Youth Services Program Local and State Activities

Local and State Activities (PDF Version)

Proposed Virginia Special Education Regulations

The proposed Virginia Special Education regulations public comment period closed on June 30, 2008.  The proposed regulations now have to continue through the steps required by the Administrative Process Act and VDOE which includes approval by the Virginia Board of Education and the Governor.  Thousands of comments were submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by parents and concerned parties including Governor Kaine, who voiced his concern over the deletion of parental consent for the termination of special education services.  To review the proposed regulations, click on the Virginia Department of Education website, http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/sess/. To view the Virginia Coalition for Students with Disabilities comments on the changes in the proposed regulations, go to:  http://www.endependence.org/VCSWD Comments 5.08.pdf.  For more information, contact Kim Lett at the disAbility Resource Center.

• Special Education Advisory Committees

• Partners in Policymaking

• Youth Leadership Forum

Special Education Advisory Committees:

Parents and guardians of students who receive Special Education Services are encouraged to attend and participate in their school district's Special Education Advisory Committee.  Members of the committee are appointed by each local school board, and shall advise the school board through the division superintendent. The composition of the committee shall include parents of the children with disabilities and persons with disabilities.  The functions of the local advisory committee shall be as follows:

• Advise the local school board of unmet needs in the education of children with disabilities.
• Assist the local school division in the formulation and development of plans for improving performance of children with disabilities specified in Subdivision B.1.b. of the state regulations.
• Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of children with disabilities.
• Submit periodic reports and recommendations regarding the education of children with disabilities to the division superintendent for transmission to the local school board.
• Assist the local school division in interpreting plans to the community for meeting the special needs of children with disabilities for educational services.
• Review the policies and procedures for the provision of special education and related services prior to submission to the local school board and the Virginia Department of Education.

Stafford County Schools SEAC
First Tuesday, every month, 6:30 p.m.
Contact the Parent Resource Center, 540-658-6710, for meeting place.

Spotsylvania County Schools SEAC
Contact the Parent Resource Center, 540-582-5616, for time and meeting place.

Caroline County Schools SEAC Contact school offices, 804-633-5088. 

Partners in Policymaking

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities’ (VBPD) Partners in Policymaking (PIP) program recruits individuals with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities for an advocacy training program.  Graduating Partners will join hundreds of current alumni of the Virginia PIP program, and thousands who have graduated from similar programs across the country, who have learned how to make a difference every day for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Individuals participating in PIP attend advocacy training, resource development, and skill building workshops led by state and national experts. Topics covered include the history of the disability movement, self advocacy, independent living, supported employment, building inclusive communities, natural supports, legislative advocacy, assistive technology, communication, team building, and much more! VBPD covers all expenses for participants’ training, lodging, meals, and travel.

Program participants attend and actively participate in eight two-day sessions, from Friday afternoon and to late Saturday afternoon, in Richmond, Virginia. Accepted participants must agree to complete all homework, class assignments, and one major project designed to meet competencies.

To be considered for participation in PIP, individuals must submit a completed application form and provide three letters of recommendation. Download the application in Word Format .

Additional information and applications may also be obtained by contacting Erin Hickey at Erin.Hickey@vbpd.virginia.gov or Teri Barker Morgan at Teri.Barker@vbpd.virginia.gov or by calling 1-800-846-4464 (toll free, voice & TTY).

Youth Leadership Forum

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities’ (VBPD) Youth Leadership Forum seeks to empower young people with disabilities to further develop their leadership skills. Students, serving as Delegates from communities throughout Virginia, participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences during the four day Youth Leadership Forum set on a university campus.

The YLF curriculum includes training and development of individual career and life-goals, leadership skills, social skills, and self-esteem. Delegates benefit from sharing the experience of an energetic and socially enriched environment with other delegates, distinguished guests, mentors, and highly motivated volunteer staff.  Additional information can be found at http://www.vaboard.org/ylf.htm#Recruitment