Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

08/30/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a reminder that staying up to date on recommended vaccinations helps protect not only our own health, but also our families, coworkers and communities.

For many people, good health is a key part of maintaining employment, pursuing career goals and participating fully in community life. Preventing serious illness can mean fewer missed workdays, greater workplace stability and stronger, healthier teams.

At the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), we believe that healthy individuals help build an effective workforce where people with disabilities can thrive. Supporting health and opportunity go hand in hand as we work together to strengthen Virginia's workforce.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the vaccinations recommended for you and your family.

Together, we can help create healthier workplaces, stronger communities and more opportunities for everyone. Learn more about DARS by visiting us at dars.virginia.gov.

08/29/2026

🚨 Medicare Scam Alert

Medicare recipients should be cautious of unsolicited communications offering an “Annual Wellness Home Visit” and asking you to scan a QR code or provide personal information.

A recent communication uses the name Medcare.org, which could easily be confused with an official Medicare source. The website promotes a “no-cost visit” and asks people to contact the organization to schedule services.

Protect yourself:

❌ Don’t scan QR codes from unexpected Medicare-related messages.
❌ Don’t give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information.
✅ Verify any offer directly with Medicare before taking action.
✅ Remember: Medicare’s official website is Medicare.gov.

When in doubt, don’t click, scan, or share. Verify first. 🛡️

08/28/2026

Apply today at: https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/chief-deputy-commissioner-ars00027-henrico-virginia-united-states

08/28/2026

Dr. Nedra Moncrief-Craig, Commissioner of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), is featured on a recent episode of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association’s Patients Come First podcast.

Commissioner Moncrief-Craig discusses the important work of DARS in supporting Virginians with disabilities and older adults, including individuals with physical and behavioral health service needs.

Tune in to hear Commissioner Moncrief-Craig share insights about DARS, the people we serve and the vital role our programs and partnerships play across the Commonwealth. Listen to the episode: https://www.vhha.com/podcasts/patients-come-first-podcast-nedra-moncrief-craig/

Podcast Archive – Communications Patients Come First Podcast – Nedra Moncrief-Craig This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Nedra Moncrief-Craig, PhD, Commissioner of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). She joins us for a conversation about...

08/27/2026

Be more informed and confident in your role as a guardian while fulfilling Virginia’s new training requirement. This message is for all Virginia guardians or skilled professionals working on their behalf. As part of your duty, please take the Guardian Training provided by DARS on its website. https://dars.virginia.gov/disability-programs/virginia-guardian-training/

08/26/2026

Workforce Wednesday

The youth’s voice should be at the center of transition planning. In this YETI podcast episode, Joe, Elizabeth, and Billy discuss why planning should begin with a young person’s strengths and interests, what self-advocacy can look like in everyday life, and how adults can better listen to and support youth and families. Watch the video podcast: https://bit.ly/4pYEHQa

Youth voice should be at the center of transition planning. In this...

08/25/2026

Transition Tuesday

Self-advocacy means speaking up for your needs, choices, and rights. While it can sometimes feel challenging, it can also build confidence and create change for you and your community. This video shares tools for developing an assertive approach and practicing self-advocacy in different situations.

Watch the video: https://bit.ly/455iTsj

Mastering the Skill of Self-AdvocacyWhile self-advocacy can at tim...

08/25/2026

DARS was pleased to bring together partners for the Title III & VI Tribal Convening, a meaningful gathering focused on listening, learning and strengthening partnerships with Virginia’s Tribal communities.
The convening created opportunities to explore stronger service integration, emergency planning, communication and culturally centered approaches to serving older adults. Participants shared experiences, identified challenges and opportunities and discussed practical next steps for building stronger connections.

The gathering also highlighted resources and best practices, including stories and perspectives shared by Chickahominy elders and discussions about strengthening coordination across programs and communities.
DARS is grateful for our Tribal partners and all who participated for sharing their voices, expertise and leadership. We look forward to continuing this important work together and building partnerships grounded in respect, collaboration and a shared commitment to Virginia’s communities.

08/24/2026

What’s So Cool About Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships can be a powerful pathway to employment because they help people learn skills, gain real work experience, and earn while they train. This Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry video is a great resource for youth, families, and transition partners to explore apprenticeship opportunities as part of career planning and transition to adulthood.

Watch here: https://bit.ly/4wEn0YD

Apprenticeships are continuing to grow and if a typical educational...

08/23/2026

Speak Up! Help Virginia Age Better!

The Virginia Center on Aging (VCoA) is conducting a statewide needs assessment to inform the development of the next Virginia State Plan for Aging Services. We want to hear from: Adults age 60+, caregivers, advocates and service providers who are residents of Virginia. Individuals age 18 and older who live in Virginia are eligible to complete the survey.

Your responses to this survey are completely anonymous. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes and is best completed all at one time. Except for a few eligibility questions, all questions are optional.

Find the survey at: https://tinyurl.com/Aging-Survey. The survey will be open until September 25, 2026.

Learn more about DARS and the State Plan by visiting https://bit.ly/4bSlC9W.
You can learn more about VCoA by visiting https://vcoa.chp.vcu.edu/.

For questions or concerns about the survey, please contact Charlotte Arbogast by phone at 804-662-7093 or by email at [email protected].