ECNV's Be in the Know: May 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
05/21/26:Global Accessibility Awareness Day
All Month:Older Americans Month
All Month: Mental Health Awareness Month
All Month: National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
All Month: Deaf History Month
All Month: Mobility Awareness Month
Transportation News:
WMATA Website Upgraded
WMATA is updating their website this month! They've updated the website based on customer feedback to simplify trip planning and improve customer experience. The new website went live on Sunday, May 17th! In addition, the Metro Pulse app is also getting an upgrade. The new app will be available on May 31 on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
First Look: Airplane Lavatory with Adult Changing Table
The "Metamorphic Lavatory" concept, which was revealed at 2026 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), is large enough to fit a full-sized power wheelchair and features an adult changing table. It was designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs). It was created by Japanese aircraft interior supplier Jamco Corporation, which is known for supplying lavatories for the Boeing 787 aircraft type.
goDCgo
goDCgo is an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that encourages the use of sustainable transportation. We provide complimentary transit resources and partner with DC organizations to provide education and assistance to commuters and visitors so they can make more informed choices about their daily travel. Our goal serves to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create a better quality of life in the DC area.
Crystal City Project Continues
The remainder of the Crystal City Project runs from May 9 to June 21. Check out the upcoming weekends of construction in May and the impacted stations. Free shuttle buses replace trains between DCA Airport and Pentagon City.
The following stations will be closed during construction:
Crystal City - May 30 - 31.
Affected Lines: Yellow and Blue
Closed Stations: Crystal City
County Leaders Vote to Trim Fairfax Connector Bus Service
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the elimination of two Fairfax Connector bus routes and reduced schedules on more than a dozen others to trim $7.3 million in budget costs.
What does this mean?
Starting June 27 before the July 1 start of the new budget, which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, two routes will be discontinued due to low levels of ridership: Route 552 (Innovation Center-Wiehle-Reston East) and Route 622 (Penderbrook-Monument Drive). Additionally, over 10 routes will have stop alterations.
Read the May 5 Board-Package-Revised ››
Legislative Updates:
Virginia Becomes First Southern State to Mandate Paid Family and Medical Leave for Workers
On Monday, May 11, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed landmark legislation creating a paid family and medical leave program to support more than three million workers across the Commonwealth. Virginia is the first state in the South with statewide paid family and medical leave.
Justice In Aging Publishes Factsheet about H.R. 1
In early April, Justice in Aging published a factsheet about H.R.1, titled: H.R. 1 Reduces Medicaid Retroactive Eligibility Starting in 2027.
Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Act
On April 16, 2026, Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) was reintroduced in Congress. This bipartisan bill updates the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) to ensure people with disabilities can fully access today’s communication and video technologies.
Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act (Absentee MVP Act)
On April 24, 2026 - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined over 30 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act (Absentee MVP Act). The bill would defend the right to vote by mail, uphold the integrity of our elections, and block President Trump’s illegal, unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.
The SSI Savings and Efficiency Act of 2026
Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced new legislation to change a longstanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rule that can reduce benefits for seniors and people with disabilities simply because they receive basic help like food or housing from family, friends, or caregivers.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act and the Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell introduced the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act and the Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act, two separate pieces of legislation to strengthen home care access and the caregiving workforce.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act will provide much-needed investment in our care workforce, making it easier for those who need care to get it, and supporting the caregivers doing this crucial work.
The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act will make much needed investments in our care infrastructure and workforce, including family caregivers, to ensure they have the support they need, are paid a living wage, and are able to continue doing their critical jobs.
The Supreme Court Weakens Voting Rights Act
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a 6-3 decision the Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district, ruling it an unconstitutional gerrymander.
The ruling has significant implications for future applications of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which activists have long used to push for new electoral lines that protect the voting power of historically disenfranchised voting groups, including African-American voters and persons with disabilities.
