disAbility Resource Center

03/02/2026

🛍️ SMART SHOPPING: COUPONS & REBATES 💸
Save money every time you shop!

Want to learn how to stretch your dollars further? Join us to discover smart shopping strategies including:
✔️ Using coupons & rebates
✔️ Finding the best store promotions
✔️ Maximizing cash-back apps
✔️ Tips on how to sometimes get items for FREE

🗓 Tuesday, March 10
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Bring your smartphone or tablet and a three-ring binder or notebook.

Spots are limited — register today!
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

For questions, call 540-373-2559 or visit www.cildrc.org

03/02/2026

📣 IEP Preparation – Prepare with Confidence

Parents, get ready for your child’s IEP meeting with clarity and confidence! Learn how to navigate the process, advocate effectively, and support your child’s active participation.

🗓 Thursday, March 5
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA

📝 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

📣 IEP Preparation – Prepare with Confidence

Getting ready for an IEP meeting? Make sure you feel informed, organized, and empowered.

This workshop will help families understand the who, what, where, when, and how of the IEP process. Learn how to address all required components in one meeting while actively engaging your child and collaborating with the full IEP team.

You’ll also gain effective strategies for talking with your child about their role and participation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

🗓 Thursday, March 5
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Brenda Boggs

More parent-focused.
More student-focused.
More advocacy-focused.

📝 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

Accommodations available with at least 10 business days’ notice.

📞 540-373-2559
🌐 www.cildrc.org

02/28/2026

Today, we’re at the Shine Bright With Health Festival at the Stafford County Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 🌟

This community wellness event brings together local organizations, health professionals, and families for a day focused on learning, connection, and healthy living. Throughout the festival, attendees can explore resources, talk with providers, and learn more about topics like heart health, cancer awareness, children’s dental health, and other important issues affecting our community.

The disAbility Resource Center is here sharing information about our services and connecting with people who want to learn more about living independently and accessing supports in our region.

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and see us! 😊

02/26/2026

🚦 Your Voice Matters — Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Our Region!

Transportation impacts every part of our daily lives — from getting to work and school to accessing healthcare and staying connected to our community. It’s especially important for older adults and people with disabilities who rely on safe, accessible options.

The Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) is currently developing the 2055 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and wants to hear from YOU!

They’re gathering input on transportation priorities and needs for:
📍 City of Fredericksburg
📍 Stafford County
📍 Spotsylvania County

⏱ The survey only takes 5–10 minutes and gives you the chance to:
✔ Provide feedback on future transportation goals
✔ Highlight transportation challenges in our area
✔ Share your ideas for improving mobility, safety, transit, and walkability

If access, safety, traffic, sidewalks, public transit, or overall mobility are important to you, now is the time to get involved.

FAMPO welcomes participation from everyone, regardless of race, color, s*xual orientation, national origin, age, s*x, religion, disability, or family status.

If you need ADA accommodations or language assistance, contact FAMPO at 540-373-2890 or fampo@gwregion.org

📝 Take the survey here: https://arcg.is/1rf8TO0

Let’s work together to create a transportation system that serves everyone — now and for generations to come.

02/25/2026

📣 IEP Preparation – Prepare with Confidence

Getting ready for an IEP meeting? Make sure you feel informed, organized, and empowered.

This workshop will help families understand the who, what, where, when, and how of the IEP process. Learn how to address all required components in one meeting while actively engaging your child and collaborating with the full IEP team.

You’ll also gain effective strategies for talking with your child about their role and participation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

🗓 Thursday, March 5
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Brenda Boggs

More parent-focused.
More student-focused.
More advocacy-focused.

📝 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

Accommodations available with at least 10 business days’ notice.

📞 540-373-2559
🌐 www.cildrc.org

02/24/2026

🔥🔥🔥 The Countdown is ON! 🔥🔥🔥

T-10 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games ❄️🏔️

The Paralympic Games are more than just competition — they are a global celebration of courage, determination, and the incredible power of sport. Athletes from around the world will showcase extraordinary skill and resilience, proving that there are no limits to what the human spirit can achieve 💪✨

Let’s come together to support and celebrate these inspiring athletes as they make history on the world stage! 🌍

Join the movement. Share the excitement. Celebrate ability beyond limits. 💙

The countdown is ON 🔥🔥🔥

T-10 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games ❄️

Purchase your tickets today! https://tickets.milanocortina2026.org

02/24/2026

🐣🌼 Belmont’s Beeping Egg Hunt 🌼🐣

We’re excited to share this wonderful, inclusive community event hosted by Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Falmouth, VA!

