Community Guide for Special Needs Families
Resources for the community with disabilities, mental health concerns, and medical conditions
Family Resource Guide
The resources listed here are provided for informational purposes only. They do not reflect recommendations or endorsements by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) or The FCPS Family Resource Center. Please contact the locations directly for fees, availability, and whether they meet your needs.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
- 703-383-8500
- Collaborative local government division provides services for people of all ages who have mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities. They provide services to help people with developmental disabilities live, work and take part in our community. Additionally, other services include emergency help, counseling, detoxification, medication, crisis response, and recovery supports.
Fairfax County Disability Rights and Resources
- 703-324-7948
- Resources and services available in Fairfax County for people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities including assistive technology, employment, housing, and transportation.
- 571-423-4121
- Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs as well as educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Child Find services are provided for children ages 20 months through five years by the FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) program.
- 703-246-7121
- Virginia’s system of early intervention supports and services for infants and toddlers from birth through age two who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay normal development. Includes a wide range of family-centered services, resources and supports.
- 703-324-7500
- Classes, virtual cafés (support groups), videos, and articles to build parenting skills from Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Parent Cafés include groups in English and Spanish, and groups specifically for African American parents and fathers.
Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) of Fairfax County
- Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is a PTA organization affiliated with the Virginia and National PTA that addresses the unique needs of special education, special needs, and disabled students and families.
Therapeutic Recreation Services
- 703-324-5532
- Classes, camps, social clubs, and activities adapted for people of all ages with disabilities. Also provides support for people who want to participate in general recreation activities.
- 202-966-7300
- From the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, resources for families about ADHD, treatment options, and a database of psychiatrists that work with children and teens with ADHD.
- Digital magazine with information, strategies and support for ADHD and LD children and adults. Webinars, descriptions and information about ADHD, treatments, and a directory of ADHD professionals to help parents with resources for success
ADHD Resource Group of Northern Virginia
- 703-738-9984
- Provides information and referrals to professionals with expertise in ADHD, focusing on the Attention Deficit Disorder and Executive Function deficit community and those with co-existing disorders and learning challenges.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Information, training, support groups and advocacy for adults with ADHD.
- 301-306-7070
- Information and support groups for parents of children with attention deficit disorders, adults with attention deficit disorders, and others dealing with people affected by attention deficit disorders.
- Online discussion groups and support groups across Northern Virginia to support those with ADHD and their family.
- 703-208-1119
- Offers support group lists, resources, and information on many topics to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. These include transitioning, Medicaid waivers, guardianship resources, educational strategies, and special needs trusts.
- 434-297-8178
- Statewide resource database for individuals with autism and their families. Virtual services/supports, connecting people with resources, and conducting groundbreaking autism research. Additionally, many in-service and professional development trainings for organizations within the state of Virginia.
- A magazine giving families access to advice from professionals, therapies to help children with autism, the latest research, and real-life stories from parents of children on the spectrum.
- Research, advocacy, events, and training to promote disability rights for people with autism of all ages and their family members, educators, and community members.
Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV)
- 571-328-5792
- ASNV provides information on research, treatments, and support to individuals with autism and their families in the Northern Virginia area.
- They are a non-profit organization created by parents of children with autism for parents of children with autism. They provide support group meetings, autism buddies, playgroup, and a lending library.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
- 1-866-366-9710
- Research, resources, and advocacy for families of children and adults with autism. They have created guides for siblings, military families, educators, transition to adulthood, and employment.
Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NOVA)
- 703-249-5099
- Support group meetings, workshops, and resources for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.
PEATC – Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
- 703-923-0010
- Assists local families of children with disabilities through education, information, and training.
Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children
- A nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Offers family’s ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities, all around autism spectrum disorder.
INOVA Disability-Specific Resources
- Resources and providers curated for specific disabilities including a Parent Resource Directory, and an explanation of fees, services, and location for resources shared.
