disAbility Resource Center

04/01/2026

We’re cheering on UMW Men’s Basketball as they head to the National Championship! 🏀

Good luck from all of us at the disAbility Resource Center!

03/31/2026

🎓 Students & Parents—high school won’t last forever… are you ready for what comes next?

For students with IEPs, the transition after high school can be a big shift.

👉 Students are expected to speak up, make decisions, and advocate for themselves
👉 Parents aren’t always in the room anymore

💥 That’s exactly what this class is designed to prepare you for.

This summer, the disAbility Resource Center is offering a hands-on, small group class to help students build real-world skills for what’s next—whether that’s a job, college, or training.

🔥 Students will learn how to:

·Speak up in IEP meetings (and actually be heard)
·Understand and use their IEP effectively
·Build workplace skills like communication & responsibility
·Gain independence in everyday life
·Start planning for life after high school

📅 Class Dates: June 2, 4, 9, & 11
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg

💬 This isn’t lectures.
It’s real conversations, real skills, and real confidence.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: This is a great way to help your student build the confidence and skills they’ll need when you’re not right there beside them.

⚠️ Spots are limited—don’t wait.

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HwOup5N5S7

03/31/2026

🍝 Cooking with Vanda: Penne Carbonara Workshop! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Ready to level up your cooking skills? Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make a classic Italian favorite—Penne Carbonara!

✨ What to expect:
• Step-by-step guidance from Vanda Croasdale
• Simple, easy-to-follow techniques
• A relaxed and enjoyable learning environment

📅 Date: Thursday, April 9
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA

Whether you're a beginner or just looking to sharpen your kitchen skills, this workshop is perfect for you!

👉 Register now: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/AtCBiRFzTc

Spots are limited—don’t miss out! 🍽️

03/27/2026

🐣🌼 Last Chance to RSVP — Belmont’s Beeping Egg Hunt! 🌼🐣

Today is the FINAL DAY to sign up for this incredible, inclusive community event at Gari Melchers Home & Studio at Belmont!

This free, accessible egg hunt is specially designed for children who are blind, visually impaired, or have other disabilities — along with their families. Kids will search for beeping eggs using sound and touch, making it a fun experience for everyone.

✨ Event Highlights:
• Petting zoo 🐐
• Touch-a-Tractor 🚜
• Refreshments 🍎
• Resource tables
• Sensory activities

📍 Location:
Gari Melchers Home & Studio at Belmont
224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA

📅 Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m. (rain or shine)

📧 RSVP TODAY (March 27):
Contact Michelle Crow-Dolby at mdolby@umw.edu

🧺 Bring your basket and don’t miss out on this joyful, inclusive event! 💛

🔗 More info: https://www.garimelchers.org/learn/beeping-egg-hunt/

👉 Please share to help spread the word before registration closes!

03/26/2026

Good opportunity from our partners at PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center!

They’re hiring a Regional Family Support Specialist (Region 4 – Northern Virginia)—someone who can support families and students with disabilities in navigating special education, understanding their rights, and building stronger self-advocacy.

It’s a remote position (within Virginia) with some travel, and applicants need to live in or near Northern Virginia.

If you (or someone you know) would be a good fit, take a look:

👉 peatc.org/careers

Feel free to share to help spread the word!

We are adding to our team!

Now recruiting for: Regional Family Support Specialist (Region 4*)
Supporting Families Navigating Special Education

Join our fast-paced, equal opportunity, passionate team as a Family Support Specialist. Under supervision, assist families in navigating the special education system and empower them to make informed choices about their child’s educational services. Responsibilities include providing accurate and timely information, training, and assistance to parents and professionals on Virginia special education services. This is a remote working position within the Commonwealth of Virginia, funded through a state contract. This position requires travel.

👉 Learn more and apply at peatc.org/careers

*Applicants must reside (or live in proximity to) Region 4, Northern Virginia

03/25/2026

Looking for an accessible and engaging local event?

