disAbility Resource Center

03/10/2026

Our friends at Dash and Scout and Resources for Independent Living Inc are offering a great opportunity this summer!

They’re hosting a 4-day CPR, Emergency Preparedness, and Basic First Aid Camp designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. While the program is being held in Richmond, it may be well worth the trip for anyone interested in learning practical emergency skills in an accessible, hands-on environment.

Participants will learn CPR, basic first aid, how to recognize emergencies, and how to effectively communicate during an emergency situation.

If you or someone you know might benefit, check out the details below and be sure to register by May 15! 👇

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP! As you’re planning ahead, be sure to add our CPR, Emergency Preparedness, and First Aid Camp to your list! Registration is now open!

* JUNE 1, 2, 3, 4 (9:30 - 1:30 daily)
* Resources for Independent Living, 4009 Fitzhugh Ave., Richmond, VA
* Registration will be open through May 15
* Limited capacity

Join us for a 4-day CPR, Emergency Preparedness and Basic First Aid Camp designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. This hands-on program will teach essential emergency skills, including CPR, first aid, and recognizing emergencies. Participants will also learn how to communicate an emergency. Sessions will include a facilitated social lunch conversation review of each day’s lesson.

REGISTER TODAY!

https://tinyurl.com/3r7y84fd

03/09/2026

📢 Join Us for Social Security Basics: Understanding Disability Benefits

Are you receiving disability benefits or thinking about applying? Come learn the basics of the Social Security Disability Program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and important considerations.

🗓 Thursday, March 19
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

This informative session will be facilitated by Grace Marshall and is designed to help individuals better understand disability benefits and the Social Security process.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

Accommodations can be provided with at least 10 business days’ notice.

📞 Questions? Call us at 540-373-2559
🌐 Learn more: www.cildrc.org

03/06/2026

Are you a real estate professional, housing counselor, or someone who works with homebuyers??

Join us for an Ask the Expert session on Wednesday, March 18 from 11 AM – 1 PM to learn about financial resources available to help people purchase homes.

This session will feature Josie Ramos, HUD Counseling Program Manager at Central Virginia Housing, who will share information about:
✔️ State and local down payment assistance grants
✔️ Savings tools for first-time homebuyers
✔️ Other local housing resources

The disAbility Resource Center (dRC) will also be there to share information about home modification grant programs. These programs can help homeowners fund accessibility improvements—like ramps, bathroom safety upgrades, and safer entrances—so mortgage professionals can connect their clients with resources that make their homes safer and more accessible.

📅 When: March 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Where: 1955 Emancipation Hwy, Suite 120
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

🍽 Lunch will be provided

📲 Scan the QR code in the flyer to register.

03/03/2026

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults — but many falls can be prevented with simple changes at home.

Join us on March 11 at 10:00am at Generations Central (318 S West St, Culpeper) for a free educational presentation on Fall Prevention & Home Modifications.

Seth Whitten (Deputy Director) and Samantha Davis (Home Modification Program Manager) from the disAbility Resource Center will cover:

✔️ Why falls are so common — and how the home environment plays a role
✔️ Common fall hazards in bathrooms, entrances, stairs, and lighting
✔️ Practical, low-cost solutions like grab bars, safer entryways, and improved lighting
✔️ Home modification grant programs that may help cover costs
✔️ How to connect with dRC for assessments and next steps

There will also be time for questions and discussion.

If you’re an older adult, family member, caregiver, or work with seniors in the community, this session is for you.

We hope to see you there!

03/03/2026

Have you received services from the disAbility Resource Center in the past 12 months?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Each year, we ask the people we serve to complete a brief Consumer Satisfaction Survey. Your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well, where we can improve, and how we can better support people with disabilities in our community.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and your responses help guide our programs and priorities.

If you’ve worked with us in the last year, please take a moment to share your feedback here:
👉 https://bit.ly/4l4WZwt

Thank you for being part of the dRC community and for helping us strengthen our services!

03/02/2026

🛍️ SMART SHOPPING: COUPONS & REBATES 💸
Save money every time you shop!

Want to learn how to stretch your dollars further? Join us to discover smart shopping strategies including:
✔️ Using coupons & rebates
✔️ Finding the best store promotions
✔️ Maximizing cash-back apps
✔️ Tips on how to sometimes get items for FREE

🗓 Tuesday, March 10
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Bring your smartphone or tablet and a three-ring binder or notebook.

Spots are limited — register today!
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

For questions, call 540-373-2559 or visit www.cildrc.org

03/02/2026

📣 IEP Preparation – Prepare with Confidence

Parents, get ready for your child’s IEP meeting with clarity and confidence! Learn how to navigate the process, advocate effectively, and support your child’s active participation.

