Navigating public transportation is essential to inclusion and participation in the community. Arc2Independence provides information on traveling throughout the DMV and beyond, as well as step-by-step instructions for routes that matter to you and where you need to go.
Tech for Independent Living
Tech for Independent Living
Support in the palm of your hand
With Apple’s release of the iPad tablet in 2010, disability providers began to notice the affinity that individuals with developmental disabilities had for this new technology. They were quite adept at the navigation and use of these devices and were able to understand, learn, and communicate in new ways.
Parents, teachers and other professionals working with these individuals began to see how much their child, student or client was able to comprehend about the world around them, now that they could express what they knew more effectively with this new technology. Capitalizing on the capabilities of smart devices is a significant opportunity for supporting and building independence, and overcoming functional challenges, at all levels for individuals in their schools, jobs and communities.
We create free, fully-customized, virtual lessons that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and promote full inclusion and participation in the community.
Our App
The centerpiece of our program is
Arc2Independence
Launched in the fall of 2023, Arc2Indpendence brings virtual custom lessons directly to people with IDD to guide them through life’s daily routines and challenges. It’s a downloadable, customizable app that puts the power of guided support in the palm of your hand.
Our App
The centerpiece of our program is
Arc2Independence
Each lesson is developed with the individual person in mind. There is a full library of general lessons across four general categories, including Transportation, Daily Living Skills, Employment, and Safety.
In addition to the general catalog, we work with individuals to create custom lessons that suit their life using custom photos, videos, and audio. We work in partnership with caregivers, families, schools, job coaches, and others within the full circle of care to teach independence skills.
Our App
The centerpiece of our program is
Arc2Independence
Arc2Independence is used by families, professionals, schools, and facilities to support the independence of individuals with disabilities throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
Our library includes lessons in the these categories:
Transportation
Imagine having your own personal job coach ,available anytime and anywhere right from your pocket. Arc2Independence can assist with time management, breaking down steps within a task, appropriate workplace conversation topics, and reminders of tasks at work.
Employment
Arc2Independence can enable an individual with IDD to be more independent in their daily life through lessons about money management, hygiene, cooking, daily routines, and other essential skills.
Daily Living
Lessons for home, work, and in the community help an individual be prepared for emergency situations by learning about making safe choices, online safety, communicating with law enforcement.
Safety
Benefits of the Arc2Independence app
How We Help
Benefits of the Arc2Independence app
How We Help
You'll receive personal support from our experienced team dedicated to people with disabilities.
You receive personalized lessons using images, videos, and sounds from your surroundings to meet your functional needs.
The app serves as a virtual support, such as a travel trainer or job coach, that can be customized to each individual's functional needs.
You have a consistent tool that is always available.
You receive lessons that are easily customized to an individual’s needs using images, videos, sounds and voices from the person’s surroundings.
Interested in more information?
If you’d like to know how Arc2Independence can help you or someone you know reach new milestones, achieve goals, and live a more independent life, we’ll be happy to answer your questions. Email us at: techforindependence@thearcofnova.org
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Testimonials
Expressions of gratitude from those we’ve helped
Support Us
Your support makes our work possible
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Arc of Northern Virginia relies on private support from individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations to fund our efforts. Your generous donations help make it possible for us to provide programs, services, and advocacy so that people with IDD can live “A Life Like Yours.”
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