Printer
TextDisability Services Planning and Development Brochure
Our
Purpose
"Just as the point of the Civil Rights Act is not race, but it is discrimination, the point of the ADA is not disability – it is discrimination. The ADA is a mandate for equality."
– Robert L. Burgdorf
drafted original version of the
Americans with Disabilities Act
Disability Services Planning and Development (DSPD) provides information and referrals to Fairfax County residents with disabilities. DSPD educates the public and county staff about:
- Local, state and federal programs
- Community resources
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Community and self-advocacy
DSPD helps people with disabilities become self-sufficient by providing the resources they need to lead productive lives in the most integrated setting.
DSPD works to promote equal access to all Fairfax County programs and services. In addition, DSPD addresses barriers facing people with disabilities throughout the county in the areas of housing, employment, transportation and more.
ADA
Coordinator
"Treat people as they are what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being."
– Goethe
German poet, novelist, scientist and philosopher
The director of Disability Services Planning and Development (DSPD) is the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator for the Department of Family Services. The ADA coordinator is available to answer Fairfax County employee questions about disability laws and how they apply to county residents and staff. The Department of Family Services ADA coordinator can assist if you:
- Have questions about disability laws involving you, your staff, or your clients.
- Are wondering how to request a reasonable accommodation.
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
DSPD provides staff support to the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB), an advisory group to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The FA-DSB focuses on the needs of Fairfax area residents with physical and sensory disabilities, and how these residents can fully participate in the community. The FA-DSB meets monthly, and all meetings are open to the public.
Our
Services
"“As a nation, we are best served when all of our citizens have the opportunity to contribute their talents, ideas, and energy to the workforce."
– Kenneth S. Apfel
former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
DSPD provides person-to-person consultation by phone or e-mail.
The Disability Services Web page answers frequently asked questions about services in Fairfax County and features documents produced by DSPD. A weekly e-mail newsletter provides brief information about a wide range of issues important to people with disabilities.
The Disability Services Beacon, a print publication, discusses disability-related issues in depth. It highlights programs and opportunities available to residents with disabilities.
Resource guides list information that people with disabilities need:
- Frequently Called Numbers has useful phone numbers and Web sites in more than 20 categories.
- Rental Complexes with Units with Accessible Features helps people fi nd affordable, accessible and integrated housing.
- Transportation Guide to Northern Virginia gives information about the transportation options available to people with disabilities in the area.
Fact sheets are available on many subjects, such as:
- Employment
- Housing modifications
- Ramps
- Tax benefits
- Assist animals
- Driving modifications
- Special education
Fact sheets detailing census and focus-group data about people with disabilities are also available.
DSPD staff are available to do presentations on disability topics such as interacting with people with disabilities, the Americans with Disability Act, special education issues, and the barriers facing people with disabilities in the Fairfax area. More in-depth training is also available, as are displays for conferences and fairs.
Contact Information
Information on Disability Services & Resources
703-324-5421 TTY 703-449-1186
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
disabilityservices@fairfaxcounty.gov
Website Survey 