Vaccinate Virginia Official Vaccine Pre-registration Form
Virginia Department of Health website with information on pre-registering for the vaccine, verifying and updating your pre-registration, or checking to see if you’re in the VDH database. In English and Spanish.
Link to Vaccinate Virginia
Covid-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities
PDF with general information about covid-19, what it is, how you can get it, and how to stay safe.
Link to Covid Information
Office of Early Childhood and Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education FAQ
Document by Virginia Department of Education that explains provisions of Early Intervention, school closures, and transitions from EI to ECSE due to the pandemic.
Link to School Info
ODDS COVID-19 Video
The Office of Developmental Disability Services produced this video which provides information on Covid-19, what it is and how to stay safe.
Link to Video
Coronavirus Tips for Staying Healthy | Self-Determination | WI Board for People w/ Developmental Disabilities
Description: Video with tips on staying healthy and safe during this pandemic made by and for people with developmental disabilities.
Link to Stay Healthy Video
Masks Accommodation Ideas for People with Disabilities
PDF with tips on mask accommodations for people with disabilities and your rights for accommodation under The Americans With Disabilities Act.
Link to Mask Accommodations
Helping Individuals with Disabilities Wear Face Masks
PDF with tips on helping people with IDD wear face masks, it also includes links to helpful videos, and links on background, buying and wearing face coverings.
Link to Tips on Wearing Face Masks
How to Wash a Cloth Face Mask
PDF with tips and help on cleaning and maintaining cloth face masks.
Link to Washing Cloth Mask
Tips For Working With Support Staff During COVID-19
PDF provides tips for working with support staff during Covid-19; written by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Link to Tips for Working with Support Staff
The Arc of New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccine Video for Individuals with I/DD
This video explains how the vaccine is administered and possible side effects for recipients. Produced for the I/DD community.
Link to Vaccine Video
CCT Resources for Attorneys
Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT) provides general information to assist attorneys in the representation of their clients including info about third party and first party pooled special needs trusts, Medicare Set-Aside First-Party Pooled Special Needs Trust, and Military Survivor Benefit Plan First-Party Pooled Special Needs Trusts.
Link to CCT for Attorneys Website
Find an Attorney through Special Needs Alliance
This website shows how to hire an attorney who understands the intricacies of special needs law through the Special Needs Alliance.
Link to Special Needs Alliance Website
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
An online directory that provides contact information for locating elder and special needs law attorneys for legal assistance.
Link to NAELA Website
Developing Positive Interactions for People with Developmental Disabilities and First Responders, Police, and the Justice System
This is a guide for people with developmental disabilities and their families that provides preventative negative interactions with police officers and other positions within our legal and criminal system. Provides information on what to do if a negative interaction occurs and relevant resources.
Link to The Arc of NOVA Disability and Criminal Justice Reform Webpage
The Justice System for People with DD in 3 Minutes
Video that discusses how and why people with developmental disabilities are more likely to encounter the justice system, how to prevent negative interactions, and how to best navigate a crisis situation.
Link to Justice System Youtube Video
Working with the Criminal Defense Lawyer: A Guide for Families
PDF guide for families, the form teaches them how to work with a criminal defense lawyer, and what to do when put in a situation where one would be needed.
Link to Working with Criminal Defense Lawyers PDF
Nursing Home Abuse Justice
Resources offering support to veterans and their families in cases of abuse when in a nursing home.
Link to Nursing Home Abuse Justice Website
Navigating the Intellectual Disability Waiver
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) PDF with information for families about the paid supports available to them.
Link to PDF Workbook
Virginia ID/DD Eligibility Survey for Adults
Use this survey to determine if you or someone you know is eligible for an ID/DD Medicaid Waiver (for adults).
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Resource Page for Waivers
Virginia ID/DD Eligibility Survey for Children
Use this survey to determine if you or someone you know is eligible for an ID/DD Medicaid Waiver (for children).
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Resource Page for Waivers
Virginia ID/DD Eligibility Survey for Infants
Use this survey to determine if you or someone you know is eligible for an ID/DD Medicaid Waiver (for infants).
