View our calendar of trainings and events and look at our Current Standing Trainings!

See our schedule for Special Education Thursdays  & view archived sessions.

Want to request a training?  Please complete this REQUEST FORM or call: 202-678-8060.  For a complete list of trainings and workshops, view the AJE Workshop and Training Descriptions.


Sample Trainings & Workshops Topics for Parents, Youth, and Professionals (please note: some topics may not be available based on available staff support):
Parent’s Rights and Responsibilities (Length: 1hr)

This training will educate parents about their rights and responsibilities to be experts in advocating for their child. Through this training, parents will understand their power and responsibility to make educational decisions for their child according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  

Understanding Special Education* (Length: 2hrs)

This workshop introduces parents to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and prepares parents for special education.  The materials cover school district responsibility and parent rights as well as what to expect at an IEP/MDT meeting.  This training stresses the importance of cooperation with schools in order to ensure children receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

How to Identify a Child with Special Needs* (Length: 1hr)

This workshop will cover “Child Find” and the role of educators to identify children who are suspected of having a disability, as well as pre-referral interventions to help each child reach their full potential. Participants will learn about the various techniques in identifying children who are suspected of having a disability. Parents will also be educated about their child’s entitlement to a “Free Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) regardless of the nature or severity of their disability.

Are you Ready for the Next IEP Meeting? (Length: 1hr)

This workshop is designed to simulate real-life IEP meetings. Participants will receive a brief overview about the Special Education Process while the remainder of the workshop will be about practicing professionalism, critical thinking skills, and assertiveness.

Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy* (Length: 1hr)

This workshop provides parents with information on defining advocacy, how to improve advocacy skills, and how parent advocacy can lead to systemic changes.

Behavior Problems in Children, Is this a Learning Disability? (Length: 2hrs)

Participants will learn that not all behavioral problems are created equal.  The training is designed to explore the relationship between behavioral outbursts and academic consequences to determine whether a child has a learning disability.

Communication Disorders (Length: 1hr)

This training breaks down the various disabilities associated with communication disorder and provides characteristics of a disorder.

ADHD, ED, OHI…what does it all mean?? Cracking the Disability Code (Length: 1hr)

This workshop examines the 13 disability classifications under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and their relationship to the medical world.

Early Literacy: The Role of Parents* (Length: 1hr, 30 minutes)

This training provides parents with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to help their children develop strong literacy skills during the early years of life. Whatever their child’s level of ability, through this training parents will learn strategies to help their child develop important literacy skills.

Effective Communication & Active Listening (Length: 2hrs)

This training will provide listening and communication techniques, including tips for written communication and how to address disagreements between parents, and agencies or service providers.

Working for Change: Using the Power of a Personal Story* (Length: 1hr)

Through this training, participants will become more knowledgeable about how to use personal stories in more effective ways and as an advocacy tool. When told well, personal stories can be used as a strategy to educate, inform and empower others to improve the outcomes for children with special needs. This training is designed to teach key components of effective stories.

A Parent’s Guide to Bullying Prevention (Length: 2hrs)

This training is designed to teach parents strategies on how to prevent and respond to bullying, including cyber bullying. Participants will learn about warning signs of bullying and how to effectively address bullying concerns with their child’s school.  A special emphasis is placed on children with disabilities.   Parents will also be informed of how to educate their child about bullying and methods to respond to bullying situations.

Parents as Experts: How to Get Your Child’s School to Listen* (Length: 2hrs)

This workshop provides parents with strategies for communicating with their child’s school, how to develop and maintain an educational file for their child and how to maintain a business-like relationship with their child’s school.

From School to Adult Life-Transition Planning* (Length: 1hr)

The workshop will provide parents with the knowledge and strategies for preparing their teen for the next stages of life-adulthood, in the areas of education, health care, employment, and independent living.

Mediation* (Length: 1hr)

Participants will learn how voluntary mediation can effectively resolve special education disputes within the school system.  This workshop will review mediation requirements under IDEA and effective strategies during mediation.

