The Arc of Northern Virginia

09/01/2020

Estate Planning for Blended Families (Webinar)
NEXT FRIDAY, September 11 from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Blending families through marriage is about joy in new beginnings. It also means thoughtful navigation of new relationship dynamics, support systems, and financial and estate planning.

Financial decisions can be challenging at any time, but they can be even more complicated at death. This is particularly true when relationships arise later in life and if you become part of a blended family.

In this free webinar, attorney Natalie Page will address problems commonly faced by blended families, especially those who have loved ones with disabilities. She will guide you on how to protect your family and assets so that you will have peace of mind in the long term.

Presenters:
--Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia
--Natalie Page, Esq, The Life & Estate Planning Law Center

Register here: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/events/

09/01/2020

During today's Zoom team meeting, we officially welcomed our new Development Associate Alyssa Zawicki, who joined our team on August 24th.

Alyssa brings eight years of nonprofit and development experience, preparing grant proposals, managing databases, and working on fundraising campaigns. She also has a deep passion for and experience working with people with disabilities.

09/01/2020

Hear directly from the six candidates who are competing for the three seats in Congress to represent portions of Northern Virginia. This is your chance to hear where they stand on issues pertaining to developmental disabilities, and their plans to address our concerns should they become your representative in Congress. - https://mailchi.mp/thearcofnova/forums-2020-9-1

09/01/2020

It takes a great deal of dedication, passion, compassion, and yes – time to lead a nonprofit organization. Through service and sacrifice, a Board of Directors oversees the governance of the organization, guided by and united in the mission.

Serving as a board member can enrich your life and make a difference in the lives of others. If you want to get involved in a variety of projects and help our organization grow over time, this may be the opportunity for you. While it will require a good deal of responsibility, you’ll reap a lot of rewards: In addition to strengthening various skills that are beneficial regardless of your field—such as fundraising and project management—you can grow your network by connecting with and through your fellow board members.

If you’d like to learn about being a candidate to serve on The Arc of Northern Virginia's Board of Directors, please contact our Executive Director, Rikki Epstein, at [email protected]

08/31/2020

Ending Census Early Could Impact Disability Programs For Years

Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc, said that his group “condemns last-minute plans to essentially cut short the 2020 census, particularly at a time when people with disabilities and other hard-to-count populations are experiencing unprecedented crisis and indefinite hardship.”

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are full members of society and we count,” he said.

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/08/31/ending-census-early-could-impact-disability-programs-for-years/28868/

Plans to end the census a month ahead of schedule may mean fewer people are counted and less funding is available over the next decade for disability services, advocates warn.

08/31/2020

THIS THURSDAY, September 3rd from 6:30 to 8:00 pm!!

MEET THE CANDIDATES for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, United States House of Representatives

Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/2020CongForum2

08/30/2020

There is still time to register for our Team Challenge Virtual 5K and Distance Walk and Go the Distance for People with Disabilities!!

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Corporate and Community Team Challenge brings together companies and the community to raise important funds to sustain and strengthen our vital programs, services, and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, the premier corporate challenge foot race and the area’s only team-based race with teams of 5-7 runners goes virtual, and includes more opportunities for individual runners and for walkers to participate and compete as a team.

Learn more and register today: https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge/

08/29/2020

A man with autism lost his right to vote or buy a home. He’s fighting to reclaim them

"Supported Decision Making allows adults with disabilities a “less restrictive alternative” while ensuring that they have oversight and help in making important decisions."

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article244928607.html

At 22, Tyler Borjas had a job, a bank account and got around using Uber and Metrorail.

08/28/2020

State watchdog agency examining special education system

Important Survey by the Virginia Legislative Audit and Review Commission on Special Education Services - Your Participation Needed!

"The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission has posted a survey on its website that allows adult caretakers of such children to provide information on the quality of the services being provided during the past three years.

The survey is available at http://jlarc.virginia.gov/ and will remain open until Wednesday, Sept. 9. The survey can be taken in English or Spanish."

http://richmondfreepress.com/news/2020/aug/27/state-watchdog-agency-examining-special-education-/?fbclid=IwAR3mfN_3ABy1AVA_4ib97P-nJROldoUhlNdpQkhBwXfXbvxlOVgpkJlW7

First came a scathing federal report on the failure of the Virginia Department of Education to effectively monitor the special education programs that local public school divisions provide to children with learning disabilities and mental challenges.

08/28/2020

NEXT SUNDAY, September 6 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm!!
MEET THE CANDIDATES for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, United States House of Representatives

Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/2020CongForum1

08/27/2020

2020 Election Forum #1 - The Campaign of Joe Biden, Democrat for President of the United States

ICYMI: Here is the recording of last night's first of two Presidential Candidates Forums on disability policies. Last night's forum featured Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, representing the Presidential Campaign of Joe Biden. Senator Casey shared information on Vice President Biden’s disability platform and his experience on issues that impact people with developmental disabilities.