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Resource Page for Waivers
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
Website with links to Federal Acts pertaining to people with disabilities with descriptions on what they are and their purpose.
Link to ADA Guide
US Dept. of Labor Laws and Regulations
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. To find out more about how these laws may apply to you, contact the agencies and organizations listed in the document.
Link to Laws and Regulations Webpage
Americans with Disabilities Act
This video explains The Americans With Disabilities Act, which is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
Link to Americans with Disabilities Act Youtube Video
Bill Of Rights
This Video explains the Bill of Rights for people with disabilities.
Link to Bill of Rights Video
Overview Of The ADA
This document is a simplified overview The Americans With Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Americans with Disabilities Resource Page
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: History and Summary
This video explains the history and summary of the IDEA Act.
Link to IDEA Video
Special Permission Credit Accommodations: A Path to the Standard Diploma for Students with Disabilities
This document explains graduation requirements and ways to obtain special permission credit accommodations for students with disabilities.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Special Education Resource Page
The Arc@School: Early Intervention Services
The Arc@School explains early intervention services, child find, what an IFSP is, what procedural safeguards are available for parents, costs related to early intervention, and where parents can find more information.
Link to The Arc@School’s Resource Page
Supports, Services, and Rights for Students With Disabilities
This website includes information about Individualized Education Programs, Transition Planning for Students, Section 504 details and post secondary education for the I/DD community.
Link to The Arc@School’s Support Services and Rights Page
Parent’s Guide to Special Education
This comprehensive guide explains special education for parents, including how the process works, and info on topics such as understanding special education law, parental rights and procedural safeguards.
Link to Mom’s in Motion Guide
Virginia Family Special Education Connection
This website provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families and caregivers of children with special needs and includes info on Virginia Disability Services, special education contacts, events for the I/DD community, and online trainings.
Link to VA Family Special Education Website
Your Family’s Special Education Rights
This document amends the October 2012 Procedural Safeguards Document of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Includes information on Independent Educational Evaluation, confidentiality of information, alternative dispute resolution procedures, due process procedures, procedures when disciplining children with disabilities, Requirements for Unilateral Placement by Parents of Children in Private Schools at Public Expense, and Notice of Parental Rights Concerning the Use of Public Benefits or Insurance.
Link to Mom’s in Motion Procedural Safeguards Page
Resources in Spanish on Special Education
The Arc of the US now has a Spanish-language section on their website which contains resources on special education for Spanish-speaking families and the professionals who support them.
Link to Resources In Spanish
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
This resource provides information on applying and attending trade schools as a disabled student, as well as provides several grant opportunities.
Link to Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
The Job Search and Disclosing your Disability
This video explores strategies for disclosing disability-related information in the workplace. Interns and employees with disabilities should consider if, when, and how they want to share information about their disability.
Link to Disclosing Your Disability Video
Disability Employment Initiative
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) aims to improve education, training and employment opportunities and outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. Office of Disability Employment Policy jointly funds and administers the DEI with Dept. of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Website includes additional information on DEI.
Link to Dept. of Labor’s DEI Webpage
Office of Disability Employment Policy
General website for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Includes research information, news and publications, initiatives, program areas, state policy, and alliances.
Link to Dept. of Labor’s ODEP Webpage
Disability and Employment: Information and Resources
Website with resources for employment at a national and state level for people with disabilities.
Link to Virginia Navigator’s Disability Employment Website
Entering The World Of Work
This Lifespan Guide for people with disabilities entering the workforce in Harrisonburg and Rockingham. Guide includes applicable information for families of people with disabilities looking to enter the workforce.
Link to Entering the World of Work Lifespan Guide PDF
Live-in Caregiver Guide for Caregivers
Information for people considering work or working as live-in caregivers for people with developmental disabilities is the parallel version for live-in caregivers, written to help them understand the requirements of the job, how to perform this work well, and what to do if they have problems.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Live-in Caregiving Webpage
Live-in Caregiver Guide
Information for people with developmental disabilities and their loved ones on utilizing live-in supports will help people with disabilities and their families weigh the option of a live-in caregiver, learn how to proceed, and troubleshoot along the way.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Live-in Caregiving Webpage
Support For Veteran Caregivers
US Department of Veteran Affairs website that provides information on Virginia specific resources for veteran caregiver support.
