ECNV's Be in the Know: June 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
All Month: Pride Month
All Month: PTSD Awareness Month
All Month: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Transportation News:
The Crystal City Second Entrance Station Closures Are Over
Good news! Metro announced on their Facebook page that Station closures in support of the Crystal City Project are now OVER. The work was completed two weeks ahead of schedule!
The second entrance will open in 2027!
Summer 2026 Red Line Major Construction
From July 6-Sept. 6, 2026, Metro will complete major construction on the Red Line. During this period, trains will not operate between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights. Free shuttle buses will replace trains at the following stations: Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda.
During this period, Red Line trains will operate every six minutes during the daytime and every ten minutes during late night service in two segments:
Between Shady Grove and North Bethesda
Between Friendship Heights and Glenmont
Join Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee
Applications are now open to join Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. They are looking for advocates from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Share your voice on policies and programs that impact our customers with disabilities.
Apply by June 30!
Metro Launches “Fares Pay for Service” Campaign to Support Safe, Frequent, Reliable Transit Service Across the Region
Metro’s “Fares Pay for Service” campaign is now in effect, a system-wide initiative focused on improving fare compliance and protecting funding for the transportation service customers depend on every day.
As part of the campaign, Metro is highlighting payment through Tap. Ride. Go., which allows customers to pay fares more quickly and conveniently with a credit or debit card. Reduced fares opens in a new tab also remain available for SNAP-eligible customers, seniors, students, and customers with disabilities.
Metro Celebrates 50 Years!
Metro celebrated 50 years of service on March 27, 2026! As part of the celebration, WMATA debuted a new website, metro50th.com, where consumers can read through the history of metro rail. In addition, limited edition SmarTrip cards will become available soon for customers!
Visit the Access the Revolution Exhibit at the Smithsonian
“Access the Revolution” is a special immersive mural on the lower level of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, in collaboration with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Metro Rail in Washington, D.C. and help visitors discover the region’s attractions during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. With this mural, which includes Metro’s “waffled” vaulted ceilings, visitors can explore a Metro system map of the many local museums, parks and historic sites linked to 1776 and the American Revolution to plan a revolutionary adventure after their visit to the museum.
Metro is Cracking Down on Fare Evasion
Metro is stepping up fare enforcement on Metrobus, changing the experience for riders as the transit agency launches a broad push to catch fare evaders. What does this mean? Riders can expect to see uniformed Metro Transit Police officers and other Metro employees on and around buses. The goal is to recover millions in lost revenue and get riders back to paying, while the union argues the approach could increase risks for workers. Learn More ››
Ready, Set, Drive (ASL Edition)
Ready, Set, Drive is an ASL Driver’s Prep Program. This virtual program is designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals (ages 15+) who use American Sign Language (ASL) and want to build confidence before test day. There is NO AGE LIMIT!
What is included:
Instruction is fully in ASL
Road signs, traffic laws & test vocabulary
Practice questions with explanations
Test-taking strategies that work
Choose Your Path:
First-Time Test Takers
July 7–30 | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Retake Prep Boot Camp
July 13–17 | Monday–Friday
If you have any questions about this program, contact Rachel Lanham (rachel.torrence@k12.wv.us) or call 304-822-4810.
Legislative Updates:
Important Update on Medicaid Work Requirements
On June 1st, 2026, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shared their intent to publish an Interim Final Rule (IFR).
There will be a comment period following the formal publication of the IFR on June 3. The comment period is currently scheduled to close on July 31, 2026.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Reverses Guidance on Emotional Support Animals
The Fair Housing Act has protected disabled people from housing discrimination since 1988. For nearly two decades, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made clear through official guidance that emotional support animals (ESAs) — animals that provide comfort and therapeutic benefit to disabled people with mental health, neurological, and other disabilities — were protected under that law. Landlords were generally required to allow ESAs, without pet fees or other penalties.
On May 22, 2026, that protection was swept away in a single internal memo.
Learn more about these changes ››
Virginia Makes SSDI Protection for Medicaid Waivers Permanent
Virginia has made a key Medicaid rule permanent to help people with developmental disabilities keep their services, even if their income goes up because they receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Under House Bill 37 (HB37), the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will no longer count SSDI income when deciding if someone qualifies for Medicaid developmental disability waivers. This rule was first put in place in 2024 and was set to end on July 1, 2026, but HB37 removes the expiration date so the protection now continues indefinitely.