(Forum #2 featuring a representative of the Trump Campaign will be announced when details are finalized.)

https://youtu.be/sPt5zWAoRZ4

The Arc of Northern Virginia and the Autism Society of Northern Virginia hosted this first of two Presidential Campaign Forums on disability policies. This f...

08/27/2020

Don't Put it Off Any Longer. People are Counting on You! Sign up to run in our virtual 5K run. You CAN "go the distance for people with disabilities!" - https://mailchi.mp/thearcofnova/tc2020-08-27

08/27/2020

NEXT THURSDAY, September 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm!!
MEET THE CANDIDATES for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, United States House of Representatives

Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/2020CongForum2

08/26/2020

TONIGHT!!

Forum #1 is with the Biden Campaign. Stay tuned for information about Forum #2 with the Trump Campaign as details are finalized.

Register NOW at: https://tinyurl.com/2020PresForum1

08/25/2020

Fairfax County Special Education PTA - SEPTA

Next Superintendent Town Hall to Be Held Wednesday, August 26 - FOCUS TOPIC: Special Education

Join FCPS Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand for another opportunity to ask questions and provide your thoughts on Wednesday, August 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. The focus of the Aug. 26 town hall will be special education.

Send your questions in advance to [email protected] or call into the town hall live at 1-800-231-6359. The meeting can be viewed on FCPS cable TV channel 99 or on the FCPS website at www.fcps.edu/tv/ch99

08/23/2020

THIS WEDNESDAY!
The first of several 2020 Meet the Candidates Forums will be held on Wednesday, August 26th from 7 pm to 8 pm!

Forum #1 is with the Biden Campaign. Stay tuned for information about Forum #2 with the Trump Campaign.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2020PresForum1

All of these forums are rare opportunities to hear the candidates speak and to get answers to questions about the future of disability services and supports in Virginia and in our nation. Don’t miss this opportunity! The candidates or their representatives will speak in detail about their beliefs, their plans for the future, and their goals to help individuals with disabilities.

For information about all of the forums that have been scheduled so far: https://thearcofnova.org/events/meet-the-candidates-forums/

08/22/2020

Growing concerns that special education students are falling behind as classes go remote

We are grateful to our friends Lindsay and Toby Latham for being part of this important CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell piece!

"Remote learning has been a tremendous challenge for 6-year-old Calvin Latham."

"This spring a lot of kids with disabilities didn't soar in that environment," said Toby Latham, Calvin's father.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/virtual-special-education-prompts-worries-of-students-falling-behind/?fbclid=IwAR2DFkX9ylJTT89XT4QgAp11qwxYJ0i9f2TjmiMwBKXdRBcNXrytkgeOaEQ#app

As more school districts implement remote learning for the new academic year, parents of students who receive special education services worry their children may not receive the one-on-one support they need.

08/21/2020

The Arc of Northern Virginia is grateful to the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce for recognizing us with a Good Neighbor Award at its Tysons Summer Soiree!!

08/21/2020

Schools Say They Have To Do Better For Students With Disabilities This Fall

"The challenge that I give to schools is to really rise to the challenge, meet with families, be creative," says Shawn Ullman of The Arc, a national nonprofit that advocates on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "But you're going to have to be even more creative than you've normally been."

https://www.npr.org/2020/08/21/902141314/for-students-with-disabilities-schools-say-they-have-to-do-better-in-the-fall

When U.S. schools went online-only in the spring, many struggled to provide vital services to students with disabilities. Families, advocates and many educators say this fall has to be different.

08/21/2020

The Arc of Northern Virginia has held a monthly self-advocacy group, People First/ALLY Toastmasters, for many years. The group practices public speaking skills and learns about advocacy. We are seeking input to find out if there is interest in virtual meetings.

If you are interested, please answer the three questions in this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpSCA3kBqZsPFu_YSVT5FlHCmeELU-RdmOXigb3fz8IuW_Cw/viewform

For more information about People First/ALLY Toastmasters, please contact [email protected]

08/21/2020

Virtual 5K Race Open to Individual Runners!!
Runners can "Go the distance for people with disabilities" no matter where you live.

Although the word "team" is in the name of the event, we do welcome and encourage INDIVIDUAL runners to participate. You do not need a team to run and support our mission.

The fact that our race is a virtual 5K this year means that you can run your 5K anywhere. You can register as an individual, wherever you live. And you can recruit friends, family members, caregivers, work colleagues, teammates, and club members wherever they live! #RaceForInclusion takes place everywhere!

