ECNV's Be in the Know: July 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
All Month: Disability Pride Month
7/26/26: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary
Transportation News:
Summer 2026 Red Line Major Construction
Red Line construction takes place from July 6 – September 6 to build a second mezzanine at Bethesda station to connect to Maryland Department of Transportation's Purple Line. Free shuttles replace trains between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
NVTA Virtual Transportation Focus Group
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is conducting a series of paid virtual community focus groups to better understand transportation experiences, perspectives, and needs. NVTA wants to ensure that they hear from the disability community.
If you would like to participate, fill out this interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/JavYXvAQ0R.
If you have any questions about the focus groups, please feel free to contact Monica Brito with ICF, the consulting firm organizing the focus groups on behalf of NVTA, at monica.brito@icfnext.com. For questions related to NVTA and TransAction, please contact Starla Couso at scouso@thenovaauthority.org.
TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans
Under the VETS Safe Travel Act, free TSA PreCheck enrollment or renewal is available exclusively to certain severely disabled veterans.
To qualify for the fee waiver, you must be enrolled in VA healthcare and have a service-connected disability that resulted in one of the following:
Permanent blindness
The loss of a limb or loss of the use of a limb
Full or partial paralysis
The requirement to use a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb
How to Apply
Get your eligibility letter: Sign in to your VA.gov Portal and download your TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter.
Contact TSA/IDEMIA: Email your letter to tsaenrollmentbyidemia@ps-idemia.com with "VETS Safe" in the subject line to receive your waiver code.
Complete enrollment: Apply through TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA and attend an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo, using the waiver code at checkout.
Legislative Updates:
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services White House Memo
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Department of Justice released a memo that quietly calls into question decades of civil rights protections for Americans with disabilities and stirred fear and anger among advocates and families.
The memo, an opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel, argues that states do not have to provide in-home or community-based care to people with disabilities who need support. These services allow many disabled Americans to continue to live, learn and work at home or in their own communities, among family and friends.
Without the federal government requiring that states provide these services – to help disabled people integrate into their communities – advocates and legal experts warn that cash-strapped states could cut them and return to what was once common practice: de facto segregation of Americans with disabilities in nursing homes and large institutions.
Read the Reactions from the Disability Community Below:
Center for Independent Living ››
Supreme Court rules states can count late-arriving mailed ballots
On Monday, June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that states can count ballots that arrive after Election Day, a persistent target of President Trump.
The 5-4 decision rejected a Republican-led attack on laws in more than half the states and the District of Columbia that permit mailed ballots to arrive and be counted some number of days after the election, provided they are postmarked by Election Day. The outcome spares officials the headache of changing their ballot rules just a few months before the 2026 midterm congressional elections.
Senate Democrats in Demand President Trump Halt Illegal Move to Undermine Special Ed, Civil Rights Enforcement
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, every Democrat in the Senate demanded President Trump halt illegal move to undermine Special Ed and Civil Rights Enforcement.
“The administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026 are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk,” wrote the senators in a letter to Education Secretary McMahon.
Judge blocks US Postal Service's proposed restrictions on mail-in voting
On Monday, July 1, 2026, a federal judge blocked the U.S. Postal Service's proposed restrictions on mail-in voting, finding that they violated a settlement with a leading civil rights group that required expedited mail-in ballot handling.
The decision by Washington-based U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan marked the second defeat in the courts in as many weeks for U.S. President Donald Trump's push to severely restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with his Republican Party locked in a tight battle to maintain control of both houses of Congress.
Governor Spanberger Hosts Roundtable Focused on Protecting Virginians from Federal Healthcare & Food Cuts
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger hosted a roundtable discussion to hear directly from key community partners representing health plans, hospitals, and providers across Virginia about the devastating cuts imposed by H.R.1 — President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill — and the steps the Spanberger Administration is taking to protect Virginians’ access to healthcare and food assistance.
Advocacy:
REVUp National Call: August 26, 2026!
Join the REVUp Campaign on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 1 - 3 PM ET or get engaged in one of 23 coalitions who work year-round to ensure disabled people have access to the ballot. Find a full list of coalitions here and email revup@aapd.com if you need support getting connected.
