ECNV-Walkinshaw Meet and Greet
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, ECNV staff Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Laura Kim, Lead Community Activist Jimena Barron, Training & Mobility Manager Andrew Shaw and Communication and Publications Specialist Elaine Shaw met with Congressman Walkinshaw's District Director Maddy White and disability intern and advocate Adam Rizzoli. This was an informal meet-and-greet with Walkinshaw's Fairfax office and a valuable opportunity to introduce ECNV and highlight the role we play across Northern Virginia, especially in Fairfax.
(Left to Right): Jimena Barron, Laura Kim, Ryan Rizzoli, Maddie White, Andrew and Elaine Shaw pose for a group photo at Walkinshaw's Fairfax office. The background has a lot of transportation decor.
All Star Ability Day
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, All Star Ability Day was a true joy for attendees, featuring inclusive games, creative crafts, music, and family-friendly activities that brought the community together.
ALT: Collage (Top Row, Left to Right), two female All Star Ability Day attendees showing off purple ECNV gift cards; Rosalia with a male All Star Ability Day person with a disability. Bottom, Rosalia with a female All Star Ability Day volunteer.
ECNV Attends: Dreamers’ Mothers in Action (DMIA)
On April 28th, Rosalia Fajardo joined Dreamers' Mothers in Action (DMIA) at their General Assembly Debrief 2026 as a panelist.
ALT: A group photo of Dreamers' Mothers in Action (DMIA) at their 2026 General Assembly Debrief.
ECNV Attends ACCSES Conference
Dominique Dunford-Lack and Hannah Roberts spoke with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia at the ACCSES conference in Virginia Beach on April 28, 2026.
ALT: Dominique Dunford-Lack and Hannah Roberts posing for a photo with Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia.
ECNV Attend FCPS Flash Forward 2026
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, ECNV, represented by Rosalia Fajardo and Paul Whitney, attended The Fairfax County Public Schools Flash Forward 2026, a highly successful event that connected students and families with critical post-secondary resources.
ALT: ECNV staff at FCPS Flash Forward fair
ECNV At Arlington Housing Fair 2026
Last Saturday, April 25, 2026, ECNV participated in the Arlington Housing Fair, providing information and resources for people with disabilities, with a strong focus on accessibility. The event gave residents a one-stop opportunity to get reliable, practical guidance on finding and maintaining housing in Arlington.
ALT: ECNV staff at Arlington Housing Fair.
Money Moves Moments We Love!
Our student Sriya shared, “Me and my mom had so much fun eating the parfaits we made together!”
Learning new skills, spending quality time, and enjoying something sweet together—what a win! Great job, Sriya!
ALT: Sriya enjoying a dessert with her mom.
Money Moves In Action!
Our student, Yamato came home with groceries and put his budgeting skills to work—he made a delicious taco dinner for everyone!
What a great example of planning ahead: budgeting for a meal, shopping smart, and cooking at home. Way to go, Yamato!
ALT: Yamato enjoying a meal.
ECNV Money Moves Camp Kicked Off this Month!
For one week, students in Money Moves met to understand what money is, how they can use it to pay for things they need, and how to decide what things are most important to pay for.
ALT: Money Moves camp graduates!
Same Destination, Different Timelines: Why Accessibility Work in Virginia Isn’t Slowing Down
The DOJ recently extended federal digital accessibility deadlines—but what does that actually mean for the work happening here in Virginia? In our latest blog post, we break down how the federal update and Virginia’s 2025 update to the Information Technology Access Act work together, and why accessibility efforts are still moving forward. We also highlight how initiatives like ECNV’s DIVA are helping turn policy into real, usable change. Read more to see why the destination hasn’t changed—and why the work continues now.
Advocacy in Action: ECNV Takes on Capitol Hill
Advocacy team has been busy! On March 23, 2026, Laura Kim (Policy & Advocacy Coordinator) and Jimena Barron (Lead Community Activist) participated in the Disability Policy Seminar and on 03/24/26 attended Hill Day, which included meetings with the offices of Congressman Beyer and Congressman Walkinshaw.
29th Annual Health and Fitness Expo at GMU in Fairfax
On March 19, 2026, Margarita Baquero, Travel Trainer, and Rosalia Fajardo from ENCV successfully participated in the 29th annual Health and Fitness Expo at George Mason University in Fairfax!
Arlington County Engagement Forum
On Monday, March 16th, Andrew Shaw from ECNV tabled alongside WMATA’s Brigid Doherty and Sharita Smith at the Arlington County Community engagement forum.
ECNV Launches Knowledge + Action Support Groups
February 2026, ECNV officially started Knowledge + Action Support groups, which are co-facilitated by Community Peer Mentors with disabilities, health, and mental health conditions.
ECNV Participated in the VACOLAO Advocacy Day
On February 3, 2026, ECNV participated in the Virginia Latino Organizations VACOLAO's Advocacy Day, which was held during the General Assembly sessions in Richmond.
ECNV Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle
ECNV is excited to announce our NEW Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle
Navigating work, career changes, job searches and job loss can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re doing it on your own.
Join our Career & Workplace Peer Support Circle, a welcoming, judgment-free group led by two experienced volunteers who bring deep knowledge of workplace dynamics, career growth, and employment challenges.
ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) on the Tragic Death of Alex LaMorie
At the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV), we are heartbroken and outraged by the tragic death of Alex LaMorie, an autistic man who was shot and killed by police after calling for help during a mental health crisis.
ECNV in the Community: River Terrace Education Campus
On 02/26/26 ECNV staff members Karen and Andrew attended a community event at River Terrace Education Campus in Washington, DC. During the event, they connected with students and families to share information about our Travel Training program.
Image: Karen Arnett and Andrew Shaw at River Terrace Education Campus in Washington, DC.
Legislative Update: Good News at Crossover
We have encouraging news from the Virginia General Assembly.
All of ECNV’s priority bills have made it through crossover day, which was on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This is a key milestone when bills must clear their chamber of origin in order to continue moving forward.