This change is important for people who rely on waiver services for long‑term supports that help them live in the community. In the past, some individuals lost eligibility when their income increased, such as when they moved from SSI to SSDI after a parent’s death, retirement, or based on their own work history. DMAS will now update its systems and work to apply the rule the same way across Virginia.
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule helps ensure that people who receive Medicaid waiver services have the same rights, choices, and opportunities as anyone else in their community. The rule requires services to support independence, privacy, dignity, and full participation in community life. This includes choices about where and with whom a person lives, control over daily schedules, access to food and visitors, privacy in their home, and involvement in person-centered planning. The goal is to make sure people receiving services can live, work, and participate in their communities in ways that reflect their own preferences and goals. Learn more through the Virginia DMAS HCBS Toolkitthat has easy-to-understand information, videos, and guidance about HCBS requirements and protection.
Advocacy:
Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
People with disabilities deserve the chance to live, learn, and participate fully in their communities, no matter how much support they need. Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make that possible.
Contact your members of Congress and tell them to protect HCBS for the millions of people who depend on these critical services.
More News to Explore:
August 4, 2026 Dual Primary Election
The Virginia Department of Elections has requested a Primary Election for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the Democratic and Republican Parties for the offices of United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and local offices.
Early in-person voting begins 6/19/2026 through 8/1/2026. Contact your local voter registration office as the first day of early in-person voting may be affected by the state holiday on June 19th.
This election is for the August 4, 2026 Dual Primary Election.
Find Your Voting Location:
Alexandria ›› (Voting location have not been updated yet)
Accessible Voting Resources.
Voting should be accessible to everyone. If you are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind, there are resources available to help you understand your voting rights and get the support you need to vote.
Learn more and share these resources with your networks:
dLCV Voting Rights Resources ››
Virginia Accessible Voting Information ››
Voting Rights & Accessibility in the Deaf Community ››
A Voter Accessibility Town Hall
The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired will be hosting a “A Voter Accessibility Town Hall” on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm via Zoom. Join to learn about accessible voting for Virginians who are deaf, hard of hearing, vision impaired, or deafblind. Friendly experts from state agencies and the disAbility Law Center of Virginia will share helpful info about:
How to register to vote
What accommodations are available
How Virginia is working to make voting more accessible for everyone.
You will also get the chance to share your own experiences and ideas to help make the process better.
Loudoun County Publishes Apartment Guide
Loudoun County has published the 2026 Loudoun County Apartment Guide and a companion online map. The guide includes information about both market-rate and affordable rental options in Loudoun County and is provided in both English and Spanish.
Online Trainings for Persons with Disabilities
Able South Carolina is offering free monthly trainings for people with disabilities. Each month, the training will cover a different topic. The online trainings will be on the 4th Wednesday of the month, 10am EST.
FCPS Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program ensures every student has the nutrition needed to stay engaged and return to the classroom ready to succeed. Starting Monday, June 22, any student can visit an eligible site to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. These summer meals meet the same high nutritional standards as those served during the school year. Meals include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and low-fat or fat-free milk, as well as plant-based options.
There is no sign-up or registration required. Simply arrive at a participating location during the following times:
Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.
Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m.
While students must eat their meals on-site, safety remains a priority during extreme weather. In the event of excessive heat or air quality alerts, parents may pick up meals to take home. Additional meal sites will be added throughout the summer. For the most current list of locations, dates, and the full menu, please visit the Food and Nutrition Services website. For questions, assistance is available at 703-813-4800 or via email at summermeals@fcps.edu.
Benefit Programs That Can Help You Pay for Food
Having trouble affording food? Rising food prices mean more people than ever are feeling the pinch in their grocery budget. Even small savings from grocery store coupons can make a difference.
The AARP Foundation is sharing six food assistance programs you may not know about, plus letting you know how to find them where you live.
Beat the Heat!
People with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer injury or death during extreme heat events. The trigger goes beyond mere comfort; conditions like spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and mental health disorders fundamentally impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or sweat, leading to rapid, life-threatening complications.
