DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

Access Fairfax

09-02-2026

Join the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department's Therapeutic Water Workout Class

Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Oct. 27, 10-11 a.m.

Herndon Community Center

814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon 20170

This class is for people age 16 and older who have chronic illnesses like:

• Arthritis
• Painful joints
• General weakness

In this class, you will:

• Work on flexibility and balance
• Gently build strength

Rubber-soled shoes are recommended for safety.

Disability Inclusion Fair Hosted by Fairfax County Public Library

Monday, Sept. 14, 7-8:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls 22066

Teens and young adults with disabilities along with their family and friends are invited to a special event.

Come learn about:

• Services and programs
• Job opportunities
• Education and training
• Recreation and fun activities
• Other resources available after high school

The event will include:

• A live performance by Elvis tribute artist and disability advocate Alex Presley
• Guest speakers from different backgrounds who will share their stories and give support to individuals and families

Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Disability Services Navigation: Free 1:1 Drop-In Sessions with Attorney Expert

Monday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Arc of Northern Virginia

3060 Williams Drive, Fairfax 22031

If you and your family need help understanding disability services and supports, come meet with Jonathan Martinis of LightPath at The Arc of Northern Virginia’s office.You can drop in any time during the event (no RSVP needed).

You can ask about:

• Special education
• Medicaid waiver services and supports
• Job and vocational programs
• Supported decision-making
• Guardianship and other options
• Transition to adulthood
• Disability rights
• Training and consultation

Celebrate Communication 2026

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Springfield Town Center

6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield 22150

Hosted by Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons, Celebrate Communication 2026 is a free, fun event for the whole family!

Attendees will:

• Learn about new hearing tools and apps
• See how captioning works
• Find out about local services
• Explore hearing aids, tinnitus help, cochlear implants, and ASL
• Meet ENTs and audiologists
• Visit Deaf crafters and see their work

Kids can enjoy face painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Yellow Dog will be there to add to the fun, too.

Stay Informed About Scams with Silver Shield Alerts

How can residents stay updated about scams and fraud? Fairfax County has launched a new Silver Shield Scam and Fraud Information channel through Fairfax Alerts to help residents stay informed about scams targeting the community. The new alert channel will provide scam prevention resources and send notifications when scams reach a heightened level of concern. These updates are designed to help residents recognize potential scams, stay informed, and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. How can I sign up? Signing up for Silver Shield alerts is free and easy. Residents can visit Fairfax Alerts, create an account or log in to an existing account, and customize their notifications. To receive Silver Shield scam and fraud updates, select Area Agency on Aging and then choose Silver Shield – Scam and Fraud Information. Residents can also sign up for other county notifications, including emergency alerts, severe weather alerts, and traffic updates.

Fairfax County Election Officers Needed

Are you interested in working at the polls? Fairfax County is the largest voting area in Virginia, with 264 polling places. Thousands of trained election officers help make Election Day run smoothly and fairly. Election officers: Help voters at the polls Make sure elections are fair and accessible Play an important role in our democracy Who can apply? Any registered Virginia voter Preference is given to Fairfax County residents Election Day details: Work from 5 a.m.-9 p.m., or until all duties are done Earn $250 for the day Reasonable accommodations are available under the ADA. Email Elect@fairfaxcounty.gov to ask for an accommodation.

Opportunity to Advocate for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities

You can help advocate for people with physical and sensory disabilities by joining the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB), a group of 15 volunteers who work to improve local services. If you’ve lived with disabilities or have experience using social services, your insight is invaluable for creating fairer, more effective programs. You’re welcome to apply if you receive public assistance like SNAP or Medicaid, but you cannot work for the Department of Family Services. Contact your local Board of Supervisors representative to apply.