Resource Library

Although we do our best to provide timely and relevant information, it’s difficult to stay on top of ALL the topics and issues related to disability services. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for here in our resource library, click here to go to our Information & Referral Portal.

Using the portal, you can 1) Ask specific questions regarding your individual situation. An Arc employee will respond to your question and do their best to provide the information you’re searching for. You can also 2) suggest topics for guidebooks and information sheets not currently in the library. Much of what we have available is due to an individual request.

Abuse Among Those with a Disability

Helping your Loved One Become a “Tough Target” People with developmental disabilities are more likely than people without disabilities to become victims of crime. It is incredibly important to help prevent abusers from targeting your loved one, and prevent abuse from occurring even if someone is targeted.

Consumer Directed Services

“Consumer directed” means that a person with a disability, often working with their family, decides exactly who will be hired to provide support services. The consumer is the person with a disability and they are “directing” or controlling exactly who will assist them.

Our Consumer Directed Attendant Guide provides information on understanding and utilizing consumer directed services to get the help you need in your home and community.

Disability and Criminal Justice Reform

Reports and studies show what we have come to know at The Arc of Northern Virginia quite personally– people with developmental disabilities are much more likely to have negative interactions with the justice system and end up incarcerated than the typically developing population.

Developing Positive Interactions for People with Developmental Disabilities and First Responders, Police, and the Justice System: A Guide for People with Developmental Disabilities and their Loved Ones is written for people with disabilities and their families aimed at planning to prevent negative interactions and how to managed if something goes wrong.

When Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Become Involved in the Criminal Justice System: A Guide for Attorneys is a parallel guide for attorneys hired to represent people with developmental disabilities to learn about the unique needs and rights of their new clients.

Divorce

Divorce and a Child with a Developmental Disability

Early Intervention

Early Intervention – A two-page Fact Sheet to help answer some of your initial questions.

Starting Life with Your Child with a Disability: First Steps for Families

Employment

Entering the World of Work: A Guide to Employment Programs for Adults with Disabilities

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance for People with Developmental Disabilities

Forms

Key Contacts for Disabilities Service Providers Sheet – (Template) – Use this handy resource to keep track of the various agencies and key professionals you work with in the developmental disability services field.

Housing

Finding a Home for Adults with Disabilities: A Guide for Families

Housing for Adults with Developmental Disabilities – A two-page Fact Sheet to help answer your initial questions about available options.

Live-in Caregiving

We have seen a huge increase in the number of people opting to use live-in aides to make living with greater independence possible. These new guidebooks were created by The Arc of Northern Virginia in 2018 as a result of a grant award from the Arlington Community Foundation.

Live-in Caregiver Guide – Information for people with developmental disabilities and their loved ones on utilizing live-in supports will help people with disabilities and their families weigh the option of a live-in caregiver, learn how to proceed, and troubleshoot along the way.

Live-in Caregiver Guide for Caregivers – Information for people considering work or working as live-in caregivers for people with developmental disabilities is the parallel version for live-in caregivers, written to help them understand the requirements of the job, how to perform this work well, and what to do if they have problems.

Medicaid

Benefits of Waiver Medicaid

Moving to Virginia

Considering a Move to Virginia? There are lots of things to consider and understand as you think about a move to the Commonwealth. This two-page Fact Sheet may help answer some of your questions.