ECNV's Be in the Know: September 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
All Month: National Guide Dog Month
All Month: Deaf Awareness Month
Day: International Day of Sign Languages, 9/23/26
Day: International Day for Universal Access to Information, 9/28/26
Transportation News:
Fairfax Connector Seeks Public Input on Proposed Service Changes in the Franconia-Springfield Area
FCDOT is seeking public input on proposed Fairfax Connector service changes in the Franconia-Springfield area planned for April 2027.
The proposal includes adjustments to several routes, a new limited-stop Route 400 connecting Tysons and Franconia-Springfield, and the elimination of four low-ridership routes. The survey closes on September 30th.
Want to learn more first? Join one of their virtual community information sessions Sept. 23 at noon or 7 p.m. to hear about the proposed changes and ask questions.
Fairfax Connector Introduces Trip 100
On Thursday, August 27, 2026, Fairfax Connector introduced Trip 100!
Eligible Fairfax County residents can now receive a 100% fare discount on Fairfax Connector bus service through the new TRIP100 program. You may qualify based on age and income, participation in MetroAccess, receipt of SSI or SSDI, or assistance through another Fairfax County agency or organization.
Check your eligibility and learn more ››
Pathways to the Community: Travel Training
Join The Arc of Loudoun and The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) for a hands-on travel training experience!
Individuals with disabilities and their support person are invited to join on a Metro rail trip. We will meet inside Barnes & Noble at One Loudoun, take the 332 bus departing at 10:33 a.m. to Ashburn Metro Station, and then ride the Metro to Tysons Corner. While at Tysons Corner, we will have lunch before heading back to One Loudoun. We will return at approximately 2:31 p.m. via the same bus.
This is a great opportunity to learn and practice essential public transportation skills in a supportive group setting while building confidence and independence in the community.
When: September 30, 2026, 10:00am - 2:30pm.
Legislative Updates:
Governor Spanberger Signs Executive Active to Mitigate Harm from HR.1
On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Governor Spanberger signed an Executive Order 20, "Keep Virginia Covered," to help mitigate the harmful cuts to Medicaid and SNAP from HR.1, by prioritizing coverage continuity and community engagement. This Executive Order ensures eligible Virginians remain enrolled, reduces administrative barriers, and promotes economic mobility.
Advocacy:
DOJ Files a New Joint Motion for Act Texas v. Kennedy
On Monday, August 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) asked the court to remove references to community integration from the 2024 HHS Section 504 regulations.
While the motion would not change the ADA or Rehabilitation Act, it signals the federal government’s intent to step back from enforcing the integration mandate, which protects the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities.
What can you do?
Educate your members of Congress
You can call or write your members of Congress at any time! Find out who your representatives in Congress are with this resource. You can be connected to your representative’s office via the Capitol switchboard, (202) 224-3121. You can usually write your reps an email via their website.
If your representative has signed onto one of these resolutions or the oversight letters, tell them thank you and encourage them to keep going. If they have not, encourage them to support efforts to protect Olmstead.
House Resolution on Olmstead, H.R. 1469
Senate Resolution on Olmstead, S.R. 790
Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act
On Friday, August 28, 2026, Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act was reintroduced in Congress to combat the lack of affordable, accessible housing in the United States. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Senate bill, S.5285, with Sens. Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim, Chris Van Hollen, and Peter Welch as original cosponsors. Representatives Dwight Evans and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced the bipartisan House bill, H.R. 10049.
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and accessibility should be part of that equation. Show your support for this legislation.
Send a message to your representatives here ››
Medicare at Home Act
For too many older adults and disabled people, getting care at home depends on whether they can afford it, whether their family can step in, or whether they qualify for Medicaid.
The Medicare at Home Act would change that. The bill would guarantee up to 20 hours per week of home care for Medicare beneficiaries who need it — helping older adults and people with disabilities live and age with dignity in their own homes and communities, while giving family caregivers the support they need.
More News to Explore:
September Is National Guide Dog Month
National Guide Dog Month is observed throughout September, celebrating the extraordinary work of guide dogs and the profound independence they provide. This month-long initiative raises crucial awareness and support for the rigorous training and care these animals receive. Join us in recognizing their dedication, supporting guide dog schools, and advocating for accessibility.
Learn more about Guide Dog non-profits:
Celebrate Communication Returns, September 26, 2026!
Celebrate Communication returns to Springfield Town Center on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Explore the latest in hearing assistive technologies, apps, captioning, local agency services, hearing aids, tinnitus, cochlear implants, ASL, and much more. Find ENTs and audiologists. Meet Deaf crafters.
