ECNV’s Be in the Know: June 2025
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
All Month: Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month
All Month: PTSD Awareness Month
06/18/25: Autistic Pride Day
Join the ECNV Team: We are Hiring!
Independent Living Specialist, Bilingual (English/Spanish):
The Independent Living Specialist, [https://lnkd.in/e2Ujz7NJ] Bilingual is a strong voice for disability rights and independent living, working to assist people with disabilities in independent community living. The Independent Living Specialist provides general information and referral for consumers and the community as requested, provides independent living skills (ILS) training, and conducts outreach and peer counseling/mentoring. This individual will direct their work complementary to the spirit and intent of the independent living philosophy.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@ecnv.org.
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Our Bienvenidos Todos Project team would like to thank you for participating in our webinar series. This series will be taking a pause for summer break and will resume in September. Please check out our Bienvenidos Todos Project page for past webinars and fact sheets.
Deaf-Centric National Caregiver Certification Training
Gallaudet University's Center for Continuing Education (CCE) now offers a Deaf-Centric National Caregiver Certification Training, which is fully online and self-paced!
This program is perfect for:
Deaf adults who want to become certified caregivers
Family members caring for Deaf seniors
Anyone exploring a career as a caregiver in a growing job market
Community members who wish to provide better support for Deaf elders
Learn more and enroll today at: gallaudet.edu/LTC
Please feel free to share this with your community, family, or anyone who might benefit from this opportunity!
ECNV Now Offers QuickMatch for Finding a Personal Assistant!
We know finding a Personal Assistant (PA) can be tough. QuickMatch simplifies the process with a searchable database of qualified PAs ready to assist with daily activities like bathing, cooking, shopping, and more.
QuickMatch Information Page ››
Transportation News:
Metro’s New Bus Network is Coming June 29!
Mark your calendar! On Sunday, June 29, Metro is launching their new bus network, designed to better serve you and the entire region.
The new bus network is a system shaped by a two-year process that included extensive data analysis about where and when people travel today coupled with 23 weeks of community engagement. This network is a result of tens of thousands of customers, residents, and stakeholders who shared their feedback online and at in-person events to help design a faster, more frequent, and more reliable bus network!
As Metro prepares for the launch, major efforts are underway, including updated bus stop signs and network maps, operator training, and system upgrades to ensure riders have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
It’s never too early to learn your new bus route! Explore the updated trip planner, network maps, route profiles and more at wmata.com/BetterBus.
Get ready for a better, more connected way to ride!
Metro Makes Traveling Easier
Metro launches MetroPulse mobile app to give customers easy access to real-time information, customer service chat.
You can now pay for Metrorail by tapping your contactless credit or debit card at the faregate.
Loudoun County Launches New Travel Training Program to Help Residents Navigate Public Transit
Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services is launching a Transit Travel Training Program. Beginning in June 2025, the free, hands-on program will provide personalized and group instruction on how to plan trips, read schedules, purchase SmarTrip cards, board buses, transfer between routes and practice safe travel habits. Participants will also receive practical tips for navigating common transit scenarios, such as crowded buses or service changes.
Learn more for Loudoun County ››
Lyft Silver for Seniors!
Lyft recently introduced Lyft Senior, a new service you can find through the Lyft app. This service is designed for older adults. Lyft Silver riders can easily get where they’re going with the option of live phone support, and they can share ride details with people they trust.
Lyft Silver is available for early access nationwide to the first 25,000 riders to sign up.
Arlington STAR App!
Arlington County is proud to announce the NEW ‘Arlington STAR’ app! Easily book, manage, and track STAR rides! Download the Arlington STAR app in the App Store or Google Play now!
Update: Your Feedback on Arlington's Transportation Vision and Goals
Arlington’s Transportation Future, the process to refresh the Transportation Plan, is proud to share the Proposed Vision and Goals. This milestone reflects seven months of dedicated work and public engagement. The Proposed Vision and Goals are informed by two rounds of valuable community feedback (including Open Houses, Listening Sessions, and, input from the Advisory Group, and insights from an interdepartmental staff group.
Check out the Proposed Vision and Goals or view a presentation on the development process ››
Metro Begins Construction on the Blue Line on July 5
Metro is reminding customers of upcoming rehabilitation on the Blue Line from July 5-26.
The work will close Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St. stations, but free local and express shuttle buses will replace trains during construction. Free parking will also be available at the affected stations during construction.