Fairfax County Community Resource Guide
- This list includes Community Service Board and other community resources that are available for support and assistance. This extensive list is also available in Spanish.
FCPS Community Resources - Emergency Food
- Organizations that aid students and families with emergency food
Fairfax County Speech and Hearing Services for Children and Adults
- 703-246-7120 TTY 711
- They help children and adults in Fairfax County communicate more clearly with speech, hearing, and reading services. Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, a stroke club, and a reading program for children.
American Society of Deaf Children
- Committed to providing support, encouragement, and information to families who are raising children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- 202-337-5220
- TTY: 202-337-5221
- Resources, information, tips, and help for families of children with hearing loss. Offers support in other languages and countries as well, including Spanish.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Speech and Language Association
- 1-800-638-8255
- Resources for families with children who have speech and hearing delays. Support for professionals and those working with children and adults with speech and hearing delays.
Fairfax County Speech and Hearing Services for Children and Adults|
- 703-246-2411
- TTY: 711
- They help children and adults in Fairfax County communicate more clearly with speech, hearing, and reading services. Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, a stroke club, and a reading program for children.
- Resources and programs for families with children who have speech and hearing delays and the professionals who work with them. This includes early intervention, sign language classes, information, training, and technical assistance.
National Association of the Deaf
- 301-338-6380
- TTY: 301-810-3182
- The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the nation’s premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States of America. They serve Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened people in the United States. Resources for families with children who have speech and hearing delays. The resources include educational advocates, national ASL directory and more. Additionally, they provide information on civil rights laws, Early intervention, education, employment, housing, health care and mental health services and so much more.
Northern Virginia Cued Speech Association
- The Northern Virginia Cued Speech Association (NVCSA) provides advocacy, education, and support for families and professionals who choose to use Cued Speech with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. They provide an E-Newsletter, training videos and Cue Camp.
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
- 703-352-9055
- TTY: 703-352-9056
- The Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons aims to to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and their families through education, advocacy, and community involvement. This includes fact sheets, ASL workshops, and interpreting services.
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- 804-662-9502 V/TTY
- The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers contacts, information, and resources available in the state to support individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.
- 410-296-0232
- Decoding Dyslexia Virginia is focused on linking families to resources, support, and educational interventions for dyslexia. This includes advocating for teacher/staff training on dyslexia, its warning signs and appropriate intervention strategies, early screening tests for dyslexia to include parental notification, evidenced-based dyslexia remediation programs, and access to appropriate “assistive technologies” in the public-school setting for students with dyslexia.
International Dyslexia Association
- 1-866-893-0583
- Resources, information, and support for individuals with dyslexia and their families. This includes fact sheets, conferences, a handbook, and support for professionals.
Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center (ASDEC)
- 301-762-2414
- Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center (ASDEC) is a training and advocacy center dedicated to preventing academic failure through evidence-based multisensory reading and math instruction. It provides trainings and referrals to dyslexia specialists. Additionally, they offer community support groups through membership.
- 877-861-0528
- They provide research, training, resources for parents and educators. Resources include tutor and teacher training, a tutor directory, and multisensory tutorial reading and written language instruction to children with dyslexia.
- This website tracks state and federal legislation specifically related to dyslexia. Families can use this site to see current state laws related to dyslexia and find educational resources by state.
- Information and resources for adults and parents of children with dyslexia. Includes interactive tools, checklists, and tutorial videos.
International Dyslexia Association
- 410-296-0232
- Resources, information, and support for individuals with dyslexia and their families. This includes fact sheets, conferences, a handbook, and support for professionals.
- Virginia branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
- They provide research, advocacy, and resources about best practices for adults and children with dyslexia. Some resources include evaluations for Dyslexia, information about accommodations in school, and specific interventions for Dyslexia.
Special Education Handbook (pdf)
- This handbook is intended to help parents, educators, and students with disabilities work together for the common goals of successful learning and outcomes for children. Special education services are an integral part of the educational offerings of FCPS. A variety of services are provided for students aged 2 through 21, having mild to severe disabilities.
