ECNV's Be in the Know: February 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
02/9/2026: International Epilepsy Day
All Month: Low Vision Awareness Month
All Month: Black History Month
Grant Updates:
Our Bienvenidos Webinar YouTube Library!
Good news!! The Bienvenidos Youtube Library is nearly complete! Playlists for webinars in Spanish and English have been edited for content, and captions are available in their respective Youtube playlists. You can also still watch the unedited videos as well. Videos from the Provider Series are also available!
Transportation News:
Crystal City Construction Update
Metro will replace trains with shuttle buses between Pentagon City and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over 10 select weekends from February through June. Crystal City will be closed to build a second entrance at the station as part of Arlington County’s Crystal City Sector plan. The new entrance will accommodate growing ridership at the station, support new development in the area, and play a key role in a broader effort to make Crystal City a walkable community.
Weekend closures & Stations Closed:
February 21 - 22 (Crystal City)
February 28 - March 1 (Crystal City)
March 7 - 8 (Crystal City, Ronald Reagan National Airport, Potomac Yard
WMATA Transportation Update ››
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Did you know that Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public? Members of the public who attend committee meetings are encouraged to notify Metro in advance if they require accommodations. Requests for accommodations can be made at 202-962-1100 or TTY 202-962-2033.
Metro's Accessibility Advisory Committee was created to address the needs of senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Learn more ››
WMATA Newsletter
Did you know that Metro has their own newsletter? Subscribe for the latest Metro updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive news.
Accessible Vehicle Funding Guide
Finding and affording an accessible vehicle can feel overwhelming.
NDI’s new Accessible Vehicle Funding Guide breaks it down, covering financing options, grants, rebates and real steps to save money.
USA Today Tracking Airline Accessibility
USA Today is tracking airline accessibility in 2026, and they want to hear directly from travelers with disabilities. If you, or someone you know, uses a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device and experienced damage to your equipment during air travel, or faced another accessibility-related barrier, this is an opportunity to share your experience.
These stories will help spotlight ongoing accessibility challenges in air travel and push for improvements in the future.
Participation is completely optional.
Legislative Updates:
Virginia Legislature Schedule Update
We are at about the midway point of the 2026 VA General Assembly session. What happens next? Below is a schedule of what to expect:
February 22 - “Budget Sunday” Presentation of legislative budget amendments by HAC & SFAC
February 26 - Expected deadline for each house of origin to pass its own budget
March 4 - Expected deadline for budget conferees appointed
March 5 - Mason Lobbies hosted by Student Government
March 14 - Expected adjournment Sine Die
April 13 - Governor's veto/amendment deadline
April 22 - Expected Reconvened Session
May 25 - Deadline for Governor to sign legislation/budget & issue line-item vetoes
July 1 - 2026 signed legislation and budget effective
You can always watch on the Virginia General Assembly website, live video of the House and Senate when they are in session.
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities 'Bill of the Week' Series
There are many bills circulating through the Virginia legislature right now. With the start of the current legislating session, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities is here to help sort through bills specifically related to the disability community. Their 'Bill of the Week' series helps to break down each disability related bill, what they do and their impact.
Access in Action: A Town Hall on Open Captioning Legislation with Del Hernandez
Join the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for an important and timely virtual town hall focused on open captioning legislation and accessibility in Virginia. This event centers the lived experiences of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and DeafBlind individuals and highlights why open captions are essential for full access in public spaces such as movie theaters, live performances, and community events.
Participants will hear directly from Delegate Hernandez, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about accessibility, equity, and policy.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Location: Virtual
Registration Required: Zoom
Capacity: Limited to 90 participants
ASL interpreters and CART will be provided. If you need other accommodations, please contact us info@nvrc.org.
Follow the Facebook Event for Updates ››
More News to Explore:
EmpowHer Camp
EmpowHer Camp is a free, virtual leadership and empowerment camp for girls ages 13–18 with disabilities. The camp is designed to support young people as they build self-advocacy skills, confidence, and connections with peers—values that closely align with the independent living philosophy.
Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and community-building activities, participants are encouraged to explore their strengths, develop leadership skills, and envision their futures as self-determined individuals.
We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with eligible youth, families, or transition-age programs within your network.
Application deadline: February 18
Learn more & apply: https://www.disabilityempowhernetwork.org/empowhercamp
VITA Tax and TCE Tax Program
The 2026 tax season is upon us. IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
People who generally make $69,000 or less
Persons with disabilities; and
Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which offers free tax assistance for adults age 60 and older, with support focused on retirement income, pensions, and other age-related tax considerations.
2026 Tax Relief Seminars
The Loudoun County Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue is holding free information sessions in February and March to familiarize residents who are 65 years or older, or are disabled, with the county’s real estate and vehicle tax relief programs.