Link to US Dept. of Veteran Affairs Website for Caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance website offers a resource page with content specific to caregivers including videos and articles. Available in 6 different languages
Link to Family Caregiver Alliance Webpage
Caregiving 101: On Being a Caregiver
Printable resource by The Family Caregiving Alliance on what a caregiver is and what their job requires.
Link to Caregiving 101 Webpage
VPAS Caregiving
Website resource on what caregiving is, content available on needing caregiver support, in home support and wanting to be healthy.
Link to VPAS Caregiving Webpage
Didlake
Didlake provides programs and services that help people find competitive employment and get engaged with their community. They provide employment services. Rehabilitative services, and day support services for the I/DD community.
Link to Didlake Website
Disability Services Terminology
Do you struggle with disability services terminology? You’re not the first, and you’re certainly not alone. The acronyms alone can be confusing. That’s why The Arc of Northern Virginia has put together this glossary. Here you’ll find some key terms that relate to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) community. This electronic glossary is a living document and meant to be periodically updated as terms in our field evolve.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Glossary Webpage
Housing Choice Voucher Set-aside for DOJ Target Population
PDF on the Housing Choice Voucher and answers to frequently asked questions.
Link to DBHDS PDF
Guide for Individuals/Families looking for a New Home
PDF guide for individuals with I/DD and families of people with I/DD looking for a new home.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’S Housing Resources
Housing for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
PDF guide on housing plans, explains different types of housing available.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’S Housing Resources
Assisted Living for Seniors With Disabilities
A comprehensive and practical guide that is accessible and easy to understand, specifically designed for seniors with disabilities and their families. This resource covers crucial topics such as costs, funding sources, alternative housing solutions, and essential factors to consider when selecting a facility. Moreover, it features an extensive list of disability resources for each state.
Link to Caring.com
Emergency Housing Guide
A website article that covers federal programs for emergency housing specifically designed for seniors with disabilities.
Link to Paying For Senior Care
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) Adult Benefits and Financial Qualifications for Medicaid and Medicaid Waiver
This fact sheet attempts to explain a very complex subject in simple terms. There are additional complexities in each situation that may have an impact on someone’s ability to receive and maintain Social Security income and/or Medicaid.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’S Social Security Resources
Benefits of Waiver Medicaid
PDF explaining the benefits of the Medicaid Waiver.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’S Medicaid Resources
Medicaid Disability Determination at Age 18
PDF with information on what to do when a child turns 18 and has been receiving benefits of a Medicaid waiver.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’S Social Security Resources
Medicaid & Long Term Care: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Info
A website article that covers qualifications, asset limits, misperceptions, how to apply for Medicaid and more.
Link to Paying For Senior Care
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us.
Link to ASAN Website
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
This webpage by The Arc of Northern Virginia includes resources on local self advocacy groups, how to join, and contact information.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Self-Advocacy Webpage
A Life Like Yours (ALLY) Self-Advocacy Alliance
The ALLY Alliance of VA works to increase the availability of inclusive supports for people with Developmental Disabilities, by working to influence changes to policy, expectations and systems.
Link to ALLY Self-Advocacy Alliance
Virginia Department of Education Autism Spectrum Disorders Resources
The Virginia Department of Education supports efforts to build capacity for those serving students with autism. Existing projects include increasing access to information and training, providing technical assistance, strengthening communities of practice, and helping to identify evidenced based practices through research and practice.
Link to VDOE Autism Resources Webpage
Virginia Autism Council
The Virginia Autism Council is a council of autism experts seeking to define needed skill competencies and to advance higher education, training and educational opportunities for personnel and caregivers supporting individuals with autism. This website is Virginia’s clearinghouse on best practices and research-based education and training opportunities to advance personnel development and knowledge regarding autism in Virginia.
Link to The Virginia Autism Council Website
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Link to Autism Speaks Website
CA Human Services
CA Human Services advocates, creates, and enables change for those in the Autism Spectrum Disorder community.