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Day at Historic Kenmore is coming up on Sunday, April 12!

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of Historic Kenmore interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL), along with time to explore the beautiful grounds, gardens, and Visitor Center exhibits.

🕐 Tour times: 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Historic Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg
🎟️ Standard admission fees apply

Important:
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at the Visitor Center
• Advanced registration is strongly recommended (space is limited!)

Learn more and register here:
https://kenmore.org/calendar-item/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-community-day/

For questions, contact: learn@gwffoundation.org
or call 540-370-0732 x1202.

03/25/2026

Thanks to The Phil VA for shining a light on Centers for Independent Living, including the disAbility Resource Center and our partners in the region! Published earlier this month, this article highlights how CILs help people with disabilities live independently and stay connected to their communities.

These three Center for Independent Living nonprofits support people with disabilities to ensure they have a healthy, independent life.

03/23/2026

At the disAbility Resource Center, we believe something simple but important: people with disabilities don’t need to be “fixed” to succeed—systems need to be accessible and inclusive.

This article from Harvard Business Review highlights a reality many already know: autistic individuals—and neurodivergent people more broadly—are not held back by their abilities, but by discrimination, bias, and workplace environments that weren’t designed with them in mind.

As a Center for Independent Living, we are proud to be for people with disabilities, run by people with disabilities. That lived experience shapes how we advocate, how we support, and how we push for change.

Creating inclusive workplaces isn’t just the right thing to do—it leads to stronger, more innovative communities.

👉 Read the article here: https://hbr.org/2021/12/autism-doesnt-hold-people-back-at-work-discrimination-does?ab=at_art_art_1x1

03/23/2026

Today we’re at the UMWdining Health & Wellness Fair!
You can find us on the second floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center, and we’ll be here until 3:00 PM.

If you’re out and about, stop by and say hello—we’d love to see you!

03/17/2026

Do you have questions about special education or disability services in Virginia? Need help navigating IEPs, 504 plans, or understanding your child’s rights at school?

PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center is offering Community Office Hours right here in Fredericksburg!

This is a chance to talk one-on-one with a PEATC Family Support Specialist, ask questions, and get reliable, parent-centered guidance in a relaxed setting. Appointments are optional—you can call or text ahead to reserve a time, or just stop by during office hours.

📍 disAbility Resource Center
409 Progress St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

📅 Monday, March 23rd, 2026
⏰ 9:15 am – 10:45 am

👤 Meet with: Anna Barrett, PEATC Family Support Specialist
📞 Call or text to schedule (optional): 703-559-7229

🌐 More info: peatc.org | partners@peatc.org

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator supporting a child with a disability, this is a great opportunity to get trusted information and support.

03/16/2026

⚠️ dRC Office Closure Notice

Due to the tornado watch and severe weather conditions, dRC will be CLOSED today starting at 2:00 PM.

The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. Please stay safe and monitor local weather updates.

Thank you for your understanding.

03/13/2026

Our friends at the Hearing Loss Association of America- Rappahannock Club are hosting a great program later this month at the disAbility Resource Center. Morgan Dawson from Topside Federal Credit Union will be sharing practical tips on how to recognize and avoid scams. If you or someone you know could benefit from this information, we hope you’ll consider joining the conversation!

🔔 Upcoming HLAA Meeting – Learn How to Spot and Avoid Scams

At our next HLAA meeting, we’ll be joined by Morgan Dawson from Topside FCU, who will be speaking about current scams and fraud schemes that are affecting people in our community.

Unfortunately, scams are becoming more common, and several people in our group have recently encountered situations like this. Morgan will share practical tips on how to recognize warning signs, avoid getting caught up in scams, and protect yourself and your finances.

💬 As always, our meetings are conversational—so feel free to bring questions or share your experiences.

📅 Monday, March 30
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 disAbility Resource Center
409 Progress St., Fredericksburg

We hope you’ll join us for this important and informative discussion!