July 2024 E-newsletter
Happy 4th of July!
In celebration of Independence Day, our office will be closed on July 4th. Have a safe and joyful holiday!
Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diversity and contributions of people with disabilities. It is an opportunity to recognize the progress made towards equality and to highlight the ongoing efforts for inclusion and accessibility. During this month, we reflect on the importance of disability rights, amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where everyone can thrive. Join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month and advocating for a more inclusive world.
Explore Our New Benefits Counseling Services
We have brought a new team member to help with enrolling in various benefits. For referrals please contact, Lelena Dagne, at 571-261-7017 or email at Lelenad@ecnv.org.
Benefits Enrollment Programs include, but are not limited to:
Medicare Part D, Low Income Subsidy (LIS)
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
SSI / SSDI
Testimonial that Inspires: Hear from Our Consumers
“My son Daksh and I got a chance to attend the IEL conference through RAMP of NOVA with our team manager, Ms. Kevina Brown. This was my first event ever with my new adult son, who has Autism. We had a great time exploring the various conferences offered. I liked learning about the history of Atlanta, GA, attending a self-care session, and getting to know Mr. MLK Jr. and his family so close. My son liked meeting peers from different parts of the country, working together on a project, and having group discussions. He also enjoyed the Coke factory tour. We also appreciate the variety of workshops offered and the choice of food at the Convention Center suitable for our dietary restrictions. In the end, we would like to extend our appreciation to RAMP for giving us a chance to explore various opportunities that open new doors for us.” —Poonam Jain
Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary
July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation passed in 1990 that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. At ECNV, we honor this significant milestone and the progress it represents in fostering inclusion, accessibility, and equality. The ADA has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Join us in celebrating the ADA Anniversary.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary — ECNV ››
The Bienvenidos Project
The Bienvenidos Project is dedicated to providing vital information to Latino communities in Virginia with disabilities and their families, empowering them to access disability rights, services, and opportunities. We are thrilled to introduce our 10 Organizadores Communitarios, David Aguayo, Jimena Baron of Northern Virginia, Ana Castellano, Alberto J. Najera of Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads, Michelle Tineo, Yohanna Franco of Richmond, Ingrid Garcia de Lazo, Olga Lara of Harrisonburg, Zuheil Alvarez Cortes, Vladimir A Espinosa of Roanoke who will be representing these areas of Virginia. We are committed to building a more inclusive future for all.
ECNV Youth Programs and Support
Read about our programs and supports aimed to empower youth with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, pursue their aspirations, and actively participate in their communities.
ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program: June 2024 ››
Check Out ECNV's Cool Swag Available on Zazzle
Support ECNV by purchasing and wearing some of our unique clothes and accessories with the ECNV logo. There are lots of choices and five percent of the proceeds go back to ECNV to continue the awesome and meaningful work we all are doing for disability advocacy and justice in the northern Virginia area.
COVID-19 Test Kits
Do you require a COVID test kit? ECNV is a COVID test kit supplier for individuals and organizations. For inquiries, please reach out us at info@ecnv.org
ECNV Upcoming Calendar
Check out our updated calendar page with the latest information and events.
ECNV Around Town
Vaccines for All!
During the month of June ECNV has continued with its community vaccination campaign and distribution of COVID-19 home tests in Northern Virginia, thus fulfilling the mission of caring for diverse communities, guaranteeing access to vaccines and being able to access them for free COVID-19 home tests. In addition to these activities, ECNV also participated in other events related to our mission.
ECNV Honors Leeann Alberts for Dedicated Service with Special Thank You Lunch
On Friday, May 31st, a Thank You Lunch was held to honor Leeann Alberts for her dedicated service on the ECNV Board. The luncheon was attended by immediate past Board Chairperson Leeann Alberts, current Board Chairperson Susan Picerno, and Executive Director Dominique Dunford-Lack. During the lunch, a service award was presented to Leeann Alberts in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership as a Board member and Chairperson from January 2020 to January 2024.
Margarita Goes to the White House!
On Tuesday 06/18/24, Margarita sat on the panel at the White House during the 25th anniversary of The Olmstead v. L.C. decision was a landmark ruling by the United States Supreme Court on June 22, 1999. Margarita Maria Baquero was one of panelists to celebrate this huge achievement for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and addressed the rights of individuals with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
Rewatch it on YouTube [https://lnkd.in/eM9qjEhP]
RAMP Fourth Quarter Celebration
On June 14, 2024, Mentees, parents, and siblings gathered for a Final Celebration at Bowl America in Fairfax, Virginia. It was attended by five mentees, six parents, and two siblings. Five out of 11 mentees participated in this RAMP Celebration. Students had the opportunity to engage with their peers and their parents. Students received certificates and recommendations from the program coordinator as a token of completion.
Explore our Newsletter Archive to access all of our current and past newsletters!
Be on the lookout for a distinct "Be in the Know" email, which will be distributed within the next few weeks.