National Division on Career Development & Transition (DCDT): http://www.dcdt.org. Promotes national and international efforts to improve the quality of and access to career/vocational and transition services, increase the participation of education in career development and transition goals and influences policies affecting career development and transition services for persons with disabilities.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC):http://www.cec.sped.org
Largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development and has access to resources necessary for effective professional practice.
Council for Exceptional Children-Virginia
https://virginia.exceptionalchildren.org/
The homepage of the Virginia chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE):http://www.pen.k12.va.us/
The mission of the Virginia Board of Education and the superintendent of public instruction, in cooperation with local school boards, is to increase student learning and academic achievement. Virginia’s public education system is to educate students in the fundamental knowledge and academic subjects that they need to become capable, responsible, and self-reliant citizens. This site provides resources and information in order to support the mission statement.
Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) centerontransition.org CTI serves as a portal for information, resources, demonstration and research on pathways to employment that support youth with disabilities to gain access to integrated competitive employment to the fullest extent possible. Through participation in evidence-based employment and work experience models, higher education or postsecondary education training, youth can become integral members of their communities.
Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) Online:http://www.ttaconline.org
The mission of Virginia’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC) is to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities (birth – 22 years). The Centers provide quality training and technical assistance in response to local, regional, and state needs. T/TAC services increase the capacity of schools, school personnel, service providers, and families to meet the needs of children and youth. T/TAC Online is a resource for educators working with children with special needs. It is designed for information, resources, and training to be available in a timely manner.
TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTERS (T/TACs) BY REGION:
Virginia Commonwealth University Training and Technical Assistance Center (VCU T/TAC): http://www.vcu.edu/ttac/
Region 1/8: Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell City, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, Richmond, Surry, Sussex, Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Halifax/South Boston, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg Nottoway, Prince Edward
Old Dominion University Training and Technical Assistance Center (ODU T/TAC):http://www.ttac.odu.edu/
Region 2/3 (Early Childhood Special Education/Primary DD (students with developmental delays and disabilities birth through age 9) and individuals with moderate to severe disabilities (birth through high school):Accomack, Caroline, Chesapeake, Colonial Beach, Essex, Franklin City, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, King George, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond County, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, West Point, Westmoreland, Williamsburg/James City County, York; also Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter, Eastern State Hospital, and Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind, and Multi-disabled at Hampton
William and Mary Training and Technical Assistance Center (W&M T/TAC) http://education.wm.edu/centers/ttac/index.php
Region 2/3: Accomack, Caroline, Chesapeake, Colonial Beach, Essex, Franklin City, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, King George, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond County, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, West Point, Westmoreland, Williamsburg/James City County, York; also Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter, Eastern State Hospital, and Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind, and Multi-disabled at Hampton
George Mason University Training and Technical Assistance Center (GMU T/TAC):http://ttac.gmu.edu
Region 4: Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Winchester, Arlington, Clark, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren
James Madison University Training and Technical Assistance Center (JMU T/TAC): http://www.ttacjmu.org/
Region 5: Albemarle, Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Buena Vista, Campbell, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Harrisonburg, Highland, Lexington, Louisa, Lynchburg, Nelson, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Staunton, Waynesboro
Radford Training and Technical Assistance Center (Radford T/TAC):http://ru.ttacconnect.org/
Region 6/7: Allegheny, Bland, Botetourt, Bristol City, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Covington City, Craig, Dickenson, Danville City, Floyd, Franklin, Galax City, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Lee, Martinsville City, Montgomery, Norton City, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Radford City, Roanoke City, Roanoke, Russell, Salem City, Scott, Smyth, Tazwell, Wise, Washington, Wythe
I’m Determined
I’m Determined
I’m Determined, a project developed and sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior beginning at the elementary level and continuing through the student’s educational career. The empowered student knows how to set and achieve goals and has a greater understanding of personal strengths and how to get support for areas of need.
Virginia’s CTE Resource Center
Virginia’s CTE Resource Center
The CTE Resource Center supports career and technical and occupational-technical preparation programs by providing resources for curriculum development and program design and implementation in response to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
https://www.acteonline.org/
The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers.
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS):http://www.vadrs.org/
Provides services to help Virginians with disabilities become more independent and self-sufficient. Employees from DRS work in partnership with people with disabilities, their families and public and private service providers to ensure high quality, timely and efficient service delivery.
Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI):http://www.vdbvi.org
Empowers blind, visually impaired, and deafblind individuals to achieve their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence.
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH): http://www.vddhh.org/
The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) works to reduce the communication barriers between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing, including family members, service providers, and the general public.
Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitative Center (WWRC):http://wwrc.virginia.gov/
The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. Staff at WWRC provide training and therapy to people with disabilities to enable them to re-enter the work force and live more independently.
Virginia Community College System: http://www.vccs.edu
Welcome to Virginia’s community colleges. This site is a gateway to information on programs offered at 23 community colleges on 40 campuses across the Commonwealth—where opportunity begins.
Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS):http://www.vats.org
Ensures that Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate, affordable assistive and information technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens.
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD):http://www.vaboard.org/
VBPD serves as Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Planning Council. DD Councils are in every state and territory of the United States. They work for the benefit of individuals with DD and their families to identify needs and help develop policies, programs and services that will meet these needs in a manner that respects dignity and independence.
VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RTTC) on Workplace Supports and Job Retention
Worksupport.com – RRTC
Established in 1983, VCU-RRTC has grown into one of the largest Research and Training Centers in the United States. We serve as a Center of national excellence, providing resources for professionals, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives. For over 26 years, we have been at the forefront of the supported employment and workplace supports movements. Our team of nationally and internationally renowned researchers is committed to developing and advancing evidence-based practices to increase the hiring and retention for individuals with disabilities.
A Guide on How to Get Scholarships and Grants for Students with Disabilities http://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/scholarship-guide-for-students-with-disabilities/ The financial burdens of medical care can make it difficult for many students with disabilities to pursue higher education – a harsh reality that can lead to lifelong disadvantages. Many schools and organizations offer assistance to help students with disabilities reach their goals. From tutoring, to financial aid and tax breaks, students with disabilities, and their parents, can access a wide range of resources. But finding these resources and applying for them can be a bit overwhelming. On the link above you will find a wide range of scholarships, grants and tips on how to apply for them.
Affordable Colleges Online
College resources for students with disabilities: http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/resources-for students-with-disabilities/
Scholarships for students with disabilities http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/affordable-colleges-for-students-with-disabilities/