Fairfax County Disabilities

02/22/2024

Subscribe to the Disability Rights and Resources’ Access Fairfax e-newsletter to receive biweekly updates on news and events for people with disabilities. https://bit.ly/42kcYgo

02/07/2024

Northern Virginia Resource Center Film Fest 2024 with ReelAbilities
Saturday, Feb. 10, 1 – 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 - 4 p.m.
10467 White Granite Drive, Suite 312, Oakton, VA 22124

Join Northern Virginia Resource Center and ReelAbilities for a Resource Fair, Film Screening and Film Discussion.

“Being Michelle” is the astonishing story of a woman who survived incarceration in a system that refused to accommodate her needs as a deaf person with autism. Michelle’s trajectory changed when she met Kim Law, a blind life coach who teaches in the prison. A story of redemption, this award-winning film is about the bonds between two women committed to thriving in a broken system and forging a path to healing. Register: https://nvrc.org/nvrc-film-fest-2024-with-reelabilities/

Subscribe to Disability Rights and Resources' Access Fairfax for more news and events for people with disabilities: http://bit.ly/DFS-Access-Fairfax

02/02/2024

Join The Arc of Northern Virginia for a group discussion that focuses on special needs, trusts and future planning on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10 -11:30 a.m.

Learn the importance of planning for the future of your loved one with a disability, why trusts are important and other critical services and programs that you should consider. https://bit.ly/47ZGWbi

01/31/2024

🌟 Reintroducing: YET Council! 🌟

YET is PEATC’s Youth Empowerment Transition Council that empowers Virginia students with disabilities, ages 14-26, as they begin their transition from High School to Adulthood.

Complete this interest form to join for yourself or on behalf of your youth / young adult! - https://forms.office.com/r/tt8i1at46m

Why Should You Join?
- Build self-advocacy skills
- Give input and help advise PEATC on issues that involve youth
- Create new friendships
- Learn to be an active member in your school and community
- Develop leadership skills

Meetings are held on Zoom every 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Follow PEATC Transition Resources for more.

01/31/2024

Dementia Friendly Information Session – Virtual
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 12-1:15 p.m.

Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. After participating in a Dementia Friend Session, participants can:
• Describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia
• State the five key messages about dementia
• Explain one approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia
• Commit to an action as a Dementia Friend in your community

Register to receive an email with login instructions: https://bit.ly/3mNoLQl

01/29/2024

Learn helpful tips and resources for family caregivers at the Kings Park Library on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 8 p.m.

An expert will share how to start a conversation about advance directives, how to access respite care and how to create a support network.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/47TJTtF

Allegra Joffe, Social Services Specialist from the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, will share with participants who is a family caregiver and the...

01/23/2024

Volunteers Needed!

Fairfax County Volunteer Solutions offers meaningful opportunities to help support older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The following volunteers are needed: drivers (for medical appointments, errands, grocery shopping), social visitors, household organizers, and more.

Volunteers are especially needed in the Alexandria and Falls Church/Annandale regions. Bilingual volunteers are needed, too. Senior Centers and Adult Day Healthcare Centers need activity assistants and skilled leaders. Form new connections and help decrease social isolation.

To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email [email protected], or call 703-324-5406.

01/19/2024

Create a free emergency health profile to share your critical health and medical information with first responders during an emergency or crisis event.

Emergency health profiles will provide first responders with real-time medical, emergency contact and background information when it matters most.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3y9qEem

01/16/2024

Winter Weather Reminders

It's the first measurable snow around here in more than 700 days, so here are a few quick reminders.

❄️ The Virginia Department of Transportation removes snow from most county roads. View status here: https://vdotplows.org/

❄️ If a street within a townhouse, condominium or business complex is not posted with a state route number, then it is a private street. Snow removal is the responsibility of the property management company or homeowners association.

❄️ Clear sidewalks and driveways in your neighborhood. Team up with neighbors and make a plan. Here are eight places to consider shoveling:

✔️ The sidewalk in front of your home
✔️ Sidewalks in front of vacant homes or homes where residents are unable to shovel
✔️ Fire hydrants
✔️ Bus stops (there are more than 4,000 in the county!)
✔️ Sidewalks/paths that lead to schools or community buildings
✔️ Bike trails
✔️ Storm drains
✔️ Parking identified as accessible spaces for people with disabilities

❄️ If you park outside, clear the tops of your vehicle before driving. Snow and ice left on top of roofs can fly off and make it difficult for other drivers to see and maintain their safety.

❄️Take breaks while shoveling and do not overexert yourself, especially if you are usually inactive. Shovel small amounts of snow at a time. Push the snow instead of lifting where possible. If you or someone you are with begins to have chest discomfort, call or text 9-1-1 right away.

❄️ While salt helps get rid of ice, too much can be harmful to our drinking water, dogs, aquatic life, trees, vegetation, vehicles, pipes and infrastructure. Make sure you’re using just enough to get the job done. Consider using safer alternatives such as sand for traction.

❄️ If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they're at risk for hypothermia, call 703-691-2131, TTY 711. This is the non-emergency police number. A police officer will respond and conduct a wellness check.

☃️ Enjoy the snow (if you like snow)! ☃️

More info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/snow/

01/11/2024

Throwback to Fairfax County Public Library's bookmobile, pictured here, serving a neighborhood in 1969.

Today, we have eight regional branches, 14 community branches and one branch dedicated to serving customers who have special accessibility requirements.

01/02/2024

Wishing our residents a Happy New Year! May 2024 be filled with love, good health, peace and prosperity.

12/27/2023

As we kick off a new year, join the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) and the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) for a webinar focused on strengthening the connection between person-centered planning and advancing competitive, integrated employment. Register here: https://bit.ly/DETAC-CoP-Jan-9-2024