ECNV Has a New Three-Year Plan
Here’s what it means for you
Our Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan for 2026 through 2028. It sets out what ECNV will focus on for the next three years, and we’re sharing it with you because you should be able to hold us to it.
Your services are not changing. Every program you use continues. This plan is about what we’re building toward, not about what we’re taking away.
Last year, ECNV worked with 3805 people across Northern Virginia and put in more than 25,000 hours of community education, outreach, and advocacy. The plan is about doing more of that and doing it better.
The plan sets five goals
1. Stronger independent living services
We’re focusing on the services people ask us for most, and making sure they’re well staffed and well run.
2. A more effective board and staff
Better training and clearer communication across our board and staff.
3. Reaching people we’ve been missing
Disability services have historically worked better for some people than others. Language, culture, immigration status, and where you live all affect whether you can get help. We’re committing to closing those gaps, including launching ECNV en Español.
4. Advocacy led by you
More opportunities for consumers to advocate at the local, state, and national levels, on the issues you tell us matter most.
5. Financial stability
Growing and diversifying our funding so ECNV is here for the long run.
Behind all five: A renewed Mission
ECNV is a disability-led organization working toward the collective liberation of all disabled people through advocacy, support, and building connections.
Disability-led means something specific here. Two-thirds of our board and three-fourths of our staff are people with disabilities. Disabled people design our programs, sit on our board, and make the decisions.
What’s next. We’re building a page on our website where you’ll be able to read the full plan, see all five goals in detail, and follow our progress. We’ll also report publicly each year on how we’re doing against these goals.
ECNV Upcoming Calendar
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
Next ECNV Board Meeting: November 18, 2026, 6PM-7:30PM (virtual zoom)
Questions? Contact us at board@ecnv.org
Upcoming Classes!
Empower: A Youth Advocacy Fellowship
A year-long fellowship for young people with disabilities, ages 14–26, in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.
Fellows build self-advocacy skills, work one-on-one with a peer mentor, help shape ECNV's programs through our Peer Advisory Committee, and attend the NCIL Annual Conference in DC.
Application deadline extended: December 16, 2026. Private pay, monthly payment plans available
ECNV Benefits Navigation Mini-Series
Our Spring Lunch & Learns on benefits enrollment, including SSI and SSD, were a hit, so we're back this fall! Join us for our next virtual session on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
Bring your questions and learn more about benefits and support programs available to people with disabilities in a welcoming, informative environment. We hope to see you there!
Register for Our ECNV Benefits Mini-Series here
Need to submit a question ahead of the session?
If you require any reasonable accommodation to participate, please email traceeg@ecnv.org, at least 5 business days before the meeting.
Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle
Navigating career changes, job searches, workplace challenges, or job loss can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone!
Join ECNV's monthly Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle, led by two experienced volunteer facilitators. This welcoming, judgment-free group offers a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and support one another through employment and career challenges.
Join ECNV's Aging Solo
The next session will be on November 2, 2026, at 7pm.
November Speaker: Community outreach member from the Visiting Angels Health Care Company to talk about care options as you age.
Please note, no Aging Solo in December or January, will return February 2027.
Register for the meeting here ››
Community Guide: Your Life. Your Choices. Your Community.
Workplace Readiness Training
Healthy Relationships & Communication in the Workplace
Youth & Young Adults (ages 14-22) Virtual Classes:
Dec 7-11, 2026
Online registration: Closes Nov 9th
Healthy Relationships
Available Year-Round
Financial Literacy & Management
Youth (ages 14-22) Classes:
Jan. 11 – 15, 2027
Registration Closes Dec 14th
Adult 1:1 Services:
Money Matters 101 & 201 Available Year-Round
Self-Advocacy Skills Training
Youth & Young Adults (ages 14-22) Virtual Program
Own Your Path: Navigating Your Disability with Confidence and Clarity
Youth & Young Adults (ages 14-22) Virtual Classes:
Stay Tuned for Next Registration
Available Year-Round
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.
Career and Workplace Peer Support Circle
ECNV's I Am Self-Advocacy Program
Healthy Relationships and Communication in the Workplace
Peer Support Group Interest Form
Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP)
Referral Form for Travel Training
Youth Services 2026-2027 Calendar
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
Connect and Engage: Join Our Social Circle
The ENDependents Social Group: Winter Break Reminder
Our social group will be taking a short winter break, with no meetings in November, December, or January. We look forward to seeing everyone again when meetings resume in February!
ECNV Metro Club: November
More information to come. Be sure to check our calendar for updates.
Advocacy Updates
ECNV’s Impact Hub and Advocacy Radar
Policy changes can move quickly—and they can have a real impact on people with disabilities. Visit ECNV’s Advocacy Radar to follow developing policy issues affecting our community, and explore the Impact Hub for advocacy resources, tools, and ways to get involved. Follow the issues. Find the tools. Take action!
Ways to Support ECNV
Save the Date! Giving Tuesday 2026
On December 1, 2026, people all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities and change our world. Will you be one of them?
ECNV will be participating in GivingTuesday and we need your help!
By joining the GivingTuesday movement, you’re proving that in times of uncertainty, generosity can bring the whole world together.
Here is how you can get ready to give:
Give. On December 1, go to the ECNV donation page and give.
Spread the word. Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating real impact on December 1 by sharing what our mission means to you and why you support our organization.
Make sure to use the hashtag #GivingTuesday and tag us so we can share! Donate here
Check Out New Swag on 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 5% 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.
Small Change, Big Impact for ECNV
Support ECNV with your everyday purchases through RoundUp.org! Simply round up your credit card purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the spare change to ECNV. Every little bit adds up to support people with disabilities and independent living!
Getting started takes less than a minute:
Link your Visa or Mastercard
Shop as usual
Your spare change supports ECNV automatically each month
ECNV Around Town
On the Move with The Arc of Loudoun
On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, ECNV travel trainer Andrew Shaw, along with Arc of Loudoun, took the bus from ONE Loudoun to Ashburn, then used the Metro to go to Tyson’s.
Taking Care of Diverse Communities of Northern Virginia
At ECNV, we are firmly committed to helping people with disabilities and their families access the healthcare they need. As flu season gets underway, ECNV is partnering with Walgreens to bring free flu vaccines to uninsured members of our diverse communities through Walgreens’ special voucher program.
Law Enforcement Wellness: Strengthening Officers, Strengthening the Community
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Rosalia Fajardo attended the community lunch "Law Enforcement Wellness: Strengthening Officers, Strengthening the Community," hosted by the Shirlington Employment and Education Center.
Sponsored by ACCS, this community-focused initiative aims to engage the media and the public in the ongoing effort to combat crime. The luncheon celebrated the exceptional leadership of public health and safety officers and helped raise essential funds to support the program, including the operation of the anonymous tip line service.
ECNV Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at Audubon Estates
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, ECNV was proud to participate in the Audubon Estates Hispanic and Latin American Month Celebration, welcoming more than 200 participants!
We distributed flyers and informational fact sheets highlighting the many programs, services, and resources ECNV offers to support people with disabilities and their families.
Explore our Newsletter Archive to access all of our current and past newsletters!
Be on the lookout for a distinct "Be in the Know" email, which will be distributed within the next few weeks.