🗓 Thursday, March 5
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA

📝 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

📣 IEP Preparation – Prepare with Confidence

Getting ready for an IEP meeting? Make sure you feel informed, organized, and empowered.

This workshop will help families understand the who, what, where, when, and how of the IEP process. Learn how to address all required components in one meeting while actively engaging your child and collaborating with the full IEP team.

You’ll also gain effective strategies for talking with your child about their role and participation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

🗓 Thursday, March 5
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Brenda Boggs

More parent-focused.
More student-focused.
More advocacy-focused.

📝 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

Accommodations available with at least 10 business days’ notice.

📞 540-373-2559
🌐 www.cildrc.org

02/28/2026

Today, we’re at the Shine Bright With Health Festival at the Stafford County Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 🌟

This community wellness event brings together local organizations, health professionals, and families for a day focused on learning, connection, and healthy living. Throughout the festival, attendees can explore resources, talk with providers, and learn more about topics like heart health, cancer awareness, children’s dental health, and other important issues affecting our community.

The disAbility Resource Center is here sharing information about our services and connecting with people who want to learn more about living independently and accessing supports in our region.

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and see us! 😊

02/26/2026

🚦 Your Voice Matters — Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Our Region!

Transportation impacts every part of our daily lives — from getting to work and school to accessing healthcare and staying connected to our community. It’s especially important for older adults and people with disabilities who rely on safe, accessible options.

The Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) is currently developing the 2055 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and wants to hear from YOU!

They’re gathering input on transportation priorities and needs for:
📍 City of Fredericksburg
📍 Stafford County
📍 Spotsylvania County

⏱ The survey only takes 5–10 minutes and gives you the chance to:
✔ Provide feedback on future transportation goals
✔ Highlight transportation challenges in our area
✔ Share your ideas for improving mobility, safety, transit, and walkability

If access, safety, traffic, sidewalks, public transit, or overall mobility are important to you, now is the time to get involved.

FAMPO welcomes participation from everyone, regardless of race, color, s*xual orientation, national origin, age, s*x, religion, disability, or family status.

If you need ADA accommodations or language assistance, contact FAMPO at 540-373-2890 or fampo@gwregion.org

📝 Take the survey here: https://arcg.is/1rf8TO0

Let’s work together to create a transportation system that serves everyone — now and for generations to come.

02/25/2026

📣 IEP Preparation – Prepare with Confidence

Getting ready for an IEP meeting? Make sure you feel informed, organized, and empowered.

This workshop will help families understand the who, what, where, when, and how of the IEP process. Learn how to address all required components in one meeting while actively engaging your child and collaborating with the full IEP team.

You’ll also gain effective strategies for talking with your child about their role and participation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

🗓 Thursday, March 5
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Brenda Boggs

More parent-focused.
More student-focused.
More advocacy-focused.

📝 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/aeJtsmR7Uq

Accommodations available with at least 10 business days’ notice.

📞 540-373-2559
🌐 www.cildrc.org

02/24/2026

🔥🔥🔥 The Countdown is ON! 🔥🔥🔥

T-10 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games ❄️🏔️

The Paralympic Games are more than just competition — they are a global celebration of courage, determination, and the incredible power of sport. Athletes from around the world will showcase extraordinary skill and resilience, proving that there are no limits to what the human spirit can achieve 💪✨

Let’s come together to support and celebrate these inspiring athletes as they make history on the world stage! 🌍

Join the movement. Share the excitement. Celebrate ability beyond limits. 💙

The countdown is ON 🔥🔥🔥

T-10 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games ❄️

Purchase your tickets today! https://tickets.milanocortina2026.org

02/24/2026

🐣🌼 Belmont’s Beeping Egg Hunt 🌼🐣

We’re excited to share this wonderful, inclusive community event hosted by Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Falmouth, VA!

This free, audible egg hunt is specially designed for blind, visually impaired, and other children with disabilities — along with their families. Children will search for beeping eggs using sound and touch, creating a fun and accessible experience for everyone.

✨ Plus enjoy:
• Petting zoo
• Touch-a-Tractor
• Refreshments
• Resource tables
• Sensory activities

📍 Where: Gari Melchers Home & Studio at Belmont
224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA 22405

📅 When: Sunday, March 29, 2026
2:00–4:00 p.m. (rain or shine)

📧 RSVP by Friday, March 27
Contact Education Director Michelle Crow-Dolby at
mdolby@umw.edu

Bring your basket and join the fun! 🧺💛

For more information: https://www.garimelchers.org/learn/beeping-egg-hunt/

Please help spread the word by sharing!