Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our staff and offices impacted by the storm continue to provide essential support on the front lines and behind the scenes. DARS' Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) works closely with the Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the F.R.E.E. Foundation to provide Durable Medical Equipment “kits” for emergency shelters. VATS sent three shelter kits to Southwest Virginia as needs were identified, such as wheelchairs, walkers, bedside toilets and crutches. Our Southwest Virginia DRS offices (Abingdon, Christiansburg, Norton, Pounding Mill and Wytheville) are stepping up to volunteer the next two weeks at a local church’s supply station to help people get supplies, stock shelves and sort donations. Our Area Agency on Aging partner - District Three Governmental Cooperative - serves Washington County, which was impacted the hardest. They distributed 500 boxes of shelf-stable meals and 450 (24 packs) of water to those in need.

Reflections from vocational rehabilitation students as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. #NDEAM

Reflections from vocational rehabilitation students as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. #NDEAM

#FairfaxCounty Adult Protective Services played a crucial role in halting this cryptocurrency scam. If you suspect adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, contact your local Dept. of Social Services or the APS 24/7 hotline @ 888-832-3858. https://lnkd.in/e_etbf-j

ChatGPT shown to overlook job applicants with disability. Do you believe recruiters should rely on artificial intelligence to determine the best candidate? Employers have warmed to disability inclusion in the workplace, but the rising use of AI screening has some researchers worried about discrimination. https://lnkd.in/eG6zDNCh #WorkforceWednesday

Mindfulness can improve living with a disability. Check out this study to see how mindfulness can improve living with a disability for people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. https://lnkd.in/dGg3f7u #TransitionTuesday

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month! Governor Youngkin's proclamation highlights the importance of increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With only 44% of working-age Virginians with disabilities employed, there’s more work to be done to ensure access to quality jobs for all! Join us in celebrating the contributions of Virginians with disabilities and organizations like DARS that support their path to meaningful employment. Learn more about how Virginia is committed to creating "Access to Good Jobs for All!" Read the Governor's proclamation at the following link: https://lnkd.in/e8qfmSb8] #NDEAM2024 #DisabilityEmployment #AccessForAll #VirginiaWorks

Join us in October to Celebrate Ability! October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and DARS is taking this opportunity to honor our Champions of Disability Employment. Each Wednesday in October, we'll also be hosting FREE Workforce Wednesday lunch and learn sessions on topics you've requested https://bit.ly/47jDk5g. Don't miss out! Register today! We're confident you'll find these events worthwhile.

In Episode 126 of the VR Workforce Studio, we’re thrilled to feature Russ Thelin, President of the National Rehabilitation Association, as he discusses NRA's outreach and focus on empowering individuals through vocational rehabilitation. Hear Destiny Lamb’s vocational rehabilitation success story from high school to her dream job in the medical field. Destiny shares her inspiring career path alongside her VR Counselor, Lauren O'Quinn, who explains the crucial role of Pre-ETS services and collaboration with school personnel. Additionally, we hear from Heather Servais at RSA's National Clearinghouse, who provides the latest tips, resources and news for the VR community. Hear her report on supporting youth in transition with disabilities and their families and learn how VR counselors can leverage AI to help people with disabilities navigate their career paths. Join hosts Rick Sizemore and Betsy Civilette for an inspiring and informative episode! Listen now to Episode 126 of the VR Workforce Studio: https://lnkd.in/exfPEQtG #VRWorkforceStudio #VocationalRehabilitation #DisabilityEmployment #NationalRehabilitationAssociation #SuccessStories #PreETS #AI #TransitionYouth #CareerPath #PodcastCommunity

In Episode 126 of the VR Workforce Studio, we’re thrilled to feature Russ Thelin, President of the National Rehabilitation Association, as he discusses NRA's outreach and focus on empowering individuals through vocational rehabilitation. Hear Destiny Lamb’s vocational rehabilitation success story from high school to her dream job in the medical field. Destiny shares her inspiring career path alongside her VR Counselor, Lauren O'Quinn, who explains the crucial role of Pre-ETS services and collaboration with school personnel. Additionally, we hear from Heather Servais at RSA's National Clearinghouse, who provides the latest tips, resources and news for the VR community. Hear her report on supporting youth in transition with disabilities and their families and learn how VR counselors can leverage AI to help people with disabilities navigate their career paths. Join hosts Rick Sizemore and Betsy Civilette for an inspiring and informative episode! Listen now to Episode 126 of the VR Workforce Studio: https://lnkd.in/exfPEQtG #VRWorkforceStudio #VocationalRehabilitation #DisabilityEmployment #NationalRehabilitationAssociation #SuccessStories #PreETS #AI #TransitionYouth #CareerPath #PodcastCommunity