“The work I do grows my mind, my heart, and my future.”
For Daniel Soya, that’s what makes working at The Arc of Northern Virginia so meaningful. As a member of our Tech for Independent Living (TFIL) team, Daniel helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) explore how technology can support greater independence.
Daniel is one of three team members with disabilities whose perspectives and dedication strengthen TFIL and The Arc of Northern Virginia as a whole. Alongside colleagues Sarah Cornett and Claire McTiernan, he helps develop and support the Arc2Independence app, which uses practical, interactive lessons to guide people with IDD through everyday experiences and build skills for more independent living.
For Daniel, sharing his experiences and advocating for others are among the most rewarding aspects of his work. “My journey with The Arc of Northern Virginia has deeply fulfilled me because I get to work with a team who celebrates authenticity, the value of one’s true character, and growth. What means the most to me is having the privilege of helping those just like myself through sharing my story, advocating, and creating lessons to help them.”
Sarah also finds purpose in her work with TFIL. “I am lucky to have a job where I get to learn what I do, and help people at the same time,” she says. For Sarah, that work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live as independently as possible. “People in the disability community should have a chance to be independent and what I do helps with that.”
Claire shares that sense of purpose. Through her work with TFIL and her contributions to The Arc’s broader mission, she sees the value of being part of an organization committed to inclusion. “I am so grateful that I work for an organization where people truly care about helping disabled people,” Claire says. “I love knowing that the work I do makes a tangible difference in the lives of so many in my community.”
Beyond their core responsibilities, Daniel, Sarah and Claire share their knowledge with self-advocates and families, lead workshops, volunteer at events and serve on The Arc’s Better Together committee. Their involvement helps connect people with resources, strengthen relationships and advance the organization’s commitment to inclusion.
Diane Monnig, The Arc of Northern Virginia’s chief operating officer, has seen firsthand how the three colleagues have developed professionally and contributed to the organization’s culture.
“Sarah, Claire, and Daniel bring skill, dedication, and joy to their work and to their interactions with our staff and the broader community,” Diane says. “I’ve had the privilege of working with each of them and watching them grow in their roles, expand their skills, and take on new challenges.”
Diane also sees how their input extends across the organization. “They contribute to all areas of our organization, beyond their own team,” she says. “They make our entire team stronger!”
For Diane, their work illustrates the broader value of inclusive employment. “When people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to work, everyone benefits: employees, teams, and the broader community,” she explains. “Our TFIL team members demonstrate that every day through their reliability, talents, and pride in their work. The Arc of Northern Virginia is a stronger, more inclusive organization because they are part of it.”
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time when we recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and reaffirm the importance of workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Daniel, Sarah and Claire demonstrate how meaningful employment can support personal growth while strengthening an entire organization and the community it serves.
Their stories are a reminder that inclusive employment is about more than opening doors. It’s about creating opportunities for people to share their strengths, pursue their goals and help shape the organizations and communities they are part of. This month, we celebrate Daniel, Sarah, Claire and all those workers with disabilities everywhere whose contributions make our workplaces and communities better.
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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