Transition Resource Guide (pdf)
- The Career and Transition Services (CTS) section of the Office of Counseling and College and Career Readiness designed this Transition Resource Guide to share strategies, resources, and tools to assist teachers and families as they work with students in the transition planning process.
- Provides information and resources to FCPS schools and families as they support students with dyslexia. The handbook includes an overview of Dyslexia, resources for the student, and family guides to dyslexia.
Twice Exceptional (2e) Handbook (pdf)
- This guide was developed to provide schools and families with insight and guidance associated with the identification, instruction, and social-emotional wellness of students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Section 504 Procedures Manual (pdf)
- Guide to help with understanding the 504 process, forms, and resources.
- Information and resources within the handbook are designed to help parents and guardians learn about their rights and responsibilities as an FCPS parent or guardian, learn more about what is going on in the student's school, learn more how to monitor and help your student at home, and find extra help and resources.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
- 703-324-4400
- Collaborative local government division provides services for people of all ages who have developmental disabilities. Support includes case management, coordination of care, support with accessing services and funding where appropriate.
Best Buddies of VA/Capital Region
- 703-533-9420
- Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, and Inclusive Living programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Virginia & Washington, D.C.
- Provides community services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring disabilities. Services emphasize choice, diversity of opportunities and full community participation for all ages.
EnCircle formerly known as Lutheran Family Services
- 1-800-359-3834
- Provides community-based services to help families of children and adults (ages 5-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Support & Information Organizations
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
- 202-387-1968
- Information, advocacy, and training for family members, community members, and service providers related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
- 703-621-7129
- Support for parents of children with Down syndrome, including support groups, social events, and financial, medical, and legal training.
Easter Seals Child Development Center
- 301-588-8700
- Easter Seals provides comprehensive services to children and adults, no matter their disability, military status, income, race, or age. Their programs include child development centers, early intervention, Head Start, Level-up School Age Program, and other resources.
- 703-208-1119
- Offers support group lists, resources, and information on many topics to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. These include transitioning, Medicaid waivers, guardianship resources, educational strategies, and special needs trusts.
- Falls Church, Virginia
- Comprehensive resource guide, referral directory of professionals and products, active parent forums, helpful articles and more. Parents and teachers of children with learning disabilities will find supportive and authoritative guidance on attention deficit disorder, ADD / ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, reading difficulties, speech, and related disorders.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
- 301-966-2234
- Resources for family members and educators supporting children and adults with learning disabilities. Resources include scholarships and awards, questions to ask pediatricians, questions to ask educators, and other resources.
National Institute for Child Health and Development (NICHD)
- 1-800-370-2943
- The latest research and resources regarding all forms of learning disabilities. This includes information on the learning disability, the diagnosis process, treatment options, and opportunities to participate in research studies.
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
- Newsletter with information to support parents of children with learning disabilities.
- This includes information about evaluations and tech tools, advice for handling your child’s academic, social, and emotional issues, and the opportunity to connect to others.
Brain Injury
- 703-451-8881
- Community-based services, case management and day support programs for children, adults, veterans, and families who have been impacted by brain injury. They also offer short term counseling and help with resources.
Brain Injury Association of Virginia
- 804-355-5748
- They provide resources about home care and housing options, obtaining adaptive equipment for the home, or how to sign up for public benefits.
Cancer
- 703-206-5433
- They offer free services to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing evidence-based education, support, wellness programs and integrative therapies.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
- 866-333-1213
- SuperSibs is dedicated to comforting, encouraging and empowering siblings of children with cancer through a Comfort and Care mailing program that sends age-appropriate mailings over a two-year period that include coping skills and encouragement for siblings as their brother or sister fights cancer.
Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia
- 202-269-1500
- They share resources on child development and topics that are unique to Cerebral Palsy to support parents in navigating their journey. They also offer programs and services for adults with cerebral palsy.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- 703-968-9818
- Monthly support group meetings in Chantilly, Virginia, for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome and orthostatic intolerance. Email list, website, Facebook page, conference calls.
