July 2023 ECNV Newsletter
ECNV Recognizes Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month, the month-long celebration aims to challenge stereotypes, promote self-acceptance, and is a platform that encourages conversations around accessibility, inclusivity, and the rights of disabled individuals. ECNV hopes to empower individuals to embrace their unique identities and encourage a sense of belonging. Join ECNV in celebrating Disability Pride Month and taking steps towards a more inclusive and accessible society. Wishing you all a month filled with pride, acceptance and empowerment.
Have you seen ECNV's new website design?
We have recently made updates to our website design, but please keep in mind that it is still a work in progress. We invite you to take a look here. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to improve and refine our website.
ECNV Offers Aging Solo: A six-part workshop that covers social and support networks, health care decisions and aging in place or moving.
In the Aging Solo Workshops, you'll learn:
● Best-practices, encouraging stories from others who peers who have similar experiences to share; as well as some pitfalls to watch out for
● Developing a support system and finding others who are willing and able to help you
● Four key elements of creating a solo aging plan
● Resources and Support to help you find programs
● New ideas to help you stay independent and connected to your community
ECNV Provides Disability Training to CUE Bus Drivers
The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia was invited by Fairfax City CUE to provide a training on Disability Etiquette on Saturday June 3rd. ECNV Travel Training Program Coordinator Andrew Shaw provided a presentation and discussion on disability etiquette for bus drivers, followed by a panel discussion with three individuals with different disabilities for a back and for question and answer with the drivers. The panelists were Janeek Prince, Pete Scampavia, and ECNV’s Information and Referral Specialist Heather Sailes.
A collage of the panel of presenters from the CUE bus disability training event; CUE bus drivers and finally, a group photo of the panelists, Janeek Prince, Pete Scampavia, and ECNV’s Information and Referral Specialist Heather Sailes, and Andrew Shaw, who also attended.
Heather had the following to say about the event:
Disability CUE Bus Training >>
Aging Solo: A six-part workshop that covers social and support networks, health care decisions and aging in place or moving.
In the Aging Solo Workshops, you'll learn:
● Best-practices, encouraging stories from others who peers who have similar experiences to share; as well as some pitfalls to watch out for
● Developing a support system and finding others who are willing and able to help you
● Four key elements of creating a solo aging plan
● Resources and Support to help you find programs
● New ideas to help you stay independent and connected to your community
ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program:
Program Overview
The IASA Program is a Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) focused on helping students with disabilities, ages 14-22, hone their skills in self-advocacy through a combination of individual and group sessions. Funded by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), this program is offered to students referred by the Fairfax, Alexandria, Leesburg, and Manassas DARS offices.
What’s Going On With RAMP?
For those of you that don’t know, RAMP stands for the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program. It is a career-focused mentoring program for students with disabilities, aged 14-22, funded through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). We are excited to announce that the 1st RAMP year has ended successfully, and we look forward to offering the program in the 2023 – 2024 school year to eligible students residing in Fairfax County and referred by both the Fairfax and Alexandria DARS offices.
Exciting Opportunity: Join Our Team as a Travel Trainer and Independent Living Specialist!
We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Travel Trainer and an Independent Living Specialist! This is a full-time position that will be split evenly between travel training and supporting consumers with independent living skills. The Travel Trainer & Independent Living Specialist is a strong voice for disability rights and independent living, working to assist people with disabilities in independent community living.
Applicants must have prior travel training experience and Spanish fluency is strongly preferred. Full requirements are included in the job announcement. Interested individuals who possess the required skills and experience can send a resume and cover letter to jobs@ecnv.org.
ECNV staff will attend the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Conference 2023
On July 24-27,2023 the NCIL conference will be held in Washington, D.C. Several ECNV staff members will be in attendance at the conference to obtain education and knowledge from workshops, panels, and presentations, review of policy and advocacy updates to stay informed and learn ways to advocate for disability rights and independent living at the local, state and national levels, as well as continue ECNV networking, collaboration and contribution to the advancement of independent living and disability rights.
For more information about attending the conference please review registration.
Did you know ECNV has a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Program?
ECNV maintains a database of items that members of our community wish to donate, then connects those items to individuals that need those items for free. ECNV provides this service for individuals who live in the counties of Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun, as well as the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church and Alexandria.