The Virginia Department of Health created a map to help community members find a Cooling Center. These are places where you can go to stay cool on hot days. Most locations are not shelters. If you need housing or healthcare assistance, contact Virginia 211.
Find a Cooling Center Near You ››
Stay Cool Care this Summer!
Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?
The Senior Cool Care Program is a program that helps low-income older citizens in Fairfax County keep cool during summer months. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home by providing air conditioning units, window air conditioning units or fans for eligible older adults, age 60 and older. The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2026. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711.
In addition, the Fairfax County Cooling Assistance program helps households stay safe and cool during the summer. To qualify, at least one person in the home must be age 60 or older, age 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid, or a 100% Veterans Administration rating. Applications are accepted from June 15 to August 15. The program may help pay electric bills or security deposits for cooling, repair a central AC or heat pump, or provide a whole‑house fan or one window/portable air conditioning unit when no other working cooling equipment is in the home. Apply and stay cool this summer.
Fairfax County Health Department Launches Climate Health Webpage
From extreme heat to flooding, climate hazards affect everyone in the Fairfax Health District. The Fairfax County Health Department published a new Climate Health webpage that provides information on these hazards, how they can impact your health, and the steps you can take to stay safe.
Fairfax County Public Schools Adapted Recreation Guide
Summer is almost here, and it’s a great time to plan fun activities filled with movement and new experiences. Physical activities support children’s health, and it’s most meaningful when they help choose activities they enjoy. This Adapted Recreation Guidemakes it easy to explore fun and inclusive options tailored for your child’s needs and interests.
What’s inside the Guide?
Sports and Fitness: Baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, martial arts, and other programs
Outdoor and Unique Activities: Adapted aquatics, horseback riding, biking, and golf
Creative Play: Dance, theater, art, yoga, and sensory-friendly indoor activities
Community Outings: Accessible museums, playgrounds, and sensory-friendly movies
Family Resources: Summer camps, respite care, military family support, and local recreation programs in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties
Virginia Senior Farm Market Fresh Program
Adults aged 60 and older who fall under 150% of the federal poverty line can apply for the Virginia Senior Farm Market Fresh Program administered by Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. An individual is eligible for a one-time annual benefit of $50 they can use at local farm markets. The link below shows the local farmers market who participate in this program.
150% of the federal poverty line is:
One person: $23,475 annual income or $1957/month
Two people: $31,725 annual income or $2644/month
FRESH FARM administers the Fairfax County — which INCLUDES FairfaxCity. Info: va-senior@freshfarm.org, 855-827-3667.
Find participating farmers markets ››
DBHDS Caregiver Dental Access Survey
Oral health affects everything from sleep to nutrition. Yet, millions of people with developmental disabilities still struggle to get the dental care they need. The Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Office of Integrated Health (OIH) needs your feedback to shape future quality improvement programs.
Please take a few minutes to share your experiences and help break down barriers to care.
JAN Introduces Mental Health Hub
The Office of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network launched a new Mental Health Hub in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. This centralized resource helps employers and workers explore effective workplace accommodation solutions for mental health needs.
Aligned with ODEP's commitment to promoting mental health-friendly workplaces, the hub offers practical guidance, accommodation insights, Americans with Disabilities Act-related information, and tools that support productivity, retention, and workplace success.
Explore the Mental Health Hub ››
The Arc of the United States Launches The Arc@School
The Arc of the United States has launched a new web app, The Arc@School. The Arc@School is a free AI Advisor to help you find expert-vetted answers to your special education questions.
Got questions about IEPs, accommodations, or disability rights in schools? This tool is for you.
Deaf Seniors Stay Connected Program
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 ››
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month!
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! ASAN (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network) recently published their “Proud and Supported series” that includes Easy Read and Plain Language tool kits on topics that affect LGBTQ+ autistics. Learn more ››
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has also posted mental health resources for LGBTQ+ community:
In addition, we would like to share communities of interest.
Great Lakes ADA Center shared a list of resources supporting LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities. All of these resources can be accessed via their link tree.
The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham has an excellent resource page on sexual health education.
National Association of the Deaf Sues President Trump Over Accessibility White House Briefings
Deaf people deserve equal access to information from the federal government. For four years, the White House provided ASL interpreters for press briefings. That access stopped in January 2025, leaving Deaf Americans without equal access to important public information.