To learn more about this tax relief program, residents are encouraged to attend one of the free sessions being offered throughout the county. No appointment or RSVP is required. All sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. Note that the March 3, 2026, seminar, will be presented only in Spanish.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, February 23: Purcellville Library, 220 East Main St., Purcellville
Wednesday, February 25: Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls
Friday, February 27: Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn
Monday , March 2: Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg
Tuesday, March 3: Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling (Spanish)
Fairfax County residents, bookmark this link for the 2026 schedule.
HCBS Settings Rule: Presumed Competence
In a recent newsletter, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) published guidance on the HCBS Settings Rule. The guidance talks about "Presumed Competence."
Download and Review HCBS Settings Rule on "Presumed Competence" ››
ADA National Network Employment Resource Hub
On January 20, 2026, the ADA National Network launched their 'Employment Resource Hub' for persons with disabilities. This hub offers information about disabilities and the workplace at every stage of employment. This resource features new materials and centralizes fact sheets, FAQs materials, and tools with the National Network, making it easy to find answers to all of your questions about employment and the ADA.
Explore the Employment Resource Hub ››
REACH
REACH (Regional, Education, Assessment, Crisis Services, Habilitation) offers 24/7 crisis stabilization and support services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) or those with mental health challenges and at-risk behaviors. These services are available through Community Services Boards (CSBs) in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun, and Prince William.
REACH Services Include:
Mobile Crisis Response Teams: Crisis stabilization and prevention for adults and youth at home.
Adult and Youth Crisis Therapeutic Homes (ATH/CTH): Short-term residential stabilization (up to 30 days for adults, 15 days for youth) designed to ease transitions from hospitals, jail, or training centers. Prevention stays are also available during high-stress periods.
Call REACH at 855-897-8278.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid Training is a public education certification program offered by The Arc of Loudoun and Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services (MHSADS) that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
These courses are offered free of charge to anyone in the Loudoun community.
Mental Health First Aid Training Learn more ››
Mental Health Resource from the Bazelon Center
Some mental health disabilities can make it difficult for people to communicate their preferred treatment responses in the moments when they need help.
Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) are legal documents that keep people with mental disabilities prepared by communicating their preferred treatment options ahead of time.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Training
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through its dedicated Design and Construction Resource Center (DCRC), provides free technical assistance to answer your housing-related questions. This includes guidance on housing accessibility, the Fair Housing Act’s anti-discrimination protections, and design and construction requirements.
You can contact them toll-free at (888) 341-7781 or email FairHousingFirst@hud.gov.
HUD also hosts more than 20 free live training events throughout the year covering topics related to housing, accessibility, and the Fair Housing Act: https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/accessibility-first-training. All trainings are East Coast time.
Stronger Memory
Fairfax County and Goodwin Living have joined forces to expand brain health resources. As part of their partnership, they have made the StrongerMemory workbooks available in seven languages: English, Spanish, Farsi, Korean, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Amharic. Developed by Goodwin Living and supported by Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services, the StrongerMemory program is a 30-minute daily activity plan involving reading, writing, and math exercises that stimulate the brain’s prefrontal cortex. The program’s free workbooks are designed to support focus, memory, and cognitive well-being for older adults and their caregivers.
This initiative aligns with Fairfax County’s SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan to provide accessible and inclusive services. You can find the translated workbooks and learn more about the program at StrongerMemory.org.
Free Adaptive Exercise Classes
Disability Partnerships are offering free, virtual adaptive exercise classes designed to support movement, wellness, and connection for people of all abilities. From Adaptive Zumba and Seated Fitness to Accessible Yoga and Boxing, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re looking to stay active, try something new, or move at your own pace. All classes are East Coast time.
All classes are FREE and virtual
Weekly schedule available
Limited-mobility and caregiver-friendly
Free Microsoft AI Accessibility Courses
Level up your accessibility knowledge with the new AI Learnings from Microsoft and the Microsoft Enable Group. From AI and Accessibility to Disability Inclusive Design, these free courses are designed to help build a strong accessibility foundation in the workplace and beyond.
John Hudson Internship Program
The 2026 John Hudson Internship Program is now accepting applications!
This summer’s paid internships are hosted within Information Technology Services in the Department of Land Development Services and Alcohol Safety Action Program in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. These internships are for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The internship program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities.
Application packets are due by Tuesday, March 31st at 11:59 PM ET.
Learning more about how to apply ››
NCIL Announces Theme for 2026 Conference!
The theme of NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living is Protect. Persist. Prosper.
This year’s conference will take place onsite July 20-23 in Washington, DC. If budget permits, NCIL will broadcast major conference events via livestream for those who cannot attend.
NCIL strongly encourages workshop proposals to clearly connect to the 2026 conference theme, Protect. Persist. Prosper. Successful proposals will demonstrate how the session: Protects Independent Living, civil rights, funding, programs, or community-based services; Persists in advancing the Independent Living movement while honoring our hard-won victories, lived experience, and core values; or Advances prosperity by strengthening leadership, access, economic security, innovation, and community power for people with disabilities.
Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern on March 7, 2026.
