ECNV's Be in the Know: May 2025
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
05/07/25: National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
05/15/25: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
All Month: ALS Awareness Month
All Month: Apraxia Awareness Month
All Month: Mobility Awareness Month
All Month: Older Americans Month
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Save the Date: June 12, 2025 is the next Bienvenidos Webinar!
Bienvenidos Todos will host webinar presentations about disability resources and services especially for Latinos with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and those who serve Latinos. Monthly webinars will cover disability topics especially as they pertain to Latinos and their different residency statuses.
These webinars will be held the second Thursday of the month from 1:00 – 2:00 pm in English only and from 7:00-8:30 pm in Spanish only. We will ask you for optional demographic information so we can report to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities as our funding source. Once registered, we will send you email updates as reminders for each webinar.
Register Today for Bienvenidos ››
ECNV's Adult Social Club Outing—Friday June 13th
Join ECNV for a fun and educational day out!
Date: Friday, June 13th
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Meeting Location: ECNV Office
1550 Crystal Dr. #810, Arlington, VA 22202
We will hop on the Blue Line (metro) to Pentagon City for lunch (please bring money to purchase lunch)!
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
Experience taking Metrobus (possibly the 16A or 10M) back to ECNV
Service dogs are welcome! Please bring your own SmarTrip card.
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:
Changes Coming to Fairfax Connector
Service changes were made to Fairfax Connector select routes on May 17. 2025.
Key adjustments:
New Route 670 - cross-county service from Chantilly to Franconia-Springfield
New Route 652 - enhanced bus coverage to the Franklin Farms area
Route 599 is being discontinued. Passengers traveling to the Pentagon and Crystal City can use
Route 598, which serves both Reston South and Reston North Park and Ride lots.
Fairfax Connector May 2025 Changes ››
Metrobus is changing — Every Route — Starting June 29!
We’re inviting community-based organizations, businesses, schools, places of worship, and public agencies to join the Better Bus Partner program and help spread the word.
As a Better Bus Partner, you’ll display printed route info at your location and become a go-to resource for your community. We’ll deliver everything you need — maps, flyers, signs, QR codes, even acrylic brochure holders and a swag bag!
Want to learn more before you sign up?
Join one of our upcoming virtual info sessions:
-Friday, May 16 at 9AM
-Thursday, May 29 at NOON
Register now to be a Better Bus Partner ››
Questions? Visit Better Bus Partner webpage or email us at BetterBus@wmata.com.
Thanks for being a trusted community voice - with your help, we can keep everyone informed and on board for a smoother ride.
Legislative Updates:
Protect Medicaid
The House Energy & Commerce Committee has put forth a budget reconciliation proposal that will have dire consequences for people with disabilities and lead to reductions in benefits and services for those who rely on Medicaid for home- and community-based services (HCBS), employment supports, and more.
This proposal cuts $715 billion from the healthcare system by imposing barriers such as mandatory work requirements for Medicaid recipients aged 18-64 and eligibility redeterminations every six months for Medicaid Expansion enrollees.
Your Representatives and Senators need to hear from YOU about how these proposed cuts to Medicaid will impact people with disabilities. At least 13.7 million Americans would get cut off their health care coverage.
Take Action Today, Make Your Voice Heard ››
Visit the Arc of VA Action Center ››
Persons with Disabilities Protest Cuts to Medicaid
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, disability rights protesters in wheelchairs clashed with Republican lawmakers as they sought to discuss and debate their sprawling legislation on Medicaid, which led to police dragging advocates out.
RAW Story Article ››
AAPD Facebook Page ››
More News to Explore:
Fairfax County Health Department Offers Free Workshops & Screenings During Speech & Hearing Month
To help people learn about hearing, voice, speech, or language development, staff from the Fairfax County Health Department’s Speech and Hearing program will offer free, 30-minute information sessions at several county libraries throughout May. These sessions are for parents who want to know more about how speech and hearing develop. Local experts will talk about signs to watch for, tips to help children at home, and early intervention options. Parents can ask questions and meet other parents.
After the information sessions, speech therapists will come back to the libraries to offer free speech screening tests for children ages 3 to 7 years. You need to make an appointment for the free screenings.
Review the Workshop Locations and Times ››
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Seeking Deaf Mentor Coordinator
VDDHH is seeking a Deaf Mentor Coordinator to organize sessions between the Deaf Mentors and the families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children age birth to 8 years old. The Coordinator will recruit, train, motivate, direct, monitor, and evaluate Deaf Mentor's performance. The Coordinator will follow up on families to assess the quality of family sessions, collecting data and reporting outcomes, establishing partnerships, effectively communicating with various stakeholders, and delivering presentations about the Deaf mentor program. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively in American Sign Language with deaf and deafblind clients, staff, and other stakeholders. Must be willing to travel throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
Must live and work near Richmond, VA
Salary is commensurate with experience
Application deadline: May 30, 2025
National Council on Disability Offers Undergraduate Summer Intern Opportunity
NCD is in search of an undergraduate summer intern who is interested in working alongside our small but mighty administration, finance, and operations team of three, full-time employees as we embark on a two-year, biennial financial audit of our agency in Washington, D.C. starting in May 2025.
