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November/December 2025

Dear Friend of The Arc of Northern Virginia,

One thing I have learned is that when it comes to supporting the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), this community always shows up.

That consistency and dedication is incredibly important. Even as we enjoy this holiday season, we can’t afford to lose sight of the challenges that so many in our community continue to face. The truth is, this has been a difficult year for people with IDD. Much-needed supports are shrinking, inclusion is being questioned, and the guarantees we’ve fought so hard for are less certain than ever.

There are so many families affected. Their stories highlight the challenges they face and The Arc of Northern Virginia’s vital partnership in connecting them to services, supports and solutions.

Recently, I spoke with a mom whose 9-year-old daughter has cerebral palsy and is autistic. Her daughter L.S. attends public school in Northern Virginia, uses a wheelchair and walker, and receives special education, physical and occupational therapy, and a one-on-one aide. She loves school, but her mother is terrified. What if that support disappears? With drastic cuts to enforcement offices at the Department of Education, her fears are real and shared by countless other families.

At The Arc of Northern Virginia, we believe every child deserves the chance to go to school, no matter where they live or what their disability may be. We will remain vigilant so that policies at the local, state, and national levels meet the needs of over 39,000 people with IDD of all ages.

We hope you’ll consider supporting this effort with a gift today.

Yes, I want to support families

Another family has worked with The Arc of Northern Virginia for years to assist their 33-year old son D.T. He was born with the rare de Morsier Syndrome. The characteristics typically associated with the syndrome include optic nerve hypoplasia, causing low vision, a seizure disorder, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. D.T. also has profound hearing loss and is considered deaf-blind. His mother shared:

After D.T. aged out of school at 22, we were truly lost. We scrambled to find doctors, dentists and specialists to help us support him. That is when we really started relying on the Arc of Northern Virginia for the great support it offers. The Arc has really filled the void. The Arc of Northern Virginia’s resources and tools have helped us get what D.T. needs to enhance his quality of life. We count the Arc as a true blessing in our son’s life, and in our lives as well.

Over the years, The Arc of Northern Virginia has helped connect D.T. with a new doctor to better match his needs. We helped establish a special needs trust to ensure his financial needs are met when his parents are no longer here, and we even hosted the DMV at our offices so that D.T could get his Real ID in a more supportive environment.

Another young man, C.C., is an adult with autism who has grown up with The Arc of Northern Virginia’s programs, services and advocacy. He is an accomplished self-advocate who has shared his story at the state and national levels, even at the United Nations! His words inspire us to keep working for families:

The Arc of Northern Virginia, with their amazing staff and passion, ensure we all have opportunities to live in a safe home and environment. To get a job, to attend school with accommodations, to vote. To feel accepted and wanted. To be included in decisions that are made about us and even decisions on everyday life. Opportunity to be all that we can be. I don’t want to be known for what I can’t do…I want to be known for what I CAN do. People need to appreciate people with disabilities for who we are. See our potentials, not our can-nots. Let us try things and recognize that we will achieve when and if our timetable is ready.

With your support, we can help many more people reach their full potential.

For over six decades, The Arc of Northern Virginia has stood in the fight, and the need has never been greater. We exist so families never feel alone, helping at every stage of life, from diagnosis and education to employment, housing, financial planning, and aging with dignity.

I challenge each of us to ask: What can I do to make a difference? How can we protect the gains we have made and move our work forward?

By contributing today, you help make our work possible.

Even in uncertain times, light shines brightest when we work together. Each of you is part of that light. Each voice, each act of generosity, each gesture of inclusion strengthens our shared purpose and our commitment to the promise of A Life Like Yours for every person.

Thank you for standing with us, believing in this mission, and always showing up.

Melissa Heifetz

Executive Director

P.S. This holiday season, please make a generous gift to help further our vital work for families. And please check with your employer to see if they will match your donation.

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