
Charmain Jeffrey McKay recently announced a proclamation recognizing March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month in Fairfax County. March has been recognized as such since 2011. This year's proclamation has sparked meaningful conversations and reflections within the community. One community member, with support from the Arc of Northern Virginia, shared her personal experiences on how opportunities have positively impacted her life, highlighting the profound benefits of a truly inclusive society.
Daniel Cronnell, Assistant Director of CSB Support Coordination, emphasizes, "The Disability Pride Month theme clearly states that people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities crave the exact same things out of life that everyone wants for themselves." This sentiment underscores the universal desire for inclusion, opportunity, and fulfillment.
CSB Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The Developmental Disability Support Coordination Team is composed of 154 talented, resilient, and compassionate individuals who show up every day to positively impact the lives of those with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. This team currently serves over 5,000 individuals enrolled with the CSB, helping them navigate the various needs across their lifespan. Unlike many other services within the CSB, Developmental Disability Services are not episodic but provide lifelong support. I am incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated, passionate group of professionals who make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
- Sierra Simmons, CSB Division Director, Developmental Disability Support Coordination
In Virginia, Community Services Boards are the local public entities that determine eligibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive a service known as Support Coordination. Specifically, Support Coordinators at the CSB assess, plan, develop, link, monitor, and coordinate services and supports that empower individuals to feel secure in who they are and know that their desires are worth achieving.
The CSB serves as the "point of entry" for residents of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church who have developmental disabilities and wish to receive services. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain diagnostic and functional criteria. For those wishing to learn more about the application process and to schedule an appointment, please call 703-324-4400 (TTY 711) to contact an Intake Support Coordinator.
Assistant Community Residential Services (ACRS) at the CSB support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. These individuals are served across five homes, with one individual residing in an apartment. Each person has the opportunity to set personal goals, including engaging with their community, such as volunteering at a local animal shelter or food bank.
The Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on the ACRS team play a vital role in empowering individuals to achieve their goals and acquire new skills. These goals may include attending local music events, participating in their preferred place of worship, or engaging in other social activities of interest.
Inclusion in the Community
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The Arc of Northern Virginia is a non-profit organization located in Fairfax County that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As a small, grassroots organization, The Arc of Northern Virginia provides several resources to support individuals in living a life of dignity and purpose. Some of these resources include but are not limited to, advocacy, public guardianship, Special Needs Trust, and Tech for Independent Living.
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Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates is a fantastic and yummy non-profit operating under the mission of Every1 Can Work which provides employment to adults living with an intellectual disability. According to their website, “Over 84% of young adults with cognitive disabilities are unemployed, but not unemployable – there is a big difference.” At Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates, you will find delicious chocolate creations and other food-related products and services happily produced by talented young people supported by their supervisors.
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Fairfax County provides a variety of locations and opportunities for everyone to enjoy their day. Neighborhood and Community Services has three sensory rooms available for public use. These sensory rooms are a safe and nurturing environment that allow individuals – particularly those with physical and intellectual disabilities – to relax in a unique environment. The sensory rooms are designed with a variety of lights, sounds, textures, touch pads, swings and many other stimulating and soothing tools.
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Jim Scott (formerly Providence) Community Center
Address: 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax VA 22031
Phone: 703-865-0520, TTY 711
The Jim Scott Community Center Sensory Room is located on the second floor of the Jim Scott Community Center at 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. The Sensory Room offers a full slate of weekly programs including group sessions, 1:1 sessions and special themed programs for a variety of ages and abilities. All programs are led and/or supervised by full-time Inclusion Coordinator, who is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, as well as part-time staff trained in how to utilize the room. All programs and sessions are scheduled through the Inclusion Coordinator. Please see the list below for more information on Jim Scott Community Center's Sensory Room. To make an appointment and to inquire more about this space, please contact the Jim Scott Community Center. -
Lorton Community Center
Address: 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079
Phone: 703-550-7195, TTY 711
Lorton Community Center opened on October 15, 2022, and features a small sensory room with some of the same features available at Jim Scott Community Center. Please call the center to inquire about availability. -
Sully Community Center
Address: 13800 Wall Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Phone: 703-322-4475, TTY 711
Sully Community Center opened on September 17, 2023, and features a small sensory room with some of the same features available at Jim Scott Community Center. Please call the center to inquire about availability.
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In the Department of Family Services, dedicated staff from the Disabilities Rights and Resources team provide technical assistance on disability-related questions and share information about resources for people with disabilities. They also collaborate with the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board to promote accessibility and inclusion in Fairfax County.
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Some individuals receiving support from the CSB also participate in a day program at Ellmore Farmhouse in Frying Pan Park. In this program, individuals create unique items, including greeting cards, candles, and other handcrafted goods, which are sold in the Farmhouse gift shop.
Medicaid Waiver Update for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Virginia has expanded funding to provide services for those individuals on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver (often referred to as DD Waivers) Priority One Wait List. This will provide significantly more waiver slots for Virginians with developmental disability so that they can receive services and support to improve their and their families’ lives and wellbeing. The CSB has updates on DD Waivers on its website.
To Access CSB Services
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If someone with a developmental disability is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, call REACH, a 24/7 regional crisis stabilization and crisis prevention service for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities, at 855-897-8278.
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For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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For emergency mental health or substance use services, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis, call the Fairfax Detoxification Center 24/7 at 703-502-7000, TTY 703-322-9080.
For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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