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
October–November 2026
Start here! 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.
In early 2027, we’ll all move on together to Transition 102, which is included in your registration.
The 2026 series kicks off with an in-person session, parent panel, and resource fair on October 17, followed by weekly live webinars throughout October and November. 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.
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.
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 101 Kick-Off
October 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The 2026 Transition Series kicks off in person at The Arc of Northern Virginia, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031. Attendance at this kick off is mandatory.
Kick-Off Schedule
- 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Registration & Check-In
Coffee and refreshments available - 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Welcome, Introduction to Transition & Overview of the Series
- 10:00–11:00 a.m. — Parent & Young Adult Panel: Transition Experiences
- 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Mini Resource Fair
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
Registration Fee: $35
Scholarships are available! If the registration fee is a barrier, please ask about a scholarship.
Questions? Contact Jamie Colgin at jamie.colgin@thearcofnova.org
2026 Schedule: Webinar dates and topics will be announced soon.
Stay Informed with the Latest News and Updates