2026 Martha Glennan Awards Nominations
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards are presented annually in December to recognize people, entities, and government agencies that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area and also demonstrate how people with disabilities have significantly benefited from their efforts.
Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area?
Nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award! Nominations open now through October 16, 2026.
IFSP-Funding Program, Fall 2026 Important Dates
The IFSP Community announced Fall 2026 IFSP-Funding Program dates! If you or your loved one are on the DD Waivers Waitlist, you will want to mark your calendar for the following dates:
Tuesday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m.: IFSP-Funding live online training session for individuals and families. Extra spaces added! Sign up here: tiny.cc/qow9101
Thursday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m.: The IFSP-Funding Portal opens. This is the first day to create and submit an application on the IFSP-Funding Portal: https://dbhds.virginiagov/ifsponline
Friday, October 30 at 11:59 p.m.: The IFSP-Funding Portal closes. This is the last day to create and submit an application.
The Virginia Deafblind Family Learning Community
The Virginia Deafblind Project is continuing to host a series of virtual get-togethers to support the creation of a supportive family community. Families of all Virginia deafblind students of all ages (birth to 24), grades or communication styles are welcome to attend.
Meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 8:00pm - 9:00pm.
Next Meeting dates:
October 14, 2026
November 11, 2026
December 9, 2026
January 13, 2027
February 10, 2027
March 10, 2027
April 14, 2027
May 12, 2027
PEATC Special Education Webinar Series
Join PEATC for their 2026 Special Education Webinar Series, designed to help families navigate the special education process with confidence. Each webinar explores a different topic, from eligibility and IEPs to 504 Plans and effective family-school collaboration, giving participants the flexibility to learn about the subjects that matter most to them. Participants are not required to attend all sessions and are welcome to attend the sessions that best meet their needs.
September 9 - Keys to a Strong IEP
September 23 - Measurable IEP Goals
October 7 - Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
October 21 - Cracking the Code: 504s and IEPs
All sessions are virtual. Each workshop will start at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. These sessions will not be recorded.
VACIL Upcoming Trainings
VACIL, in coordination with DARS will be hosting two upcoming training sessions!
SS Benefits and Work Incentives will be on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
Learn how employment and Social Security benefits can work together. Many people are surprised to learn that there are programs and work incentives designed to help individuals achieve greater independence while maintaining important benefits. This session will help you understand how work can be part of your path toward greater independence and success.
Medicaid Works will be on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
Learn how Medicaid Works can help eligible Virginians with disabilities maintain healthcare coverage while pursuing employment.
The Arlington Housing Grant Waitlist
The Department of Human Services has just announced the opening dates for Arlington County’s Housing Grants Program Waitlist for prospective applicants beginning October 5, 2026. Starting in October, eligible households can submit an online pre-application during the October 5 – 19 waitlist registration period. All completed applications received during that period will have an equal opportunity to be selected to the final Housing Grant waitlist.
In addition, The Department of Human Services will host a virtual training for community stakeholders to preview the Housing Grant waitlist application on Thursday, September 24th from 9:00-10:30am.
Virginia State Plan for Aging Services Survey
Calling adults age 60+, caregivers, advocates, and service providers who are residents of Virginia, the Virginia Center on Aging at VCU wants to hear from you! The survey will take about 15–20 minutes and responses are anonymous. Aside from a few eligibility questions, all questions are optional. Questions? Contact Charlotte Arbogast at 804-662-7093 or charlotte.arbogast@dars.virginia.gov.
The survey closes on Friday, September 25th.
Teen and Young Adult Community Center Family Interest Survey
Fairfax County is trying to assess needs and interests of teens and young adults with disabilities, and their families, for participation in their Community Center programming, as well as learning more about existing barriers to their current participation.
This concerns differently abled people from 12-25 years of age. The survey closes on Wednesday, September 30th.
Beat the Heat!
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!
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.
dlCV Seeking Members for Mental Health Advisory Council
Are you passionate about mental health? The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is actively seeking members from across Virginia to join their Mental Health Advisory Council.
What does the Council do? They provide feedback and recommendations to dlCV about their work around mental health institutions. The Council meets quarterly on a Saturday from 10:00am - 12:00pm. They are looking for people with lived experiences or who have received or currently receive mental health services. They also invite mental health professionals, service providers, peer specialists, and others knowledgeable about mental health to join.