Laws Protecting Persons with Disabilities (Length: 1hr)

This training will provide an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Rights for the English-Language Learner* (Length: 1hr)

The rights of non-English or limited English parents and students in schools are protected under federal and state laws and regulations. Parents need to know what to expect from schools, what to ask for, and who to contact when they have questions or concerns. This presentation provides an overview of laws and regulations governing the rights of individuals of limited English proficiency.

School Discipline and Positive Behavior Intervention (Length: 1hr)

This training will cover school disciplinary practices and trends, effects of Zero-tolerance policies, Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) approach and other forms of school-based behavior interventions. Participants will also learn about the importance of partnership between a child’s home and the school in order to have successful positive behavior interventions.

The Student Support Team (SST) Process* (Length: 1hr)

Participants will learn about the benefits of Response to Intervention (RtI) and the role of the SST prior to utilizing the special education process for students who are suspected of having a disability.

The Journey to Adulthood, What Parents Need to Know (Sexuality)* (Length: 1hr)

This presentation will provide basic information and strategies to help parents begin a discussion about this important but often uncomfortable topic with their sons and daughters with disabilities.

Transition from Part C to Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act (Length: 1hr)

Participants will learn what to expect for their toddlers with special needs once they turn 3.  The training will review parental rights and responsibilities and identifying the right contact for this transition.

Managing Difficult Behaviors (Length: 2hrs)

This training will inform parents and professionals about the causes and function of problem behaviors, and how to obtain and utilize a positive Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for a child. Participants will also learn about Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and how they can be used to develop effective Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).

Understanding and Drafting the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) (Length: 1hr)

Parents and professionals will learn their role through the IFSP process and how to create a successful plan. This training is designed to explain the process for children ages 0-3 with special needs to receive services.

Understanding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (Length: 1hr)

This training is designed to educate participants on privacy rights and confidentiality when it comes to school records.  This training is appropriate for school workers and parents.

School Discipline, What You Need to Know (Length: 1hr)

This training is designed to explain DCPS and Public Charter School disciplinary codes.  Participants will learn what rights youth and parents have when a child has been suspended or expelled from school.

Assistive Technology (Length: 1hr)

Assistive Technology allows access to persons with disabilities so that they can fully participate in education, employment and daily activities on a level playing field with other members of their communities. This workshop covers the functions of assistive technology, types of assistive technology and devices, assistive technology and the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and steps to obtaining Assistive Technology.

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders* (Length: 1hr)

This workshop provides a basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), including types of ASD, trends in identification, symptoms, educational impact, services available through the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and parent resources.

iPad Apps: Potential and Possibilities in Education (Length: 1hr)

Participants of this training will learn about the iPad and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support students with special needs. Participants will also learn about iTunes and how to find, download and work with apps. Additionally, the training will provide participants with information about funding and other resources regarding iPads to promote academic growth of students with special needs.

What Families Should Know About the Common Core State Standards (Length: 1hr)

With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), parents need to understand what their children are learning in school. This workshop will educate families about what the CCSS are, what subject areas and grade levels are covered, how to read the standards, and how students will be assessed. Parents will also learn about how the standards will apply for students with disabilities and how to prepare for IEP meetings given the adoption of the Common Core State Standards.

Workshops for Youth (Ages 13 – 26)

Getting and Keeping the First Job* (Length: 1hr, 30 minutes)

This training, developed by the national Parent Center (PACER),  is designed to help families, caregivers, and professional understand the realities of today’s work world so they can help youth with disabilities earn competitive employment. Participants will learn the importance of disability self-awareness, how families can help youth with career planning, and strategies to navigate resumes, job interview, and job accommodations.

Student-Led IEP (Length: 1hr, 30 minutes)

This training informs youth about the importance of participating in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. The workshop covers the purpose, significance, and components of the IEP. Youth participants will also learn about the development process of the IEP, how to prepare for their IEP meeting, and strategies for participating in their meeting to contribute to their IEP services.

