ECNV's Be in the Know: April 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
All Month: Autism Acceptance Month
All Month: Fair Housing Month
All Month: National Social Security Month
All Month: Deaf History Month
Grant Updates:
Our Bienvenidos Webinar Youtube Library!
Our Bienvenidos YouTube Library is complete! Playlists for webinars in Spanishand Englishhave been edited for content, and captions are available in their respective YouTube playlists. You can also still watch the unedited videosas well. Videos from the Provider Seriesare also available!
Transportation News:
Metro Launches 24/7 Digital Assistant for Metro Access Customers
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Metro launched a new 24/7 Digital Assistant for Metro Access customers. Users who call Metro Access will first be connected to a digital assistant that can help book trips, cancel rides, and provide trip status information immediately without waiting for an agent.
New Pilot Program Reminds Metro Customers About Accessible Seating
In early March, Metro launched a new pilot program, reminding riders about accessible seating. The seats are marked with signs above the seat, but they can be difficult to see in crowded trains or when customers are seated.
The floor decals will remind customers to look up and proactively offer the seat to fellow passengers who may need it more.
DC Streetcar End of Service
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, DC Streetcar service officially ended.
Read the Official End of Service Announcement ››
Metro's Senior Smart Trip Cards Now Available in Loudoun County
Loudoun County is making it easier and more affordable for older adults to use transit. Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services now has Senior Smart Trip cards available at many convenient locations throughout the county. The free, reloadable fare card provides residents aged 65 and older with a 50% discount on fares for Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Loudoun County Transit’s commuter bus and other regional transit services that accept Smart Trip.
An Update on Maryland's Purple Line
Join the Spring 2026 Community Advisory Team Meetings! The Purple Line team will provide the latest updates on the project and field questions from community members.
Meetings are scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
April 21 – Lyttonsville/Woodside
April 22 – Riverdale Park/New Carrollton
April 23 – Bethesda/Chevy Chase
April 27 – College Park
April 28 – Silver Spring
Introducing Arlington Microtransit
Arlington Microtransit is a new pilot program bringing public transit on demand. Connect to jobs, healthcare, and education in just a few taps. There’s a special promo after launch you can get free rides until 5/13/26. The app is available on Apple Store and Google Play. It launched April 13th!
This service is now available to Arlingtonians!
Help DASH Improve Bus Service
Alexandria DASH is NOW accepting public comments on their FY 2027 Alexandria Transit Strategic Plan (ATSP) Update.
Share your feedback on proposed service changes and help us build a better DASH through April 22. The survey is available in Arabic, Amharic, English, Persian/Dari & Spanish.
Regional Travel Survey
A major transportation survey is hitting mailboxes across the region. If you're selected, don't miss the chance to represent households like yours and help shape the future of travel in the DMV!
Legislative Updates:
Cell Phone Ban in Virginia Schools Strengthened
Cell phone bans will be strengthened at Virginia’s K-12 schools after a bill from a Fairfax County state senator was signed into law.
The bill tightening restrictions from state Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-36) was signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) last week and will take effect on July 1.
The new law continues to provide exemptions for students with Individualized Education Programs, limited English proficiency plans and those with health concerns who use mobile devices for assistive support or health monitoring.
HB602 Open Captions in Virginia Becomes Law
Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed the house bill into law on April 6, 2026. "HB 602 requires movie theatres across the Commonwealth to provide open captioning for certain showings, ensuring that on-screen dialogue, sound effects and other audio elements are visible to all audiences, The legislation also strengthens requirements for closed captioning availability and establishes clear standards for theaters to meet growing accessibility needs."
This landmark legislation - championed by Phil Hernandez and supported by advocates across the Commonwealth - will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Read the full press release ››
NACCD New Tool: Self-Advocates, Introduce Yourself to Lawmakers
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACCD) recently published a new tool last month: Introduce Yourself to Lawmakers!
People with developmental disabilities, families, and community members can connect with key decision-makers locally, statewide, and federally. Your voice matters. Your story matters.
Introduce yourself to your lawmakers here ››
Tell Congress to support the Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act (H.R. 8128)
The Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act (H.R. 8128), introduced in the House, would expand access to same-day paratransit services. This gives riders greater flexibility, independence, and control over their schedules.
This gives riders greater flexibility, independence, and control over their schedules.
