October 2024 E-newsletter
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Observed each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or “NDEAM,” we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
ECNV Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 - October 15! This month is dedicated to honoring the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history, culture, and achievements of the U.S.
We want to uplift and celebrate our employees and contractors who embody Hispanic pride and recognize their valuable contributions to our organization.
Welcome ECNV New Staff
ECNV is honored to have Karla Nativi join our team as a Travel Trainer!
"Hola, I am Karla Nativi and have resided in Northern VA most of my life. I attended Fairfax County schools and graduated from GMU. I love spending time with my family and 3 smart, kind, and humorous daughters that are also Girl Scouts. . . you know I have both fall product and cookie sales coming up. I like to travel and explore the many delicious foods in our area. My favorite foods are sushi, any Latin American spots, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese. . .love trying different foods. I’m also a fan of the Capitals, Nationals and have a recurring mercurial acceptance of our local football team.
For the past 9 years, I worked for a transportation management association spearheading several different grants, including Travel Training. I have an amazing network of local nonprofits, faith-based communities, and religious institutions that I have worked alongside. I enjoy getting to know and assisting individuals with much needed resources.
As a transportation person, I hate driving in traffic and am happy with the upgrades that came along with the Silver line. previously, I had struggled connecting workers that resided in Loudoun and worked in Fairfax co and seeing the connectivity now to get people to work/play/school. Who would've thought you could metro to Dulles airport back in the day?"
Grant Updates:
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Bienvenidos Todos will host webinar presentations about disability resources and services especially for Latinos with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and those who serve Latinos. Monthly webinars will cover disability topics especially as they pertain to Latinos and their different residency statuses.
These webinars will be held the second Thursday of the month from 1:00 – 2:00 pm in English only and from 7:00-8:30 pm in Spanish only. We will ask you for optional demographic information so we can report to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities as our funding source. Once registered, we will send you email updates as reminders for each webinar.
ECNV’s new RACE Project
Our ECNV RACE project will continue with major outreach and services targeted in South Arlington. According to a 2023 report by Insight Region, over 34% of people in South Arlington fail to meet basic needs compared to 12 % in North Arlington. To promote equity, we cannot wait to respond to people who can find us and call us.
Upcoming Classes!
ECNV's Thriving Solo Registration Open for December
Thriving Solo - Registration for December Thriving Solo Now Open!
These classes will help participants build skills and understanding in the key areas of living independently: cooking and meal preparation, daily routine, stress management, travel training, budgeting and money management, self-advocacy, and more.
Thriving Solo will take place December 9-18 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Eligible referrals are FIS Waiver, DARS VR, or anyone interested in honing their skills in independent living. Please use the link below for online registration. Registration is required. All interested individuals (or counselors) are welcome to ask questions at info@ecnv.org. Use our Online Registration Form to sign up today! Registration closes November 15, 2024. Participants must be Northern Virginia residents.
Money Matters Registration Open for January 2025
Money Matters - Registration for January Money Matters Is Now Open!
ECNV offers this five-part training to help people with disabilities understand and manage money. Eligibility is open to FIS Waiver and DARS referrals as well as anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about money. Virtual classes will take place on Wednesdays from 4-5pm, January 8 – February 5, 2025. Registration is required and closes December 20. All interested individuals (or counselors) are welcome to ask questions at info@ecnv.org. Use our Online Registration Form to sign up today! Participants must be Northern Virginia residents.
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.
RAMP Update: October 2024 ››
ECNV’s I Am Self-Advocacy Program: October 2024 ››
Important Voting information
As election day approaches here are important dates to remember:
September 20: First day of in-person early voting
October 15: Deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration
October 25: Deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you
October 26: Early voting locations open on a Saturday
November 2: Last day for early in-person voting
November 5: General Election
If you are voting via absentee ballot, after you receive your ballot, complete your ballot and mail as soon as possible as USPS delays are a concern.
If you prefer to return your absentee ballot via a drop box, information is provided with your absentee ballot regarding drop box locations in your area. Please note: LWV of Virginia advises voters to take a photo with your phone as you drop your ballot into a drop box as a record of date, time, and location of casting your ballot.
"Making the Disability Vote Count Video" ›› (via REVUP Virginia)
2024 House Congressional Forum
Please join us as we hear from Congressional House of Representatives candidates covering districts 7, 8, 10, and 11 including parts of Arlington County, Fairfax County, Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Candidates will speak to their past work on issues important to the disability community, as well as their policy plans. Attendees can submit questions in advance.
The event will have ASL interpretation.
Congressional Forum Information ››
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.
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 September, ECNV continued its community vaccination campaign and distribution of COVID home tests in Northern Virginia, thus fulfilling the mission of caring for diverse communities, guaranteeing access to vaccines and access to free COVID home tests. In addition to these activities, ECNV also participated in other events related to our mission.
For kids getting to go Back to School, we participated as a partner in all the events organized by the Fairfax County Office of Neighborhood and Community Services and Second Story, by providing free COVID home tests and donating backpacks and school supplies for distribution to children and youth from vulnerable and low-income multicultural communities.
ECNV also shared information about our Bienvenidos, and RAMP programs.
Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan
On Monday, September 9, 2024, Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan arrived at John Lewis High School in Springfield, VA! ECNV staff were there to welcome them!
Green Valley Day!
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, ECNV staff attended Green Valley Day in Arlington! With perfect weather, large crowds and U.N.I.T.Y. in the community, ECNV offered information, services, and time which contributed to the success of this event.
Pueblo Unido Hispanic Heritage Event
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, ECNV attended the Pueblo Unido Hispanic Heritage at Sterling Community Center. The celebration was packed with family-friendly activities, full of traditional food trucks, music, and dance performances. ECNV distributed information about our programs travel training and free COVID-19 home test kits were distributed.
VACOLAO Latino Summit Multilingual Learners Summit
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, ECNV promoted Bienvenidos and ADVC programs at the VACOLAO Latino Summit Multilingual Learners Summit, which was held Johnson Center and Dewberry Hall at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
Alexandria City Government Thanks COVID-19 Heroes
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Alexandria City Government celebrated and reflected with partners on the powerful work that was accomplished during the pandemic. We enjoyed good food, great company, and reminiscing together! ECNV Director, Disability Equity Strategic Partnerships, Rosalia Fajardo and Deputy Executive Director Tim Fuchs represented ECNV.
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.