On June 2, 2026, the ACLU filed an amicus brief supporting Derrick Ford and the National Association of the Deaf in their case to restore ASL interpretation at White House press briefings.
The brief explains that courts can and should enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the federal law that prohibits disability discrimination by the federal government. The White House argues otherwise — claiming that the court should not require it to follow this law in this case.
This case is about more than White House briefings. It is about communication access, disability rights, and making sure the federal government follows the law.
Become a Disability Mentoring Day Coordinator
Join the movement to bring transformative experiences and mentorship to disabled young people and students by becoming a 2026 Disability Mentoring Day Coordinator!
As a Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) Coordinator, you'll create opportunities for disabled students and young professionals in your community to discover potential career paths and receive the encouragement and mentorship they deserve. By hosting a DMD event in your community, you'll help young disabled people build vital, lasting connections with their mentors.
If you want to launch an event in your community, AAPD will provide resources and support to make it successful. Ready to facilitate powerful disability mentorship? Start by joining one of two orientation calls this summer, either on July 16 or August 20, 4-5 PM ET.
Register at this link, or email dmd@aapd.com to learn more: https://forms.gle/kKorYyaDZgJfrzMc9
Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) 2026 will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Save the Date for AccessAbility Fairfax
Attend Fairfax County’s AccessAbility Fairfax on Thursday, July 30! Designed for people with disabilities and their families, this free event is designed to connect you directly with county agencies and partners, get personalized assistance, and discover valuable programs designed to support you and your loved ones. Learn about reduced-cost transportation programs, financial assistance options, housing assistance, mental health services, and emergency resources. There will even be a limited quantity of $50 transportation gift cards for qualifying attendees!
Learn more and pre-register now.
Saves the Dates for the 2026 NCIL Conference!
The 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living is scheduled for July 20-23, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC. This year's theme is. "Protest. Persist. Prosper."
This year's speakers will be:
Opening Plenary: Mia Ives-Rublee
Luncheon Keynote: Kelly Buckland
Closing Plenary: Dr. Victor Pineda
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
Join Us for a Metro Adventure & Travel Training Experience!
Join ECNV Metro Club, learn from experienced trainees who are experts in the metro system or acquire new skills. Everyone is welcome!
Stay tuned for updates on the next event.
The Next Endependents Social Group Event!
ECNV’s Social Group returns July 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. TBD on location.
Come join us to chat about anything you'd like including current events, what's happening with you, exciting plans and anything else you'd like to chat about in a fun and safe environment over a delicious meal.
Endependents Social Group Sign Up ››
Please request reasonable accommodation to participate in the ECNV Social Group at least five days before the scheduled event, if possible.
Research Opportunities:
Breast Health and Disability-Inclusive Care
Women with disabilities are often excluded from health research. The Center on Disability and CAMI Health, both programs of the Public Health Institute, are recruiting participants for a short survey on breast cancer screening experiences and communication with providers. The survey is 10 minutes long.
Requirements:
Open to women with disabilities and chronic health conditions
Ages 18–74
Help improve breast health care by sharing your experiences. The survey closes on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The Speech Accessibility Project
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced the Speech Accessibility Project, a new research initiative to make voice recognition technology more useful for people with a range of diverse speech patterns and disabilities.
This study helps improve technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. You can earn up to $180 for participating!
To qualify, you must:
Be an adult of all ages
Have speech that is not accurately recognized by phones, tablets, or computers
Have internet access with a computer or tablet
Take the eligibility survey ››
Learn More Speech Accessibility Project ››
Once you register, you will be emailed a zoom meeting to get started.
If you have any questions, email: speech.accessibility@gallaudet.edu
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
June
Summer Cooking Class ’26, (in-person), 6/22/26, 11:00am - 2:00pm. Paid.
Medicaid Waivers in Virginia, (virtual), 6/24/26, 2:00pm - 2:45pm.
Autism ECHO Session: Behavioral Approaches, (virtual), 6/24/26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
Two Households, One Future: Financial Planning Through Divorce with Disabilities in Mind, (virtual), 6/25/26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
Check out ECNV's updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
Explore our Newsletter Archive to access all of our current and past newsletters!