Link to CA Human Services Website
A Guide to Moving with Children Who Have Autism
This webpage includes tips for how to support children with Autism during the process of moving homes. This includes information on how to prepare them, reduce anxiety, and integrate them into their new home.
Link to A Guide to Moving with Children Who Have Autism Webpage
Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Disability Benefits in Virginia
Resources for families treating Cerebral Palsy.
Link to Cerebral Palsy FAQ Website
Virginia Cerebral Palsy Resources
List of Virginia resources related to Cerebral Palsy.
Link to List of Virginia Cerebral Palsy Resources
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Cerebral Palsy Guide provides free educational materials, financial resources, and support options for fmailies affected by this condition and other birth injuries.
Link to Cerebral Palsy Guide Webpage
What is Down Syndrome?
Video of a Speech Therapist explaining Down Syndrome.
Link to Down Syndrome Video
Disability Navigator
Explore programs and services, articles, and other resources related to Down Syndrome through this website.
Link to Down Syndrome Navigator
Things People With Down’s Syndrome Are Tired of Hearing
Video on seven statements that are guaranteed to annoy people with Down’s Syndrome.
Link to Video
FAQs on Intellectual Disability
Virginia Department of Health website with definition of Intellectual Disability and resources on how it’s diagnosed, what causes it and more from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).
Link to AAIDD Website
Brain Injury Connections
Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley enhances the lives of individuals affected by brain injury through cultivating connections with information, services and resources.
Link to Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Information for Families
A CDC website that provides tools and information about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) for families.
Link to the CDC’s Website for FAS
Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program (SBHCBP)
The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs explains what SBHCBP is and how to apply to receive supports.
Link to US Dept. of Affairs SBHCBP Website
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Resources for the ADHD community from the Virginia Department of Education.
Link to Dept. of Education’s ADHD Resource Website
Supplemental Social Security Income
A PDF guide by the Social Security Administration on what SSI is and how to apply.
Link to SSA’s Social Security Income Guide
Disability Benefits Guide
A PDF guide by the Social Security Administration on disability benefits and how to apply for them.
Link to SSA’s Disability Benefits Guide
What You Should Know Before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
A PDF guide on what you should know before you apply for social security disability benefits and some commonly thought of questions.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Social Security Resource Webpage
Social Security Income for Children
A Social Security Administration webpage that provides information on SSI for children
Link to SSA SSI Children’s Webpage
Apply for SSI for Children
A Social Security Administration webpage that explains qualifications and application process for obtaining SSI for children.
Link to SSA SSI Children’s Application Webpage
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
A Social Security Administration webpage that includes info about the SSI application process.
Link to SSA Webpage
Ten Facts Victim Service Providers Need to Know
A PDF fact sheet by The Arc of the US on serving and protecting people with intellectual disabilities.
Link to Fact Sheet
Support Coordination for Those with Developmental Disabilities
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Service Board (HRCSB) webpage with information about being screened for Medicaid.
Link to HRCSB DD Webpage
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS)
VPAS works to to empower those 60 years and older with the resources and opportunities they need to lead engaged lives.
Link to VPAS Website
Empowerment3 / Overcoming Barriers
Empowerment3 works to provide a strong connection between education, research, and service for underserved youth and break down the barriers inhibiting their success and overall wellness, both as individuals and members of society. Overcoming Barriers was developed in an effort to provide an opportunity for children and adults with special needs to become more involved in sports and recreation. This program is a service not only for individuals with special needs, but their families, by providing support to the parents of individuals with disabilities who do not have access to other sports programs in the Harrisonburg area.
Link to Empowerment3 Website
Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley
Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley provides community-based services for individuals affected by brain injury.
Link to BICSV Website
Creative Works Farm / Camp LIGHT
Camp LIGHT began with a simple notion that every kid deserves the chance to experience the joys of summer camp. Fun, it turns out, helps children to reach beyond their challenges to discover new strength, hope and resilience. Programs help families release the emotional, physical, and financial burdens caused by serious childhood diagnoses, and provide a peer network that reaches far beyond the LIGHT of a summer campfire.
