Fairfax County Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This October, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services is excited to host its annual Employment Mentoring Day event for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM was started in 1945 to honor the accomplishments of workers with disabilities and support fairness in job opportunities for everyone. This year’s NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is all about showing how people with disabilities bring meaningful skills to workplaces and our economy.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77.9% of the working-age population (aged 16 to 64) without disabilities had jobs in August 2025, while only 42.2% of persons with a disability were employed. To combat these statistics, Fairfax County’s Employment Mentoring Day connects students with disabilities directly with Fairfax County employees, giving them tools and tips to prepare for future jobs, and a chance to explore careers in local government. The event is hosted by the Disability Rights and Resources (DRR) team and Fairfax County Public Schools.
The DRR team also runs year-round programs like the John Hudson Internship Program and the Employment Development Training Program, both of which provide paid internships to help students with disabilities gain work experience and prepare for meaningful careers. We hope these efforts inspire those with disabilities to identify a trove of opportunities and follow their passions.
Nominations for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Due by October 17
Do you know an individual, self-advocate, or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? If so, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2025 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award. Award winners are honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities and receive an award, presented at an annual awards ceremony on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Location: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Conference rooms 200/206.
There are three possible award categories: Individual, Self-advocate, and Organization. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax, or Falls Church; and demonstrate how people with disabilities have significantly benefited from their efforts.
Nominations are due BEFORE 5 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025. If you have questions, please email DisabilityRights@FairfaxCounty.Gov.
Brimingham Green's Free CNA Training Program Open House
Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 8605 Centreville Road, Manassas, VA 20110
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Birmingham Green is offering a free, six-week Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) training program starting November 3, 2025. This hybrid program (online and onsite) will prepare you to take the Virginia CNA exam and begin a stable, rewarding career in healthcare.
Open house sessions are being held this Friday, October 3, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. At the open house, you’ll meet their team, explore program details, and discover how easy it is to start your new career.
Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist Opening
Monday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. – Sunday, Oct. 12, 11:59 p.m.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is now accepting waitlist applications for newly constructed Project-Based Voucher (PBV) rental units. Applications open on October 6, at 8 a.m. and will remain open through October 12, at 11:59 p.m.
Waitlist Process: Waitlist applications are selected at random. Once a unit becomes available, applicants will be contacted for screening and eligibility determination. Eligibility is based on income level, household size, and rental unit size. Mark your calendar and apply soon!
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Math Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Friday, Oct. 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is offering a free session focused on math instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participants will explore evidence-based teaching practices proven to help students succeed.
This session will provide insights into strategies that can make math concepts more accessible and engaging. Educators, parents, and caregivers will learn how to better support students in building essential math skills tailored to their unique needs.
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 FA-DSB Community Forum on Housing
Monday, Oct. 20, 7–8:30 p.m.
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) is hosting a virtual community forum on housing to gather input from residents of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax. This is an opportunity for people with disabilities and their caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas to help improve housing in our community.
The forum will focus on identifying gaps in services, barriers, and challenges that residents with disabilities face when it comes to housing. The information collected will be shared with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to guide future housing strategies and ensure they meet the needs of residents with disabilities.
Registration will close at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025. If you or a loved one have faced challenges with housing in the area, this is your chance to make your voice heard and advocate for systemic change!
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