family and Individual Supports Waiver; Building Independence Waiver; and the CCC+ Waiver. How are they different? How do you access them? What services do they offer? What is a support coordinator and a care coordinator? Virginia’s Waiver is always growing and evolving, so come get the latest information and hear some success stories from across the Commonwealth, as well.