Voting News:
Mail-In Voting
On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to proceed with the implementation of an executive order, which was signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, that places restrictions on mail-in voting.
Updates:
August 27 - a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order that bars the Postal Service from intervening in the election process while litigation is ongoing.
September 2 - A USPS whistleblower says The U.S. Postal Service is poised to launch a hastily built, error-riddled computer system that could jeopardize the process of mail voting relied upon by one-third of all voters; even a single scanning mistake within a large batch of ballot envelopes could lead to all of them failing to reach voters.
September 14 - a second federal judge halted Trump’s mail ballot order, with the Supreme Court expected to deliberate on the matter.
September 14 - The Supreme Court rejects Trump’s mail voting restrictions for this year's midterms.
Early In-Person Voting Available for November Election
2026 is a General Election year in which Virginians elect the 11 U.S. representatives from the State of Virginia, one from each of the state's congressional districts. The elections will coincide with other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and Virginia state and local elections.
In addition, three measures will be on the ballot:
Abortion rights amendment. HJ1 / SJ247 would amend the Virginia constitution to guarantee a right to abortion.
Marriage equality amendment. HJ9 / SJ249 would amend the Virginia constitution to codify same-sex and interracial marriage.
Voting rights restoration amendment. HJ2 / SJ248 would amend the Virginia constitution to automatically restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals.
If you are a US Citizen, aged 18 years or older, you can vote - regardless of disability. Early voting started 9/18/26, and runs through 10/31/2026.
Deadlines:
Register to Vote/Update Registration: 10/23/2026
Apply for ballot to be mailed to you: through 10/23/2026
Are you turning 18 by November 3 this year?
Are you celebrating your 18th birthday by November 3 this year? If so, it's important to learn about your voting rights and get registered! Be sure to check out www.dlcv.org/coa for helpful voting information specifically for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Candidate Forums with the Arc of Virginia
Join the Arc of Northern Virginia for candidate forums for Congressional and Senate. The non-partisan forums are a space for candidates to hear from the disability community and the disability community to hear about the plans candidates have for disability policy.
ASL interpretation will be provided. For all other accommodations needs and questions, please contact Lucy.Beadnell@TheArcofNOVA.org.
The Congressional Forum is for constituents in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Prince William, and Stafford Counties.
When: October 1, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
The Senate Candidate Forum will host candidates running to represent the entire state in the Senate.
When: October 7, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Accessible Voting in Alexandria
Save the Date: Friday, October 9, 2026 to learn about Accessible Voting in Alexandria at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Join The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington to learn about the voting aids and procedures that can help blind and low vision voters exercise the right to vote privately and independently.
To register, call (301) 951-4444.
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
Join ECNV Metro Club
A Metro Adventure to Olive Garden
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Learn More About Sept Group ››
The Next Endependents Social Group Event!
This month, September 25, 2026. Location to be announced. Stay Tuned!
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:
How Are SNAP Time Limits Impacting You?
If cuts to SNAP benefits are impacting you, The Food Research and Action Center wants to hear from you.
H.R. 1 dramatically increases the number of people at risk of losing food assistance. The time limits, which largely took effect on March 1, 2026, have been significantly expanded to include:
adults up to age 65
parents, grandparents, or caregivers of children ages 14 or older
veterans
adults experiencing homelessness, including homeless families with teenage children
youth aging out of foster care
Some Native American adults, with only limited exemptions
Use the link form below to share how SNAP time limits will impact you and your family's ability to put food on the table.
Social Experiences and Loneliness in Autistic Young Adults (SELA)
The Social Experiences and Loneliness in Autistic Young Adults (SELA) project is a 5-year research study.
The researchers want to learn how loneliness changes when autistic young adults go through major life changes.
If you are an autistic young adult between 18 and 30 years old, they want to hear from you.
Interested? Take the Survey ››
Share Your Healthcare Experiences
Central Michigan University is examining the communication barriers Deaf/hard of hearing adults experience in healthcare.
Who can participate?
Identify as d/Deaf or hard of hearing
Be 18 years or older
Have used non-audiology healthcare services within the past 12–24 months
Live in the United States
The anonymous online survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes and asks about your experiences and perspectives regarding communication challenges during primary healthcare appointments.
Interested? Take the Survey ››
Your Experience Could Help Shape the Future of Phone Captioning!
A research team from Gallaudet University, MITRE, and Rochester Institute of Technology is looking for adults with hearing loss who use captioned telephone services to participate in a study aimed at improving the future of phone captioning.
