ECNV's Be in the Know: April 2024
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
World Autism Awareness Month
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes issues with communication, social, verbal, and motor skills. Every April, the American Autism Association celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of the autism community.
American Autism Association ››
National American Sign Language (ASL) Day
National ASL Day is a day of observance celebrating American Sign Language. National ASL Day takes place on April 15 every year to celebrate ASL. American Sign Language is used by those who cannot hear or speak — usually by people part of the Deaf community. The universality of sign language has helped such people to communicate across language barriers.
The history of American Sign Language is over 200 years old. In the year 1815, a school for the deaf was established hoping to create an accessible language for those who cannot hear or speak. However, it was a rudimentary language at that point. Sign language emerged as a combination of several sign languages (that are still in use today), such as Native American Sign Language, French Sign Language, and Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language. With the help of these pre-existing sign languages, American Sign Language (A.S.L.) was born.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Spring Workshop Series
Starting in late April 2024, the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) will continue its Special Education workshop series for parents and professionals who want to learn more about special education in Virginia.
Workshop Topics:
April 24th - From Referral to Eligibility
May 1st - Anatomy of an IEP
May 8th - Measurable IEP Goals
May 15th - Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
May 22nd - Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Live in Arlington Information Fair
Learn about home buying, home maintenance, and other housing services in Arlington. Live in Arlington Information Fair, celebrating Fair Housing Month will be on Saturday, April 24, 2024, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at Walter Reed Recreation Center.
Deaf Nation Expo Is Coming to Virginia!
Deaf Nation Expo, the foremost touring trade show for, by, and about deaf people is coming to the Dulles Expo Center, North Hall, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:00am - 5:00pm. This event is free and open to the public.
"The Way to Transition from School to Adult Life" from Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and ECNV!
Hispanic families living in Northern Virginia with children receiving special education and are in the process of transitioning from school to adult life. Come and learn about the transition of students with disabilities going from High School to college or directly to work; you’ll also learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA, advocacy and useful resources.
This event will be conducted completely in Spanish.
What: Information and resource conference to assist the transition of school to adult life.
When: Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:30am - 1:30pm.
Where: Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046
Lunch will be included! Rosalia Fajardo at 703-867-6529 for more information.
Webinar from Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
Inclusive Education for K-12 Students with Mental Health Disabilities
When: May 22, 2024, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern
This webinar will address the right to inclusive education for K-12 students with mental health disabilities under the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The session will review students' rights and schools' responsibilities, as well as best practices that schools can use to support students with mental health disabilities.
Disability Research Opportunity
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) recently shared a research study opportunity for interested families of children with disabilities. The researchers have funding from the Social Security Administration and the National Institutes of Health to conduct a study on how low-income parents of children with disabilities handle financial stress and obligations. If accepted, participants will have a 45-60 minute interview on Zoom and be compensated $100 for their time. All questions should be directed to Lila Rabinovich, lilarabi@usc.edu.
Participants must:
Live in the U.S.
And have a child under 18 with a disability.
See if you are eligible today! ››
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Get a COVID-19 test for symptoms or exposure. ECNV serves as a supplier for individuals and organizations. For inquiries, please reach out to us at info@ecnv.org or you can get Free at-home tests from USPS.
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511). Read more on their website.
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
April 2024
Real Work for Real Pay: From High School to Employment for Your Child with a Disability, (virtual) 4/18/24, 6:30pm - 7:45pm.
Viviendas Inclusivas para Todos/Inclusive Housing for Everyone (in Spanish), (in-person & virtual), 4/22/24, 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
Social Security Basics, (virtual), 4/24/24, 9:00am.
Real Work for Real Pay: From High School to Employment for Your Child with a Disability, (virtual) 4/25/24, 6:30pm - 7:45pm.
Fairfax County Public Schools Career & Transition Services Flash Forward Resource Fair, (in-person), 4/25/24, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Annandale High School Cafeteria.
Live in Arlington Information Fair, (in-person), 4/27/24, 11:00am - 4:00pm, Walter Reed Recreation Center.
May 2024
Strategies to Promote Healthy Sleep in Kids with Disabilities, (virtual), 5/1/24, 11:00am.
How to Successfully Navigate Disability and Life Insurance Issues with the Experts, (virtual), 5/14/24, 12:00pm.
AI, Accessibility and Users with Disabilities (GAAD), (virtual), 5/16/24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond, (in-person), 5/19/24, 1:35pm.
Title III of the ADA and Readily Achievable Barrier Removal, (virtual), 5/21/24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm.