Link to Creative Works Farm Website
First Tee Shenandoah Valley
First Tee aims to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
Link to First Tee’s Website
Friendship Industries
Friendship industries provides commercial work and training opportunities for persons with disabilities in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham area.
Link to Friendship Industries Website
Ignite Fitness
An inclusive fitness program for people of all ages and abilities in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
Link to Ignite Fitness’ Website
JMU Office of Disability Services
James Madison University Office of Disability Services.
Link to JMU’s ODS Website
Moms in Motion
Founded by a Mom in 2009, Moms In Motion (Moms) / At Home Your Way (AHYW) is a Consumer-Directed Service where the person using them is allowed to select, hire, fire, and train their particular caregiver(s). More Service Facilitation provider for Virginia Medicaid waivers: CCC Plus & DD (CL & FIS). We serve Virginians of all ages. Experts in navigating the Virginia Medicaid waiver system will coach you and your family throughout the process! We believe that we are a team of solution-oriented professionals who aim to give families opportunities to succeed in life and in their community. We look at every family’s unique needs and derive results specific to each family so that the quality of life is improved.
Link to Mom’s in Motion Website
Shenandoah Valley Inclusive Wellness Coalition (SVIWC)
The Shenandoah Valley Inclusive Wellness Coalition (SVIWC) is an alliance of individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals who are working to increase opportunities for all individuals to participate in community-based physical activity and wellness opportunities.
Link to SVIWC Website
Shenandoah County Special Olympics
This page is to connect Special Olympic athletes, their families and their volunteers within Shenandoah County regarding upcoming practices and events.
Link to SCSO Facebook page
Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership
SVAP strives to improve the lives of those who are affected by autism through community awareness, effective training, and support across the life-span.
Link to SVAP Facebook Page
Future Decisions
A PDF guide by The Arc of the US about why it’s important to plan for decision-making for the future for those with I/DD and their families.
Link to Future Decision Making Guide
Guardianship Myths
Guardianship can be expensive and time-consuming. It invites the court into the lives of the person with a disability, their family, and caregivers, for as long as the person is under guardianship. Guardianship typically lasts until the person under guardianship dies or has their right to make their own decisions restored. Guardianship can make it harder for a person to learn how to make good decisions on their own.
Link to Guardianship Myths Guide
Decision-Making Supports
A PDF guide by The Arc of the US about what supports are available to help people with I/DD make decisions.
Link to Supports for Decision Making Guide
National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making
A national website with resources around Supported Decision making within each state.
Link to National Supported Decision Making Website
Supported Decision Making Resource Library
Webpage that includes handouts, fact sheets, presentations, webinars and other resources about Supported Decision Making.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Supported Decision Making Resource Webpage
Options in Virginia to Help Another Person Make Decisions: Choices Less Restrictive than Guardianship or Conservatorship
A plain language PDF guide written through the Supreme Court’s WINGS Partnership for the public on decision-making options less restrictive than guardianship. Includes options for both health/personal decision-making and financial decision-making.
Link to Virginia Courts Page PDF
Transition Services for Students With Disabilities
The Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Transition Services website provides support, information and resources designed to improve the outcomes of students with disabilities in transition from middle / secondary education to postsecondary education and employment.
Link to DOE Transition Services Webpage
VA Family Special Education Connection
VA Family Special Education Connection provides support, information and resources for early childhood transitions, kindergarten and elementary transitions, middle and high school transitions, and life after high school.
Link to VA SPED Connection Webpage
Securing a Future for your Child with a Disability
A Guide to Adult Programs for Adults with Disabilities
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Guide
New Path: A Website for Families in Early Intervention
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia provides early intervention supports and services to infants and toddlers from birth through age two who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay normal development.
Link to The Arc of VA’s Newpath Website
Birth Injury Justice Center
The Birth Injury Justice Center has compiled the most in-depth resources nationwide in order to provide support and assistance families with disabilities caused by physical birth injuries.
Link to Birth Injury Justice Center: Birth Injuries Page
Secondary Transition: Why is it Important to Plan Early?
A PDF guide by the Virginia Department of Education about why it is important to plan early in regards to secondary transitions in an individuals life.