Caregiver Access to Resources and Emotional Support (CARES) Hotline Act (H.R. 8620)
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Congressman Rob Menendez introduced the Caregiver Access to Resources and Emotional Support (CARES) Hotline Act, legislation establishing the first-ever national 24/7 hotline dedicated to supporting caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The CARES Hotline Act would:
Create a nationwide, toll-free, 24/7 hotline staffed by trained professionals who can provide emotional support, brief intervention, and mental health referrals.
Offer peer-to-peer counseling so caregivers can connect with others who understand their experiences.
Establish and maintain a national database of caregiver resources, ensuring timely access to relevant information and support services across all states and territories.
Advocacy:
Startup HomePlate Delivers Medically Tailored Meals to Fairfax County Seniors
HomePlate is a startup founded by George Mason University student Zachary Suh, that delivers fresh, dietitian-approved weekly meal boxes from licensed senior center kitchens straight to your loved one's door. The service focuses on low-sodium and heart-healthy options to support elderly residents with chronic health conditions.
For more information about how to join ››
Use Your SNAP Benefits at Your Local Farmer’s Market
It's farmer’s market season! Did you know you can use SNAP benefits at some markets and get up to $40 of additional fruits and vegetables each time you visit? You can use SNAP at the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon, Wakefield, Annandale, Reston, and Lorton farmers markets.
Learn more about using SNAP at farmers markets ››
Accessibility at Fairfax County Public Library!
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 June 4, 2026 and they will be discussing Munich by Robert Harris.
For more information about how to join ››
Fairfax County Public Library now offers JAWS and ZoomText on public computers, along with other tools for people with low vision or print disabilities.
Access Services also has loanable equipment, including:
Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifiers
Ruby 7 handheld magnifiers
Perkins Braillers braille typewriters
Braille Awareness Kits
In-branch only devices include:
myReader2 desktop magnifier
SARA Scanning and Reading App
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.
DC Public Library also has a Braille Class and a Club! The Braille Class, which is for beginners, meets regularly on Saturdays from 10:00am - 12:00pm, and Braille Club meets on Fridays from 4:00pm - 5:30pm.
NBC News Wants to Hear Your Medicaid Story
Across the country, millions of disabled Americans and their families rely on Medicaid to pay for in-home care that allows them to live in their communities rather than in nursing homes.
But these programs — known as home- and community-based services (or HCBS) — are under growing pressure from looming federal cuts, shrinking state budgets and heated political debates. In some states, lawmakers are considering proposals that would reduce services, increase waitlists or limit support.
NBC News is reporting on how these changes are affecting people across the country and want to hear from people directly affected — including family caregivers, people receiving care and service providers.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This year's theme — More Good Days, Together— encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all.
Disability and Mental Health
Connecting with others supports mental health and this is especially important for persons with disabilities. There are many support groups out there, but where can you find them? ECNV can help!
We also invite the disability community to let us know if there is a support group out there that is not listed at the link below, to please let us know about it and it can be added to this resource!
Learn More ››
The ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule, Delayed Implementation
The U.S. Department of Justice announced new compliance deadlines for the ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule. This federal regulation requires state and local government entities to ensure that their websites and mobile apps are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The compliance date for State and local government entities with a total population of 50,000 or more is extended from April 24, 2026, to April 26, 2027.
The compliance date for public entities with a total population of less than 50,000, or any special district government, is extended from April 26, 2027, to April 26, 2028.
Submit your public comment by June 22, 2026: bit.ly/doj-ada-web.
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 ››
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
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.
Apps to Help People with Disabilities Travel
Warmer weather means more traveling opportunities and vacation! For a person with a disability, sometimes this can be a challenge. Here are some apps to help make traveling more accessible, safe and fun!
Wheel the World - Book hotels and find experiences with all the accessibility details you need.
Roll Mobility - A community-driven accessibility tool designed to make life easier for people who have mobility issues.
Be My Eyes - Gives people who are blind or have low vision virtual access to sighted volunteers over a video call. The volunteers give real-time descriptions of what they see through the phone's camera.