REV UP (“Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power”) is a nonpartisan movement led by the American Association of People with Disabilities to build the power of the disability vote.
The Trump Administration Accelerates Dismantling the Department of Education
The Department of Justice put out a memo threatening the fundamental right of the disability community to live in communities of their choice. It does NOT change the law or court precedent, but it is scary for the disability community.
Take Action Today! Reach out to your Representatives and Senators!
Medicaid Work Requirements: Public Comments Opportunity
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are seeking public comments for an interim final rule regarding Medicaid work requirements. They are specifically looking for comments on its plan to exempt people:
who are blind or disabled.
with a substance use disorder.with a disabling mental disorder.
with a serious or complex medical condition.
with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability that significantly impairs their ability to perform one or more activities of daily living.
Comments close on July 31, 2026!
More News to Explore:
July is Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and push for full inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is “The World Works Better With Us.”
Happy Birthday ADA!
ECNV is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 36th Anniversary. On July 26th, we celebrate this important civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Want to learn more about events happening this month, celebrating the ADA?
What Counts As An ‘Assistance Animal’ Just Got Narrower
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is sharply limiting which types of animals people with disabilities who are renting a home can claim as a “reasonable accommodation.”
New guidance indicates that the federal housing agency will only consider “animals trained to provide disability-related assistance” as an accommodation for people with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act.
Register today for dlCV's 2026 Summer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Series
Join the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) for their free 2026 Summer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Series, featuring four virtual one-hour sessions led by experienced disability rights attorneys. Whether you attend one session or the entire series, you'll gain practical insights you can apply in your work serving people with disabilities.
Topics include:
The Virginia Human Rights Act
Virginia Medicaid Waivers: Basics and Beyond
Alternatives to Guardianship
Supreme Court Update
Wednesdays, July 22 – August 12, 2026
12:00–1:00 PM ET
Brain Injury Education Webinar Series
Whether you're living with a brain injury, caring for someone who is, or simply want to learn more, you're invited to join our FREE virtual 3-Part Brain Injury Education Series.
Attend one session or all three to gain a better understanding of brain injury, recovery, and the support available through Brain Injury Services.
All sessions are FREE, presented live via Zoom, and open to survivors, family members, caregivers, professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about brain injury. Attend one session or join us for the entire series!
Attend Fairfax County’s AccessAbility Fairfax on Thursday, July 30!
This free event is designed to connect individuals with disabilities and their families directly with county agencies, get personalized assistance, and discover valuable programs designed to support you and your family.
Event details:
Thursday, July 30, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy Fairfax, VA 22035
Some on-site offerings:
MetroAccess & reduced-cost transportation programs
Benefits & financial assistance support
Information about housing programs & home repair assistance
Mental health services & referral assistance
Emergency alert system registration
Make sure to check out:
Sensory Friendly Wellness Room
911 Simulator Experience
Unclaimed Property Search (Find lost money!)
Library Card sign-up (bring photo ID)
$50 transportation gift card giveaway to qualifying attendees. Limited quantity available!
Learn more and pre-register ››
Virginia Primary Election Deadline Reminders
The Virginia Department of Elections has requested a Primary Election for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the Democratic and Republican Parties for the offices of United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and local offices.
Early in-person voting is available now through 8/1/2026.
Important Deadline Reminders:
July 24: Last day to register to vote or update an existing registration. (Voters can register after this date and vote using a provisional ballot through the Primary Election Day on August 4)
July 24 at 5:00 pm: Deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you.
Starting July 25: Early, in-person voting locations are open on a Saturday.
August 1 through 5:00 pm: Last day of early, in-person voting.
August 4: Primary Election Day (Polls open from 6 am to 7 pm)
August 4 at 7 pm: Deadline to postmark or return absentee ballots to your local voter registration office.
Make a plan! Vote early.
Find Your Nearest Voting Location ››
Understanding New Medicaid Work Requirements Rules
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT/2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
This webinar, Understanding New Medicaid Work Requirements Rules, will include an overview of the updated federal rules and the major Medicaid eligibility changes introduced by H.R. 1.