This bill would:
Reduce barriers caused by advance scheduling requirements
Leverage modern technology to improve service
Expand mobility and opportunity for paratransit users
President Trump Signs Executive Order on Mail-In Ballots
On March 31, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order attacking voting by mail. This EO will make voting by mail more difficult, restrict who can vote by mail, put eligible voters at risk by using inaccurate data systems from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and put an immense burden on postal workers, election workers, and community organizers who work to support access to the ballot.
These policies are harmful, but here are four things to keep in mind:
As with previous Executive Orders issued on voting, the President has no constitutional authority to change election laws.
The civil rights community is taking action to protect access to the ballot.
Legal action works. Courts have blocked nearly every aspect of the 2025 Executive Order (EO), “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” You can review the status of all aspects of the 2025 EO on the Brennan Center’s litigation tracker.
This EO does not change state law. At this time, community organizers should not change how they support voters to make a plan to vote. Anyone who is an eligible voter and can vote by mail in their state should still do so. The ACLU recommends that you request and return your mail ballot early to avoid any postal service delays.
Several groups are already suing the Trump Administration over this Executive Action.
A copy of the lawsuit can be found online here ››
Our elections are safe and fair. Our democracy works best when every eligible voter can participate.
Advocacy:
ASAN Introduces 'Power to Protest' Toolkit
Protests are a powerful way to make people pay attention to problems that matter to our community. A protest can look a lot of different ways, and it’s important to be prepared. That’s why ASAN made “Power in Protest,” a new toolkit about demonstrations and civil disobedience.
More News to Explore:
April Is Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month and this year's theme is "Celebrate Differences," which encourages communities to move beyond tolerance and toward genuine celebration of neurodiversity.
You might notice that some organizations call it Autism Awareness Month while others call it Autism Acceptance Month. Both names refer to the same April observance, but the distinction between the two words - awareness and acceptance - carries real weight.
Here is the short version: "awareness" means knowing autism exists. "Acceptance" means understanding, including, and valuing autistic people as they are, without trying to change them or fix them.
Loudoun Celebrates Fair Housing Month with Free Events
Loudoun County will observe Fair Housing Month in April with several events, including two fair housing school courses, a celebration event and a webinar. The theme in 2026 is “Sharing Knowledge of the Benefits of Fair Housing.” All events are free, but seats are limited and registration is required.
Fair Housing Webinar for People with Disabilities
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Fair Housing School: Overview of Fair Housing
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dulles Area Association of Realtors (DAAR) Office, 540 Fort Evans Road NE, Suite 300, Leesburg, VA 20176
Fight Against Scams This April
This April, explore hundreds of free events as part of AARP Fraud Prevention Month. AARP is hosting free in-person and virtual events to help protect families and neighbors from this onslaught of fraud.
Mark your calendar! The 9th Annual Scam Jam will be held April 30th at the Fairfax County Government Center. It's open to all, and registered guests will receive complementary lunch.
The event is a collaboration between AARP Virginia and the Fairfax County Government Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program.
Know Someone Making Alexandria More Accessible? Nominate Them!
The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) is accepting nominations for its 2026 annual awards, which recognize leadership and contributions that support the disability community in Alexandria.
The Gerry Bertier Scholarship provides financial support to a student with a disability who lives in or attends school in Alexandria and demonstrates academic effort, leadership, and community involvement.
The John Duty Collins Award honors an individual, organization, or business that has made significant contributions to improving access, inclusion, and quality of life for people with disabilities in the Alexandria community.
Nominations are due by April 30, 2026.
More information is available on the ACPD page of the City of Alexandria website.
The Fairfax County All-Access Book Club
The Fairfax County All-Access Book Club meets on the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. via a free conference call. They read a variety of books. Titles selected are available in the talking books and Fairfax County Public Library collections in various formats. The next meeting will be May 7, 2026 and they will be discussing The Heist by Janet Evanovich.
For more information about how to join ››
Free ASL Classes and Activities at DC Public Libraries
Did you know that the DC Public Library has ASL classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners?
ASL Inside is now available through Mango Languages—a video-based, self-paced way to build real conversation skills. Use the Magic Mirror to practice, learn from different signing styles, and pick up everyday ASL at your own speed.