Diabetes
- 1-800-342-2383
- Support understanding diabetes, treatment, technology and more through online chat, community programs, and family links.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
- Support understanding diabetes, management, treatment, technology and more through articles, resources, local chapters, and more. Offers resources in Spanish as well.
- Website for kids with diabetes where, through the Kids’ Voices page, they can set up individual pages and meet other children with diabetes from around the world. Forums, workshops, art projects and community events for children and their parents.
Dysautonomia
Dysautonomia Youth Network of America Inc. (DYNA)
- Provides programs and services that help patients with dysautonomia improve their quality of life, obtain better symptom management, and succeed in living independent, self-supporting, productive and happy lives. Offers peer youth online support, one-on-one private mentorship to patients and caregivers.
Eating Disorders
- 1-855-503-3278
- F.E.A.S.T. is a global community focused on empowering parents as caregivers and advocates and promoting evidence-based treatment of eating disorders. They offer information about eating disorders, treatment options, advocacy, resources, and support.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- 1 (888)-375-7767
- Treatment directory, peer support groups, recovery mentors, and guides for children and adults with eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Association
- 1-800-931-2237
- Research, advocacy, resource directories for children and adults with eating disorders. This includes a helpline, support groups, and public awareness opportunities.
Epilepsy
- 301-459-3700
- Connects people to treatment, support and resources and educate the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- 202-785-4585
- Resources, education, and advocacy for those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. They recognize the wide range of needs within this community and seek to create safe spaces and support for both children, adults, and family members.
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome–Virginia
- The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is a voluntary, non-profit, service agency dedicated to eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and improving the quality of life for all those affected by fetal alcohol syndrome.
Spinal Cord Injuries
- 800-548-2673
- They offer services that contribute to prevention, quality medical care, research, and improvement of the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury. The Network provides practical services and emotional support assisting in the transition from hospital to home and re-entry into the community at no cost.
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome Association of America, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
- 1-800-486-8738
- Offers support groups, tools, and referrals for families, children, teens, and professionals. You can reach out to them directly for help finding specific resources and strategies that meet your specific need
General Medical Conditions
Children’s National Health System
- 888-884-2327
- Resources, information, programs, and blogs on different health topics. This is one of the leading hospital systems in the area and offers a variety of specialty services that can help with diagnosing and treating children.
Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Division: Parent Support Line
- 703-324-7500
- Resources for parents and caregivers of children. Staff can help with parenting advice, support, and tips to help navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Language support is available.The support line is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Childhelp Abused Children Therapeutic Support Group
- 1-800-422-4453
- Resources to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected, and at-risk children. They offer treatment programs, group homes for children already affected by child abuse, and prevention programs. The Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline has crisis counselors available 24/7.
- 703-539-2904
- Formed Families Forward’s mission is to improve developmental, educational, social, emotional and post-secondary outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and other special needs through provision of information, training and support to adoptive and foster parents, and kinship caregivers. Supports includes consultations, support groups, resources, and trainings.
FORMED Families Forward Resource Directory
- This directory provides information about programs and services offered in Northern Virginia to support families formed by adoption, foster care and kinship care who are raising children and youth with disabilities and other special needs.
- 866-252-7772
- Provides resources, services, and support for foster care, adoption, post-adoption, crisis, and family preservation, on behalf of Fairfax County.
Fairfax Community Professionals Directory
- Fairfax Community Professionals (FCP) is a network of mental health clinicians committed to being available to students and their families in a timely way when there is a crisis or urgent mental health need that is beyond the services available at school. These clinicians either take insurance or offer a reduced fee.
- 703-218-8500
- Provides behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and their families. These services include intensive inpatient and outpatient programs for Mental Health and/or substance abuse related disorders.