Transition Planning: A Recipe for Success (Length: 2hrs)

Youth, parents and special education personnel are all key members of the transition planning process. This workshop educates youth about the importance of post-secondary transition planning and key ingredients for developing a transition plan.

From School to Adult Life: Transition Planning (Length: 2hrs)

Involving youth in their educational planning is important to their academic engagement and success. This workshop provides an overview to youth, parents, and professionals working with youth about transition planning from school to adult life. The presentation covers educational transition planning through the Individualized Education Program (IEP), post-secondary options, academic or career training options, choosing an educational and career path, skills for success in education and employment, healthcare transition, and preparing for independent living.

No Bully Zone (Length: 2hrs)

Statistics from 2010 revealed that there are about 160,000 children that miss school every day out of fear of being bullied. This hands-on workshop teaches youth the various forms of bullying, how to identify bullying, the effects of bullying, and what to do when they or another child is being bullied.

Resume Building and Job Interviewing (Length: 2hrs)

This hands-on workshop is designed for transition-age youth. Students will learn how to create a resume and cover letter. They will also learn about job interviewing do’s and don’ts. Participants will also participate in mock interviews to practice their interview skills.

For the complete curriculum on AJE’s Self-Advocacy and Determination Program for youth, please contact us at (202) 678-8060.

Health and Social Services Topics

What is a Medical Home? (Length: 1hr)

This training will define the term, explain the function, and identify the key players within a medical home.   Participants will learn the importance of having a supportive medical home for children with special healthcare needs and the relationship between the medical home and school.

Working Effectively With Doctors (Length: 1hr)

This presentation will provide tips and tools for creating positive working relationships between families and doctors and improve health outcomes for individuals with special needed by:

-Promoting collaboration on the health care team

-Improving communication

-Developing health care plans

Understanding Asthma  (Length: 1hr)

Asthma is increasing every year in the U.S. The number of people diagnosed with asthma grew by 4.3 million from 2001 to 2009.This training provides a tutorial about some of the causes for asthma, how it affects the body, treatment options, and demonstration on how to administer medication.  This training is in collaboration with IMPACT DC.

Epilepsy…Living an Active Life (Length: 1hr)

This training will define, recognize, and assist a person diagnosed with Epilepsy. The participants will leave the training with an action plan about managing seizures and living an active life. This training is in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation Metropolitan Washington.

Healthy Living and Active Lifestyle (Length: 1hr)

This workshop is designed for women and girls to think critically about their current health (e.g. mental, physical, and emotional) and develop an action plan on ways to improve their quality of life. Action plans will list real life, practical, and cost effective methods of change.

DC Health Insurance 101 (Length: 1hr)

Identifying and obtaining health insurance options can be challenging. Participants of this workshop will learn about available health insurance plans that are available for District of Columbia residents.

Are you Depressed? (Length: 1hr)

According to 2006 and 2008 data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 U.S. adults report depression. This workshop will provides an overview of the different types of depressions, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, treatment of depression and where to go to access resources.

Juvenile Arthritis (Length: 1hr)

This training is an introduction to Juvenile Arthritis. Participants will gain understanding about symptoms of juvenile arthritis, forms of treatment, resources that are available, and accommodations within the school system.

Understanding Bipolar Disorders in Children and Teens (Length: 1hr)

This training informs participants about the symptoms of bipolar disorders, diagnoses, types of bipolar disorders, and the educational and social impact in children and teens. Participants will also learn about the various treatment options, supports and services in school, and local support groups for teens diagnosed with Bipolar Disorders.

Understanding ADHD* (Length: 1hr)

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): symptoms, treatment, and school accommodations that can be implemented in a 504 Accommodation Plan.

(*) Indicates workshops that are available in Spanish

New workshops are added regularly to the list. If there is a specific topic that you are interested in, please call AJE at (202) 678-8060 to discuss your area of interest and a workshop can be developed to meet your needs. All workshops can be presented in the convenience of your school, business or community.

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