Omnium Circus Is Coming to Warner Theatre Next Month!
OMNIUM CIRCUS is returning to the Warner Theatre and proudly presents I'M POSSIBLE. Award-winning, life-affirming circus performance
Presented in English and American Sign Language!
When: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington DC, 20004
Get Your Ticket Today ››
Omnium Circus showcases a cast of extraordinary talent which is comprehensively inclusive; multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-abled, providing the best in multi-generational family entertainment.
Free ASL Classes and Activities at DC Public Libraries
Did you know that DC Public Library has ASL classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners?
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 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 March 25, 2026 and they will talk about Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt.
The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Statewide Training
The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Statewide Training continues this month! This first session of 2026 focuses on suicide risk, awareness, and prevention for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Their presenters will share practical ways families, caregivers, and professionals can support those at risk.
Topic: Suicide Prevention for People with IDD
When: February 20, 2026
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST.
For more information about this event, you can contact The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities at training@vbpd.virginia.gov.
Report: Olmstead’s Effects on Housing Affordability, Supportive Housing, and Home and Community-Based Services: A Three-State Study
This report and its associated case studies were conducted by the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), in partnership with the Community Living Policy Center.
This report looks at how the Olmstead decision brought about positive change in three states: Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. The report describes how each state utilized Olmstead as a tool to improve access to community living for people with disabilities, including improving housing affordability, supportive housing, and home and community-based services.
Read the full report online ››
Loudoun County Launches Network of Care Directory
Loudoun County has launched the Network of Care, an online searchable directory of information and resources for individuals and families seeking support for behavioral health, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities.
The Network of Care can be found at loudoun.gov/NetworkofCare. An account is not required to use the platform, which is accessible in multiple languages and allows content to be shared with others by email or text.
Research Opportunities:
Disability and Sexual Health Study
Brandeis University is doing a study about the things that young people with disabilities think are important for their sexual health. Researchers also want to learn how their family, doctor, school, and/or community can help them take care of their sexual health. There may be things that make it difficult or easy for them to get sexual health services. They want to know about these things too. They will use what we learn in the interviews to make a website. The website will teach teens and young adults with disabilities about taking good care of their sexual health.
To take part, you must:
Have been born in the United States
Live in the United States
Be between 15 and 25 years old
Have a disability
Be able to talk to us in English or American Sign Language over a Zoom call
Learn More About How to Participate ››
Including the Deaf Perspective in Interpreter Ethics
Shawna Wolf, a graduate student in the Department of Interpretation and Translation at Gallaudet University, is seeking Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing adults to participate in a research study titled Including the Deaf Perspective in Interpreter Ethics.
Participants will complete a short demographic survey and respond to three brief scenarios via ASL video or written English. Participation takes approximately 20 minutes.
Eligibility:
Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing,
18+,
Use interpreting services,
Live in the U.S.
This study aims to center Deaf perspectives and contribute to future interpreter ethics research.
(Note: Google sign-in required for data collection)
Questions? Contact: shawna.wolf@gallaudet.edu
Learn More About How to Participate ››
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
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.
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
February
Cooking with Confidence: Valentine's Day, (in-person), 2/17/26, 10:00am - 1:00pm, The Arc of Northern Virginia Office, Paid.
Onward to Preschool: Taking the Big Step from Early Intervention!, (virtual), 2/18/26, 1:30pm.
Supporting Literacy Development for Students with Disabilities: Foundational Skills of Reading, (virtual), 2/18/26, 6:00pm.
Suicide Prevention for People with IDD: Talk Saves Lives, (virtual), 2/20/26, 12:00pm.
Center for Black Deaf Studies at Year 5 – Building Legacy, Empowering Future, (virtual), 2/20/26, 12:00pm.
TFIL Talks: Relationships and Communication, (virtual), 2/24/26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
Estate Planning and Decision-Making for Families of Individuals with Disabilities, (virtual), 2/24/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
Supporting Literacy Development for Students with Disabilities: Early Warning Signs of Reading Challenges, (virtual), 2/25/26, 6:00pm.
I Am Black History, (virtual), 2/25/26, 7:00pm EST. I Am Black History is a virtual storytelling experience presented by Divas With Disabilities®. This powerful program honors the legacy, visibility, and cultural impact of Black disabled women whose stories continue to shape our past, present, and future.
Dignity in Schools Campaign: Black & Neurodivergent - Intergenerational Discussion, (virtual), 2/25/26, 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
Co-Creating Pregnancy Plans with Disabled People: The APAP Model, (virtual), 2/27/26, 1:00pm.
March
Sexual Education, Maternal Health, and Pregnancy Experiences of Women with IDD, (virtual), 3/5/26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm.
Onward to Preschool: Taking the Big Step from Early Intervention!, (virtual), 3/18/26, 1:30pm.
Interacting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals, (virtual), 3/24/26, 7:00pm.
Check out ECNV's updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