Northern Virginia Family Services
- 571-748-2500
- NVFS provides culturally competent, language-specific mental health services for all ages in various settings to ensure neighbors from all backgrounds have access to the support they need.
- 571-367-9951
- Provides therapeutic services using music interventions rooted in the psychology and the science of music. Music therapy is appropriate for all areas of disabilities, trauma, PTSD and more. Individual music therapy sessions, group music therapy, adapted music lessons, and traditional music lessons available.
Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute NVMHI
- 703-207-7100
- This is a short-term hospital to provide intensive treatment to adults with acute mental health needs living in Northern Virginia. Family therapy services are provided as well.
Virginia State Mental Health Facilities
- 804-786-3921
- List of state facilities that provide structured, intensive services for people of Virginia who have a mental illness, intellectual disabilities or need substance abuse services.
- One-stop access to U.S. government mental health information and resources on special mental health needs. Resources for parents and caregivers include recognizing mental health problems in children, how they are affected, and what you can do, how to navigate diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems and talking to children and youth after a disaster or traumatic event.
- 571-458-7310
- Offers a variety of support groups open to all family members and friends of individuals living with mental illness. Also offers information on how to support those impacted by mental health disorders and a helpline.
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
- 240-403-1901
- Online support and resources dealing with implementation of policies, legislation, funding and service systems that utilize strengths of families to support children with mental health needs.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- 1-866-615-6464
- Part of the National Institutes of Health, this section deals with understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research. There are fact sheets, clinical trials, and resources to help find professional support.
- 703-698-2450
- Resources to help families and their children with special healthcare needs. There is no charge to access this team which includes Registered Nurses, Social Work Case Managers, Education Consultants, Parent Coordinators, and Financial/Eligibility Coordinators.
Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia
- 703-323-0880
- Parent and caregiver support groups for children with special needs. Groups and classes for all ages - preschool-aged children to adults - with special needs to include social skills groups.
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center
- 800-962-6817
- They help parents navigate the special education system and understand their rights. They provide information, support, training and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs from birth to age 26. They also support young adults with disabilities in becoming self-advocates and leaders and the educators and professionals who serve them.
- 800-552-5019
- Non-residential places where persons with disabilities learn empowerment and develop the skills necessary to make lifestyle choices. Centers provide services and advocacy to promote leadership and independence.
Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA)
- 240-800-5772
- Counseling, social groups, care coordination, workshops for children and adults with mental health or developmental disabilities and their caregivers.
- 1-800-417-0908
- Service facilitation provider will assist families with the Medicaid waiver process. Serves people with disabilities of all ages and their care providers. They serve individuals and their families by providing resources, information, engaging in advocacy through community- and state-wide networks, and by assisting people in navigating the waiver world.
- 703-461-6000 Employment and Rehabilitation Services
- 703-354-0900 Day Support Program
- ServiceSource facilitates services, resources, and partnerships to support people with disabilities and others, along with their families, caregivers and community members. They provide employment and assistance getting employment for people with disabilities.
Specially Adapted Resource Clubs
- 571-407-1807
- SPARC provides essential day programs for adults with profound disabilities at five locations in Northern Virginia. They are an innovative clubhouse model supporting young adults with lifelong physical and/or developmental disabilities.
Wright’s Law Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
- This is a directory of psychologists, diagnosticians, health care specialists, academic tutors, speech-language therapists, advocates, and attorneys in Virginia.
American Music Therapy Association
- 301-589-3300
- Offers music therapy interventions that can be designed to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals: promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.
Fairfax County Speech and Hearing Services for Children and Adults
- 703-246-7120
- TTY: 711
- They help children and adults in Fairfax County communicate more clearly with speech, hearing and reading services. Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, a stroke club and reading program for children.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- 1-800-638-8255
- Resources to help understand communication and communication disorders. Offers support for families to connect with professionals and optimize their treatment options. They offer support in Spanish as well.
