July 2024

Greetings AJE families and supporters!

We hope you are staying cool during this heat, and if you need to do that, please look at the cooling centers and other resources to help you manage this difficult weather available here - https://hsema.dc.gov/page/heat-emergency-plan-information.

This newsletter has a lot of new resources for you, including upcoming events, trainings, and community-based resources. Don't forget our website also has great resources, including information about -

• Renewing/reapplying to Medicaid
• WMATA travel training
• Filing a care team complaint

Unfortunately, we have to CANCEL tonight's training at Woodridge Library due to heat related closures. Look for an date new soon!

Cartoons Available with American Sign Language

The ED-funded Bridge Multimedia now has some of children’s favorite cartoons available in American Sign Language!

Thanks to ED’s Office of Special Education Programs funding, your child can check out full episodes of “Alma’s Way,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” and more today!

Public Charter School Board Meeting

AJE wants families to be aware of the cancelation of the DC PCSB July meeting, and inform you that they will resume the meetings starting September 16th, 2024.

Click here to register for the Zoom Webinar.

The PCSB's last Board meeting took place on June 24, 2024. View the link to watch it via their YouTube channel. All prior meetings are available on the PCSB YouTube channel as well.

If you are interested in submitting a public comment or would like to sign up to testify, please click here.

Department of For-Hire Vehicles launches new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Program

AJE understands that families are in need of swift and straightforward wheelchair accessibility for your children.

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is thrilled to announce the launch of their new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) pilot program!

Simply dial 202-977-4928 and you will be connected to their automated system. This system will use your location to provide you with information on the closest available WAV. Then have the option to connect directly with the taxi company to arrange for a pickup of a vehicle equipped with the necessary features to ensure a comfortable and seamless journey!

Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program

Temperature increases can lead to power outages, which can dangerously affect those dependent on power equipment.

PEPCO customers can qualify for PEPCO’s Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program provides advance notice of scheduled outages and severe weather alerts.

To enroll, call 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com/EMENP to obtain the necessary certification form for you and your physician to complete and return to PEPCO. 

Unstuck: The Special Education Podcast

Tune in as two professionals discuss current trends and topics affecting the world of special education!

Listen here

Upcoming SBOE meeting

The next DC State Board of Education meeting will take place Wednesday July 17th at 5:30pm

Location: 441 4th Street NW 

Room:Old Council Chambers

The meeting can also be live-streamed on the District Knowledge Network, which can be accessed online (http://video.oct.dc.gov/DKN/jw.html) or on Comcast Channel 99, RCN Channel 18, and Fios Channel 12.

Early Stages Summer Update

Starting June 3rd, Early Stages will evaluate DCPS enrolled or pre-enrolled children referred during the summer months!

DCPS will also begin to accept referrals and evaluate enrolled students on the first day of SY24-25.

Early Stages will continue to provide developmental screens and evaluations on any District child aged 2 years 8 months and 5 yrs 10 months who attends a child care center, private school, who is homeschooled, or not yet enrolled!

For more information see here.

**Today**Challenges for Transition Age Youth with Mental Illness and Their Families - Part 2

AJE recognizes that youth mental health is one of the most important aspects of a Child's development.

Check out this webinar hosted by RAISE on July 15th at 2:00 pm, which will primarily focus on how to utilize resources for "Transition Age Youth" and provide extra support for families!

Click here to Register for the webinar

You can watch part 1 here

School may be out for the summer, but parents can still refer a child for potential special education or early intervention services!

For infants and toddlers up to 2 years and 8 months, parents and professionals can refer to Strong Start https://eip.osse.dc.gov/ for early intervention services.

You can learn more about Strong Start here at https://osse.dc.gov/service/strong-start-dc-early-intervention-program-dc-eip

All about the Transportation of Students with Disabilities with OSSE-DOT (parents might also want to check out our short Q&A about the Stipend program)

Accessing Aftercare for Your Student with a Disability

Inclusion in the classroom during early childhood (for parents transitioning from Head Start to Early stages )

NEW AJE Trainings for Parents and Caregivers!

Our trainings are offered free of charge to parents and caregivers and are available in-person or via Zoom.

Some of our popular sessions:

• The Special Education Process
• All about the IEP
• Secondary Transition
• and much, much more!



Click the link below for more information

https://www.aje-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AJE-TRAINING-LIST.pdf

Please contact Tamiesha.Lawrence@aje-dc.org or at 202-678-8060 ext. 108 if you have questions about our trainings, or would like us to come to your school, daycare, church, or community group.

Supporting New Parents: A Conversation About Postpartum Mental Health 

Postpartum mental health is a crucial topic for parents with newborns. Join this webinar hosted by Families for Depression Awareness,  Supporting New Parents: A Conversation About Postpartum Mental Health — on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:00 PM PT.

This session is a must for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone interested in family mental health!

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About AJE:

Advocates for Justice and Education is the federally designated Parent Training and Information Center and the Health Information Center for DC. AJE seeks to empower families, youth, and the community to be effective advocates to ensure that children and youth, particularly those who have special needs, receive access to appropriate education and health services.

Our passion is empowering families by equipping parents and students with disabilities with the tools they need to be their own advocates.

Have questions? We are here to educate, advocate and empower. Contact us today!