Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC)

The Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Tech is excited to be hosting our annual Assistive Technology Open House. 

• Tour our lending library and look through materials from a wide variety of AT areas including visual supports, organization, sensory, communication, play, computer access, and more
• Explore on your own, or use our AT scavenger hunt to guide you through stations that offer hands-on practice with some of our most popular and newest technologies
• Learn about our lending process and set up an account to take advantage of this free service

AT Open House is available to the public on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We welcome teachers, related service providers, families, and even classes. If you have a group of 10 or more, please contact Holly Love at hollyn@vt.edu ahead of time to set up an appointment.

Have you heard about House Bill 2219? Passed in 2025 to improve communication access for students with disabilities, this bill mandates that Virginia public schools document the need for augmentative alternative communication (AAC) systems or services in the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and requires staff training on the specific AAC system for those supporting the student. In response to this bill, the Virginia Assistive Technology Network created a suite of resources to support educational teams.

• AAC Planning Tree: Your guide for identifying the services and supports needed for student access and communication
• AAC Self-Assessment: A reflective tool to help team members identify personal strengths and specific training needs
• AAC Training Planning Tool: A strategic resource to coordinate individualized training for staff and contractors to ensure effective implementation

Creating Connections to Shining Stars (CCSS) 2026

July 14-16, 2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

"Creating Connections to Shining Stars is a collaborative effort between Virginia's Part C, Early Intervention and Part B, Preschool Special Education programs. The Conference will focus on promoting and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices in inclusive settings for infant, toddler, and young children, both with and with out disabilities."

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Early Childhood Special Educators
• Early Intervention Providers
• Administrators / Supervisors
• Paraprofessionals
• Early Childhood Educators
• Related Service Providers
• Parents and Family Members

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