In this edition, Register for upcoming virtual workshops that include navigating housing options in Northern VA , Disability Rights and Resources Expo and Transportation Options and Concerns for People with Autism . The disAbility Law Center of Virginia can help with Advance Directives or Supported Decision-making Plans. DME blog by Selvin Garcia. Updated COVID-19 Resources
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Presented by: Alexa Mavroidis & Tracee Garner
When: August 6, 2:00pm - 3:30pm EST
Where: Zoom
Description:
Alexa Mavroidis - Peer Counselor / Advocate from the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV), and Tracee Garner, Peer Counselor / Outreach Coordinator from Loudoun ENDependence, will share information regarding how to navigate the various housing programs and options available in Northern Virginia. We will cover qualifications, required documents, income restrictions and more, as well as some new eligibility programs rolled out under COVID-19.
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Hosted by: disAbility Law Center of Virginia'
When: September 16th 2020 10am - 5pm EST
Where: ONLINE
Description:
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia will be hosting our first ever disAbility Rights and Resources Expo on September 16th, 2020 from 10 am – 5 pm. We are looking to attract up to 500 attendees from all over the Commonwealth who are interested in learning more about the available resources and services that both dLCV and other providers can offer to members of the disabilities community. Additionally, dLCV will be hosting “Know Your Rights Educational Clinics” during the expo on topics ranging from Social Security Benefits, Assistive Technology and Special Education, Self-Advocacy, Vocational Rehabilitation, and more!
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Presented by: EARNST ILANG-ILANG II, MSW, LGSW
When: September 17th 2020
Where: ONLINE
Description:
Meaningful community participation is important for increased social interaction, access to services, and overall quality of life. Transportation plays a critical role in providing individuals access to such services and activities. Conversely, public transportation can act as a barrier to integration for those who are unable to independently utilize it. This webinar will discuss transportation services, challenges, and remedies for people with Autism. The presentation will include general topics such as:
Safety
Security
Boundaries
Travel Training
Specific information will also be offered for those living in the DC Metro Area:
Transportation options
WMATA Services
Training Services at ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia
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Social / Support Groups
TGIF Social Group (Virtual Via Zoom)
When: August 7, 2020
Where: Zoom 4pm - 5pm
TTY: (703) 525-3553
Description:
Once you RSVP to Ruchika Lalwani ( [email protected] | 703-719-1369) you will get a zoom invitation with password the morning of the event.
The TGIF Group is a chance for local non-disabled and disabled people to relax together after a long week and feel the energy of the disability culture (yes, there IS such a thing!)
Our goal in hosting these get-togethers is to further the mission of ECNV; for individuals with disabilities to improve the quality of their lives,determine their own lifestyles,participate in all aspects of society and secure their human and civil rights.
Sometimes, the greatest barrier is attitude. These get-togethers are an attempt at lowering this barrier by socializing together and creating opportunities to develop friendships in our community that might not otherwise happen!
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Endependents Social Group (Virtual Via Zoom)
When: August 21, 2020
Where: Zoom 4pm - 5pm
Description
The ENDependents is a monthly social group that meets for pizza at the ECNV office at 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 250, Arlington, 22201. Everyone is welcome! Join us for food and fun for just $5! Check the calendar for dates and times. Because of the pandemic we are meeting virtually until further notice so bring a snack and join us for games and make new friends on Zoom!
Contact Ruchika Lalwani at [email protected] | 703-719-1369 | TTY: (703) 525-3553 to find out what we're doing next.
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Young Adult Knights (ages 18-30)
When: September 11, 2020
Where: Zoom at 6:00pm
RSVP: Email [email protected] or call 703-719-1379 for more information. TTY: (703) 525-3553
Description:
Young Adult Knights has gone virtual. If you are between the ages of 18-30 and want to make connections and friends in a relaxed fun atmosphere then please join us. We will meet once a month via Zoom. So far we have had so much fun playing online games and having virtual movie nights. RSVP to Michelle Williams if you are interested!