Save the Date for the next RAMP ice cream fundraiser at Jake's Ice Cream
Save the Date for sweet treats and an opportunity to support ECNV’s RAMP program! Come to Jake’s Ice Cream (6353 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm! Help support Jake’s Ice Cream and RAMP! 10% of all sales (except gift cards) will be donated to RAMP at the end of the event!
Calling Deaf/Hard Of Hearing Artists, Makers & Crafters!
The Northern Virginia Resource Center is excited to begin planning a new Deaf Artisan Fair! If all goes according to plan with facility approval from ServiceSource, the event will take place on:
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Deaf Artisan Fair will feature Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists, crafters, makers, upcyclers, jewelry creators, apparel designers, handmade goods, artwork, candles, soaps, gifts, and more!
This event is intended specifically for ORIGINAL artists, crafters, and makers selling their own handmade creations and artwork.
NVRC is also expanding Deaf artisan vendor opportunities at:
Celebrate Communication 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Vendor pricing:
$75 for either event individually
$100 discounted package for BOTH events
Vendors who participate in BOTH events will receive priority consideration.
Beat the Heat!
People with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer injury or death during extreme heat events. The trigger goes beyond mere comfort; conditions like spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and mental health disorders fundamentally impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or sweat, leading to rapid, life-threatening complications.
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.
In addition, the Fairfax County Cooling Assistance program helps households stay safe and cool during the summer. To qualify, at least one person in the home must be age 60 or older, age 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid, or a 100% Veterans Administration rating. Applications are accepted from June 15 to August 15. The program may help pay electric bills or security deposits for cooling, repair a central AC or heat pump, or provide a whole‑house fan or one window/portable air conditioning unit when no other working cooling equipment is in the home. Apply and stay cool this summer.
Virginia's Energy Assistance Program
Qualifying households can receive cooling assistance, including air conditioning system repair and help with paying electric bills, through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program.
To qualify, a household must have a child less than six years of age, an adult 60 years or older, or an individual living with a disability. Additionally, a household's gross monthly income may not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level.
Act now — applications close after August 17! Families in need of cooling assistance are encouraged to apply even if they are unsure of their eligibility status.
NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living
The 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living is scheduled for July 20-23, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC. The theme of NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living is Protect. Persist. Prosper.
NCIL’s ADA36 March & Rally will be on Tuesday, July 21. This is free and everyone is welcome to join!
Read more about the March & Rally ››
Hill visits will be on Wednesday, July 22. After Concurrent Workshops 4, the Annual Conference closes and Hill Visits begin. Conference activities resume at 4:00 p.m.
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
The Next Endependents Social Group Event!
ECNV After Dark July Edition:
ENDependents and Metro Group are meeting up this month in the ECNV After Dark.
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:
Fingerspelling Study
Gallaudet's Action and Brain Lab is currently recruiting for a new study on natural ASL fingerspelling. This study will pay $25/hour!
They are looking for interested participants who are:
18-40 years old
Can travel to Gallaudet
Can fingerspell in ASL
This study has been approved by the Gallaudet IRB.
Take Eligibility Screener ››
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
July
Empowering Paraprofessionals for Student Success in Employment Settings Through Effective Coaching and Support Practices, (virtual), 7/22/26, 2:00pm - 2:45pm.
Letter of Intent Workshop, (virtual), 7/24/26, 10:00am - 11:00am.
The Family Village: Transition Parents Support Group, (in-person), 7/25/26, 10:00am - 12:00pm, The Arc of Northern Virginia.
A Call to Conscience: Advancing Dignity for Adults with Severe and Multiple Disabilities, (in-person), 7/27/26, 10:00am - 4:00pm, Jack Morten Auditorium at George Washington University campus. Paid.
Creative Access Project Kickoff Event, (virtual), 7/22/26, 3:00pm.
August
DMV Connect, (in-person), 8/4/26, 9:30am - 3:00pm, Rust Library in Loudoun.
Navigating Nursing Home to Community Transition: Barriers and Supports for Disabled People of Color, (virtual), 8/6/26, 2:00pm.
Check out ECNV's updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
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