Do you love to read and talk about books? Are you interested in participating in a book discussion on Zoom in American Sign Language? If so, this book club is for YOU! Join the DC Public Library online via Zoom on a Wednesday every other month at 6-7 p.m. Eastern Time. The ASL Book Club is facilitated by Librarian Janice Rosen from the Center for Accessibility. Questions? Contact at DCPLaccess@dc.gov. The next meeting will be on May 27, 2026 and they will talk about All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.
Home Delivery Service: Library Materials Mailed to Your Home
If a temporary or permanent disability makes it hard to visit the library, Fairfax County Public Library’s Home Delivery Service can bring the library to you. Fairfax County and City of Fairfax residents of all ages may qualify for free home delivery of books, large print, magazines, CDs, and DVDs. Items are mailed in a sturdy blue bag with a return address card, and you return them the same way—at no cost—through the U.S. Postal Service. You can choose your own materials, or let the reader advisory staff pick titles based on your interests. Home Delivery customers can also use Libby, the mobile app from OverDrive, to download eBooks and eAudiobooks.
Register today if you like to participate ››
Deaf Seniors Stay Connected Program
Dates: Tuesdays, January 13, 2026 through December 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
This program is for ASL interpreting students or lifelong ASL students to practice ASL and communicate with Deaf seniors virtually. Examples of the topics are ASL slang, short stories and many fun games.
Register today if you like to participate ››
Your Disability Spring Streaming Guide!
Your disability spring streaming guide is back!
On April 1st, a new season of Love on the Spectrum dropped on Netflix! Per the description for this current season: "New and familiar faces star in this heartfelt documentary series that follows singles on the autism spectrum as they search for true love.”
The Ride Ahead is now available on Kanopy, which partners with public libraries and universities to provide free access to films. Watch on the Kanopy website or app, available with open captions, audio description, and built-in ASL interpretation.
ASL interpretations are now available on more than 20 Prime Video shows and movies.
If you have an HBO Max account, there are two accessible categories on the streaming platform: Audio Description and with ASL.
HuffPost Launches ‘Voices of Disabled People’
On March 5, 2026, HuffPost launched 'Voices of Disabled People.' This is the first national news section devoted entirely to disability coverage.
Disability Policy Seminar Academy Video Series
The Disability Policy Seminar Academy is a series of short, easy-to-follow videos led by policy experts. They break down the basics of federal funding, Medicaid, Social Security, education, and more and explain why these issues matter.
Whether you’re getting ready for meetings on Capitol Hill or just want to understand how decisions in Congress affect daily life, this is a great place to start.
Understanding Decision-Making Support Options in Virginia, Plain Language Guide
Understanding Decision-Making Support Options in Virginia is a 14-page plain language guide developed by The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). This resource covers: Introduction and Definitions, Supported Decision-Making Agreements, Advance Directives, Powers of Attorney, Authorized Representatives, and more.
The Arc of Loudoun Disability Resource Fair
Join The Arc of Loudoun for the region’s largest free event highlighting disability resources in our community. Families, self-advocates, and caregivers have the chance to learn more from 75+ employers and community partners in one place.
When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (10:00am - 2:30pm)
Where: Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center
Fairfax County Free Webinar Trainings
Did you know that Fairfax County has free webinar trainings?
The Fairfax Caregiver Seminar Consortium offers free webinars designed to help family caregivers of older adults or adults with a disability manage their day-to-day issues.
Dementia Friendly Fairfax envisions our community as a place where people living with dementia and their care partners will be able to engage in a variety of activities, be supported in the highest quality of life, and can live independently for as long as possible.
Free Digital Skills Training from the Arc, AT&T
AT&T, The Arc, and The Arc San Francisco have partnered to offer free digital skills training designed specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training uses plain language and practical instruction to support different learning styles and access needs.
Participants will learn skills such as:
Getting started with computers, mobile devices, and video conferencing
Navigating websites and search engines
Online safety, passwords, fraud, and scams
And more
Why Accessible Sexual Health and Reproductive Healthcare Matters
Disabled people need sexual and reproductive healthcare at the same rates as non‑disabled people, but face extra risks, discrimination, and inaccessible care that put their health, autonomy, and lives at risk.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) and Women Enabled International (WEI) provide a report that shows the experiences of people with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare: bit.ly/DSRSurvey.
They also provide a checklist for service providers to ensure accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare: bit.ly/srh-guide.
