by Charles Pyle

RICHMOND
The Virginia Department of Education is offering training to parents of students with disabilities on critical decision points that can affect a child’s ability to earn a diploma and be ready for higher education or a career.

The free, four-hour sessions — offered in eight locations, beginning this month through February — are available to parents of children with disabilities who are currently eligible or being considered for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitative Act of 1973.

“There are decisions that parents of students with disabilities make as early as elementary school that can impact the ability of a student to earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma,” Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services John Eisenberg said. “Parents need to know about these critical decision points and their potential consequences.”

The closest training date and location is  on Jan. 16 in Suffolk. The training sessions are being offered in partnership with the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 10 for the sessions in Bristol and Roanoke. Additional information and links to register for any of the Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities training is available at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/parents/index.shtml#train.

A limited number of hotel rooms are available for parents and caregivers who want to attend and who live more than 60 miles from the training locations.

CHARLES PYLE is the director of communications for the VDOE. He can be reached at 804-371-2420 or charles.pyle@doe.virginia.gov.