Legislative Updates:
The Disability Community Remember Representative Gerry Connolly
On May 21, 2025, Representative Gerry Connolly passed away. Connolly was known for his advocacy for the disability community and inclusion. Organizations like Didlake, Inc. and The Arc of Northern Virginia expressed their sadness at his passing, highlighting his work and support for individuals with disabilities.
Governor Youngkin has set September 9, 2025 as the date for the special election to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Read Remembrance by The Arc of Northern VA ››
Read Remembrance by Didlake ››
Read Remembrance by disAbility Law Center of Virginia ››
The House Has Narrowly Passed "One Big Beautiful Bill"
On May 22, 2025, The House has narrowly passed the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill," a sweeping measure that slashes nearly $800 billion from Medicaid and will trigger $500 billion in cuts from Medicare. It imposes harmful job loss penalties, threatening health care for millions, including low-income people, people with disabilities, students, caregivers, immigrants, transgender people, and Black, Brown and Tribal communities.
It passed the House with a 215–214 vote. Two House Republicans missed the vote. The next step, it goes to the Senate.
Read a Statement from NACDD Executive Director Jill Jacobs ››
AAPD wanted to ensure that you have all the information you need to understand the news about this bill and participate in community advocacy to fight against it. Their team has put together some tools and resources to keep you informed and get you involved.
Budget Reconciliation 101: Explaining Budget Reconciliation in Congress ››
Tell Your Senators: No Cuts To Medicaid! ››
Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Closing The Education Department
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Mr. Trump and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon from carrying out Trump's executive order calling for the secretary to close the Education Department.
The judge also told the administration to reinstate the roughly 1,300 Education Department employees who were told in March that they would lose their jobs as part of a sweeping reduction-in-force and "to restore the Department to the status quo."
National Association of the Deaf Sues White House for Access to Press Briefings
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a lawsuit to compel the White House to immediately resume providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during broadcasts of their press briefings to make them accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people. Two deaf individuals—Derrick Ford and Matthew Bonn—join NAD in this lawsuit.
Press Release and Complaint ››
SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act has been reintroduced in the United States House and Senate!
If passed, this bill would raise the asset limits for SSI recipients from $2,000 to $10,000 and eliminate the marriage penalty by allowing married SSI recipients to save up to $20,000 together.
No one should have to choose between marrying the one they love and maintaining critical government benefits.
SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act Toolkit ››
The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act
The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA) was introduced on Thursday, June 12, 2025! This crucial bill ensures that disabled people who are forced to evacuate across state lines during disasters don’t lose access to life-saving Medicaid services. Senator Blumenthal led the introduction and has asked his Senate colleagues to join as initial cosponsors.
No changes have been made to the bill text from the last version introduced by Senator Casey in the 118th Congress (S.3034, 2023).
We need every voice to help push this forward! Contact your Congresspeople and urge them to cosponsor DRMA. Disabled lives depend on it.
Tell Congress: Protect P&A Funding
There is a proposal circulating in Washington, DC to drastically cut funding for programs that protect the health, safety, and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults.
On the chopping block are the nation's Protection and Advocacy agencies, the Councils on Developmental Disabilities, the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Long-term Care Ombudsmen, and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), among others who fight against abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and waste in disability and aging services.
These funding cuts will increase abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, while decreasing the ability of people with disabilities and the older adults to live in their community, be self-reliant, and return us to the days when people with disabilities and elderly people were seen as burdens rather than as beneficial to our society.
Unanimous SCOTUS Ruling Raises Schools’ Liability In Disability Cases
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, The Supreme Court made it easier for students with disabilities to sue to enforce their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws enacted to ensure that disabled children get appropriate schooling.
Read more about the decision ››
More News to Explore:
DD Waiver Waitlist Reminder
Are you or a loved one on the DD Waiver Waitlist? Did you know that you need to update your choice form at least annually to remain active on the Waitlist? Take Action Now!
Visit Waitlist Portal and update your choice form to remain on the Waiver Waitlist today (if you haven’t updated your form in the past year). If you do not update your choice form at least annually, you may be at risk of being removed from the waiting list.
NCIL 2025 is Coming!
The National Council on Independent Living Conference is coming! It will be at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. from Monday, July 21, 2025 to Thursday, July 24, 2025! NCIL is in the process of finalizing workshops.
Get a sneak peak at the workshop topics ››
Do You Know About SAT Accommodations?
If your child has a documented disability and plans to take the SAT, they may qualify for testing accommodations like extra time, breaks, or assistive technology. These supports help ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to college admissions tests. The process can take up to 7 weeks, so it’s important to start early.