Finding Open Caption Films in Virginia
The new Open Captions law goes into effect July 1st, 2026! Between now and then, Open Caption Finder is a great resource to help you find open caption screenings near you! Open Caption Finder is a free app, available on Apple Store and Google Play that helps moviegoers find Open Caption (OC) showtimes nearby or anywhere in the US.
DBVI Mentorship Opportunity
Spread the word to Virginia high school students who are Blind, Vision Impaired, or Deafblind!
Mentorship opportunity: Apply by June 1, 2026
A FREE, virtual, one-year program led by VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in partnership with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI).
The Peer Mentoring Project is a one-year, virtual program that includes support for high school students as they partner with mentors through individual and group sessions. The program consists of 6 group sessions and 6 individual sessions. Participants will develop a career development portfolio.
Ideal participants for this project should:
be a high school student in the 2026-2027 school year.
be blind, vision impaired, or deafblind.
be available to participate in program sessions from September 2026-May 2027.
have reliable access to the internet, a computer with a camera and microphone, and a private physical space to participate in mentoring sessions. A loaner laptop will be provided upon request.
For more information about the DBVI Mentoring program, contact William Sutton at 804-659-2622, William.Sutton@dbvi.virginia.gov
Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Summer Camps
Therapeutic recreation adapted summer camps are designed for individuals with disabilities, ages 6 - 21. Recommended for campers who benefit from close supervision and moderate to maximum support with personal care, recreation participation, and/or social skills.
Learn more about camps near you!
Computer CORE
Computer CORE (Community Outreach and Education)'s mission is to prepare underserved adults in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills.
They offer free, online, basic computer skills classes to adults 18 and over. Adult learners should be residents of Virginia, DC or Maryland. In addition to the residency and age requirements, all their students should be committed to attending scheduled online classes. They have one class in Spanish, and all other classes are taught in English so students should understand spoken English.
Public Comments:
U.S. Access Board Seeking Public Comments on Universal Changing Stations
The U.S. Access Board is seeking public comments on proposed approaches for technical standards for universal changing stations in medium and large hub airports, and disability community input is crucial. Universal (adult) changing tables allow many disabled people, older adults, and caregivers to safely manage personal care during travel, yet they are still rare in many airports. You can review the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and submit comments (including stories, concerns, or recommendations) to docket ATBCB-2026-0001.
Comments are due April 20, 2026.
Learn more ››
FAA Collecting Feedback About Air Travel Experience, Challenges etc.
The Federal Aviation Administration is collecting feedback with a survey tool to better understand real-world travel experiences, challenges, and opportunities of passengers with disabilities, their companions and parents.
Open through June 25.
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
Date: Monday, April 20th 2026
Time: 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Meeting Location: East Falls Church Metro
We are delighted to announce the launch of an additional metro social group aimed at promoting our travel training program and supporting RAMP. For our new students, we will embark on a tour of the East Falls Metro Station, accompanied by our experienced pro trainees. Afterward, we will board the F26 metro bus to Glory Days for a delightful dinner and games. To conclude the evening, we will head over to Jake’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Prepare to indulge in a traveling culinary experience!
This outing will also include:
Introduction to all Metro lines
Demonstration on how to use a SmarTrip Card
Overview of safety features on the bus
Taking the Metro back to East falls church metro or pick up from Jakes
Service dogs are welcome! Please bring your own SMARTrip Card, money for dinner and Jake’s Ice Cream!
Research Opportunities:
A National Survey on Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Researchers from Michigan Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation are conducting a study funded by the Cerebral Palsy Research Network. The study aims to create space for adults with cerebral palsy to share their experiences with healthcare and aging through participation in focus groups. Insights gathered from participants will help researchers better understand the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of adults with CP.
Researchers are currently recruiting participants and welcome individuals 18 and older with cerebral palsy who are interested in contributing their perspectives.
Participation Requirements Include:
Participate in focus groups and advisory sessions
Help shape future research on Cerebral Palsy
All sessions are held on Zoom (1.5 hours each)
For More Information or to Participate:
Email: umcpresearch@umich.edu
Call: 734-615-6770
Autism Diagnosis Research Study
Researchers from the University of Texas, Baylor University, and the University of Maryland are inviting families of young children (ages 0–5) who are awaiting an autism diagnostic evaluation or related services (such as ABA) to participate in the MENU Study.