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by: Rhonda Thissen, dLCV Senior Disability Rights Advocate
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is offering FREE legal assistance to individuals with disabilities to create their own Advance Directive or Supported Decision-making Plan.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive (AD) is a legal document that lets you state your preferences for health care if you become unable to make your own decisions. Having an AD can help your loved ones and health care providers better care for you. When you can’t care for yourself or tell your loved ones what you want, your AD can! You can even state your preferences for emergency mental health care. Virginia law requires health care providers to follow your AD in most situations.
What is a Supported Decision-making Plan?
If you are a person with a disability, having a Supported Decision-making Plan, or SDMP, helps you make decisions on your own. When you make a SDMP, you choose “supporters” to help you make choices. Your supporters can be people you trust, like friends, family members, or professionals. They agree to help you understand your options so you can make the right decisions for yourself, and tell others about your choices. Sometimes a SDMP can even be an alternative to guardianship.
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is the Commonwealth’s Protection and Advocacy System for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to advance independence, choice and self-determination; protect legal, human and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation.
1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23230
800-552-3962
VA Relay 711
www.dlcv.org
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Blog by: Selvin Garcia , Travel Training and DME Director
DME is considered medically related equipment that can range from the more expensive items such as hospital beds and motorized wheelchairs down to more common and inexpensive items such as commode chairs and crutches. As you can see it varies greatly along with the cost of this equipment. Along with that one must get a doctor’s request and apply for financial assistance through Medicaid/Medicare and wait a long time for final approval. The situation can be made even more difficult when one has no insurance which makes it almost impossible to acquire the equipment.
Here at ECNV we understand the difficulties a person can encounter just trying to navigate the process. We have a stockpile of various durable medical equipment donated by our consumers and friends from the community. They are good to excellent condition and often hardly used by the donor. We are happy to provide this service and find joy in providing the right equipment requested. Recently we donated a motorized wheelchair to a young lady which was intended to provide better mobility. Her friend wrote “… We want to thank you and ECNV for all the joy you brought to our client and her family”.
When a consumer receives our equipment it changes their lives in various ways such as being able to get to work or go to the store. They may be able to get around their house better or as simple as being able to take a shower. Our consumers become more independent in some way which creates confidence to reach their goals.
If anyone needs DME or wishes to donate to ECNV, contact Selvin Garcia at [email protected] or 703-785-5883 | TTY: (703) 525-3553. Click here to view many of the equipment we have in our inventory!
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We are all in this together. Our team at ECNV is continuing to stay connected with each other, our consumers and partners. We have a working document to bring you up to date resources during this pandemic. Please email [email protected] if you have resources you would like to add to this list.
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Traveling to the DC Metro Area and need a personal assistant? ECNV maintains a PAS registry which is a list of individuals who are available to provide personal assistance. The registry offers consumers and social workers in different counties a resource for finding providers. Many of them have home health care training and are willing to work at a mutually agreeable rate that can be lower than prevailing rates charged by home care agencies. The registry, which is updated on a regular basis, may be obtained by request from the PAS Coordinator. Assistants listed in the registry have completed an application that provides information about their experience and qualifications including personal references. The applicants are then required to attend a training workshop, orienting them to the philosophy of consumer-directed services before being added to the registry.
If you wish to apply to be a personal assistant please fill out the application and submit to Ruchika Lalwani. Her information is below.
Please contact Ruchika Lalwani at [email protected] or (703) 525-3268 for further information about the PAS registry. TTY: (703) 525-3553
ECNV does not conduct background or reference checks but encourages consumers to do so before hiring a provider. ECNV does not offer personal assistant management training to consumers.
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Click here for more information about our program, how to donate and to view many of the equipment we have in our inventory.
HOSPITAL BEDS AVAILABLE** Pediatric Nasal Cannula 6 ***
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If you have received any services from the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) or LEND, we’d like your feedback. Your input helps improve the quality of our services and ensures we are meeting your needs.
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AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to ECNV
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