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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES
Access Fairfax
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 September 17, 2025
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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.
Transition Talks: Answering Questions from Families & Caregivers
Sept. 23, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Virtual
The Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) are hosting a live Q&A session for families and caregivers of students with disabilities. This session will be hosted by Dr. Staci Carr, and will provide you with practical tools and strategies to navigate your student’s transition.
Questions can be added to the comment box on the registration page or emailed to cti@vcu.edu.
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Making Sense of Benefits and Work – What You Need to Know
Sept. 24, 2–3:30 p.m., Virtual
Understanding how to balance Social Security benefits while working doesn’t have to be stressful. Join Marilyn Morrison, a Certified Work Incentive Coordinator and Director of the Maryland Work Incentives Network, for a helpful webinar on resources and tools that support individuals with disabilities in balancing work and financial stability.
What You’ll Learn:
- SSI/SSDI Myths vs. Facts
- Work Incentives & PASS Plans
- ABLE Accounts & Earnings Reporting
- Benefits Counseling & Resources
- The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program
Who Should Attend: This session is perfect for individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers looking for practical tips and a clearer understanding of available resources.
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Golden Years, Golden Careers: Health and Wealth Fair for Older Adults
Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
7611 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003
September is Workforce Development Month! This special event is designed to support older adults on their journey to health and financial well-being. Discover opportunities, resources, and tools to help you thrive.
What to Expect:
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Connect with Employers: Job opportunities tailored for older adults
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Meet Resource Providers: Programs and services available
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Attend Workshops: Tips on staying healthy and protecting yourself from scams
This is your chance to build connections and take steps toward a brighter future.
The Fairfax County Public Library is hosting a variety of events in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be activities for all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens and older adults. Events will include arts and craft projects, story readings, concerts and live performances, art shows, cooking classes, movie screenings, and more!
Social Security Adds 13 Conditions to the Compassionate Allowances List
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 13 new medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list. The CAL program helps speed up the disability application process for people with very serious health conditions that meet the criteria for receiving Social Security disability benefits.
The new conditions include rare diseases like Au-Kline Syndrome, Progressive Muscular Atrophy, and Thymic Carcinoma. With these additions, the CAL list now includes a total of 300 conditions. Since its launch, the program has helped more than 1.1 million people with severe disabilities get quicker access to the financial support they need.
To view the full CAL list or learn more about the program, visit ssa.gov/compassionateallowances.
Looking for More Resources?
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Fairfax County Employment Services and Virginia Career Works Northern Region partner with employers and businesses across Northern Virginia to host job fairs and hiring events in a variety of fields. Check out their calendar for more Workforce Development Month events.
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Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities through a variety of recreational, educational, and developmental programs. NCS promotes well-being and equity for people of all ages and abilities.
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If you would like to learn more about the Department of Family Services Disability Rights and Resources, visit Department of Family Services Disability Rights and Resources.
Access Fairfax is available in alternative formats by calling 703-324-3745, TTY 711.
Subscribe to Access Fairfax to receive more news, events and information!
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