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WE FIGHT EVERY DAY

so no person with an intellectual or developmental disability
gets left behind.

We are a small, grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors.

Each chapter of The Arc has different specialties & services.

The Arc of Northern Virginia is a local chapter of the largest non-profit organization supporting thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families.

about us

At every age and every stage…

The Arc of Northern Virginia serves people of all ages who have a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities. At every stage of life, we’re there to support individuals and families at home, in school and in the workplace. We’ll help meet basic needs, achieve life goals, form meaningful relationships, and realize full inclusion in the community.

black-mans-hands-holding-smartphone-and-iPad-w-Arc4Independence-on-screen

Transition POINTS (Providing Opportunities, Information, Networking and Transition Support) affords people with disabilities, parents, siblings and other caregivers the information they need to make decisions at key points across the lifespan. It includes guidebooks, resource materials, webinars, and workshops on the topics of early intervention, education, transition, employment, housing, and aging with a disability.

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When people with disabilities and their families have questions, we are happy to help them locate services, navigate challenging situations, and share helpful tips. Our online Ask the Arc portal will give you an automated reply with helpful information and a member of our expert staff team will personally follow up to help you find what you need. You can attend a free workshop or webinar, visit our Resource Library to find handouts and resource guides, or visit our YouTube channel to watch recorded webinars.

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We track legislation that affects the disability community, provide comments and testimony, and represent the needs of people with DD on workgroups and commissions to protect your rights and funding. Annually we organize a large group of concerned advocates to go to Richmond for a statewide DD Advocacy Day with members of our General Assembly.

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Our self-advocacy program is People First, and it works in conjunction with a chapter of Toastmasters, a public speaking club. Transition-age advocates can join us at People First for Young Adults. We welcome self-advocates of all abilities to join us at one of these monthly meetings to meet friends, become informed on advocacy needs, and improve their public speaking skills.

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Our Special Needs Trust exists to assist people with disabilities and their families in saving money for the future without losing public benefits, like Medicaid and Social Security that have strict asset caps. The funds invested in the trust will be used to provide security, support, services, and medical care or other supplemental needs not covered by benefits or insurance. This opportunity is available to anyone determined to have a disability by Social Security.

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Our award-winning Tech for Independent Living program develops and promotes customizable lesson plans on our newly-developed app Arc2Independence. These tools and related training events help promote independence in the community.

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Blog From the Self-Advocate's Desk

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Event Corporate and Community Team Challenge

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Housing Housing Tour with OSG

Testimonials

Expressions of gratitude from those we’ve helped

“Lucy Beadnell is a gem and such a fantastic resource. She always responds quickly, and will deftly answer a question. She has a lovely way of making caregivers feel seen and heard. Over the years we’ve relied on Lucy as she helps to guide us on our journey. I don’t know how we’d do it without the Arc. Thank you.”

Jen Tucker

“The Arc of Northern Virginia is a friend and a defender, not only for my daughter but for all those challenged with Intellectual Disability. The staff does a tremendous job, and it is just amazing to witness all the progress which has been made under their leadership. For sure I am a big fan. ”

Ed O’Brien

Father of Shana

“Zachary enjoys using the Tech for Independent Living (TFIL) app to help him learn to cook. He especially enjoys making muffins which he can now make independently. He is also using life skills apps to gain independence. Thank you Tech for Independent Living team for making such a valuable app.”

Alex Yellin

Father of Zach Yellin

“Every time I run out of options for solving a need for my adult intellectually-disabled son, The Arc of Northern Virginia has provided a pathway for help. Without this organization, our lives would be much more difficult.”

Esther Baldiva

Mother of Nick Baldiva

“My son has had case management with The Arc of Northern Virginia for a number of years and it has made all the difference. The Arc of Northern Virginia, with its wonderful group of case managers, has simply been one of the best things to ever happen to us.”

Jenni Blick

“I highly recommend The Arc of Northern Virginia for their exceptional advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

The Carlucci Family

Parents of Phillip

Bridging the Opportunity Gap

How You Can Help Make an Impact

In northern Virginia, more than 39,000 individuals of all ages have some form of IDD

The Arc of Northern Virginia represents and serves over 39,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and rare chromosomal disorders—of all ages and their families throughout Northern Virginia.

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Bridging the Opportunity Gap

How You Can Help Make an Impact

The Arc of Northern Virginia fields over 2,000 Information & Referral requests annually

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Information and Referral Program helps to navigate the complex and often confusing disability service system. When people with disabilities and their families have questions, we are happy to help them locate services, navigate challenging situations, and share helpful tips.

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Bridging the Opportunity Gap

How You Can Help Make an Impact

We provide more than 70 educational workshops and webinars each year on a wide range of lifespan topics

Our educational programs, services, and advocacy efforts provide critical support throughout the entire lifespan, from diagnosis and early intervention services to aging with a disability.

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Bridging the Opportunity Gap

How You Can Help Make an Impact

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More than 2,100 families have established a Special Needs Trust with The Arc of Northern Virginia

Our Special Needs Trust (SNT) Program enables families to plan for the future and people with disabilities to derive the greatest possible benefit from family money, settlements, financial gifts, and other money and assets, in addition to any public benefits and services to which they have entitlement.

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