May 2026 E-newsletter
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight
Peer Mentor: Taneika Jones
What inspired you to become a peer mentor?
What inspired me to become a peer mentor is my own lived experience. As someone who is disabled and completely blind, I understand firsthand the challenges that can come with navigating life, resources, and self-confidence. I wanted to be able to support others in a meaningful way and be someone they can relate to, trust, and feel comfortable with.
What’s your favorite part about being a peer mentor?
My favorite part is building genuine connections and creating a safe space where people feel heard and understood. I really value those moments when someone opens up and begins to see their own strength and possibilities.
What skills have you developed through this experience?
Through this experience, I’ve developed stronger communication and active listening skills, along with greater patience and empathy. Being a peer mentor has also helped me grow in confidence and leadership, especially in guiding and supporting others through their own journeys.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
A fun fact about me is that I enjoy volunteering and finding ways to help others in my community—it’s something that truly brings me joy and purpose.
Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the community?
I would like to share that no matter what challenges you face, you are not alone. Everyone’s journey is different, but there is strength in community and support. Keep going, believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to reach out—there are people who genuinely care.
Upcoming Classes!
Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle
Navigating work, career changes, job searches and job loss can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re doing it on your own.
Join our Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle, a welcoming, judgment-free group led by two experienced volunteers who bring deep knowledge of workplace dynamics, career growth, and employment challenges.
Once a month ECNV peer facilitators will lead the group and provide a safe place to share, learn, and support one another through real-life experiences.
Join ECNV's Aging Solo
May 4, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Our Aging Solo DMV Collective meeting May 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (virtual, all are welcome)Join us as Burt Rosen shares a powerful and practical conversation on how AI tools—like ChatGPT and others —are transforming the healthcare experience for patients. Diagnosed in 2022 with both advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor and Kidney Cancer, Burt has become a resource, advocate and knowledgeable speaker / advocate for fellow patients navigating complex medical systems. Drawing from both lived experience and his background as marketing director at Oregon State University, Burt will demonstrate how AI can help interpret medical jargon, track symptoms, generate questions for your doctors, and organize health information—while also addressing privacy concerns and the evolving doctor-patient relationship in this new Ai-world. Registration is easy, free and will give you the important Zoom information you need to join the call. Note: If you have registered for any Aging Solo meeting in the past, you will get a reminder, however, to ensure the Zoom link is at the top of your inbox, you can re-register any time and as many times as you need.Register for the meeting here ››
Financial Literacy & Management
Money Matters 101
(for ages 14-22)
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2026
Money Moves: An active camp for financial education
(for DARS clients aged 14-22)
DARS Referral Deadline: July 6, 2026
Mentors Needed for RAMP Summer June-September 2026!
We’re looking for dedicated and passionate mentors to support our Ready to Achieve Mentor Program (RAMP) this summer! This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact by guiding students, building connections, and assisting with engaging in-person field trips.
If you’re interested in inspiring the next generation while gaining a rewarding experience, we’d love to have you join our team!
Reach out today to learn more and get involved! Please contact Kevina Brown at kbrown@ecnv.org.
Thriving Solo: June 2026 Registration is Open
Registration is now open for the June 2026 session of Thriving Solo. This will be a class for individuals 14-22 years old.
Details are in the registration link ››
ECNV Programs and Support
Read about our programs and support aimed to empower people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, pursue their aspirations, and actively participate in their communities.
ECNV's I Am Self-Advocacy Program
Healthy Relationships and Communication in the Workplace
Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP)
Referral Form for Travel Training
ECNV can also offer 1:1 support in work readiness and independent living skills.
Fill out the ECNV interest form to be contacted about individualized services
ECNV Lunch and Learn Series
Join us on the second Friday of each month to learn more about Social Security benefits like SSI and SSDI. In a welcoming, practical setting, ECNV will help you understand how to prepare, what documents you need, and how to avoid common application delays while answering your questions.
Next session: May 8, 2026 - Can I Work and Keep My Benefits?
Register for Our ECNV Benefits Mini Series here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DzHQcPZ4TV-DcAXHjrj3OA
Coming Soon
Community Guide
Peer Support Group Open House Peer Support Group Interest Form
Fill out the ECNV interest form to be contacted about the above classes. These courses are under development and will launch in 2026
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
The ENDependents Social Group
ECNV’s Social Group will take place May 29, 2026. Location to be Determined. Stay Tuned!
If you're interested in joining us, please email us at info@ecnv.org. 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 ››
ECNV Metro Club
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! Metro Social Club Sign Up ››
Advocacy Updates
ECNV’s Impact Hub
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. ECNV’s new Impact Hub gives you the tools to get started and the confidence to take action. Here you’ll find news and action alerts, clear guides to advocacy, opportunities to serve on local boards, and a lookup tool to connect with your elected officials. It’s a one-stop space to make your voice heard and drive change in your community. Visit the page today to get started!
Federal Digital Accessibility Deadlines
The DOJ recently extended federal digital accessibility deadlines—but what does that actually mean for the work happening here in Virginia? In our latest blog post, we break down how the federal update and Virginia’s 2025 update to the Information Technology Access Act work together, and why accessibility efforts are still moving forward. We also highlight how initiatives like ECNV’s DIVA are helping turn policy into real, usable change.
Read more to see why the destination hasn’t changed—and why the work continues now.
Grant Updates:
No updates to share right now, but we’re always working on new things—check back soon!
Check Out ECNV's 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. Zazzle Merch Store ››
ECNV Upcoming Calendar
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
ECNV Around Town
ECNV Money Moves Camp Kicked Off this Month!
For one week, students in Money Moves met to understand what money is, how they can use it to pay for things they need, and how to decide what things are most important to pay for.
Money Moves in Action!
Our student, Yamato came home with groceries and put his budgeting skills to work—he made a delicious taco dinner for everyone! What a great example of planning ahead: budgeting for a meal, shopping smart, and cooking at home. Way to go, Yamato!
Money Moves Moments We Love!
Our student Sriya shared, “Me and my mom had so much fun eating the parfaits we made together!”
Learning new skills, spending quality time, and enjoying something sweet together—what a win! Great job, Sriya!
ECNV Attend FCPS Flash Forward 2026
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, ECNV, represented by Rosalia Fajardo and Paul Whitney, attended The Fairfax County Public Schools Flash Forward 2026, a highly successful event that connected students and families with critical post-secondary resources.
ECNV At Arlington Housing Fair 2026
Last Saturday, April 25, 2026, ECNV participated in the Arlington Housing Fair, providing information and resources for people with disabilities, with a strong focus on accessibility. The event gave residents a one-stop opportunity to get reliable, practical guidance on finding and maintaining housing in Arlington.
ECNV Attends ACCSES Conference
Dominique Dunford-Lack and Hannah Roberts spoke with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia at the ACCSES conference in Virginia Beach on April 28, 2026.