AccessibleGo.com - Similar to Wheel the World, your one stop shop for all your disability travel needs.
Voice Vista - Available on Apple Store, the app leverages advanced iOS audio technology and precise location service to empower individuals in developing a heightened sense of their environment.
BlindSquare - The world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app developed for the blind, deafblind and partially sighted. Paired with third-party navigation apps, BlindSquare’s self-voicing app delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel both outside and inside. Open the doors to enhanced independence with BlindSquare. Available in the Apple Store.
Rollin - Scores restaurants for real wheelchair accessibility — so you know what to expect before you get there. Over 105,000 places checked across 15 states, verified by people who actually use wheelchairs. Available on iPhone.
Fairfax County Senior Cool Care Program
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.
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
Ticket to Work: Support on Your Employment Journey
How can work fit into your future? Join the FREE @ChooseWork webinar to discover new opportunities and connect with resources designed to help you succeed. Take the step toward meaningful employment and tune in to the WISE on May 27 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. ET.
Supportive Decision-Making
Learn how Supported Decision-Making empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own choices with the support they need, while maintaining independence and control over their lives.
When: 5/19/26 2:00-3:30pm
Public Comments:
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
Save the Date: Jake's Ice Cream Fundraiser
In case you missed the last one, don't worry Jake's Ice Cream is doing another fundraiser for RAMP.
Join ECNV’s Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) for a fun and delicious fundraiser at Jake’s Ice Cream!
When: May 26, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: 6353 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA
Treat yourself to some ice cream while supporting a great cause—10% of all sales during the event will be donated to RAMP!
Bring your friends, family, and appetite, and help us make a difference one scoop at a time. We hope to see you there!
Join Us for a Metro Adventure & Travel Training Experience!
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Meeting Location: Dunn Loring Metro
Meet us at Dunn Loring Metro to learn all about the Metro system and our travel training program. This interactive outing will include:
A guided Metro station tour
Introduction to all Metro lines
Overview of safety features
A look at who works at Metro
Demonstration on how to use a SmarTrip card
Afterward, we’ll hop on the Orange Line to Clarendon! We’ll join the Endependents Social Group at:
Circa Restaurant (3010 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Virginia 22201). We’re happy to assist with finding menu options for any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Additional Information:
Service dogs are welcome
Please bring your own SmarTrip card
Bring money for dinner
At the end of the event, participants may ride Metro home or arrange pickup directly from the restaurant
RSVP Deadline is May 27th!
The Next Endependents Social Group Event!
ECNV’s Social Group returns May 29, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and they will be going to Circa Restaurant, 3010 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
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:
Black Disability Study
The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, in collaboration with New Mexico State University, is conducting a research study to better understand the experiences, challenges, and benefits of self-advocacy among African--American individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Self-identify as Black
Have a documented disability
Be 18 years or older
Be English-speaking
Live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV)
Participants can receive compensation for each phase completed in the study. This important research aims to amplify lived experiences and support greater understanding and advocacy within the disability community.
For more information or questions, please contact the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center: ADAtraining@transcen.org (800) 949-4232
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
May
Medicare Basics: Coverage Options and Support for Dual Eligibles, (virtual), 5/19/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
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.
Being an Immigrant and Disabled in the US, (virtual), 5/20/26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm EST.
Medicaid Success Stories, (in-person), 5/22/26, Arc of Northern Virginia Offices.
Social Security Success Session, (in-person), 5/22/26, Arc of Northern Virginia Offices.
Autism ECHO Session: Support Services- Financial, SSI, Respite Care, (virtual), 5/27/26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
Two Households, One Future: Financial Planning Through Divorce with Disabilities in Mind, (virtual), 5/29/26, 10:00am - 11:00am.
June
Independent Living and Housing Considerations when Transition Planning, (virtual), 6/10/26, 2:00pm - 2:45pm.
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.
Check out ECNV's updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
