DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

10-14-2026

Last Chance to Nominate!

Do you know an individual or organization that excels at providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? Nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award.

There are three award categories, Individual, Self-Advocate, and Organization. All categories are open now and nominations must be submitted before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16.

Award winners will be honored at a ceremony on Monday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center Pennino Building (12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Conference rooms 200/206).

Learn more about who to nominate, the process, and how to submit the nomination form below. If you have questions, please email DisabilityRights@FairfaxCounty.Gov. 

Trick-or-Treat at Clemyjontri Park

Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101

Celebrate Halloween in a calm, inclusive and sensory-friendly way at Clemyjontri Park.

This outdoor event offers a quieter, more structured environment. Visitors will enjoy a variety of fun and accessible activities, including:

• Themed treat stations
• Carousel & train rides
• Arts and crafts
• A sensory tent

The cost is $20 per child who is trick-or-treating.

Costumes are welcome, but you do not have to wear one.

Free Training: Special Education Family Engagement

Friday, Oct. 23, Noon–2 p.m.

Virtual

Learn how schools and families can work together to help students with disabilities.

This training will:

• Explain what the special education division at the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) does
• Introduce the Family Engagement Team and its purpose
• Share ways families of children with disabilities can get help across Virginia
• Show how VDOE trains schools to better listen to and include families

You must register to attend.

Employment Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Department of Family Services has Workforce Development programs for adults and youth of all abilities.

There are four workforce centers with adaptive technology to help you with your job search. You can use tools such as screen readers, large-print settings, and other supports.

If you prefer to stay at home, you can meet with a Career Specialist through a virtual appointment. Career Specialists can also connect you with other employment programs, including:

• Ticket to Work
• Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services
• Service Source
• AbilityOne

Six Tips for Talking About Disability

Words matter. They can show respect or cause harm. Here are six quick tips: Check a language guide. The National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ) has a helpful guide on how to respectfully communicate about disability. Ask how people want to be described. Some prefer “person with a disability” and others say “disabled person”. Whenever you can, confirm with the person about what they prefer.  Avoid hurtful or old terms. Don’t say “wheelchair-bound” or “suffers from.” These words can sound negative or pitying. Use simple, clear words instead. Don’t call people inspiring just for existing. Having a disability doesn't automatically make someone a hero. Respect people for who they are and what they do, not just because they have a disability. Use the word “disability.” Words like “special,” “physically challenged,” or “differently-abled” can sound patronizing. Many people prefer the clear word “disability.” Don’t call nondisabled people “normal.” Saying someone is “normal” suggests people with disabilities are not. Use words like “nondisabled” or “does not have a disability.”

Help with Winter Heating Bills

Colder weather is coming, and that can mean higher heating bills. The Fuel Assistance program can pay for some these heating costs, if a household meets the income rules. Applications open now through November 13. If approved, you will receive notice in late December about your benefit amount. Payments run from Jan. to April, or until benefit is exhausted. To apply for Fuel Assistance and others benefits: Visit CommonHelp online Call 855-635-4370

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.

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