Participants will take part in four brief captioned phone conversations and answer questions about their experience.
You may be eligible if you:
Are 50 or older
Have hearing loss
Use your voice to make phone calls
Use captions during phone calls
Speak and read English fluently
Participate online or in person at Gallaudet University
60–90 minutes
$50 Amazon gift card for completing the study
Interested? Contact TRSUsability@mitre.org to find out if you qualify.
Nominations for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Due by October 16
Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? If so, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award. Award winners are honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities and receive an award, presented at an annual awards ceremony on Monday, December 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Location: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Conference rooms 200/206.
There are three possible award categories: Individual, Self-advocate, and Organization. The requirements are to have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax, or Falls Church; and demonstration of how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.
For information about who to nominate, the process, and how to submit the nomination form. Nominations are due BEFORE 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026. If you have questions, please email DisabilityRights@FairfaxCounty.Gov.
Experiences with Sex Education
Researchers at Widener University seek to understand people's perspectives on the sexuality education they received growing up. This study specifically seeks to include the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities to capture the experiences of students who may have faced systemic barriers, unfair treatment, or lack of access to equal educational content.
Who Can Participate?
You are an adult born in 1990 or later.
You became Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or acquired a disability before you turned 19 years old.
You grew up and learned about sexuality education in the United States.
You were not homeschooled for more than half of your K-12 education.
The survey takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You can take breaks and come back to it at any time. You are welcome to use an aid or assistant to help you answer the survey if needed. All of your information will be completely anonymous. As a thank you for participating, you can choose to enter a raffle to win a $25 gift card.
Interested? Take the Survey ››
Share Your Thoughts! Community Input Survey
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is launching a new program. We want to help people understand their health condition or changing body or mind. To help us make this program, we want to learn what kind of information or support is most helpful for you. We are looking for people to take our Community Impact Survey. It is open from Monday, August 17, to Friday, October 9, and is available in English, Spanish, ASL/ Audio-Described, and Easy-Read. Learn more.
La Asociación Americana de Personas con Discapacidades (AAPD) está ofreciendo un nuevo programa. Queremos ayudar a que la gente entienda su condición de salud o cómo cambia el cuerpo o la mente. Para ayudarnos a desarrollar este programa, queremos saber qué tipo de información o apoyo resulta ser más útil para usted.
Estamos buscando personas para tomar nuestra encuesta de impacto comunitario. Estará abierto desde lunes, 17 de Agosto hasta viernes, 9 de Octubre y está disponible en inglés, español, ASL, descrito por audio y en Easy-Read. Apprende má.
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 ››
If you wish to receive updates for when the survey is open, sign up is available is at this link.
Note: The 2025 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is now closed. The 2026 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) will launch on October 1st!
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
September
JHU Disability Health Research Center Seminar Series: Music Therapy in Neurocritical Care: Co-Constructing Music and Meaning, (virtual), 9/22/26, 12:00pm.
Social Security Overpayments: Navigation and Prevention, (virtual), 9/22/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
SSA Benefits and Work Incentives, (virtual), 9/23/26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
The College Journey: Planning, Preparing, and Applying for College for Students with Disabilities, (virtual), 9/23/26, 2:00pm.
Employment Services and Outcomes for Young Adults with Disabilities with Foster Care Experience, (virtual), 9/24/26, 2:00pm - 2:45pm.
Disability Health Equity Research Network Conference, (virtual), 9/29/26, 12:00pm.
Closing the Dementia Diagnosis Gap, (virtual), 9/29/26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm.
October
Congressional Candidate Forum, (virtual), 10/1/26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Navigating Section 504 – Essential Knowledge for Families, (virtual) 10/2/26, 10:00am - 11:30am.
Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment, (virtual), 10/6/26, 12:00pm.
Senate Candidate Forum, (virtual), 10/7/26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Special Education Process, (virtual) 10/16/26, 10:00am - 11:30am.
An Introduction to ABLEnow: Sign up to Distribution, (virtual), 10/19/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
From Referral to Recommendations: Navigating the Diagnosis and Assessment Process, (virtual), 10/20/26, 12:00pm.
Introduction to Dyslexia – what is it and what does it mean for my student?, (virtual), 10/23/26, 10:00am - 11:30am.
Transition Planning: Decision-Making Alternatives for Families of
Individuals with Disabilities, (virtual), 10/30/26, 10:00am - 11:30am.Check out ECNV's updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
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