The Arc of Southside

08/31/2026

Charlotte is a dedicated and tireless advocate that we have advocated alongside for years, through The Arc of Virginia. We are so glad she was able to get the heart transplant she so desperately needed, but many people with developmental disabilities are often denied this on the basis of their diagnosis, which isn’t right. Please take a moment and send a message to your legislature asking them to pass this bill she has worked so hard for.

07/01/2026

EVV Update
As promised, I met with DMAS this week to discuss the implementation of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for live-in caregivers.

Here's what we know:
-​The next step is for DMAS to submit an application to CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) for approval.
​-Once the application is ready, there will be a 30-day public comment period where the public can provide feedback.
​-DMAS confirmed they will provide advance notice before any implementation date.
-At this time, there is no implementation date.

We know families have many questions about how EVV will work in everyday situations. Those implementation details are still being developed, and we will continue working with DMAS to get answers and advocate for families throughout the process.

We'll continue to share updates as we learn more.

06/28/2026

The Governor has released her proposed amendments to the budget agreement previously adopted by the House and Senate.

One proposed change affects the planned rate increases for Personal Care, Respite, and Companion services.

The General Assembly's budget included:
• An 8.1% rate increase effective January 1, 2028

The Governor's proposal would instead provide:
• 4.0% effective January 1, 2027
• 3.9% effective January 1, 2028

The total increase becomes 7.9%, but it would be spread over two years rather than provided as a single increase in 2028.

The General Assembly returns to Richmond on Monday, June 29, to decide whether to accept or reject the Governor's proposed changes.

We will continue to monitor the budget process and share updates as they become available.

A huge shout-out to SEIU Virginia 512 and the many advocates, families, providers, and supporters across Virginia who worked tirelessly to keep this issue alive. Your advocacy mattered.

06/21/2026

Virginia budget conferees have released a final budget agreement.

The budget must still be approved by the full General Assembly before going to the Governor for consideration.

The agreement includes important investments in Virginia's DD system. However, we are disappointed that it does not restore the EVV exemption for live-in caregivers.

Families, self-advocates, providers, and advocates worked hard to raise concerns about this change. We will continue standing with our members in advocating for the exemption to be restored.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

06/05/2026

Upcoming Work Requirements
with Medicaid
Starting no later than January 1, 2027

What is Required?
* Complete at least 80hrs/month of:
* Employment (a regular job)
* Education (going to school or taking classes)
* Job training programs (learning a trade or skill)
* Community service (volunteering)
Who is Impacted?
* Adults aged 19–64 on Medicaid and do not fit into any of the safety categories on the right.

Who is Exempt?
* Pregnant or recently gave birth (postpartum)
* Disabled or "medically frail"
* A parent/caregiver of a child or a person with a disability
* An American Indian or Alaska Native
* Already meeting work requirements for food stamps (SNAP) or welfare (TANF)

Learn more:
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-launches-nationwide-framework-implement-medicaid-work-requirements

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-community-engagement-requirement-certain-individuals-interim-final-rule-comment-period-cms

05/27/2026

Okay, this is a pretty exciting one! 👀💙

The hit Netflix series Love On The Spectrum is casting for a new season, and this time, it’s connected to someone local with ties to The Arc of Southside! ✨

We love opportunities like this that not only celebrate inclusion and authentic connection, but also shine a light on the amazing people who make up the communities across our region.

If you or someone you know may be interested, check out the flyer below for details, and please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

05/15/2026

Virginia has not passed its budget yet, so we are still working on reminding legislators of the funding requirements for DD services!

Action Alert: https://arcva.quorum.us/campaign/159975/

Take action today.
Tell your legislators to include DD funding and the EVV exemption in the final budget.

Then share this so more people speak up before decisions are finalized. Every voice matters right now.

It was a promise. Now it’s required.