The Arc of Virginia

06/23/2026

Virginia caregivers! Your voice can improve dental care access.

Oral health affects everything from sleep to nutrition. Yet, millions of people with developmental disabilities still struggle to get the dental care they need.

The Virginia DBHDS Office of Integrated Health (OIH) needs your feedback to shape future quality improvement programs.

Please take a few minutes to share your experiences and help break down barriers to care.

Complete the Caregiver Dental Access Survey at https://forms.office.com/g/8Rf0zxnza3 or the link in our Instagram bio.

06/23/2026

Today is the anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. And today, that right is at risk.

A new Department of Justice opinion says the federal government may stop enforcing one of the strongest protections people with disabilities have against institutionalization.

This opinion doesn’t erase Olmstead or take away the regulations that protect community living. But it’s dangerous because rights mean less when the federal government refuses to enforce them.

Our Senior Executive Officer Shira Wakschlag, told NPR: “This opinion is a direct threat to decades of progress toward community living for people with disabilities. People with disabilities shouldn't be forced into institutions because a state refuses to provide services in the community.”

Olmstead has helped millions be a part of their communities and live the lives they choose. We cannot go backward.

Read the NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization

06/22/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Submit a Speaker Proposal for our statewide convention!

We are seeking knowledgeable, diverse, and experienced presenters who will offer attendees, vital insights, practical tools, and motivating material they can apply to their lives and work. Sound like you? Click the link below to submit your presentation proposal!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgW3u46bqvX3aAGexCUh80zdA2skkzeS2e9IiEk2cGBIvNMg/viewform

Proposals are due July 8, 2026.

06/21/2026

06/20/2026

Virginia budget conferees have released a final budget agreement.

The budget must still be approved by the full General Assembly before going to the Governor for consideration.

The agreement includes important investments in Virginia's DD system. However, we are disappointed that it does not restore the EVV exemption for live-in caregivers.

Families, self-advocates, providers, and advocates worked hard to raise concerns about this change. We will continue standing with our members in advocating for the exemption to be restored.

06/19/2026

We were eager to join a broad coalition of disability, civil rights, and education organizations in condemning the Administration's decision to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) out of the Department of Education.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2026 Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations Denounces ED’s Latest Transfers of Core Functions Washington, D.C. — […]

06/18/2026

Thank you so much to Conner & Sharon Cumnmings and Autism Society of Northern Virginia for inviting us to celebrate the advocate-progress for Virginians with developmental disabilities! We, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, The Arc of NOVA, and The Arc of Southside joined The Micky Mouse Ear Ceremony and bill signing of legislation that will build on the work the community has done!

The bills signed included:
HB469, Autism Competencies Checklist; positive behavior support facilitators, training. Delegate Laura Jane Cohen
HB1097, education on the driver communication improvement program for drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Delegate Laufer
HB465, Advisory Board on Behavior Analysis; composition changes Delegate Laura Jane Cohen
SB309, Driver education programs; voluntary initiatives for drivers with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Pekarsky

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Budget Updates for Virginia
The House and Senate agree on some key DD funding proposals. This improves each investments’s chance of passing in the final budget. We are still watching and advocating for the EVV exemption inclusion.

Starting July 2026
2% Rate Increase - Group Day, Group Homes, Supported Living, Community Guide, and Benefits Planning
3.8-5% Rate Increase - Private Duty and Skilled Nursing
Average of 17% Rate Increase - Independent Living, In-Home Support, Community Engagement, Community Coaching, Therapeutic Consultation, and Workplace Assistance

Starting January 2028
8.1% Rate Increase - Personal Care, Respite, and Companion

General Assembly will return to finalize the budget. The House has not agreed on a date to return. The Senate is set to return on June 22nd.