Although we do our best to provide timely and relevant information, it’s difficult to stay on top of ALL the topics and issues related to disability services. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for here in our resource library, click here to go to our Information & Referral Portal.
Using the portal, you can 1) Ask specific questions regarding your individual situation. An employee of the chapter will respond to your question and do their best to provide the information you’re searching for. You can also 2) suggest topics for guidebooks and information sheets not currently in the library. Much of what we have available is due to an individual request.
Abuse Among Those with a Disability
Helping your Loved One Become a “Tough Target” People with developmental disabilities are more likely than people without disabilities to become victims of crime. It is incredibly important to help prevent abusers from targeting your loved one, and prevent abuse from occurring even if someone is targeted.
“Consumer directed” means that a person with a disability, often working with their family, decides exactly who will be hired to provide support services. The consumer is the person with a disability and they are “directing” or controlling exactly who will assist them.
Our Consumer Directed Attendant Guideprovides information on understanding and utilizing consumer directed services to get the help you need in your home and community.
This Consumer Directed Attendant FAQs document provides a brief overview on information on utilizing consumer directed services.
Disability and Law Enforcement Interactions – Criminal Justice Reform
Reports and studies show what we have come to know at The Arc of Northern Virginia quite personally– people with developmental disabilities are much more likely to have negative interactions with the justice system and end up incarcerated than the typically developing population.
Printable Car Bumper Sticker/Magnet – Download and print this image to tape inside your back windshield (just ensure it is visible through any window tinting.) Another idea is to have the image printed into a bumper sticker or car magnet. It notifies first responders that the applicant has a disability and may need accommodations.
Video: Police Interactions for People with Disabilities – This video was developed as part of a grant funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for The Arc of Northern Virginia to create short videos with information on interactions between people with disabilities and the justice system. They’re designed to empower people with disabilities and let them know about options and accommodations they can request.
Video: Calling 911 for People with Disabilities – This video was developed as part of a grant funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for The Arc of Northern Virginia to create short videos with information on interactions between people with disabilities and the justice system. They’re designed to empower people with disabilities and let them know about options and accommodations they can request.
Video: Traffic Stops for People with Disabilities – This video was developed as part of a grant funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for The Arc of Northern Virginia to create short videos with information on interactions between people with disabilities and the justice system. They’re designed to empower people with disabilities and let them know about options and accommodations they can request.
Script for an Auto Accident – This document is a one-page guidance script drivers with developmental disabilities can keep in the car to help them remember what to do, ask, and say in the event of an accident.
Video: Comfort Kits for People with Disabilities – This video was developed as part of a grant funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for The Arc of Northern Virginia to create short videos with information on interactions between people with disabilities and the justice system. They’re designed to empower people with disabilities and let them know about options and accommodations they can request.
We have seen a huge increase in the number of people opting to use live-in aides to make living with greater independence possible. These new guidebooks were created by The Arc of Northern Virginia in 2018 as a result of a grant award from the Arlington Community Foundation.
Considering a Move to Virginia? There are lots of things to consider and understand as you think about a move to the Commonwealth. This two-page Fact Sheet may help answer some of your questions.
You’ve Moved to Virginia Welcome! There are lots of things to consider and navigate as you settle into the area. Many services do not move with you from another state or area, so this handout will review some key things to know, as well as first steps and contacts as you make Virginia your home.
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Social & Recreation
Building Social Connections – These are resources in the Northern Virginia area that offer social and recreation opportunities to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Arc of Northern Virginia relies on private support from individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations to fund our efforts. Your generous donations help make it possible for us to provide programs, services, and advocacy so that people with IDD can live “A Life Like Yours.”