ECNV's Be in the Know: October 2026
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
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Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
All Month: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
All Month: ADHD Awareness
All Month: Down Syndrome Awareness
All Month: Dyslexia Awareness
All Month: Learning Disability Awareness Month
All Month: National Disability History
All Month: Spina Bifida Awareness Month
All Month: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Transportation News:
Trains Single-Tracking in December
Green, Orange, Silver and Blue Line trains will be single-tracking in December. This necessary work includes replacing or repairing rails, concrete, fastening systems, communication equipment, signals, and lighting. Plan your trip accordingly.
Review the schedule:
Dec. 16 to Dec. 30: Green Line trains will single track between U Street and Georgia Av-Petworth.
Dec. 20 to Dec. 30: Orange, Silver, and Blue lines will single track between McPherson Sq and Smithsonian.
Tap into the Celebration
Metro continues to celebrate their 50th year of service with the release of five commemorative Smart Trip card designs that honor the five decades of Metro. The gold-tinted cards offer customers a new way to take part in Metro's golden anniversary.
They will be releasing a new card design every two weeks. About 20,000 of each card design will be available at select stations. You can track their availability at wmata.com/metro50. Starting November 5, Metro will release their 2000s' edition of their metro card and on November 19th, they will release their 2010s and beyond metro card. Both of these cards will be available at select metro stations.
MICRO Arlington Transit Now Available in South Arlington
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Arlington Transit announced on their Facebook page that their service has expanded to South Arlington. Their service area now includes neighborhoods near Shirlington and Columbia Pike, like Douglas Park, Aurora Hills, and Arlington View.
Now you can book a ride to connect to more transit hubs in Zone 2 like the Crystal City or Pentagon City Metro stations – or other destinations around South Arlington like the Long Bridge Aquatics Center or the Carver Community Center.
Lyft's 2026 Voting Access Program
Lyft is offering discounted rides to the polls. If you have the Lyft app on your phone: Load VOTE26 into the Lyft app before Tuesday, Nov. 3, for 50% off (up to $10 off) on a ride to your polling place. It works on rideshare, bikeshare, or scooter rides, from 5 AM to 10 PM local time, wherever you are.*
Legislative Updates:
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act
On August 7, 2026, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act, legislation to ensure older adults and people with disabilities have a real choice between receiving long-term care at home or in institutional settings. The legislation would make home and community-based care a mandatory Medicaid benefit, gradually eliminate waiting lists for services, strengthen the home and community-based care workforce, and provide greater support for family caregivers.
Federal Telework Protection Act
On September 23, 2026, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who proudly represents Virginia's 10th Congressional District introduced the Federal Telework Protection Act.
This bill:
Creates a clear and efficient process for federal workers to request a telework agreement from their supervisor and receive a decision within 90 days.
Clarifies conditions that should be given special consideration for telework, including disability, medical conditions, caregiving, and significant commuting time.
Prohibits retaliation for requesting telework.
Ensures medical privacy for federal employees requesting telework for medical reasons.
Allows supervisors to grant temporary telework for urgent medical conditions.
Directs each federal agency to publish their telework policies online and establish a Telework Office which will hear appeals.
Affirms and preserves telework rights negotiated by unions on behalf of federal employees.
The Heath CARE Act
On September 24, 2026, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) introduced the Health for the Commonwealth through Affordability, Reform, and Expansion Act of 2026, or the Health CARE Act, sweeping legislation to lower costs, expand coverage, and make it easier to access the care they need. A key provision of the Health CARE Act would reverse harmful health care provisions in H.R. 1.
Advocacy:
Section 504 Rule Update
On September 23, 2026, a federal judge in Texas v. Kennedy vacated the community integration requirements in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Section 504 rule. The resolution approved by the judge was proposed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of HHS and Texas, Florida, Alaska, Louisiana, and Montana. The case is now closed.
On September 28, 2026, a bipartisan House resolution was introduced in Congress affirming the right of disabled people to live in their homes and communities, not segregated in institutions.
Ask your reps to cosponsor the resolution ››
Public Comments:
National Health Interview Survey
The CDC is planning drop questions surrounding disability from the federal health survey.
