The Arc of Central Virginia

02/26/2026

There are only 2 days left to sign up.

Please take advantage of this great opportunity!!

DD Lived Experiences:

Listening Session on Services
Join 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

02/23/2026

Make Your Coffee Count This March

Friends,

I’m grateful to share that Mission House Coffee is supporting The Arc of Central Virginia through their Round Up program all month long.

When you stop in for coffee, simply round up your purchase — and your spare change will help provide activity supplies for the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve every day.

It’s a small gesture that makes a meaningful impact.

If you’re grabbing coffee in March, I hope you’ll choose Mission House and help us continue building inclusion and opportunity in our community.

Thank you for standing with The Arc.

— Robin Baker

02/20/2026

DD Lived Experiences:

Listening Session on Services
Join 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

02/18/2026

*Advocacy Opportunity*

Open Recruitment for Self-Advocates
Apply: March 9, 2026, through March 23, 2026
Central Virginia: Region 4
Western Virginia: Region 1
Northern Virginia: Region 2

Regional Map:https://dbhds.virginia.gov/assets/MyLifeMyCommunity/IFSP-Councils/IFSP-Regional-Map.pdf

Appy Here: IFSP Self-Nominee Application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSP-Regional-2026

Why Join?

Councilmembers help to increase knowledge of and the access to various types of community-based, person-centered, and family-centered services across Virginia. They represent people from diverse regions who provide insight about the local needs within their communities. Regional and State councilmembers contribute to important discussions and often advise the IFSP staff regarding ongoing program development.

Who should apply:

18 years and older
Resident of Virginia
Person with a developmental disability, with lived experience who is connected to the community and the Virginia service systems; and
who are currently on the waiver waitlist, or
who are currently receiving waiver services, or
who are not connected to the Medicaid waiver but lives independent in the community; and
want to grow Leadership skills
have a desire to Build Connections with the community
increase knowledge of the public service systems
Additional Information:
Regional & State council member descriptions:

Regional: https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/regional-council-member-description
State: https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/state-council-member-description

Information about the IFSP Community Coordination Program:
https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/ifsp-community-coordination-program

02/16/2026

Advocacy Update: Budget Action Needed Now
We are at a key moment in the General Assembly budget process.

Right now, legislators are finalizing their budget proposals. One will come from the House and one from the Senate. This is the stage when funding priorities are shaped, before decisions are locked in. Because of that timing, we have released a targeted action alert asking advocates to speak up on a specific set of priority budget items.

Click below to take action now through Wednesday, February 18.

We are intentional about not asking people to act too often. We focus on moments when outreach can have the greatest impact. This is one of those moments.

What happens next

Budget reports are expected to be released on February 22.

Once the reports are out, we will assess what moved forward and what did not.

Our next major advocacy push will come after the reports, when final budget decisions are being negotiated. At that point, we will ask you to act again.

We will share updates as soon as they are available and will always be clear about when action is needed. Thank you for staying engaged and for lending your voice at the moments that matter.

Click the link below to act now: https://arcva.quorum.us/campaign/155623/

02/16/2026

Thank you to The Arc of Central Virginia for your support of Night to Shine 2026!

Check out The Arc of Central Virginia's services at: https://arcofcva.org/

We are so grateful for our sponsors that help make Night to Shine possible!
..
Night to Shine Lynchburg | Tim Tebow Foundation | Tim Tebow

02/09/2026

"Just dance, dance, dance!"

Join us February 26th, from 6pm-8pm for a dance party like no other. This event is open to everyone in the IDD community ages 16 and older. We look forward to seeing you all here.

1508 Bedford Ave. Lynchburg, Va.

01/30/2026

We're excited to announce that we will be open Friday, January 30th at regular time. Though we are excited to see everyone, we would like to place emphasis on the importance of safety for our individual and staff. Please be cautious and take your time arriving. We will see you all tomorrow!