Stafford Autism Resources

11/22/2025

11/19/2025

🎉 Great News for Virginia Families! 🎉
Our 2025 legislative work is paying off! Senate Bill 1293 that I carried this year is now law and The Virginia Department of Health Professions is now offering all licensed healthcare practitioners to pursue comprehensive autism training as a part of their continuing education.

Thanks to Virginia Code § 54.1-2409.6, which we championed this session, healthcare providers across the Commonwealth will be better equipped to serve children on the autism spectrum with:
✅ Improved communication strategies
✅ Sensory-friendly practices
✅ Better patient experiences

This is what happens when we work together to make a real difference for Virginia's children and families! 💙

11/15/2025

Register today for Supported Decision-Making in Virginia: An Overview for People with DD and Their Families. Hear about the history of supported decision-making and Virginia's laws related to supported decision-making. Learn more about the Virginia Supported Decision-Making Agreement template, discovery tools, and how to create your own agreement.

Tuesday, November 18th, 6:00pm- 7:30pm

Who should attend? People with developmental disabilities and their family members who are interested in learning more about Supported Decision-Making and the steps Virginia is taking to create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement.

Learn more and register here: 8727086c-43ff-4514-be5c-65619b493a4e@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8727086c-43ff-4514-be5c-65619b493a4e@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309

11/11/2025

Read these Veterans Day 2025 Deals including free food, meals, Military Discounts and savings for active duty, retirees, & veterans.

11/10/2025

Early Childhood Academy (ECA) Fall 2025
📣 NOW IN SESSION!

A FREE self-paced online course for families of young children (birth through age six) with disabilities & developmental delays.

Register and dive right into the course - https://tinyurl.com/mt9nfx86

This training will be open through December 12, 2025.

11/09/2025

For military families

11/09/2025

Rambunctious Theatre Co at Robinson Secondary. Robinson Drama at Robinson High School.

11/08/2025

Virtual Advocacy Event Nov. 13th at 4:30pm about Virginia's State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). Register with the QR code or the link below: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ye1lkbzfTs6GsnZc_8iQXg #/registration

Hear from leaders at The Arc of Virginia, The ALLY Alliance, and The Virginia Housing Alliance about this rental assistance program, how it has helped hundreds of Virginians with developmental disabilities secure affordable homes, and how you can help advocate for funding to help the program grow.

11/07/2025

🌟 Turning 18: What Youth with Disabilities Need to Know 🌟

Turning 18 is a big milestone — and for youth with disabilities, it brings important decisions about legal rights, education, and supports for adulthood.

Join Kendra Wormley from the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) for this free statewide training hosted by the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) and funded by the Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council.

🗓 Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM
💻 Attend virtually from anywhere or
🏢 Join us at the disAbility Resource Center to tune in together!

This session will help families and young adults understand what to expect — and how to prepare — for the transition to adulthood.

👉 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fKm4vfxkRJWMxHivRnxCRw

11/07/2025

Stafford Families: Resources Available for Furloughed Workers

We understand the uncertainty that comes with a federal furlough. Stafford Schools has compiled a comprehensive list of local resources to support affected federal employees and their families.

What you'll find on the resource page:

FOOD Assistance: Get help from local pantries like SERVE Food Pantry and use the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank's Pantry Locator Map. You can also dial 2-1-1 Virginia for community support services.

UTILITY Help: Information on financial support for residents facing electric disconnect notices through SERVE's Dominion EnergyShare program.

Benefits & Employment: Learn how to apply for benefits like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid through the Stafford County Department of Social Services (DSS). Furloughed employees can also file for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) via the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).

Mental Health: Crucial support is available through the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) and the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Find the complete list and helpful links here: www.staffordschools.net/foodresources

Please share this post to connect our neighbors with the support they need. We are stronger together!

10/31/2025

Virginia acts to protect SNAP recipients. Find fast facts about VENA from Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin below. Detailed updates and FAQs can be found at www.dss.virginia.gov/VENA.