Advocacy means speaking up for yourself and making sure your rights are respected. Children and adults with disabilities have many rights that come from laws, regulations or policies. For example, children with disabilities have the right to a free public education that is appropriate to their needs. Adults with disabilities have rights in the areas of housing, employment, transportation, and government services. It is important for parents to learn about their rights so they can advocate for themselves and their children. Sometimes it helps to get advice from a professional who has experience with different laws and policies. Here is a list of agencies and individuals that can teach you about the rights of people with disabilities. Some services are provided at no charge while other services are provided for a fee. If cost is an issue, be sure to ask whether the fees can be waived or adjusted according to your income.
ENdependence Center of Northern Virginia, Inc.
3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-525-3268
TTY: 703-525-3553
Fax: 703-525-3585
Email: info@ecnv.org
Web site: www.ecnv.org
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
PO Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 800-695-0285
TTY: 800-695-0285
Fax: 202-884-8441
Email: nichy@aed.org
Web site: www.nichy.org
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
1100 N Washington St. Suite 234, Falls Church, VA 22046
Phone: 703-923-0010
TTY: 703-923-0010
Fax: 800-693-3514
Email: partners@peatc.org
Web site: www.peatc.org
Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (formerly Department for Rights of Virginians with Disabilities)
1910 Byrd Avenue, Suite 5, Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-225-2042
TTY: 804-225-2042
Fax: 804-662-7057
Email: general.vopa@vopa.virginia.gov
Web site: www.vopa.state.va.us
Educational Consulting Services
Contact: Ruth C. Heitin, PhD
100 West Howell Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: 703-519-7181
Fax: 703-519-4737
Email: highten@aol.com
Web site: www.educationalconsultingva.com
Educational Resource Services
Phone: 703-764-0705
Fape Solutions
Web site: www.fapesolutions.com
Barbara A. Bradford, M.Ed.
5278 Mason Bluff Drive, Burke, VA 22015
Phone: 703-425-0273
Marjorie Orloff, M.Ed.
3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-764-0705
Reta Y. Lewis, Intervention Strategist
PO Box 3389, Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: 703-848-8894
Fax: 703-827-0803
Email: novaadvocate@aol.com
Starfish Savers
Laurie Ellen Randall, M.Ed.
Phone: 703-631-9557
Strategic Educational Solutions
Ilene Shwartz
1307 Buchanan Street, Arlington, VA 22205
Phone: 703-527-3130
In Step
James A. Sebben, Ed.D.
8320 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-876-8480
Fax: 703-876-8482
Web site: www.insteppc.com
Diagnostic and Educational Resources, Inc.
Annette Spector, M.S.Ed.
115 ROwell Court, Suite 2, Falls Church, VA 22046
Phone: 703-534-5180
Fax: 703-534-5181
Web site: www.der-online.com
Education Support and Advocacy Services
Judy Brown Zegas
PO Box 1372, Vienna, VA 22183
Phone: 703-319-3478
Email: esas@erols.com
Web site: www.iser.com
Assistive technology is any tool or device that maintains or improves an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities. Assistive technology can range from simple tools such as velcro or tape to complex, expensive items such as power wheelchairs and adapted computers. Communication devices, medical equipment and wheelchair lifts on vans are also examples of assistive technology. Sometimes families can arrange for another party, such as their health insurance, the school system, or the Department of Rehabilitative Services to pay for part or all of the cost of an assistive technology device. It is important to ask for written information about what these parties will cover, and what they will not. Check with an advocacy organization if you are unsure who is responsible for paying for an assistive device.
There are different types of assistive technology programs and services. Some agencies provide evaluations to determine what device is appropriate for an individual. Other organizations sell assistive devices or customize devices to meet a person’s unique needs. Some companies lend assistive technology to people with disabilities for short periods of time: these programs are often called equipment lending libraries or loan closets.
ENdependence Center of Northern Virginia
Attaché Program
Phone: 703-525-3268
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) Northern Regional Site
4400 University Drive, MSN 1F2, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-3670
Fax: 703-993-3681
Email: vatsnorth@aol.com
Web site: www.chd.gmu.edu/vatsnorth/index.htm
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) Central Office
8004 Franklin Farms Drive, Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9990
Fax: 804-662-9478
Web site: www.vats.org
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard Hearing
Contact: Ronald L. Lanier, Director
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 203, Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9502
Web site: www.vddhh.org
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
397 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: 804-371-3140
Web site: www.vdbvi.org
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
PO Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 800-695-0285
TTY: 800-695-0285
Fax: 202-884-8441
Email: nichy@aed.org
Web site: www.nichy.org
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired - Fairfax Regional Office
Contact: Timothy Brown
11150 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 502, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-359-1100
TTY: 703-359-1100
Fax: 703-359-1111
Email: timothy.brown@dbva.virginia.gov
