PEATC Transition Resources

06/12/2026

We're excited to introduce DocAccess, a new tool that makes many of our resources easier to access and navigate. With DocAccess, you can view the PDFs on our website in a more accessible format with features that support screen readers, customizable text displays, and improved document navigation.

AT PEATC, we are committed to making information accessible to all families. 💙

06/12/2026

Register today!

Navigating state disability services can feel overwhelming, but understanding available benefits is a vital piece of planning for a successful future.

Join us on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM ET for a webcast on "Medicaid Waivers in Virginia."

Presented by Megan Reynolds (CTI) and Kendra Wormley (PEATC), this session will demystify Virginia’s waiver system, clarify eligibility criteria, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to obtain essential state benefits like personal assistance and community support.

Whether you are a family member, advocate, or transition professional, this brief webinar will give you the practical knowledge needed to navigate the process with confidence. Register today! (link in comments)

06/09/2026

Happening soon! 🚨

PEATC’s Pathways to Employment and Independent Living webinar is almost here—don’t miss this chance to learn how youth with disabilities can build independence and succeed in the workplace.

🗓 June 11, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM EST

We’ll cover the benefits of working, address common concerns, and share real strategies for finding and keeping a job.

Register now before it starts: go.peatc.org/PathwaysWebinar26

06/06/2026

✨Did you know?✨

Extended School Year (ESY) decisions in Virginia aren’t based on just one thing. IEP teams must consider six different factors to determine if a student qualifies for ESY services to continue making progress.

Understanding how ESY decisions are made can help you be an informed member of your child's IEP team. Learn about eligibility, key factors IEP teams consider, and what ESY services may look like for students who qualify.

📖 Read more: go.peatc.org/esy-services

06/03/2026

Are you ready to make your voice heard, build leadership skills, and connect with other young people with disabilities across Virginia?

Join the YET (Youth Empowerment Transition Council) at PEATC! We're looking for youth and young adults with disabilies, ages 14-26, who want to:
⭐ Strengthen self-advocacy skills
⭐ Share their ideas and advise PEATC on issues affecting youth
⭐ Build lasting friendships
⭐ Become active leaders in their schools and communities
⭐ Grow confidence and leadership skills

Meetings are held monthly (every second Monday unless otherwise stated).

Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Your future matters.

➡️Interested in joining our next meeting NEXT WEEK, June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM? Fill out the form here: forms.office.com/r/tt8i1at46m

06/02/2026

🎓 Transition University Summer 2026 Session is now OPEN!

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 course will cover:

➡️What do we mean by Transition and why is it important?
➡️Supported decision making, Power of Attorney, Guardianship, and Age of Majority
➡️Transitioning into independent living (employment, further education, housing, etc.)

And so much more!!

Register today: go.peatc.org/TransitionU26

06/01/2026

📣 Registration for 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit is LIVE! 📣

Join PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), invites you to the 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit: "Collaboration That Transforms Outcomes." This FREE virtual event brings together parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners who share a common goal - helping students with disabilities succeed in school and in life.

Participants will
➡️ Hear from inspiring speakers sharing practical tips, real-life experiences, and fresh ideas
➡️ Learn strategies for building stronger partnerships between families, schools, and communities
➡️ Explore resources and supports available to students with disabilities and their families
➡️ Engage in meaningful conversations
➡️ Leave with tools, ideas, and actionable takeaways

Together, we can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and create better outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.

📅August 22, 2026
🕓9:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. EST

Register here: go.peatc.org/26FESummit

05/31/2026

🚨June 5 is the last day to complete our FREE self-paced Early Childhood Academy online course!

Do you have young children (birth to age six) with disabilities and developmental delays? Are you looking for practical information to help get your child off to a great start and set a foundation for lifelong learning? If you answered yes, then our Early Childhood Academy online course might be for you!

In this 5-week course online program, families of children with disabilities learn about supporting their child's early learning and development and preparing them for kindergarten and beyong.

This FREE program is designed for busy families! Sessions open weekly and are available to view day or night.

Register here: go.peatc.org/ECA2026Spring

05/30/2026

We know every family's journey is different. At PEATC, we are committed to providing individualized support, resources, and guidance to help families feel informed and empowered. Thank you for trusting PEATC to be part of your journey. 💙

"Every support material that PEATC provided was specific to my needs. I feel prepared to embark on the process of integrating my son back into the school next year. I will be reaching out to PEATC as I have questions. This is a very important process for me and I feel ready for next academic year."

05/28/2026

Related services are a key part of helping students with disabilities access and benefit from their education, but many families aren’t sure what those services include or how they’re determined.

Did you know? Related services can include transportation, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility training, or even parent counseling or training.

PEATC’s “Related Services in the IEP” resource explains common supports such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, transportation, and more. It also shares helpful tips for families navigating the IEP process and advocating for the services their child may need.

📘 Learn more about how related services support student success: go.peatc.org/iep-related-services