Family Engagement

How do we provide support for families and family engagement?

The TTAC at Radford University is actively involved with the Family Engagement Network and regional efforts to support family engagement, including through collaboration with regional Parent Resource Centers and other partners.

The TTAC at Virginia Tech houses an extensive lending library, with books, videos, computer software, assistive technology and augmentative communication devices available for loan.

The Virginia Family Special Education Connection is designed to provide families with critical and practical information regarding special education services in Virginia. The website aims to provide a one-stop-shop for community, educational, family life, and legislative resources to support families and caregivers, as their children progress through school with special education services and then transition into adulthood.

VDOE – Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities One-Pager Library

The Virginia Department of Education continues to expand resources available for families (and the educators who support them!). Important information for families available in the One-Pager Library includes:

• Differences between IEPs and 504 Plans
• Handling disagreements about a child's special education program
• Parental rights
• Promoting independence and self-determination
• Supporting good attendance to improve school success

The site also includes links to five web-based training modules available through the VDOE I’m Determined project.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/information-for-families/critical-decision-points

What is an Ombudsman?

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a one page, easy-to-understand, comprehensive summary of the role and responsibilities of the Parent Ombudsman for Special Education that addresses the specific supports the Parent Ombudsman can provide to parents. The Ombudsman for Special Education flyer is housed on our newly created Parent Ombudsman for Special Education webpage.

For more information on the role of the  Parent Ombudsman at the VDOE, please refer to Superintendent's Memo 040-21: Parent Ombudsman for Special Education.

You may also contact our Special Education Parent Ombudsman at SpecialEducationOmbudsman@doe.virginia.gov or toll free, by phone, at (800) 422-2083.