The proposed change of the key federal survey could lead to a drastic undercount of Americans with developmental disabilities.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for major changes to the 2028 version of the National Health Interview Survey. The annual questionnaire asks about 27,000 adults about their experiences with illness, chronic conditions, injuries, health access and more.
The current survey has 49 questions which could change to under 15 if the changes happened.
The proposal is up for public comment through October 20, 2026.
Additionally, you can provide comments through AAPD’s Advocacy form ››
ECNV-VOICE Listening Session, October 27th!
ECNV is hosting a VOICE listening session for youth with disabilities and their families to share their experiences with transition planning, preparing for employment, and accessing services and support.
Your input can help make a difference! Whether your family is just beginning transition planning, navigating the process now, or looking back on your experiences, we want to hear from you! By sharing what's working, what's challenging, and what information or support would be helpful, you can help shape future workshops and resources that better support youth with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.
The session will be co-led by an expert from TransCen, a nationally recognized organization advancing disability employment. Participants will also have a chance to win a raffle prize!
When: Tuesday, October 27 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Join virtually or in person at ECNV — whatever works best for you!
Postsecondary Transition Survey
During the 2026 General Assembly session, House Bill 996 (HB 996) was passed to help improve the transition from high school to adult services and opportunities for students with disabilities. The legislation directs the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Virginia Department of Education, and other partners, including PEATC, to develop a plan for clearer transition guidance, better information and resources, stronger connections with Community Services Boards, and an online resource to help students and families understand their options after high school.
This survey is designed to learn how families and professionals find information about services and options after high school for students with disabilities.
The survey closes on November 13, 2026.
Virginia Department of Education 2026 Parent Involvement Survey
Each school year, the Virginia Department of Education is required to report to the United States Department of Education the “percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities.” All families of children who receive special education services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in Virginia’s public schools are asked to complete this short survey.
Parents with more than one child receiving special education services through IEPs in Virginia’s public schools should submit one survey for each child.
More News to Explore:
October Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
This month, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This year’s NDEAM theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent."
Scroll down to our "Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy" section to learn more about NDEAM webinars happening this month! Look for the #NDEAM hashtag
Community Living Is a Civil Right: A Guide to Understanding Olmstead v. Lois Curtis
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) posted a comprehensive guide, "Community Living Is a Civil Right: A Guide to Understanding Olmstead v. Lois Curtis, the Integration Mandate, and the 2026 Office of Legal Counsel Opinion." It is available on their website and can be downloaded as a .DOC or as a PDF.
The guide covers:
What community living means, and what it does not mean
What the ADA and Section 504 require
What the Supreme Court decided in Olmstead, and why it still matters
What the June 2026 opinion says
What has changed since the June 2026 opinion, and what has not
How the federal government is backing away from court cases and settlements that protect community living
What the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit is, how the June 2026 opinion was used in it, and what the case did
What you can do now
Know Your Rights: Information & Resources for Immigrant Communities
Know Your Rights is a new video series, available in English and Spanish from the Legal Aid Justice Center. This series has clear, practical information on your rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. You can watch our short, 3-minute videos, or you can scroll down for more helpful resources.
The videos cover rights at home, at work, and in public, as well as understanding warrants, your right to remain silent, arrests and detention, emergency preparedness, and avoiding immigration fraud and scams.
Caregiving at a Glance
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia? The sixth edition of the Caregiving at a Glance guidebook is now available in English and Spanish. Created by Insight Memory Care Center, the guidebook offers practical strategies for managing troublesome behaviors, communication, eating, bathing, and more.
Request your free print copy ››
Do you prefer videos? A new series of short, self‑paced videos, also available in English and Spanish, helps care partners build confidence and better navigate common challenges.
English ››
Spanish ››
SNAP Benefits Are Changing, Effective November 1
Beginning November 1, 2026, soda and carbonated energy drinks will no longer be SNAP-eligible in Virginia. However, most of the beverages you can buy with SNAP today will still be eligible.
These include:
Juice
Milk
Non-carbonated lemonade
Iced tea and coffee
Water and seltzer
Sports drinks
Non-carbonated energy drinks
You will still be able to buy soda, carbonated energy drinks and other SNAP-ineligible beverages, but you’ll need to use a different form of payment.
