October 2026 ECNV E-newsletter
ECNV's Monthly Spotlight
Travel Training
Getting where you need to go can open the door to greater independence. ECNV’s Travel Training Program provides individualized support to help people with disabilities confidently use local buses, Metro, and other transportation options.
Whether you’re learning to ride public transportation for the first time or want to strengthen your existing skills, an ECNV Travel Trainer can work with you at your own pace. Training can include trip and route planning, wayfinding, transportation safety, bicycle route training, and self-advocacy. Travel Trainers can also help with accessing WMATA services such as MetroAccess, Disability Reduced Fare, and Senior SmarTrip cards.
The goal is simple: build the skills and confidence you need to travel more safely and independently—to work, school, appointments, activities, or wherever you want to go.
Ready to get started? Complete ECNV’s Travel Training Referral Form or visit our Travel Training Program Page.
Upcoming Classes!
NEW! 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.
November 2026 – October 2027 · Private pay, monthly payment plans available
Last Chance: Latinos with Disabilities Community Series
One Session Left!
Don’t miss the final session of United Cerebral Palsy’s “Latinos with Disabilities Community Series” featuring ECNV staff Jimena Barron and Rosalia Fajardo.
Join us Tuesday, October 6, from 9–10 a.m. ET for this webinar highlighting Latino voices, lived experiences, families, professionals, and advocates.
The session will be presented in English with live Spanish interpretation.
NEW! ECNV Benefits Navigation Mini-Series
We're back at it over here at ECNV. Our Spring Lunch and Learns covering all things Benefits Enrollment for supports like SSI/SSD were very well received and this fall, we're doing it again. This time we will meet on the second Fridays in October, November, and December. Our next session will be Friday, October 9, 2026, at 12:00 pm.
Please mark the dates on your calendar and all sessions are Virtual:
October 9
November 13
December 11
Get your questions ready and join us in a practical but friendly atmosphere that will help you better understand the programs right for you and your loved ones with disabilities.
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 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
The next session will be on, October 5, 2026, at 7pm.
October Speaker: Denise Johnson
Join us for a practical and empowering conversation on Preventing Falls and Ensuring Longevity and Stability as You Age with Denise Johnson, a seasoned leader in senior health and wellness. With over 35 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, she brings deep expertise in fall prevention, senior fitness, and supporting older adults—especially those who are homebound.
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 ››
Community Guide: Your Life. Your Choices. Your Community.
Are you ready to build independence, connect with your local community, or find a place of your own? Our tailored support programs are here to help you take the next step. Whether you want to explore new activities, meet fresh faces, reach personal goals, or navigate the housing process with a dedicated team, you don't have to do it alone. Let’s work together to create the future you want.
Contact: Pansy Walker Email: pansyw@ecnv.org
Join ECNV at Arlington's Digital Discovery Fair
ECNV will be an Exhibitor at: Arlington's Digital Discovery Fair.
Free for all ages & skill levels welcome!
English & español
When: Sat. Oct. 10, 1 - 4 PM
Where: Arlington Central Library
1015 N. Quincy St.
Arlington, VA 22201
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:
Nov 9-13, 2026
Online registration: Closes Oct 12th
Own Your Path
Available Year-Round
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
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
ECNV’s Social Group will take place October 30, 2026 at 5:30 pm.
Halloween SpookyTacular: Games, Food and a Movie
Located at: ECNV Office, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 810, Arlington, VA 22202
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: Two Group Events in October!
October 23: Next Metro Social Club outing is going to Old Town Alexandria from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Huntington
We will enjoy a fun fall day in Old Town Alexandra! We will walk around Old Town and look for a place for lunch and shop.
October 30: Halloween SpookyTacular: Games, Food and a Movie at 5:30 p.m. Located at: ECNV Office, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 810, Arlington, VA 22202
Advocacy Updates
ECNV’s Impact Hub and Advocacy Radar
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 Impact Hub page today to get started!
See current up-to-date Advocacy news at our Advocacy Radar
Other Items
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
Turn your everyday purchases into support for ECNV!
Did you know that the Endependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) is part of RoundUp.org!
With RoundUp.org, you can automatically round up your everyday credit card purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the spare change to ECNV. Those small amounts add up to make a big impact in supporting people with disabilities to live independently and fully participate in their communities.
Getting started takes less than a minute:
Link your Visa or Mastercard
Shop as usual
Your spare change supports ECNV automatically each month
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
ECNV Around Town
A Special Testimonial to ECNV
On 09/05/26, ECNV staff provided 37 vaccines at the Korean Community Service Center.
A special testimonial from the Center:
"I hope you are doing well. On behalf of our Outreach & Engagement team, I want to express our sincere appreciation to you and the Walgreens team for your collaboration in providing flu vaccines at the KCSC Health Fair. Your support was especially meaningful because the event served many under‑insured community members who often face barriers to accessing preventive care.
Thank you for your leadership in coordinating the clinic and for ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Your partnership with us helped create a safer, healthier environment for attendees, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to community health.
We truly value our partnership with ECNV and look forward to continuing to work together in support of our community."
ECNV at Reston Multicultural Festival
On Saturday, 09/19/26, ECNV's Travel Trainer, Margarita attended outreach event at the Reston Multicultural Festival along with her daughter.
Be sure to check out our calendar of events.
Success on the Metro!
September Metro Club met at Dunn Loring, practiced adding money to the fare kiosks, and traveled together on the Orange and Silver Lines to Olive Garden and back. Some participants also used MetroAccess for the first time. Experiences like these demonstrate how individualized travel training can help people learn to navigate destinations independently while building confidence throughout the DMV area.
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