Items we have:
● Adult diapers
● Power wheelchair
● Manual wheelchair
Items we need:
Items must be clean, complete, and in working order. ECNV cannot accept DME donations for items that are soiled, incomplete or missing parts, or not working. Powered equipment that has lost its charge must be charged and tested before ECNV will accept it as a donation. The following items that meet the above requirements should be accepted as donations and may be dropped off to ECNV, so long as space allows. ECNV reserves the right to refuse any equipment.
● Manual wheelchairs
● Rollators
● Canes
● Knee Scooters
● Commodes
● Shower benches
● Power wheelchairs in working order, with all equipment and provided with a charged battery and all charging equipment
● Consumables:
○ new, sealed catheters
○ new, sealed diapers or similar incontinence products
If you need one of the above items or would like your items to be added to ECNV’s donor database, please contact Andrew Shaw by email andrews@ecnv.org or by phone at 703-719-1380.
ECNV Upcoming Events Calendar
July 7 – TGIF Social Group at Hunan Gate at 4233 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
July 19 – ECNV Board Meeting, 5:00pm – 6:30 pm
July 21 – The ENDependents Social Group (virtual), 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
*The social groups are run by ECNV Staff. These fun gatherings are a great time for connecting, sharing and often take place over a good meal. Perhaps you'll make a new friend, and with lots of pandemic mandates being lifted, it's a perfect time to come back out. For more information, contact Ruchika Lalwani.
Be on the lookout for a distinct "Be in the Know" email, which will be distributed within the next few weeks.
ECNV Around Town
Virginia Aging and Disability Meet and Greet
On June 1, 2023, ECNV Executive Director Dominique Dunford-Lack accepted an invitation from the White House to an Aging and Disability Meet and Greet in Washington, D.C.
Emprende Virginia Baking Class For Latina Mothers
On June 7, 2023, ECNV distributed COVID-19 free home test kits to Mexicana Emprende program (“Mexican Female Entrepreneurship Program”) recipients. During this program, participants attend virtual conferences with business and entrepreneurship experts, take part in a competition and mentorship program, and gain a list of helpful resources for small business owners.
Alexandria City Community Cookout at Fairlington
On June 15, 2023, Alexandria City organized community cookouts to reach out to the diverse and multicultural communities that are part of the Alexandria City affordable housing complexes. ECNV distributed information about our services and COVID-19 test kits alongside government agencies and non-profit organizations. Through May and June 2023, we supported 11 cookouts and reached almost 2500 people.
Community Forum Hosted by Anthem HealthKeepers
On June 15, 2023, ENCV outreach team Pansy Walker and Rosalia Fajardo attended a community forum hosted by Anthem HealthKeepers to highlight the importance of the renewal process of the Virginia Medicaid Program, so that our Medicaid community can make informed decisions about their benefits.
Fairfax County Health Department Multicultural Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting
On June 20, 2023, Rosalia Fajardo represented ECNV at the Fairfax County Health Department Strategic Plan to provide input on Health Equity in Action & Vibrant Community Relationships as Priority Areas for the next five years.
Health Expo at Word of Life Church
On June 24, 2023, ECNV was proud to distribute information and resources during the incredible day at the Hope Expo. Organizers were overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing turnout and the impact we made together as a community. With more than 950 people in attendance, we came together to provide support, resources, and a sense of hope. Participants received over 400 boxes of essential food representing nourishment, comfort, and a brighter future. Seeing the smiles and gratitude on people's faces was truly priceless. This event would not have been possible without the dedication of the community of volunteers, nonprofits and everyone who contributed their time and resources. ECNV peer interns Margarita Baquero and David Aguayo managed ECNV participation. Margarita’s comment: “ECNV is making a difference in people's lives. This is extraordinary!”
Resource Fair for Families Who Live in Sterling
On June 28, 2023, ECNV staff Rosalia Fajardo and peer intern Margarita Baquero participated in the Women Giving Back fair, which was organized by Loudoun Human Service Network. This fair is committed to providing access and equal opportunity to families in need, especially those who live in Sterling which has the largest population of Hispanic families. ECNV provided COVID-19 home test kits for approximately 150 individuals, was able to share about its programs to the public and connected with more than 25 non-profit organizations.
Food and drinks were provided to families and Women Giving Back volunteers were on site providing childcare support while parents connected with nonprofits. Loudoun Hunger Relief distributed fresh produce for families to take home. Attendees were also invited to shop at Women Giving Back’s free clothing boutique. ECNV showed up for the families and let them know that we’re there for them!
Your donation changes lives.
You can support the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia with a financial gift.