This 10-week program is conducted entirely over Zoom, making it easy for families to join from home. The program is designed to provide support and resources in three key areas:
Parent mental health
Child’s challenging behaviors
Child’s social communication skills
Families can sign up by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using this link:
https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_557bWxqBCvxPzCK
View the flyer ››
Watch the overview video ››
If you have any questions, the study team is happy to help: menustudy@utexas.edu
Asian Autism Sibling Project
A research team is conducting a study focused on the daily lives of Asian American families of autistic children—including family dynamics, sibling relationships, and how culture shapes each family’s experience. The goal is to use these insights to create programs that better support Asian American families.
They are currently seeking participation from families that can include:
At least one caregiver
One autistic child
One non-autistic sibling (this term includes siblings who may be neurodivergent but do not have autism)
Families who participate will take part in a 60–90 minute interview with a member of the research team. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Interviews can be held on Zoom or in person, based on your preference.
As a thank you, families will receive a $50 gift card to help cover time and transportation.
Complete the screening form here ››
For questions, please contact: autismstudy@ssw.umaryland.edu
Deaf Acculturative Stress, Psychosomatic Symptoms, and Psychological Well-Being Survey
The University of Rochester Medical Center is studying the relationship between acculturative stress, the physiological effects of stress, and well-being in Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and are looking for participants!
If you are above the age of 18 and identify as deaf or hard-of-hearing, you may be eligible to take our 15-minute survey.
Survey on Augmented Reality Glasses for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
A high school student in the NOVA region is doing research on potential assistive devices for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Personally, the student has dealt with partial hearing loss in his right ear all his life and has spent the time to develop this device in hopes that it would help others.
If you could, he would really appreciate your participation in this quick survey (~5 minutes).
Family Experiences with AAC Devices
Researchers at the University of Iowa and the Center for Disabilities and Development are conducting a survey to better understand the experiences of families whose children have been prescribed or provided with a high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device.
Your responses will help researchers learn more about:
How families use AAC devices in daily life
What factors support successful use
What challenges may lead to reduced use or device abandonment
Participation is voluntary and confidential.
The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
Learn more ››
The National Survey on Health and Disability
The National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is an ongoing survey of adults with disabilities, conducted five times previously in 2018, 2019/2020, 2021, 2022, 2023/2024.
The 2025 NSHD is NOW CLOSED ››
Note: The 2025 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is now closed. It will likely reopen late 2026.
Does your bladder bug you?
Do you have a neurogenic/neuropathic bladder and use indwelling or intermittent catheterization for bladder management? If so, we would like to invite you to participate in a study using a probiotic to decrease urinary symptoms.
For more information, please contact: Chris Riegner christopher.r.riegner@medstar.net or 202-877-1560
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511).
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
April
Independent Living: Youth Training, (virtual), 4/20/26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
Advancing the Poverty Discussion: The Poverty and Disability Series Part One, (virtual). 4/20/26, 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
Cracking the Code: 504 Plans & IEPs, (virtual), 4/21/26, 4:30pm - 5:30pm.
Autism ECHO Session: Improving Engagement and Education Around Early Childhood Development with Hispanic/Latin X Families, (virtual), 4/22/26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
Informed Consent - Youth Training, (virtual), 4/22/26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Supporting Your Blind or Visually Impaired Child at Home with the Expanded Core Curriculum, (virtual), 4/22/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
Disability Benefits: Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, (virtual), 4/23/26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
Stronger Together: Fostering Connections in Our Autism Community, (virtual), 4/27/26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
Advancing the Poverty Discussion: The Poverty and Disability Series Part Two, (virtual). 4/27/6, 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
Focus on Fire Safety: Prevention, Planning, and Practice, (virtual), 4/30/26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
May
5th Annual Disability Resource Fair, (in-person), 5/5/26, 10:00am - 2:30pm, Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center
You Belong Here Disability Awareness and Accessibility Training for Retail, (virtual), 5/6/26, 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Services Navigation, (virtual), 5/7/26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Informed Consent - Youth Training, (virtual), 5/12/26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Exploring AI – Youth Training, (virtual), 5/14/26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
May Chat with an Attorney about Special Education, (virtual), 5/20/26, space is limited. Times range from 9:30 am - 2:45pm time slots.
Autism ECHO Session: Support Services- Financial, SSI, Respite Care, (virtual), 5/27/26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
