Evan's Voice Community Center

03/25/2026

As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to pause and return to fundamentals—the things that matter most. For those of us connected to long-term care, that foundation starts with two essential truths: residents have rights, and they have the right to an independent advocate.

03/12/2026

Our Statewide Continuing Education Workshops continue Friday, March 20 at 12 p.m. ET! Register here: https://dsa-virginia.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/njrg7WsdTg-cnqI-_N2hoQ #/registration

Our presenters will share information about the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Disability EmpowHer Network’s programs for disabled women and girls: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:4783e0ff-79f7-47f3-9dbd-58b5ee9dec09

03/05/2026

Need help with Social Security benefits? We’ve got you!

Applying can feel confusing - get free, personalized guidance from experienced attorneys in small-group sessions to help you complete your application with confidence. Sessions last up to 50 minutes and take place at The Arc of Northern Virginia office.

Forms will be provided to registered attendees in advance. Please bring completed forms to review during your session.

Questions or need help registering? Contact Jamie Colgin, DD Community Resource Navigator, at jamie.colgin@thearcofnova.org or 703-208-1119 x126

Register for your time sloat at https://form.jotform.com/260435789230157

03/03/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!

People with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.

Join the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, VBPD and communities across the country as we share stories that connect the past, present, and future: https://nacdd.org/2026-dd-awareness-month-were-here-then-now-always/

03/02/2026

Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world of complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork.

The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate.

Upcoming session: March 2, 2026 - March 23, 2026
🔗 REGISTER: tinyurl.com/ywz6x8y2

This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 3-week timeframe.

02/27/2026

It’s Resource Friday!

Spring IEP season is almost here. February is a great time for families to review goals, prepare questions, and start thinking about the next steps.

When you have that IEP in place, you may want to keep it with other educational, medical, and legal records in an organized format that’s easy to access. If so, PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center has you covered with a digital portfolio that keeps everything straight:
https://peatc.org/services/special-education/ -toc__heading-anchor-2

02/25/2026

Yes! As a Board Member, I want to hear from you!! 😊

Our Board members want to hear from you! Did you know the Board accepts public comment to help inform our state plan priorities, our policy work, and our funding priorities?

Read our public comment policy: https://vbpd.virginia.gov/contact/public-comment/

You can submit public comments in writing through the Board’s Contact form:
https://vbpd.virginia.gov/contact/

Public comments will also be received at approximately 10:30 a.m. ET during our March 4 board meeting, which will be held virtually on Zoom. Learn more about the meeting and how to join: https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/76557

02/24/2026

Supporting the Whole Family: Disability Through the Adult Sibling Lens
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Join us for a sibling-focused video podcast featuring adult siblings of individuals with disabilities sharing their lived experiences. This conversation will explore the joys, challenges, and unique roles siblings often hold over the lifespan, along with practical supports that help families thrive.

Moderated by Tammy Burns, PEATC’s Executive Director, the discussion will also highlight resources for siblings and the broader family system.

REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/462zx3jt

This webinar will be presented on Zoom.

02/20/2026

Training on Informed Consent
for Parents of Youth with Disabilities

This session explains what informed consent really means—understanding information, asking questions, and agreeing before decisions are made. Learn the basic principles behind informed consent, why it matters in all services and supports, and how it is used in Vocational Rehabilitation to help your child make confident, informed choices about their future.

Choose ONE session to attend:
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 pm EST
🔗 Register: tinyurl.com/yyn792ej

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 pm EST
🔗 Register: tinyurl.com/ymd4jkbc

Presented by PEATC in partnership with DARS

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.

02/20/2026

🌟 Today is National Caregivers Day 🌟

Today, we celebrate the dedication, love, and strength of caregivers everywhere—and the essential role they play in our families and communities. Caregiving looks different for everyone, whether it’s a professional role or caring for a loved one at home.

For parents of children with autism, caregiving often means being a constant advocate, a steady support, and a tireless champion for their child’s needs and future. Your compassion, resilience, and commitment deserve to be recognized today and every day.

Join us in thanking all caregivers—because the care you give truly changes lives. ❤️

https://tacanow.org/

02/20/2026

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.