Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

10/30/2026

When Opportunity Changes Lives on Both Sides of the Workplace!

On October 22, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) proudly celebrated DEDON and GLOSTER for their outstanding commitment to creating meaningful employment experiences for students with disabilities.

The celebration brought together company leadership, including DEDON's President, production managers and employees who helped make summer work experiences possible for local high school students.

But perhaps the most powerful takeaway was that the impact went both ways. One manager shared that the experience had been just as meaningful for him as it was for the students.

DARS extends its sincere appreciation to the leadership and employees of DEDON and GLOSTER for championing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

We look forward to continuing this remarkable partnership and opening even more doors to opportunity!

10/30/2026

Protecting Virginia’s Most Vulnerable Starts with Supporting Those Who Serve.

On October 27–28, staff from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Adult Protective Services (APS) Division gathered in Richmond for their semiannual team meeting.

The two-day event provided an opportunity to strengthen connections, exchange ideas, and explore emerging issues impacting Adult Protective Services across Virginia and the nation.

A highlight of the gathering was a visit from DARS Commissioner Dr. Nedra Moncrief-Craig, who recognized APS staff for their dedication to protecting the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults throughout the Commonwealth.

The Commissioner also shared an important reminder: “Take care of yourselves!”

It's a powerful message for professionals whose work centers on caring for and protecting others. Supporting those who serve is essential to sustaining the compassion, resilience, and commitment that make this work possible.

Thank you to our APS team for the difference you make in the lives of Virginians every day!

10/29/2026

Innovation Begins With People. Opportunity Unlocks Potential!

In Southwest Virginia, innovation and workforce opportunity are coming together to demonstrate what inclusive employment can accomplish.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, DARS is proud to feature Jacob Musick of Innovative Technology Solutions of Southwest Virginia.

Jacob's story is part of a larger celebration of the talents, contributions, and potential of people with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth.

From Southwest Virginia to every corner of the state, DARS is working to connect talent with opportunity and help build a workforce where everyone has a chance to succeed.

🎥 Watch Jacob's story and celebrate the possibilities created through inclusive employment!

10/28/2026

We want to hear from you!

During the 2026 General Assembly session, House Bill 996 (HB 996) was passed to help improve the transition from high school to adult services and opportunities for students with disabilities. The legislation directs the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Virginia Department of Education, and other partners to develop a plan for clearer transition guidance, better information and resources, stronger connections with Community Services Boards, and an online resource to help students and families understand their options after high school.

The goal is to help more students with disabilities successfully move into postsecondary education, training, employment, day programs, independent living, and life-skills programs.

We are asking families, educators, Community Services Board staff and service providers to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help us understand what information is hard to find, where barriers exist and what resources or supports would make the transition process easier.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it with others who may want to provide input. Your experience can help shape better transition information and supports for Virginia’s students and families.

The survey can be accessed using this link or the QR code https://bit.ly/4s1hSvX

The survey is available in English and Spanish. If you need the survey in a different language, please email [email protected] with the specific language needed.

10/28/2026

Talent Has No Limits. Opportunity Makes the Difference!

At James Madison University, Katie Webb is part of a story worth celebrating — one that reminds us of the importance of recognizing ability, supporting opportunity, and building workplaces where everyone can contribute.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, DARS is highlighting the people and organizations helping make inclusive employment a reality across the Commonwealth.

When employers recognize potential and invest in people, the entire workforce benefits.

🎥 Watch Katie's story and celebrate the power of opportunity at JMU!

10/28/2026

As Residents' Rights Month wraps up, thank you to every resident, family member, staff member, and advocate who made this month meaningful. Rights don't take a break in November — neither do we. Your local Ombudsman is here year-round.

10/27/2026

DARS needs your input on aging services! We are holding 4 in-person and 1 virtual listening sessions across Virginia. We want to hear from adults age 60+, caregivers, and professionals. Learn more and let us know you are coming.

Scan QR code below or visit DARS' State Plan webpage at: https://bit.ly/4i78W4W Questions? Call (804) 662-7093.

10/27/2026

Great workplaces recognize potential, embrace individual strengths and create opportunities for people of all abilities to succeed.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, DARS is proud to feature Towanda Shirley of Chesapeake Public Schools as part of our statewide celebration of inclusive employment.

From classrooms to communities, inclusive employment helps build a stronger Virginia, where talent is recognized and opportunity is available to everyone.

🎥 Watch Towanda's story and join us in celebrating the power of employment and inclusion!

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

Building Stronger Workplaces Through Opportunity!

At Portside Health & Rehabilitation Center, Justin Shepheard is helping demonstrate the value of inclusive employment and the difference opportunity can make in people's lives.

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is proud to highlight employers and individuals who recognize that a strong workforce is built on talent, opportunity, and inclusion.

🎥 Watch Justin's story and discover how inclusive employment helps strengthen Virginia's workforce!