The Arc South of the James

03/10/2026

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.

History matters. Not for nostalgia, but for understanding. We honor the past by building a better tomorrow.

Learn more about the past, present, and future of the DD Act in Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qlTITezhBw

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

03/06/2026

Deciding between the Standards of Learning (SOL) and the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) is a significant IEP team decision because it directly affects diploma options and future opportunities. Most students with disabilities participate in the SOL curriculum and take SOL tests, with or without accommodations. Remaining on the SOL track keeps pathways open to a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma, which are typically required for admission to most 2- and 4-year colleges. The VAAP, on the other hand, is designed only for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and is aligned with reduced academic standards called the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL). Students who participate in VAAP are working toward an Applied Studies Diploma, and participation may affect future employment and post-secondary education options.

If the IEP team is considering the VAAP, they must complete the VAAP Participation Decision-Making Tool together to determine eligibility. This structured document ensures the decision is based on clear criteria, not on factors such as low test scores or a disability label alone. The majority of students should remain on the SOL path with appropriate supports and accommodations. If this conversation is happening at your child’s IEP meeting, ask to review both resource documents, request a copy of the participation tool, and make sure you fully understand how the decision connects to diploma options and your child’s long-term goals.

Learn more with our resource documents!
👉 SOL - https://ow.ly/F74K50Yqq16
👉 VAAP - https://ow.ly/b1el50Yqq14

03/05/2026

Be a part of a movement too big to ignore. Join advocacy groups across the country on March 5 for the ‘National Call-In Day’ to protect special education and disability civil rights.

Families, self-advocates, educators, and community members are invited to contact their Members of Congress and share why programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), and federal special education oversight matter in their daily lives.

This is about lived experience and what is happening in your classrooms, communities, and families as federal support is cut, protections are weakened, and rights are under attack.

You can find your U.S. Senators and Representative online, or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected.

Tips for calling can be found here: https://bit.ly/IDEA-CALLING-TIPS

03/02/2026

Introduction to Shared Living Waiver Service
for Providers and Support Coordinators with Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Learn the Path to Shared Living
Understand Medicaid requirements for the service
Understand the intent and value of the service
Learn how to recognize and address potential barriers
Differentiating roles and responsibilities

Followed by Q & A

Register at:
Https://bit.ly/SharedLivingIntro

02/23/2026

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.

02/13/2026

Understanding the Dynamics of Cyberbullying, Technology, and Our Youth
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 6 pm - 7 pm

The use of technology has increased instances of cyberbullying. Individuals with disabilities are at a greater risk of not only being cyberbullied but also of using technology to bully someone else.

During this interactive workshop, we will discuss the types of cyberbullying, learn the warning signs, and explore the motivations of those who engage in cyberbullying. Because cyberbullying has created challenges for students, parents, school personnel, and law enforcement, we hope to provide attendees with tips and strategies to address cyberbullying when individuals with disabilities are involved.

*IN-PERSON WORKSHOP*
Location:
Colonial Heights Technical Center
3451 Conduit Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834

REGISTER HERE: tinyurl.com/5n7et922

Refreshments and child care will be provided.

02/13/2026

Register by March 1st! We want to hear from YOU!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iKtoOm5UmymbEL4J1WuVCyV6824DGyKnlVWF4X21jUE/edit
Join Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and The Arc of Virginia for a virtual Lived Experiences Listening Session to share your experiences navigating Virginia’s disability services system. This session is designed to gather input on what is working well, what is challenging, and what information or supports may be missing, and to inform DBHDS’s resource development and the Shared Values Project. We are holding the session for people with developmental disabilities/self-advocates and family members with lived experience. Others are welcome to listen and learn, but our priority is hearing directly from people with lived experience.
We will have 4 breakout rooms for focused conversation:
-New to the DD services system
-On the DD Waivers Waiting List
-Recently received a DD Waiver slot
-DBHDS Shared Values Project

When: March 3rd from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
Where: Virtually on Zoom

01/26/2026

01/23/2026

01/20/2026

🧡🧡🧡🧡

🔶 📣 Register Today!! The DD Rally at the Virginia Capitol is two weeks away! Are you signed up? Come show unity as a disability community and show up for disability rights at The Bell Tower in Richmond! Registration is free. When you sign up, you will receive a detailed confirmation email with what to expect. Please email lgerken@thearcofva.org for any questions or support in registering! Click the link to register now: https://thearcofva.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F30909

01/20/2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DToZHwNjH6c/?igsh=czJicjRsd2Zpejk1

01/16/2026

Advocating for Adult changing stations, universal changing tables, advocacy, and inclusion in Virginia and Washington DC