The intern would assist in the audit preparations and other related administration and finance tasks as assigned. The supervisor of the intern has an accounting degree and decades of experience in the field.
Call for Nominations - 3rd Annual DSPY Awards
The NOVA Coalition DSPY Awards Committee is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 3rd Annual Direct Support Professional of the Year (DSPY) Awards!
These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of DSPs across Northern Virginia who go above and beyond in supporting individuals with disabilities to lead meaningful, inclusive lives. We invite you to nominate one or more exceptional DSPs from your organization for recognition in the following categories:
Above & Beyond – for extraordinary dedication beyond daily responsibilities
Advocacy – for championing the rights and choices of those they support
Community Engagement – for connecting individuals with their broader communities
Compassion – for demonstrating consistent empathy, care, and kindness
Leadership – for serving as a role model and guiding others with integrity
Marathon – for years of steadfast commitment and service longevity
Positivity – for bringing enthusiasm, optimism, and encouragement to their work
DSP Manager – for leaders who support and empower DSP teams
Team Player – for fostering collaboration and unity within teams
Nominations are due by Thursday, May 30.
Please take a moment to recognize the incredible DSPs in your organization who embody these values.
Thank you for helping us honor the heart of our workforce—the dedicated Direct Support Professionals who make a difference every day.
Map Your Future!
Are you or someone you know in school and starting to think about career options? Be sure to consider DARS' Map Your Future event in 2025, designed to help students plan for a successful future and explore their career paths. This program is for students in high school who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind.
Registration deadline is June 2, 2025. Contact Traci Branch for questions.
Map Your Future Register today! ››
Introduction to Special Education at GMU
In Summer 2025, Porto Charities will sponsor the tuition for 25 diocesan employees to enroll in EDSE 501: Introduction to Special Education at GMU. This three credit graduate level course provides an overview of the foundations, laws, and types of disabilities recognized by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and will be delivered in a fully asynchronous online format.
This is FREE to Clergy, Educators, Employees and Volunteers in the Diocese of Arlington serving people with disabilities. This Special Education course runs from 5/21 - 8/18 and the last day to register is 6/23. Submission of documents and registration is done directly through GMU so start the registration process now to guarantee you can join the course on time!
GMU Apply ››
Become a Tech Mentor!
Do you use technology in your daily life? Become a Tech Mentor at The Arc of Virginia. You must be at least 18 years old, have a developmental disability, regularly use technology and be supportive of others.
Tech Mentor: Apply Today ››
Having a Hard Time Paying Your Heating 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.
The Autism Center for Education (ACE) Statewide Assessment
VCU-RRTC Autism Center for Education (ACE) is conducting a brief Statewide Needs Assessment of people who live or work in Virginia AND educate or support autistic individuals.
The purpose of the survey is to learn more about your learning and informational needs, such as specific topics you are interested in and the ways you prefer to get information about autism. The information gathered will help us design training and technical assistance for Virginians who educate and support autistic individuals.
Balance Lab Research Study
Gallaudet University's Vestibular and Balance Lab are seeking Deaf senior citizen volunteers for the research study.
Eligibility
50 years and older
Deaf
Fluent in ASL
Independently walk 20 feet
Do what?
Complete 7 surveys ($50)
After the surveys, participate in in-person balance testing ($+120)
See Gallaudet University's Vestibular & Balance Lab for more information and participation. If you are interested, please contact balancelab@gallaudet.edu.
See the Gallaudet University's Vestibular & Balance Lab Research Study for more information.
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
May
The Arc of Loudoun Disability Resource Fair, (in-person), 5/21/25, 10:00am - 2:00pm, Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center.
Sensory-Friendly Family Evening at Mount Vernon, (in-person), 5/27/25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
May Chat with an Attorney about Special Education, (virtual), 5/28/25.
June
Tech for Independent Living Lunch Brunch, (in-person), 6/9/25, 11:00am.
Empowered Budgeting: Practical Strategies for Financial Independence, (virtual), 6/9/25, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
Quarterly Bus Travel Training, (in-person), 6/11/25, 11:00am - 1:00pm.
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.
Tech for Independent Cooking Club, (in-person), 6/30/25, 10:00am - 1:00pm, Paid.
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