Register here:
https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge/

08/20/2020

Thanks to Delegate Dave LaRock's Aide Daniel Davies for meeting with the Spiering family and The Arc of Northern Virginia's Director of Advocacy Lucy Beadnell. The meeting focused on a Medicaid Waiver eligibility issue related to Social Security benefits and employment.

08/20/2020

Our Tech for Independent Living team launched TECH CAMP this summer and the pilot program was a great success!! Individuals with disabilities and families had the opportunity to access TravelMate, EmployMate, and the rest of our independent living tools and "apps."

Learn more about TECH CAMP here: https://thearcofnova.org/letters-from-home-a-tech-camp-july-session-review/

08/19/2020

PLEASE JOIN US!
The first of several 2020 Meet the Candidates Forums will be held NEXT WEDNESDAY, August 26th from 7 pm to 8 pm!

Forum #1 is with the Biden Campaign. Stay tuned for information about Forum #2 with the Trump Campaign.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2020PresForum1

All of these forums are rare opportunities to hear the candidates speak and to get answers to questions about the future of disability services and supports in Virginia and in our nation. Don’t miss this opportunity! The candidates or their representatives will speak in detail about their beliefs, their plans for the future, and their goals to help individuals with disabilities.

For information about all of the forums that have been scheduled so far: https://thearcofnova.org/events/meet-the-candidates-forums/

08/19/2020

Estate Planning for Blended Families (Webinar)
Friday, September 11 from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Blending families through marriage is about joy in new beginnings. It also means thoughtful navigation of new relationship dynamics, support systems, and financial and estate planning.

Financial decisions can be challenging at any time, but they can be even more complicated at death. This is particularly true when relationships arise later in life and if you become part of a blended family.

In this free webinar, attorney Natalie Page will address problems commonly faced by blended families, especially those who have loved ones with disabilities. She will guide you on how to protect your family and assets so that you will have peace of mind in the long term.

Presenters:
--Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia
--Natalie Page, Esq, The Life & Estate Planning Law Center

Register here: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/events/

08/19/2020

Sheriff’s Office Expands Crisis Intervention Training for School Officers - Loudoun Now

"The advanced course focuses on residents, especially children, with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

https://loudounnow.com/2020/08/17/sheriffs-office-expands-crisis-intervention-training-to-school-officers/

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to better prepare its personnel to deal with individuals experiencing mental health problems,

08/18/2020

This Woman With Down Syndrome Is Speaking Out About The Inequalities She Faces And It's So Important

Way to go, Charlotte Woodward!!

https://www.buzzfeed.com/kristatorres/down-syndrome-things-that-dont-make-sense?fbclid=IwAR2eBnwYu_IwX0FwDSQtwC6a2QarRYmV0-NpKuOyX2tK8N_G1QrQx1-3fcw

The estimated wage for a person with Down syndrome is $2.50 an hour.

08/18/2020

It was great catching up and hearing updates about all of the work going on during today's Zoom team meeting!

08/18/2020

Still Time to Sign Up for the Team Challenge!!
Runners and walkers can "Go the distance for people with disabilities" no matter where you live.

The COVID-19 pandemic didn't preempt the needs of people with disabilities. So many people rely on the services that are supported by our annual Team Challenge. So for our 42nd annual event, we pivot this year from a large-group gathering on one day to a 'virtual' race and distance walk. Participants can run or walk a route of their choosing at the time that best fits into their schedule. Not only is this a socially-distanced, safe way to hold the event, it opens up participation to so many more people.

Since our first race event 41 years ago, we have been fortunate to have the support of generous businesses, corporations, organizations, families, and individuals. Our Team Challenge sponsors, through their contributions to the event, help ensure that the funds raised from this signature event are maximized to support and expand programs and services to the individuals and families we serve. It’s also a great way to associate your name with a highly-respected charitable organization and at the same time demonstrate your commitment to serving our community.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Individual runners and walkers can still register to participate. And if you pull together a team to compete, we'll still sign you up!

Learn more here and register today:
https://thearcofnova.org/events/team-challenge/

08/18/2020

Overcoming Obstacles: It's what we do! Find out how your support truly makes a difference – plus other news – in this week's issue of ReSources, The Arc of Northern Virginia's e-newsletter. - https://mailchi.mp/thearcofnova/resources_2020-08-18

08/17/2020

2020 General Election Forum
Candidates for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, United States House of Representatives

Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
A “virtual” forum, on your computer, tablet, or smartphone
Preregistration is required to attend.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2020CongForum3

Join us to hear from Jennifer Wexton (D, incumbent) and Aliscia Andrews (R, challenger) who are vying to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. The candidates will share information about their work in the disability realm and answer questions about how they would implement policies and priorities important to the developmental disabilities community if elected in November 2020.