Center for Family Involvement

01/25/2026

01/25/2026

❄️ DISABILITY FRIENDLY PREPARATION CHECKLIST 👇✅

Winter storms hit differently when you rely on access. Snow, ice, and bitter cold may cause power outages and long delays in clearing roads and ramps.

If you use medical equipment, mobility aids, or need caregiver support - now's the time to prepare.

This is not panic, just preparation!

Power & Equipment:
• Charge mobility devices, communication tools, and backup batteries
• Know how long your equipment can run without power
• Store extra batteries or manual alternatives if possible

Medication & Health:
• Refill prescriptions early
• Keep meds that require refrigeration in a cooler with ice packs
• Prepare a list of emergency contacts and medical info

Caregiver & Support Coverage:
• Confirm caregiver schedules and backup plans
• Let neighbors or local contacts know your needs
• Identify local shelters or warming centers that are accessible

Mobility & Access:
• Clear ramps, walkways, and entrances before snow builds
• Have salt or traction aids ready
• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary - paratransit may be delayed

Communication & Safety:
• Enable emergency alerts on your phone
• Keep flashlights, blankets, and a charged power bank nearby
• Use a Blue Envelope or communication card if needed during emergencies

Visit: www.vaemergency.gov/threats/winter-weather

(vaemergency.gov in Bing) for tips

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities


g

01/23/2026

FUN FACT FRIDAY: Andrea Bocelli & Eddie Ndopu

Andrea Bocelli was blinded at age 12 from a football accident. As the biggest-selling living classical artist, he has sold over 80 million records worldwide and brought classical music to a broader international audience.

"The fact that I am blind is not what defines my life. It should be of no more interest than my blood type."

Eddie Ndopu is a South African activist and writer who defied a terminal diagnosis to become a global voice for disability justice and UN sustainability goals.

In 2023, he published his memoir - written with one finger - chronicling his fight against ableism and his pursuit of success.

He founded A BILLION REASONS, an incubator for disability innovation and universal design.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

01/21/2026

🔦 SPOTLIGHTING Virginia’s A Farm Less Ordinary 🎉

“We are a farm, a community, and a tribe. And we are part of a movement to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. Help us get people out of their houses and into paying, meaningful jobs. Help us give individuals with disabilities the support they need and the respect they deserve as contributing members of our society and...the producers of your food.

From our fields to your table, enjoy vegetables, fruits and flowers grown by our GROWERS, staff, and volunteers!”

A Farm Less Ordinary

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

01/21/2026

Is it accessible? We followed Matthew Shapiro from 6 Wheels Consulting, LLC to find out, what is accessible and what isn’t, in a town like Charlottesville, VA?

The results were eye opening. Stay tuned all week for more.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

01/21/2026

Apple products are designed for every student. Accessibility features like Magnifier on Mac, Accessibility Reader, Braille Access, VoiceOver, Sound & Name Recognition, and Live Captions can improve access, enhance learning, and create new opportunities for people with disabilities to study, socialize, and succeed in college.

For Audio Descriptions, click on the Settings gear icon and select the descriptive audio track.

To access a more detailed accessibility transcript and to learn more about our features, click image below 👇

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

The Designed for Every Student film highlights how Apple accessibility features can enhance learning so students can succeed at college.

01/21/2026

Need help? Because being disabled is EXPENSIVE!

Who’s here to save the day? C.A.T.S. or Children's Assistive Technology Service

A Virginia-based non-profit organization that provides used pediatric rehabilitation equipment and assistive technology devices to children with disabilities at NO COST!

C.A.T.S. serves as a "lifeline" for families with limited resources or those whose insurance (including Medicaid) has denied or delayed coverage.

• Equipment Reuse: They collect gently used adaptive equipment, which is then cleaned, refurbished, and re-homed.

• Available Inventory: Categories include adaptive seating, wheelchairs, strollers, mobility aids, bathing/toileting equipment, and communication devices.

• Communication Loan Library: Specialized communication tools are available for loan in specific regions.

Our Mission: To create an
inclusive society where all children can thrive and achieve their dreams, one device at a time.

Website: AtDevicesForKids.org

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

01/20/2026

Mobile medicine: VCU students travel to provide health care to the underserved

In rural communities across the state, an interdisciplinary group of students volunteer for weekend-long pop-up clinics with Remote Area Medical.

Image: First-year medical student volunteers and Denee Moore, M.D., (far right) in front of a Remote Area Medical mobile optometry trailer, where clinic volunteers craft cost-free prescription glasses. (Photo courtesy of Sydney Williams, president of the RAM at VCU student group).

Article Link: news.vcu.edu/article/2025/12/mobile-medicine-vcu-students-travel-to-provide-health-care-to-the-underserved?

Who are we? (link in bio)
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

01/20/2026

Is it accessible? We followed Matthew Shapiro from 6 Wheels Consulting to find out, what is accessible and what isn’t, in a town like Charlottesville, VA?

The results were eye opening. Stay tuned all week for more.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities
6 Wheels Consulting, LLC

01/20/2026

The Virginia DMV's Blue Envelope Program: The Virginia DMV's Blue Envelope Program is a voluntary initiative designed to help drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops. It provides a discreet way for individuals to inform officers about their condition and any communication needs, potentially reducing anxiety and misunderstandings.

The program is free, and the envelopes are available at all Virginia DMV customer service centers.

LINK: www.dmv.virginia.gov/BlueEnvelope

Who are we? tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

01/19/2026

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

ts

01/19/2026

Show of hands - how many of you does this resonate with?

Yeah, she may have ADHD, which would explain her behavior, but what’s their excuse?