ECNV - ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia

02/20/2026

It's Resource Friday!

It’s Resource Friday AND National Caregiver’s Day!

Today we honor the family members, friends, and support workers who care for others every day. Caregiving can be hard work and requires a lot of patience, strength, and compassion.

The Virginia Caregiver Coalition has put together a guide so caregivers in Virginia have the information they need: https://virginianavigator.org/books-guides/79612/taking-care-resource-guide-caregivers

This guide contains sections on taking care of a person with a disability, a child with autism, and even yourself.

02/20/2026

02/20/2026

Update from WMATA: This planned track work is now canceled. There will be no single tracking on the Red Line this weekend.

Prepare early for this coming weekend! Red Line customers: Trains will single track between Dupont Circle and Van Ness for planned track work. Learn more: wmata.com/weekend

02/20/2026

Legislative Advocacy Update! See details below.

02/20/2026

DeafPlus Advocate is hosting the monthly ASL Social event in the DMV.

If you are Deaf/hearing and interested in socializing or looking to practice with your American Sign Language (ASL), join us! All ASL levels are welcome! The next gathering will be on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Ballston Quarter, (4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203) from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.

They will meet in the food court on the lower level (Level C).
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the DeafPlus Advocate team (deafplusadvocate@gmail.com).

More information: https://www.meetup.com/aslbridge/events/313134747/

02/20/2026

Article | Eric Dane, Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria Star, Dead at 53 Nearly 1 Year After Announcing ALS Diagnosis. Read more at this link (https://people.com/eric-dane-dead-greys-anatomy-star-was-53-11717334).

02/20/2026

Renewal forms for participants in Loudoun County’s Tax Relief Program for Older or Disabled Adults are in the mail. The renewal deadline is April 1, 2026. First-time applicants may apply for the program beginning March 1.

Details here: https://www.loudoun.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/10445

02/20/2026

Join us on the second Fridays of the month for anyone currently pursuing or thinking about pursuing one of the Entitlement Benefits Programs - e.g. SSI / SSDI. ECNV is here to help you find what you need to know and come listen (and ask your questions) in a practical but friendly atmosphere that will help you better understand Social Security benefits and how to qualify for them.

Whether you’re thinking about applying, already receiving benefits, or trying to balance work limits and income, these sessions will walk you through what you need to know — step by step.

You’ll learn how to:
Understand whether benefits make sense for you right now
Navigate the application process and documentation
Make informed choices about working while receiving benefits

Bring your lunch and your questions — and leave with clarity.

Use this form to submit questions ahead of time. NEVER share any personally identifying information into this Google Form. ONLY the workshop leader will see the form responses. Please try to keep your questions as brief and concise as possible.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxoJHswwa0Nxymjxy38o3B0NJhV-jhFWxg8YfLJnzrxM2iKQ/viewform

This series begins on March 13 and runs through June 12, 2026! All sessions are on Fridays, 12pm - 1pm.

Session Dates & Times:

March 13, 2026 - Now or Later: The Right Time to Apply and Initial Steps
April 10, 2026 - The Long Application Minus the Overwhelm
May 8, 2026 - Can I Work and Keep My Benefits?
June 12, 2026 - I'm Accepted, Wait, I'm Rejected...Now What?

Register for Our ECNV Benefits Mini Series here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DzHQcPZ4TV-DcAXHjrj3OA

02/20/2026

Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma is a Black Asian author, educator, researcher, and advocate. She is a scholar who specializes in critical disability studies and race theory. Read more at this link (https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/Black_Disability_Leaders_You_Should_Know_About).

02/20/2026

Today, February 20, 2026, ECNV celebrates National Caregivers Day! National Caregivers Day is celebrated annually on the third Friday in February, healthcare professionals and loved ones are observed nationwide on this special day designated for caregivers. Caregivers provide necessary assistance to those in need for everything from medical aid to personal care.

02/19/2026

In case you missed it, Open the Gates 🎲 Dungeons and Dragons livestream is available to watch on Twitch.TV (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2701210047) and Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw9GhPNZZA4).

02/19/2026

The West Springfield High School American Sign Language Honor Society will be hosting a Valentine’s ASL event at West Springfield High School, in the Cafeteria (6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield, VA 22152) on Friday, February 27, 2026. The event begins at 6:30pm (enter through Door #5). Admission is $10 at the door, payable by cash or check to WSHS.

Enjoy an evening of:
😋 Dinner (sourced from local restaurants & grocery stores)
🎲 Games
📖ASL storytelling

All are welcome! No prior knowledge of ASL is required, and whiteboards will be provided. This event counts toward your Deaf community event participation.
📧 Please RSVP by February 25 to: Spartan.ASLHS@gmail.com