Virginia is ranked 39th in the nation when it comes to services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – an appalling statistic for families in our region whose loved ones (some 39,000) have autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, rare chromosomal disorders, and other disabilities. The Arc of Northern Virginia provides services to residents of all ages – free workshops and online resources that address critical topics like navigating the complex disability system, honing life-planning tools, developing critical tech supports. Its advocacy work gives families a voice; a special needs trust helps families plan for a child’s future; and Transition POINTS aids them as they make decisions at key points across their loved one's lifespan. The Arc responds to thousands of calls and emails a year on everything from therapists to jobs to housing options, and demand for services continues to grow.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Disabled


  • Workshops and webinars hosted each year on a range of disability topics:   60
  • Phone calls and emails seeking disability information and resources:   5000
  • Special Needs Trusts to help families with long-term planning for future needs:   900

Awards & Recognition

We were honored by several leading civic groups for all of our work:
• The Arc of Northern Virginia was recognized by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce with the 2016 Carroll V. Shreve Award for Meritorious Human Service for our work benefitting the community.
• We were recognized as 2016 Non-Profit of the Year by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
• We were the nonprofit presented with the 2016 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award from the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board.

We were also pleased that our TravelMate/EmployMate project was recognized as an innovative tool for people with ID/DD and cognitive challenges.
• In November 2015, both apps were recognized by 501cTECH (now Tech Impact) as the 2015 winner of the "Skills to Succeed and Workforce Development Award"
• These cutting-edge projects also brought recognition as 2016 Public Service Innovator of the Year by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce at its Greater Washington Innovation Awards.
• We were selected as an honoree by Washington Business Journal for their Innovation Awards.
• Additionally, we were honored to have TravelMate highlighted by the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities in their 2015 and 2016 Reports to President Obama, “Leveling the Playing Field: Improving Technology Access and Design for People with Intellectual Disabilities.”

Press

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Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for The Arc of Northern Virginia is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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