The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics 

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics 

On Friday, January 26, 2024, Rosalia Fajardo, Disability Justice Partnerships was invited to attend The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics meeting. Commissioners and attendees met with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials to discuss ways their agencies are advancing economic opportunity for the Latino community including those with disabilities.

Collage: Rosalia Fajardo wearing a navy blue blouse and black pants, posing in front of a White House standing blue banner in a book study; a Hispanic male wearing a khaki suit holding a magazine, a Hispanic female wearing black pants and also pictured, Rosalia Fajardo; (Bottom): A group photo of the Commissioners, (center), Isabel Guzman, SBA Director.

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ECNV Staff Attend Independent Living (IL) Advocacy Day at the VA State Capitol

ECNV Staff Attend Independent Living (IL) Advocacy Day at the VA State Capitol

On 01/24/24, ECNV staff and consumers boarded a charter bus to Richmond, VA to attend the IL Advocacy Day. We spoke to Legislators, Delegates, and Senators to discuss priorities for the disability community.

Image: A group photo of ECNV staff and advocates celebrating a successful IL Day 2024 together in a hallway!

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Join Us for a Memorable IL Advocacy Day Trip to Richmond!

Join Us for a Memorable IL Advocacy Day Trip to Richmond!

We’re thrilled to invite you to a day of advocacy and unity!  Join us on January 24th for the IL Advocacy Day Trip to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA.

Image: ENCV simple logo with the organization name spelled out below. Below the logo is bold red text that reads: Join ECNV on Jan 24th for IL Advocacy Day at the State Capital in Richmond, VA!

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ECNV Honors Jeremy Smith, Winner of 2023 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award
In the Community Elaine Shaw In the Community Elaine Shaw

ECNV Honors Jeremy Smith, Winner of 2023 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award

On December 11, 2023, the Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board presented Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards to Cheryl Johnson, Jeremy Smith, and University Mall Theatres and Cinema Arts Theatre for their commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.

Collage: Pearl Johnson of DARS, NVRC Board Secretary Pam Gannon, NVRC Executive Director Eileen McCartin, and NVRC Board member Tom Dowling with Jeremy in front, at the 2023 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion & Equality Awards ceremony. Pictured below left to right, Chair FFX Disability Services Board Chair David Simon, FFX Board of Supervisors Supervisor Walkingshaw, Jeremy Smith, and FFX Board of Supervisors VIce Chair Penelope Gross. Jeremy Smith pictured below with members of his family.

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Advocates Speak at Arlington Legislative Forum

Advocates Speak at Arlington Legislative Forum

On Monday, December 11, 2023, advocates stood up to be heard at the Arlington Legislative Delegation Forum. ECNV Peer Mentor, Joseph Albert stressed the importance of being included, accepted and able to work. Director of Disability Justice, Cherie Takemoto spoke about the needs for changes for DD Waiver programs. ECNV Agents of Change (Arlington Three) Advocate, Ben McGann explained that virtual public meetings should be a disability accessibility right. ECNV Agents of Change (Arlington Three) Advocate, Huan Vuong advocated for the right to work - especially closer to home in Arlington.

ECNV Peer Mentor, Joseph Albert stressed the importance of being included, accepted and able to work; Cherie Takemoto spoke about the needs for changes for DD Waiver programs; Arlington Delegation (from left to right) Sen. Adam Ebbin, Sen. Barbara Favola, Del. Patrick Hope, Del. Alfonso Lopez, Del. Elect Adele McClure; ECNV Agents of Change (Arlington Three) Advocate, Ben McGann explained that virtual public meetings should be a disability accessibility right; ECNV Agents of Change (Arlington Three) Advocate, Huan Vuong advocated for the right to work - especially closer to home in Arlington; Director of Disability Justice,

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