Link to DOE Secondary Transitions Guide
A Transition Guide to Post Secondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities
A PDF Transition guide to postsecondary education and employment for students and youth with disabilities by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
Link to OSERS Post Secondary Education Guide
What to Know About Youth Transition Services for Students and Youth with Disabilities
A PDF guide on what to know about youth transition services for students and youth with disabilities. Includes links to learn more about legislation, developing youth skills, and options for after high school.
Link to Federal Partners in Transition (FPT) Youth Transition Guide
CA Human Services
CA Human Services has three programs to help neurodiverse adults become more autonomous in their transition into adulthood. This may be a transition from their family home to an apartment or home of their own or a transition to college dorm life. They assist in acquiring and maintaining the skills that are needed to achieve desired goals relating to independence. CA Human Services are based in Richmond Virginia and support adults all across the commonwealth.
Link to CA Human Services Referral Form
College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities
This online guide offers a summary and explanation of common learning disabilities, unique challenges students with learning disabilities face, how colleges accommodate students with disabilities, advice on how to request accommodations a summary of your rights as an individual with a disability, common assistive apps, benefits of online colleges for those with disabilities, scholarships and financial resources, and additional resources.
Link to College Planning for Students with Learning Disabilities WebGuide
The Ultimate Guide to Government Aid for Seniors
This guide includes a detailed program listing, along with eligibility requirements and contact information, to help you access the resources you need. It’s important to know that federal programs may be administered differently in each state, so financial thresholds may differ depending on where you reside. Always check with your state organization for each type of assistance for additional requirements your state may need.
Link to Paying For Senior Care
Trusts through Commonwealth Community Trust
This website provides information about Commonwealth Community Trust’s trust options. CCT is a non-profit organisation that provides pooled special needs trust services among other supportive services for the I/DD community.
Link to CCT Website
Should I Use a Special Needs Trust or an ABLE Account?
A PDF by The Arc of the US that explains what a special needs trust and ABLE account are.
Link to Trust and ABLE Guide
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act
This PDF by The Arc of the US explains what the ABLE Act is and explains key characteristics.
Link to ABLE Act Guide
Special Needs Trust
A statewide resource specifically about Special Needs Trust by The Arc of Northern Virginia.
Link to The Arc of NOVA’s Trust Website
The Arc of Virginia
Website for the state level chapter of The Arc.
Link to The Arc of VA Website
Virginia Department of Education
VDOE website for Disability Services.
Link to VDOE Sped Ed Website
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services
VADARS provides disability services for assistive technology, brain injury, community rehabilitation case management services, independent living, and personal assistance.
Link to VADARS Website
disAbility Navigator
Website that provides free information about health, aging, disability and post-military resources available to Virginians. The information focuses on issues such as health, financial concerns, legal questions, health facilities, housing options, transportation, exercise programs, advocacy, and more.
Link to disAbility Navigator Website
My Life, My Community
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has partnered with disAbilityNavigator to develop a one-stop, searchable website to help you find resources in your community. You can use this site to find information about Virginia’s waiver options for people with developmental disabilities, assistance with finding housing options in your community, information about providers who can assist with your service needs, and connections to support networks of families and individuals with developmental disabilities across Virginia.
Link to My Life, My Community Website
Paying for Assisted Living & Home Care in Virginia
This webpage will help Virginia residents understand assisted living, home care and adult day care costs throughout the state. It also explores the payment options and financial assistance programs available to assist in caring for the elderly, be that in residential care or for aging in place at home.
Link to Paying For Senior Care
If you don’t see the information you’re looking for in our resource library, visit The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Information and Referral Portal where you can ask a question or suggest a guidebook topic.
For additional resources, visit The Arc of Virginia’s Resource page Or The Arc of the US’ Resource Page.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are disorders that are usually present at birth and that negatively the trajectory of the individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development.
Some well known disabilities include Down Syndrome, Autism, and Cerebral Palsy although there are many others.
We inform you that this site uses own, technical and third parties cookies to make sure our web page is user-friendly and to guarantee a high functionality of the webpage. By continuing to browse this website, you declare to accept the use of cookies.