Transition Series
2026 Transition Series
The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Transition Series is designed to educate and empower families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they prepare for the transition from school-provided services to adult life.

Transition Series:
The Essentials and Beyond
Fall 2026
Transition 101 provides the essential information every family of a young adult with IDD needs to know as they prepare for life after high school.
We’re Mixing Things Up! Please note the changes to the schedule. The event originally scheduled for October 17 is moving to December 5.
Join us for virtual webinars, followed by an in-person closing session to connect, reflect, and plan for what’s next on December 5, 2026. Topics will provide a broad overview of important transition areas, including Medicaid waivers, supported decision-making, employment and day services, benefits, financial planning, and future planning.
In early 2027, we’ll all move on together to Transition 102, which is included in your registration.
Participants may register for the individual webinars they would like to attend. Live participation is encouraged, but recordings and companion materials will be available to all Transition Series registrants.
Webinars
10/20/26: Basics of Medicaid Waiver 11am
10/26/26: Understanding Special Needs Trusts 12pm
10/27/26: Navigating the Waiver Waitlist and Using Your Waiver 12pm
10/29/26: The Dani Plan 11am – The Dani Plan is a personalized planning tool to prepare for your future. It’s a safe and secure platform that stores essential details in one spot.
11/02/26: Overview of Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center 10am
11/05/26: Basics of Supported Decision Making 10am
11/10/26: DARS 12pm – Learn how to apply for and utilize DARS (Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services) to prepare for and obtain employment
11/16/26: Post Secondary Options for Neurodivergent Students 12pm – Presented by Judy Bass, Bass Consulting. This webinar will provide resources and information to parents of students with disabilities who are considering two-year and four-year college options.
Transition Series 101:
From Learning to Launching
In-Person Event
December 5, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The 2026 Transition Series launches in person at The Arc of Northern Virginia, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031.
From Learning to Launching Schedule
- 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Registration & Check-In
Coffee and refreshments available - 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Putting transition knowledge into action
- 10:00–11:00 a.m. — Parent & Young Adult Panel: Transition Experiences
- 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Mini Resource Fair
Transition 101 Topics Include:
- Supported Decision-Making & Legal Authority
- Medicaid Waivers
- SSI and SSDI
- Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts
- Pre-ETS and Vocational Services through DARS
- Future Planning
- …and many more!
Transition 102:
Going Deeper
January 2027
Once you have the essentials, go deeper!
Our group will continue with Transition 102 in the early part of 2027 as part of your Transition Series registration. We’ll share more details as we get closer.Transition 102 will offer additional webinars focused on specific transition topics. These sessions will provide more detailed information, practical strategies, and resources to help families navigate the areas that are most relevant to their young adult.
Transition 102 builds on the foundation provided in Transition 101 and focuses on additional topics as your young adult prepares to be adults. Topics include social media safety, sexual health education, transportation options, housing options, and college programs.
Who Should Attend?
The Transition Series is designed for:
- Parents and families of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Young adults with disabilities who are preparing for adult life
- Teachers, transition representatives, and other professionals supporting students and their families
Participants Will:
- Receive The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Transition POINTS Guides
- Have access to recorded webinars and companion materials
- Learn about services, supports, and resources available to young adults with disabilities
- Gain practical information to help plan for a successful transition to adult life
Questions? Contact Jamie Colgin at jamie.colgin@thearcofnova.org
SPONSORSHIP
Help families navigate the transition to adult life. Sponsor The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Transition Series and support opportunities for people with disabilities and their families to connect with resources, services and one another.
SPONSORS
Silver Sponsor
Clover Leaf Wealth Strategies
As of 9/22/2026


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