The Arc of Northern Virginia

04/17/2022

Happy Easter from all of us at The Arc of Northern Virginia!!

04/16/2022

Our Executive Director Rikki Epstein and her family Going the Distance for People with Disabilities as part of The Arc of Northern Virginia Team Challenge Virtual Distance Walk #RaceforInclusion

Learn more about the Team Challenge: https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge-2022/

04/16/2022

Happy Passover to all who are celebrating from all of us at The Arc of Northern Virginia!!

04/15/2022

JUST ANNOUNCED
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee GRAND OPENING
Washington, DC | 3207 M St NW
Saturday, April 30th, 2022
Ribbon Cutting at 10am

04/15/2022

Financial planning critical for those with disabilities

Thank you to Fairfax County Times for this article that includes information about The Arc of Northern Virginia's Special Needs Trust program!

As we observe Autism Acceptance Month this month, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the financial challenges faced by adults with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Transitioning to

04/15/2022

In this Alexandria Shop, Everything Is Made by Artisans with Disabilities

#CreativePathstoEmployment

Alexandria’s The B.E.S.T. Gift Shop provides opportunities for artisans with disabilities.

04/14/2022

Team Challenge Virtual Distance Walk Window Starts Tomorrow!!
April 15th – April 29th
Learn more here: https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge-2022-team-walk/

Join our Team Challenge Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thearcofnova.team.challenge
Post pictures of your warm-up routine, starting your run or walk, crossing the finish line, and celebrating with your team. Use the hashtag #RaceForInclusion to share with the community.

04/14/2022

NEXT THURSDAY, April 21st at 11:00 a.m.
One, the Other, or Both? Navigating Medicaid and Medicare for Dual Special Needs Populations - Webinar

Many people with developmental disabilities get Medicaid and Medicare in their lifetimes. It can feel confusing and overwhelming to navigate them both. Lisa Humes, a Licensed Insurance Agent at HealthMarkets, will help you figure out how these programs work together, what additional benefits are available for these “dual eligibles,” and how to make the most of Medicaid and Medicare together.

Learn more and register here:
https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/#medicare-medicaid

04/14/2022

Md. grant will help students with disabilities set back by pandemic

Congratulations to our friends at The Arc of Prince George's County on receiving this large grant!!

The two students mentioned in the article, Jovay Sweeney and Tyrone Leach, are using TravelMate as part of the travel training program through The Arc of Prince George's County's partnership with The Arc of Northern Virginia's Tech for Independent Living team.

Students with disabilities especially fell behind during distance learning. A bank’s grant to a Prince George’s County organization will help.

04/14/2022

We are pleased to announce Encircle as a Bronze Sponsor of The Arc of Northern Virginia Team Challenge 5K and Fun Walk, which will be held on Sunday, May 1st and is part of the celebration of The Arc of Northern Virginia's 60th Anniversary! We are very grateful for the generous support.

For information about the Team Challenge:
https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge-2022/

To learn about becoming a sponsor during this milestone year, please contact Howard Stregack, Director of Development, at [email protected]

04/14/2022

During the month of April, The Arc of Northern Virginia is showcasing our Services Department team that provides Developmental Disabilities (DD) Case Management.

Ana Hughes has been with The Arc of Northern Virginia since 2017. In her role as a Support Coordinator, she advocates and assists individuals in navigating their Medicaid Waiver services. Ana began her journey working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a direct support professional in a congregate residential program. She quickly grew in the position and was promoted to manage several residential programs during her tenure. Prior to that, Ana earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of William and Mary and immediately dedicated herself to supporting people with disabilities.

Ana is passionate and driven to advocate and empower individuals with disabilities to live in our community without limitations. When she is not working, Ana enjoys spending time with her family (pets included), traveling, playing video games, and cooking and baking in her spare time.

04/13/2022

The Arc of Northern Virginia would like to thank Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Services for joining our People First for Young Adults meeting last night. They facilitated a fun cooking activity and shared information about their services.