CHOP Department of Speech-Language Pathology Resources
- 1-800-551-5480
- Resources and information for families of children with speech and language delays from early intervention, to specific areas of need and things that you can do at home to help your child.
- 412-785-7072
- Apraxia Kids seeks to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families, facilitating community engagement and outreach, and investing in the future through advocacy and research.
- 1-800-937-8888
- They offer support, resources, and information to all members of the stuttering community –families, kids, teens, and support team members. They also serve as a referral organization for speech therapy resources.
Kennedy Krieger Institute Speech and Language Department
- 443-923-2650
- Staff members in the Speech and Language Department provide clinical services to pediatric patients and their families or to individuals with developmental delays or other special needs who have or are suspected of having communication, oral motor, feeding/swallowing, or hearing deficits.
Child Mind Institute Speech and Language Therapy
- 212-308-3118
- The Speech and Language Service offers evaluation and treatment for children with a range of communication disorders.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
- 703-923-0010
- Northern Virginia-based center that provides services and support for families and professionals, particularly those with children with special needs. It provides research-based information and training, including resources in Spanish.
- 202-769-0486
- This is a national resource center on health care transition (HCT). Its aim is to improve the transition from pediatric to adult health care using evidence-driven strategies for clinicians and other health care professionals; public health programs; payers and plans; youth and young adults; and parents and caregivers.
- Parents provide support to other parents in the form of education and training for parents of children with disabilities.
- A free online newsletter about special education legal and advocacy topics, including new cases, articles, seminars and training, special offers on books.
Understood - For Learning and Attention Issues
- Resources and support for parents to help understand their children better and unlock strengths. Offers access to experts, practical tips, and technology.
T/TAC: Training and Technical Assistance Center
- Extensive online resources and trainings for educators and parents of students with disabilities in Virginia.
- Information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Articles, trainings, and seminars, on different topics including IEP’s and the special education process
Virginia Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
- State-specific organizations and resources to support people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. They help people advocate for themselves.
Center for Parent Information and Resources
- 973-642-8100
- A central hub of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving
Access Services, Fairfax County Public Library
- 703-324-8380
- This service offers library services to people with disabilities. These include screen reader software, screen magnification software, text-to-speech reading equipment, a refreshable Braille display, and talking books. Home delivery is also available to residents of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church through the free Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
- 888-496-0252
- Offering free, accessible materials for Virginia’s K-12 students with a print-based disability to include students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are unable to access traditional print.
- 800-223-1839
- Resources including accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and low vision.
Talking Book Service Arlington County Department of Libraries
- 703-228-6333
- TDD/TTY: 703-358-6320
- Provides free, specially recorded, unabridged books and listening equipment to blind and visually impaired people who live in Arlington County.
- Resources, tools, and technology to foster school success for students with visual impairments. This includes scholarships, camps, and post-secondary options.
- 703-603-2100
- This program creates jobs and training opportunities for people who are blind or have severe disabilities.
American Council for the Blind
- 202-467-5081
- The American Council of the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired through advocacy.
- 1-800-232-5463
- Resources, ideas for experiences, support, and videos for parents of children with visual impairments. This includes articles by age or topic on every aspect of raising a child with blindness or low vision, from family relationships and social activities to education issues for blind and low vision students, assistive technology, parenting a child with multiple disabilities, and more. It also includes a comprehensive directory of services for families of children with blindness or low vision to find hands-on help and professional services in your area.
National Federation of the Blind
- 410-659-9314
- Support network for parents to share information and resources. They coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.
National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
- 202-285-4595
- Support for families and professional who care for children with visual impairments. They connect families to each other and to blind role models in the community. They offer support and information about educational issues, Braille, technology and scholarships. They sponsor seminars and workshops for parents at the NFBV State Convention and provide access to free canes for kids.
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
- 804-371-3140
- This department offers a wide array of specialized services and programs for Virginia residents of all ages who are blind, vision impaired, or deaf blind. This includes helping them achieve their desired levels of employment, education, and personal independence.
