Partnership for People with Disabilities

03/13/2026

How fun is this? What are you Oscar picks?

With the Academy Awards ceremony set for Sunday, VCU faculty members consider eight of the top contenders through the lens of their expertise.

03/13/2026

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03/12/2026

A huge shout-out to Molly and Emily for an incredible Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) training at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association (VDSA). We wrapped up with a mini-graduation and a lot of excitement for what's next.

Several in this group are eager to work toward LEAP trainer certification, and plan to complete the steps toward VDSA becoming a Certified Center for Abuse Prevention and Safety (C-CAPS).

Bonus: Our Autism Society Central Virginia LEAP class wrapped last week too. A big month for learning, leadership, and community! 🎉

Virginia Down Syndrome Association

03/12/2026

Access in Action ~

In France, smart walking paths light up at night and vibrate gently to guide low-vision pedestrians safely! This tech-powered accessibility ensures everyone can navigate the streets with confidence and independence. Truly a step toward the future of inclusive cities.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: Association of University Centers on Disabilities VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities

03/11/2026

Wow 🤩

In the College of Engineering, Dianne Pawluk is working to make visual diagrams more accessible and computer programming more inclusive.

03/11/2026

IEP season is here! Confused Overwhelmed?

CFl's Family Navigators are here to listen, guide, and support ~ parent to parent.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

03/11/2026

Hope this idea spreads!

Access in Action ~ Quiet Hour

Supermarkets in the UK and New Zealand are embracing inclusion by offering dedicated "Quiet Hours" for neurodivergent shoppers. During these times, stores create a sensory-friendly environment by dimming lights, silencing music, and muting checkout beeps to reduce sensory overload.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities VCU School of Education

03/10/2026

What a great idea! 💡

Access in Action ~ Swedish Style Tactile Maps

Inclusive design in action: This tactile map helps blind and visually impaired pedestrians navigate intersections by touch. By providing a physical layout of the crossing, these systems-paired with audio and vibration-ensure everyone can travel independently and safely.

03/09/2026

🎓 Looking to sharpen your transition planning skills? Take our FREE "Fundamentals of Transition Planning" course!

✅ 9 Self-paced lessons
✅ 10 Recertification points
✅ Evidence-based practices

Perfect for case managers, counselors, educators, and service providers.
Start learning here: https://buff.ly/HdwgBjQ

03/09/2026

Dyslexia workshop!

DYSLEXIA WORKSHOP | REGISTER TODAY!
The Ruth Harris Professorship at the VCU School of Education presents the third of its 3-part series of FREE virtual professional development workshops. The workshop is FREE and is open to community members, parents, teachers, and other professionals.

WORKSHOP 3: Using MTSS (Multi-tiered System of Supports) to Identify Dyslexia
w/ Dr. Stephanie Stollar, creator of the Reading Science Academy and co-creator of MTSS Collective
Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. EST via Zoom
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/RH26-Workshop3

Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) offers an alternative service delivery model focused on improving the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction in the general education classroom so fewer students need intervention. Dr. Stollar will share examples from schools that have used MTSS to improve reading outcomes, reduce the number of students who need intervention, and streamline the process of identifying students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Please email Heidi Dixon at ruthharris@vcu.edu with any questions.

03/09/2026

Hope the idea spreads!

Access in Action ~ Green Man+

In Singapore, seniors and people with disabilities use a special card, tap a reader that's mounted above the push-button and the pedestrian "Green Man" signal is extended by 3 to 13 seconds, depending on the length of the crossing.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

03/07/2026

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