The school division’s Office of Programs for Exceptional Children (OPEC) and the Virginia Beach Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) hosted the annual Regional Community Resource Fair Monday, Nov. 3 at Landstown High School. The event was free and open to the public and featured more than 100 vendors showcasing the latest products, services and information for parents of children with disabilities.

Those attending the resource fair had the opportunity to learn about youth and adult services, recreational programs, vocational information, respite services, support/advocacy groups, transition services, assistive technology, legal services and more. Giveaways and door prizes were awarded to visitors throughout the event.

“The members of the Virginia Beach Special Education Advisory Committee were so pleased to host this resource fair in partnership with the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children,” said Ping Camano, the SEAC member serving as the event’s chairperson. “The representatives from the more than 100 participating agencies, groups and businesses offered a wealth of information about the variety of services and resources available to families of individuals with exceptional needs. We are just so grateful for their support year after year.”

Eileen Ouellette of the VBCPS Parent Support and Information Center added that event attendees also had an opportunity to meet with other parents as well as SEAC members and OPEC staff.

“Every year we look forward to this opportunity to showcase the many resources available to support parents of children with disabilities and to strengthen the network between home, school and community,” Ouellette said.