https://www.bethechangeva.com/home daily 1.0 2021-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/1617602445734-9X11Z1LG25YA2ZSUEZX5/hatch+1_hq.jpg Home - Vision Our vision is a Commonwealth where people with disabilities are respected, valued, fully included, actively participating and contributing members of their communities in which they live, are educated, work, and play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/08c7ac1f-c6f7-4099-b988-eafa17fdb731/94ED3C13-7B03-4BE4-AE07-CA2132D50AE1.jpeg Home - Mission Our mission is to EDUCATE individuals and families of the rights and resources available to people with disabilities. By arming individuals and families with information, we EMPOWER others to speak confidently and knowledgeably about the rights and protections afforded to people with disabilities. We will ADVOCATE with you and for you, to ensure adherence to current policy and regulations, and be a catalyst for enhanced policy and regulations that include equity, opportunity, and inclusion of ALL people with disabilities across ALL settings! https://www.bethechangeva.com/services daily 0.75 2024-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/1636464300703-SYB4VS396SQ0MKB66267/unsplash-image-Obyan1bxya8.jpg Services - Educational Consultation During this consultation you will be able to provide me the history of your child’s case and your concerns regarding your child so that I can clearly understand the issues that you and your child are facing and we can determine if Be the Change Virginia Advocates, LLC is a good fit for your family. Fee: Free / Up to 30 min https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/9a49922b-2eaf-49fa-b8e7-710e12fb6148/Untitled%2Bdesign%2B%25286%2529.jpg Services - Advocacy with you & for you Attend the following meetings virtually: 504 Child Study Eligibility, Re-Evaluation Annual IEP IEP Amendment Manifestation Determination Fee: $150 per hour https://www.bethechangeva.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/8758d770-9d62-4d26-a158-b4c3339b28dc/unsplash-image-WIZqxQ5hxPE.jpg Contact Us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bethechangeva.com/meet-kate-2 daily 0.75 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/f3fba8ea-34ce-4fd2-b148-69fa9a987976/KateOppe-2021-5441-Edit.jpg Meet Kate - Kate williams Professional Experience 2017 - 2021 Special Education Secondary Transition Support Specialist 2010 - 2017 Special Education Middle School Adaptive Curriculum Teacher 2004 - 2010 General Education Elementary Teacher Training 2021 - Graduate of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, Partners in Policymaking Program 2010 VCU / RCC Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate License & Endorsements Virginia Department of Education Collegiate Professional License Special Education Adaptive Curriculum Pre-K - 12 Elementary Education Pre-K - 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/630e5bea-1aab-4095-9992-7e86c442a995/IMG-5056.JPG Meet Kate - Bright & Hatch Personal Professional Experience Parent of a child with Down Syndrome, Autism, Speech Language Impairment and significant behaviors that impact all aspects of daily living Parent of a child with a 504 for ADHD Virginia’s Community Services Board Virginia’s Medicaid Waiver System: CSB, DMAS, DBHDS Provided comments at School Board Meetings and SEAC meetings Spoke at VDOE’s SSEAC Meeting: State Testing requirements for Individuals on the Applied Studies Diploma Track Testified on Capital Hill: Appendix K Testified to the Disability Commission: Appendix K https://www.bethechangeva.com/btc-va daily 0.75 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/5d2303d7-088d-4a98-9b83-b23e7de9bafd/Don%27t+let+it+stop+you+-+2022-07-27T120203.312.png BTC VA - YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!! I am learning to be present! Notice when doors (opportunities) open and to jump with both feet! I am eternally grateful for my Partners in Policymaking team for being there for me through my journey! Appendix K is now a permanent option for parents and caregivers of minors! “If you don't try, you've already failed.” ― J.D. Barker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/4baceede-173f-4fd1-81d7-9d736fd4963a/Budget+Hearings.jpg BTC VA - Senate Finance & House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing Senate Finance & House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing January 5, 2022 Kate Oppe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/c5fbad3c-7891-49c5-a6da-09ef5660672d/Untitled+design-6.jpg BTC VA - Make it stand out Virginia Disability Commission November 18, 2021 Kate Oppe & James Shea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/1637677016238-NUE36M9Z3LNB6DNY5ZG8/unsplash-image-acNPOikiDRw.jpg BTC VA - in your community Each School System in the Commonwealth should have a local Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Attend these meetings and sign up to speak and voice your concerns. Reach out to the Center for Family Involvement to connect with local parents. Find organizations near you to connect with local parents, stay informed and build your village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6057999fa4395e085e596d52/1637679239359-0EZYJ0N8XWZASRKU8O4O/GettyImages-505970394.jpg BTC VA - at the State level Virginia SSEAC Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Apply to participate in Partners in Policymaking ARC: Find Your Local Chapter Call, Email, Write and Meet with your Representatives https://www.bethechangeva.com/store daily 0.75 2025-01-27