Visit dss.virginia.gov/SNAPHealthy for more examples of eligible and ineligible beverages
ACL's Home Modification Tool
Home modifications like ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms can help people with disabilities live safely and independently at home, but finding reliable information isn't always easy.
The newly updated Home Modification Information Network (HMIN), supported by the Administration for Community Living, is a free (recently updated) online tool that brings together programs, funding opportunities, and service providers in one place. Enter your ZIP code and the type of help you need to find resources near you.
Medicaid Virtual Town Hall, 10/22
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) invites Virginia Medicaid advocates and community stakeholders to attend a virtual Town Hall on October 22, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
The session will provide an overview of upcoming H.R. 1 Medicaid changes, including new federal work requirements and six-month renewals for Medicaid Expansion members. Participants will learn about key implementation dates, who may be affected, available exemptions, and resources to help eligible Virginians maintain their Medicaid coverage.
During registration, participants may submit questions in advance for Virginia Medicaid subject-matter experts to address during the Town Hall.
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
2026 Virginia Caregiver Summit
Join caregivers, community partners and leaders from across Virginia for Caregiver Strong: Resilience, Strength and Well-Being on Friday, November 13, at The Westin Richmond. Connect, learn and discover practical resources designed to strengthen and support Virginia’s caregiving community.
Celebrate 50 Years of Fairfax Agency on Aging
For five decades, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA), has been a trusted place for residents in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, to find resources, get support, and learn about programs that support older Americans. In honor of the 50th anniversary, Fairfax AAA is hosting a free community celebration and you’re invited!
Come join with the community, vendors, and staff on November 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center and enjoy a day of discovery, connection, and fun.
If you wish to attend, a pre-registration form is available. Each attendee should complete their own registration form. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request. For information, call 703-324-6184, TTY 711.
Coming in November, Deaf Artisan Fair
Join NVRC for their first Deaf Artisan Fair featuring unique art, crafts, and handmade creations by Deaf and Hard of Hearing artisans. Shop local, support the Deaf community, and find something special for the Holidays!
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: 10467 White Granite Drive, Suite 300, Oakton, VA, United States, Virginia 22124
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.
College Search Tool
Are you searching for college programs for students with intellectual disability? The College Search Tool features a searchable directory of 300+ college programs connected with colleges and universities across the country - and has recently been updated to make the user experience even easier!
Explore programs, costs, admission requirements and more.
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.
Fairfax County Fuel Assistance Program
Fairfax County's Fuel Assistance program opened on October 13th. The Fuel Assistance program helps pay heating costs for eligible households. Applications will be accepted from Oct. 13 until Nov. 13.
To apply, visit Common Help or call 855-635-4370
Learn more ››
Stay Cool!
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
Voting News:
Your Accessible Voting Guide
It is election season once again and that means, Your Accessible Voting Guide is back! New content has been updated for the 2026 election cycle.
If you are a US Citizen, aged 18 years or older, you can vote - regardless of disability. There are several tools to help persons with a disability make sure they are ready to vote on Election Day.
Early voting started 9/18/26, and runs through 10/31/2026.
The Arc of Virginia Candidate Forum Videos
In case you missed it, the Arc of Northern Virginia has posted the videos from their candidate forums on their Youtube page. These 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.
2026 Northern Virginia Congressional Candidate Forum on Disability Policy
This forum hosted candidates from the 7th and 8th districts which include Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Alexandria City, Spotsylvania County, Prince William County, Fredericksburg City, Culpeper County and beyond.
Virginia's Senate Candidate Forum on Disability Policy
Hear from Sen. Mark Warner and Candidate Bert Mizusawa in a night of learning and candidate engagement with those running to represent Virginia in the Congress. This forum hosted candidates running to represent the entire state in the Senate.
ASL interpretation is provided.
Congressional Candidate Forum for Fairfax County and City, Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock
Listen in on night of learning and candidate engagement with those running to represent Virginia in Congress. This forum hosted candidates from the 10th and 11th districts which include Fairfax County and City, Loudoun County, Rappahannock County, and Fauquier County.
Attorney General Jay Jones Announces Voter Protection Section
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Attorney General Jay Jones announced the launch of the Office of the Attorney General’s Voter Protection Section.This office was launched to address the continued erosion of the federal Voting Rights Act, and the Trump administration's efforts to impede access to the ballot.
