June 2025 E-Newsletter
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 ››
Upcoming Classes!
Shape Your Future: Summer RAMP now Open!
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) - This is a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program designed to help youth and young adults develop the skills necessary to further their education and/or secure employment by participating in job and community exploration activities, skill-building exercise, and enrichment opportunities. We will begin onboarding our 2025-2026 RAMP program participants in September and will be setting our initial referral deadline on August 31, 2025. This 9-month program will run through June 2026 and is accommodating to student availability throughout the year. All referrals must come from DARS.
For questions, please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org.
Money Matters Registration Open for Summer 2025
Money Matters 101 is a five-part Financial Skills training to help individuals understand and manage their money. We are currently accepting registrations for our Summer class: Wednesdays from 4-5pm from July 2–30. Eligibility is open to FIS Waiver and DARS referrals as well as anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about money. Visit our Money Matters program page to learn more about the program. Registration deadline is June 21, 2025.
Money Matters 101 Registration ››
I Am Self-Advocacy Summer Session 2025 Referrals Are Open
I Am Self-Advocacy (IASA) offers virtual, peer mentoring in self-advocacy for transition-aged youth with disabilities. This program will help participants build skills and understanding in the following areas: self-awareness, disability awareness and disclosure, self-determination, disability rights and responsibilities, assertiveness, allies, and advocacy. Participants will explore and practice these skills during weekly individual sessions with their peer mentor, allowing for an individualized learning experience. Weekly group sessions, led by program facilitators, will augment their skill development. Our peer mentors all have lived experience with disability and can connect with participants from this shared perspective.
Summer session 2025 now open for referrals! Timeframe: July 7 – August 1
Referral Deadline: June 15, 2025
Coming Soon
New Support Group: The Aging Solo DMV Collective: Aging Solo doesn’t mean aging alone! The Aging Solo DMV Collective is a BRAND-NEW welcoming, monthly gathering where we share experiences, challenges, and triumphs of navigating life on our own terms. This group also welcomes all who have previously taken the Aging Solo six-week class offered by ECNV as well as other organizations, and if you're taking it for the first time. Link will be provided to all who register or email info@ecnv.org for more information.
Money Matters 201
Peer Support Group Open House Peer Support Group Interest Form
Fill out the ECNV interest form to be contacted about the above classes.
Adult Social Club Outing—Friday, June 13th
Join us 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 cards.
Or email info@ecnv.org for more information.
ECNV Youth Programs and Support
Read about our programs and support aimed to empower youth with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, pursue their aspirations, and actively participate in their communities.
ECNV's I Am Self-Advocacy Program: May 2025 ››
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Join us for an informative session on Supported Decision-Making, a topic that is frequently requested by families and individuals seeking support services. In this seminar Majo Flores from The Arch of Northern Virginia will present on
Supportive Decision-Making, a topic focused on the different legal authorities that can assist a person, their loved ones, or caregivers in making important decisions about their future. These decisions could be financial, educational, medical, or any other type — big or small.
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. Webinars are available in English and Spanish.
Welcoming Latinos with Disabilities and their Families Provider Online Seminars
Save the Date: June 19, 2025 (Third Thursday of the Month) for the next Providers Seminar!
• How are Latinos and their communities different from the mainstream?
• How are they different from each other?
• Why is outreach to Latino communities so important?
Register for Provider Seminar ››
Spring is in the Air: Check Out ECNV's Shirts and More on Zazzle
Support ECNV by purchasing and wearing some of our unique clothes and accessories with the ECNV logo. There are lots of choices and five percent of the proceeds go back to ECNV to continue the awesome and meaningful work we all are doing for disability advocacy and justice in the northern Virginia area.
ECNV Upcoming Calendar
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
ECNV Around Town
Vaccines for All!
In 2025, ECNV will continue with its community vaccination campaign and distribution of COVID tests in Northern Virginia, thus fulfilling the mission of caring for diverse communities, guaranteeing access to vaccines, and accessing free COVID home tests. In addition to these activities, ECNV also participated in other events related to the implementation of the Bienvenidos Todos Project and RACE project.
ECNV continues with its free vaccination program for people from multicultural communities! We will be providing flu vaccines throughout at different events and health fairs.
ECNV Presents at Northern Virginia Intergenerational Summit
Karla Nativi, ECNV staff member, attended the Northern Virginia Intergenerational Summit on 4/29/25 at the Karter School of One Loudoun.
Accessibility at PAX East Boston 2025
Earlier this month, Andrew Shaw and Elaine Shaw attended PAX East in Boston (May 8, 2025 – Sun, May 11, 2025) for vacation but still attended some disability related panels. They even met Steve Seylor, a low vision video gamer while looking for a specific video game booth in the expo hall! They also attended a panel for ADHD Dungeon and Dragons players! Elaine also discovered free Cognitive Access Tools for DnD players!
ECNV Attended the Flip the Script on Aging Event
On Thursday May 15, 2025, Andrew Shaw and Karla Nativi attended the Flip the Script on Aging event at Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences. The purpose of the event was to give resources to area seniors to help with independent living. Andrew Shaw also gave a presentation and answered questions on transportation resources and ECNV’s Travel Training Program. About 150 area seniors were in attendance.
RAMP in Action: Full Speed on Activities
RAMP has been ramping up between January-May 2025.
They have visited the National Law Enforcement Museum with 2 mentees and their family in attendance. They participated in CSI activities.
Visited Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop
Had RAMP Milestone Celebration at Dave and Busters with 2 mentors and 3 mentees in attendance and their parents.