PEATC’s new fact sheet breaks down who qualifies, how to apply, and what to do if accommodations are denied. Learn how to get started and set your child up for success!
Your Summer Disability Streaming and Events Guide!
It is almost summer and this is your disability summer watch guide!
June 12 - A new season of "About Antoine" is coming to Netflix! In the second season, "A young actor finds her place in her boyfriend's family when she discovers that he has a son with multiple physical and intellectual disabilities."
June 24 - Caregiving—a powerful new PBS documentary executive produced by Bradley Cooper is now available to watch on the PBS app! The two-hour documentary will premiere on PBS stations nationwide on Tuesday, June 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
July 2 - Join filmmakers Chloe Barnett and Samuel Habib at the DC Folklife Festival in a discussion about using film to elevate youth voices. They will be appearing on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 1 – 1:45 p.m. EDT at the Arts + Industries Building (South Hall) in Washington, D.C. This program will have ASL interpretation, assisted living devices and Captioning.
July 21 - The Ride Ahead will premiere on PBS in honor of Disability Awareness Month! This documentary follows 21-year-old Samuel Habib, a disabled young man determined to move out, start a career, and find love while seeking guidance from America’s most rebellious disability activists. It is co-directed by Samuel Habib and Dan Habib and produced by Dan Habib.
Open Captioned Screenings at University Mall Theatre
On June 6, 2025, University Mall Theatre near the Fairfax George Mason University campus announced a major change to their open caption screenings! They are changing to Open Captions all day Wednesdays! Why are they making this change? They are making this change to be more consistent - eliminate the confusion and to make it easy for people who want or need open captions. Just come on Wednesday, any time on Wednesday, everything will have open captions for every screening!
Cooling Assistance Program for Fairfax County Residents
Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration.
Applications for Cooling Assistance will be accepted from June 16 - August 15.
Having a Hard Time Paying Your Electricity Bill?
Do you need help to pay your energy bills? ECNV is one of many providers for the Energy Share program. This can help you when paying for heating, cooling and gas prices are high and thus difficult for you or your family to pay. This is a one-time credit directly to your Dominion and Washington Gas bill customers only. When you apply using the link below, include a copy of your bill as an attachment to the form and within 4-6 weeks your account will be credited for $ 500 (or split to Dominion and Washington Gas for $ 250.00).
Please be sure to let us know at the time of application which bill you need support with. This program is on a first come, first served basis and is available once per calendar year. You must have a person who is disabled and/or elderly living in the home and that person's name does NOT need to be on the bill.
Benefits Assistance: Apply Today ››
Research Opportunities:
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
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).
The National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD)
The National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is an important opportunity to share your experiences as a person with a disability, and it is one of few national surveys that account for individuals with communication-related disabilities. To take the survey, visit: NSHD Survey.
The NSHD website has more information on the survey.
Mental Health Study for Autistic Adults
Are you an autistic adult (18+) living in Virginia and experiencing anxiety or depression? Join a virtual research study led by the University of Virginia and UNC-Chapel Hill, in collaboration with AASET (Autistic Adults and other Stakeholders Engage Together).
This study compares two types of therapy to better understand what works best for autistic adults — and your voice matters.
What’s Involved:
Participate in virtual therapy at no cost
Weekly sessions for up to 18 weeks
Receive $150 total for completing three virtual assessments
Some may be invited for a short follow-up interview with $40 compensation
You’ll be randomly assigned to either Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Therapy, delivered by trained Virginia-based therapists. All sessions are virtual and scheduled at your convenience.
Learn more & check eligibility ››
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
June
Advocating to Protect Medicaid, (virtual), 6/18/25, 10:00am - 11:00am.
June Chat with an Attorney about Special Education, (virtual), 6/18/25.
Helping to Secure the Financial Future of Individuals (of all ages) with Disabilities, (virtual), 6/20/25, 10:00am.
Metro Travel Training, (in-person), 6/20/25, 10:00am - 3:00pm.
The ADA’s Effective Communication Requirements in Healthcare Settings, (virtual), 6/26/25, 7:00pm.
Tech for Independent Cooking Club, (in-person), 6/30/25, 10:00am - 1:00pm, Paid.
July
Virginia DMV Comes to The Arc of Northern Virginia, (in-person), 7/1/25, 9:30am - 2:45pm, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031
Explore our Newsletter Archive to access all of our current and past newsletters!