The Voter Protection Section will have a clear mission: enforce Virginia’s voting rights laws, investigate threats to ballot access, and review proposed election changes that could affect voters. That includes issues like discriminatory redistricting, poll site changes, voter intimidation, improper registration cancellations, language access, and barriers facing voters with disabilities, students, and military voters.
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
ECNV Halloween SpookyTacular!
Get ready for a frightfully fun night! The ENDependents and Metro Social Group are teaming up for a Halloween SpookyTacular!
When: Friday, October 30, 5:30 p.m.
Where: ECNV Office, Arlington
Tacos • Games • Movie • Costume Contest
Please request reasonable accommodation to participate in the ECNV Social Group at least five days before the scheduled event, if possible.
Research Opportunities:
Include Voices: Research in Action Challenge
Your story could help shape conversations about the future of Down Syndrome research.
If you’re part of the Down syndrome community, share your story and perspective on research through the INCLUDE Voices: Research in Action Challenge. Create an original video, up to 3 minutes, showing why Down syndrome research improves lives and why participation matters.
People with Down Syndrome, families, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, students, and advocacy organizations, among others, are invited to participate.
$50,000 in total prizes are available, including a Grand Prize of $10,000.
This challenge is part of the INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down Syndrome) Project, a NIH-wide initiative that aims to expand knowledge about Down syndrome and its co-occurring conditions.
Submissions are open from October 5, 2026, through December 18, 2026.
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 and 2025.
Researchers want to know:
How people get health care services
What types of health care and insurance coverage people have
How people live independently in their communities
What obstacles people have in living independently
If you wish to receive updates for when the survey is open again, sign up is available at this link.
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
October
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.
Navigating Performance Discussions and the Accommodation Process Effectively, (virtual), 10/20/26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
Pathways to Disability Empowerment: Learn from the Success of Blind and DeafBlind Professionals, (virtual), 10/20/26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm. #NDEAM
How Disability Representation Creates Opportunities and Fuels Innovation, (virtual), 10/21/26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm. #NDEAM
Medicare 101, (virtual), 10/21/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
After Section 503: Maintaining Disability Inclusion Without Federal Benchmarks, (virtual), 10/22/26, 12:00pm. #NDEAM
Understanding Workplace Accommodations: Practical Strategies for Requesting and Responding, (virtual), 10/22/26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm. #NDEAM
Introduction to Dyslexia – what is it and what does it mean for my student?, (virtual), 10/23/26, 10:00am - 11:30am.
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Special Education Family Engagement, (virtual), 10/23/26, 12:00pm.
Medicare 102, (virtual), 10/28/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
U.S. Access Meeting, (virtual), 10/28/26, 1:30pm - 3:00pm.
Leading the Way: Empowering the Next Generation of Disabled Leaders, (virtual), 10/28/26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
Find Work that Works for You, (virtual), 10/28/26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm. #NDEAM
Making Work Actually Work: Tools to Support Positive Employment Outcomes, (virtual), 10/29/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm. #NDEAM
Transition Planning: Decision-Making Alternatives for Families of Individuals with Disabilities, (virtual), 10/30/26, 10:00am - 11:30am.
Employment Rights & Workplace Accommodations, (virtual), 10/30/26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm. #NDEAM
November
Plans 504 vs IEPs (Special Education Series in Spanish), (virtual), 11/3/26, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Parent Participation in Special Education, (virtual), 11/5/26, 6pm - 7:30pm.
Virginia Caregiver Summit 2026, (in-person), 11/13/26, 8:00am - 4:00pm, The Westin Richmond.
Special Education Family Conference, (in-person), 11/14/26, 8:30am - 3:00pm, Hayfield Secondary School.
Paying for Care Without Overpaying the IRS: How Long-Term Care Can Rewrite Your Tax Strategy, (virtual), 11/18/26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
2026 disAbility Rights and Resources Summit, (virtual), 11/19/26, 12:00pm - 5:00pm.
Understanding Special Education, (virtual), 11/19/26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
Medicaid y Beneficios, (virtual), 11/19/26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
Check out ECNV's updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
Explore our Newsletter Archive to access all of our current and past newsletters!