This free, audible egg hunt is specially designed for blind, visually impaired, and other children with disabilities — along with their families. Children will search for beeping eggs using sound and touch, creating a fun and accessible experience for everyone.

✨ Plus enjoy:
• Petting zoo
• Touch-a-Tractor
• Refreshments
• Resource tables
• Sensory activities

📍 Where: Gari Melchers Home & Studio at Belmont
224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA 22405

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

📧 RSVP by Friday, March 27
Contact Education Director Michelle Crow-Dolby at
mdolby@umw.edu

Bring your basket and join the fun! 🧺💛

For more information: https://www.garimelchers.org/learn/beeping-egg-hunt/

Please help spread the word by sharing!

02/23/2026

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the HLAA Rappahannock Club will be hosting their meeting at our office (409 Progress St) starting at 11:00am this morning!

❄️ HLAA Rappahannock Meeting – February 23 ❄️

Due to last month’s weather cancellation, we’ve rescheduled our fall prevention program for Monday, February 23 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

We’re looking forward to a great discussion on fall prevention, aging in place, and home modification grants offered through the disAbility Resource Center.

During the first hour, Judy Lawrence and Samantha Davis (dRC’s Home Modification Program Manager) will share a real-life, step-by-step look at Judy’s experience applying for a home modification grant — from eligibility to assessment to the modifications being made in her home.

In the second hour, Occupational Therapist Shunaka White will join us to talk about:
• What occupational therapy is and how it supports independence
• Practical fall prevention strategies
• Ways to make homes safer and more usable over time

This will be an informative, practical session with plenty of useful takeaways.

🌨️ We are keeping an eye on the forecast, which may call for some wintry weather. Please don’t feel any pressure to come out if road conditions are unsafe where you are. Your safety comes first, and we completely understand if you need to stay home.

And as always, feel free to bring your favorite sweet treats to share!

We hope to see you there!

02/21/2026

Today we're at the Build and Balance Wellness Workshop in Madison. We'll be here until 1:00pm, if you're out and about in the area, drop by and see us!

02/20/2026

We’re looking forward to hosting the HLAA Rappahannock Club on Monday, February 23 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for an important conversation about fall prevention, safely aging in place, and home modification grants.

During this meeting, participants will hear a real-life perspective on applying for a home modification grant, learn what happens during a home assessment, and gain practical strategies for reducing fall risks at home. An occupational therapist will also share insight into how simple changes can make homes safer and more usable over time.

If you or a family member are thinking about ways to remain safely in your home as you age, this session will offer practical, useful information.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with HLAA and support conversations that promote independence and safe access at home.

❄️ HLAA Rappahannock Meeting – February 23 ❄️

Due to last month’s weather cancellation, we’ve rescheduled our fall prevention program for Monday, February 23 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

We’re looking forward to a great discussion on fall prevention, aging in place, and home modification grants offered through the disAbility Resource Center.

During the first hour, Judy Lawrence and Samantha Davis (dRC’s Home Modification Program Manager) will share a real-life, step-by-step look at Judy’s experience applying for a home modification grant — from eligibility to assessment to the modifications being made in her home.

In the second hour, Occupational Therapist Shunaka White will join us to talk about:
• What occupational therapy is and how it supports independence
• Practical fall prevention strategies
• Ways to make homes safer and more usable over time

This will be an informative, practical session with plenty of useful takeaways.

🌨️ We are keeping an eye on the forecast, which may call for some wintry weather. Please don’t feel any pressure to come out if road conditions are unsafe where you are. Your safety comes first, and we completely understand if you need to stay home.

And as always, feel free to bring your favorite sweet treats to share!

We hope to see you there!

02/19/2026

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?

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) is offering Community Office Hours right here in Fredericksburg at the disAbility Resource Center!

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 simply stop by during office hours.

📍 Monday, February 23rd, 2026
⏰ 9:15 am – 10:45 am
📍 disAbility Resource Center
409 Progress Street, Fredericksburg

📞 Call or text to schedule (optional): 703-559-7229
🌐 More info: 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.