April 15, 2026
Understanding Dementia and Supportive Programs
Monday, April 20, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, VA 22101
Learn how to support a loved one living with dementia through the Regional Older Adult Facilities Mental Health Support Team’s (RAFT) Dementia Support Program. In this session, RAFT will explain how Wellness Recovery Action Plans can help families and caregivers create personalized plans for when things don’t go as expected. These plans can include daily routines, behavior triggers, early warning signs, changes in behavior, and clear steps to follow during and after a crisis. Having this written guidance can give caregivers more confidence and direction when challenges arise.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2–3 p.m., Virtual Webinar
Join the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for a free webinar on how young adults with disabilities are using social media to advocate for Assistive Technology (AT) through the AT Champions Program. The program helps participants build skills in digital storytelling, collaboration, and advocacy so they can share real-life stories that raise awareness and shift how people think about AT.
This session will highlight the program’s model, lessons learned, and the impact of youth-led digital advocacy. It will include:
- A behind-the-scenes look at a successful youth-driven advocacy program
- Storytelling strategies to boost AT awareness and engagement
- Practical tips for creating or strengthening similar social media–based advocacy efforts in your own organization.
Tickets are free and include registration for the webinar. Instructions for purchasing an optional $10 certificate of attendance will be provided at the end of the session.
First Responder Interaction Day
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fairfax County Fire Training Academy, 4600 West Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030
Join Fairfax police, fire and rescue, emergency services, 911 professionals, The Arc of Northern Virginia, and community partners for a free, interactive event focused on safety, emergency preparedness, and positive interactions with first responders. This event is designed to help people of all abilities feel more confident and prepared in an emergency.
Participants can learn how and when to call 911, practice Hands-Only CPR, get tips for safe interactions with police and other first responders, and take part in demonstrations with fire, rescue, and law enforcement staff. You can also:
- Practice police traffic stops
- Practice talking with and using Fire & Rescue and EMS services
- Learn about planning for natural disasters and other emergencies
- Receive a free Blue Envelope to help disclose a disability during a traffic stop or emergency
- Receive a personalized identification card to share with first responders in an emergency
The event is open to individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, service providers, and anyone interested in building safer, stronger relationships with first responders.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Crystal Goodwin at crystal.goodwin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Are You Ready for the Adventure of Your LIFE? (Learning Independence, Feeling Empowered)
LIFE is a four-week residential summer program for blind and vision-impaired students ages 14-18 who will return to high school in fall 2026. During the program, students build key blindness and advocacy skills through classes in Braille, travel with a long white cane, personal and home management, computers and access technology, job readiness, and work experience.
Students also grow their confidence with fun activities like a ropes course, swimming, whitewater rafting, a formal dinner/dance, and more—while connecting with blind and low-vision mentors. Those ages 16-18 may work part-time in community settings during the last two weeks of the program.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: April 28, 2026
- Program dates: July 12 – August 7, 2026
- Graduation ceremony: August 7, 2026 at 11 a.m.
- Virtual student/parent meetings: August 10–13, 2026 by appointment
Apply now to start your LIFE adventure.
Wednesday, April 29 - Thursday, April 30, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
600 University Blvd., Blacksburg, Virginia 24060
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a free, two-day, in-person workshop that teaches you how to help someone who may be thinking about suicide. Through interactive practice and guided discussion, you’ll learn how to talk openly about suicide, create a “safe‑for‑now” safety plan, and connect the person to further support. The training also helps you explore personal and community attitudes about suicide and build confidence in providing suicide first-aid.
To register or ask questions, please email Robert Premo at robert.premo@dvs.virginia.gov.
 PTSD Self-Screen: A Gentle First Step
A Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) self-screen is a quick way to check in with yourself after a traumatic experience. It asks a few short questions about common reactions, like trouble sleeping, feeling on edge, avoiding reminders, or feeling strong guilt. The self-screen cannot diagnose PTSD, but it can help you decide on next steps.
If your results suggest you may have PTSD, it does not mean you definitely have it. It simply shows you are having reactions that many people experience after trauma, and you are not alone. This can be a sign that it may help to talk with a provider and share your results. There are effective treatments, and reaching out can help you start feeling better sooner.
If your results do not suggest PTSD, your experiences still matter. You may still be coping with stress, anxiety, or other effects from difficult events. If you are not feeling better or daily life is getting harder, consider contacting a provider to talk about what you are going through. No matter what your results show, taking the self-screen is an important first step.
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