Appalachian Independence Center

06/02/2026

🎓 Transition University Summer 2026 Session is now OPEN!

This free 5-session self-paced online course focuses on providing parent-friendly transition information to help make transition planning easier.

This course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle, or high school students that receive special education services, and the professionals that support them.

The course will cover:

➡️What do we mean by Transition and why is it important?
➡️Supported decision making, Power of Attorney, Guardianship, and Age of Majority
➡️Transitioning into independent living (employment, further education, housing, etc.)

And so much more!!

Register today: go.peatc.org/TransitionU26

05/29/2026

📣New Virginia Law Alert: Voting Rights Under Guardianship📣

Historically in Virginia, if a guardian was proposed and appointed for someone with a disability, voting rights were removed unless an argument was made to keep them. As of July 1, 2026 the law is changing. Now when a guardian is appointed, voting rights will be kept unless an explanation is given to the Court on why they need to be removed.

If your voting rights have been removed, you can work with an attorney to file a petition with the court to get them back, or file a layperson’s petition to do this. (This is not a new law).

❔Do you have questions about the new law?

➡️Ask The Arc of Northern Virginia at https://thearcofnova.org/answers
➡️Ask disAbility Law Center at http://dlcv.org/contact

🔎See the new law at https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB34

05/11/2026

Join us for an informative session on Supported Decision-Making led by Dana Traynham, Senior Attorney with the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (DLCV)!

Learn how Supported Decision-Making empowers individuals with disabilities to make informed choices while maintaining independence and control over their lives.

📅May 19, 2026
⏰2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍Zoom (registration required)

✅Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mfCcBn9STzGEmll0QqrY8w #/registration

05/11/2026

Reminder: Join leaders at the Appalachian Independence Center as they explain what Centers for Independent Living are and what services the AIC provides!

CareForward's Community Exchange gathers a network of neighbors across faith, business, nonprofit, higher education, and civic organizations who are working together to serve individuals and families in need through collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support.

There is no cost to participate but registration is required.

Register once and you are welcome to attend as many as your schedule allows under the same Zoom link.

RSVP Here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/8Qm4Cb8gQUCv8yEAkn_mjw #/registration

Questions? Contact [email protected].

05/05/2026

Join Virginia's APSC (Area Planning and Services Committee for the Aging with Lifelong Disabilities) this month for a free Webinar Wednesday Series!

TOPIC: The Missing Middle: Aging with Lifelong Disabilities in Early Adulthood

DATES: May 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE:
Practical, real-world topics for adults ages 20-40 with lifelong disabilities:
• Housing options and independent living
• Employment pathways and financial planning
• Building meaningful social connection

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Caregivers
• People with disabilities
• Providers across Virginia

WHY THIS MATTERS
Too often, adults with lifelong disabilities fall into a “missing middle”— no longer served by youth systems, but not fully supported in adulthood.

This series brings together perspectives from across Virginia to:
• Share knowledge and real-life options
• Take a lifespan approach to support and independence

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS (more details to come):
• Supported Decision Making - May 6
• All Needs Planning - May 13
• Housing & Independent Living (Centers for Independent Living)
• Panel: Building Social Connection

REGISTER: bit.ly/APSC-Webinar-MissingMiddle

Learn more about the APSC: bit.ly/APSC-AgingwithLifelongDisabilities

VIEW THE FLYER: tiny.cc/cxt2101

04/21/2026

🌻Applications are open for AIC's Accessible Gardening Program

Program Includes:
🌱Raised container garden box
🌱Soil and starter plants
🌱Adaptive gardening tools if needed
🌱Instruction and encouragement for taking care of your new plants!

Past participants are also eligible to receive starter plants for their gardens!

☎️If you are interested, contact your ILA or call our Abingdon office at 276-628-2979 to apply and see if you qualify for the 2026 program!

📆Last day to apply is 5-4-26

Benefits of Gardening:
🌷Gardening reduces stress!
🌷It is good for your heart!
🌷Can improve your hand strength!
🌷Growing your own food can help you eat healthier!
🌷It can help build your self-esteem!
🌷It can give you a boost of Vitamin D!

04/20/2026

Thinking about working but unsure how it might affect Social Security disability benefits?

Choose Work! – the official account of the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work Program – is hosting a free WISE webinar on April 22 at 3 p.m. ET that breaks down the three biggest myths about disability benefits and work.

Register here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/

Help get the word out — someone in your community may need this!

04/14/2026

03/17/2026

AIC offices will be opening Tuesday, March 17 at 10 am due to inclement weather ❄️🍀

03/16/2026

Federal Benefits Training will be on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00pm until 3:00pm at ECI. Join us for an informative training on federal benefit programs, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. Learn about recent updates and policy changes. This training will be held in-person and via Zoom. To register, visit https://endependence.org/zoom.