Check out this link if you want to learn more about therapeutic recreation programs in Fairfax County: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/therapeutic-recreation

04/13/2022

We are pleased to announce Red Six Solutions as a Silver Sponsor of The Arc of Northern Virginia Team Challenge 5K and Fun Walk, which will be held on Sunday, May 1st and is part of the celebration of The Arc of Northern Virginia's 60th Anniversary! We are very grateful for the generous support.

For information about the Team Challenge:
https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge-2022/

To learn about becoming a sponsor during this milestone year, please contact Howard Stregack, Director of Development, at [email protected]

04/12/2022

Disability Inclusion Could Help Advanced Manufacturing Overcome Great Resignation | JD Supra

"This labor shortage comes at a time when employers are prioritizing advancement of diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace."

"This intersection creates a unique opportunity for employers in the manufacturing industry to both address workforce challenges and position themselves as leaders in disability inclusion by focusing elements of hiring and training efforts on neurodiverse individuals who are often overlooked as potential job candidates."

It’s no secret that employers across the economy are facing a historic labor shortage in light of the Great Resignation – and manufacturers may have a...

04/12/2022

During the month of April, The Arc of Northern Virginia is showcasing our Services Department team that provides Developmental Disabilities (DD) Case Management.

Caroline Girgenti has been with The Arc of Northern Virginia since 2018. Prior to her work as a Support Coordinator, she worked in the Special Needs Trust department. Caroline is an experienced Program Manager who has worked in the mental health and intellectual disabilities fields for several years. She is skilled in nonprofit management, policy analysis, and program development.

Caroline enjoys assisting individuals and families to understand their options and get the support and services that they need. She earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University, and holds a Master’s degree from George Mason University.

04/12/2022

NEXT TUESDAY, April 19th – 5:00 p.m.
Webinar Series: NOVA Community College and Students with Disabilities
Part 2 – Navigating Campus Life at NVCC

The second webinar of the series is aimed at enrolled and current students. This session will review how and when to identify as a person with a disability, options for parent involvement, locating and utilizing support services, examples of accommodations, tips for navigating college life and deadlines, and employment and internships (like the Workforce Recruitment Program). This session will also feature a representative from College Steps who will discuss how their services can assist students with disabilities in navigating academic and social life.

Learn more and register here: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/#NVCC-series

04/12/2022

We are pleased to announce Paradigm Companies as a Silver Sponsor of The Arc of Northern Virginia Team Challenge 5K and Fun Walk, which will be held on Sunday, May 1st and is part of the celebration of The Arc of Northern Virginia's 60th Anniversary! We are very grateful for the generous support.

For information about the Team Challenge:
https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge-2022/

To learn about becoming a sponsor during this milestone year, please contact Howard Stregack, Director of Development, at [email protected]

04/11/2022

Aging and Disability Often Intersect, But Safety Support Systems May Not

"I think it's an area we don't look closely enough at," said Leigh Ann Davis, senior director of criminal justice initiatives at The Arc, a Washington, D.C.-based organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"In the U.S., agencies charged with protecting people with disabilities aren't the same as those serving older adults, and "we're not necessarily talking to each other at the level that we need to be," she told Next Avenue.

The aging and disability worlds are colliding, but the policies and systems that currently exist are not enough to keep both populations safe

04/11/2022

During the month of April, The Arc of Northern Virginia is showcasing our Services Department team that provides Developmental Disabilities (DD) Case Management.

Hillary Rodak has been a Support Coordinator at The Arc of Northern Virginia since 2014 and she is passionate about her role. Hillary began working with older adults and people with developmental disabilities through volunteer work with Potomac Community Resources and an internship with Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging.

Hillary’s responsibilities at The Arc of Northern Virginia include linking, monitoring, and coordinating supports, resources, and services to individuals who have the Family and Individual Supports Waiver. Hillary received a Bachelor's degree in Management of Aging Services at University of Maryland Baltimore County and graduated Magna Cum Laude in the class of 2014.