Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

On January 20, DARS will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to work together toward a brighter, more inclusive future filled with inspiration, hope and equality for all. #MLKDay #EqualityForAll #VocationalRehabilitation #DreamBig #InclusionMatters #DARS #Inspiration #CommunityUnity

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️ 🔥 Episode 128: Striking Insights – Lightning, Drones, and the Clearinghouse is LIVE! Join Betsy Civilette and Rick Sizemore as they dive into cutting-edge topics—from drones revolutionizing accessibility to the power of RSA's National Clearinghouse for Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM). 🎧 Don’t miss Heather Servais sharing what’s new and next at the Clearinghouse and why VR professionals, families, and job seekers with disabilities should make NCRTM their go-to resource! 🔗 Listen now at https://bit.ly/3VZuSnk and stay ahead of the curve! #VRWorkforce #Accessibility #Podcast

🌟 2025 Best Practices Awards - Nominations Open! The Commonwealth Council on Aging is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Best Practices Awards, recognizing innovative programs that support older Virginians and their caregivers. 🏆 Awards: • 1st Place: $5,500 • 2nd Place: $3,500 • 3rd Place: $2,500 • Honorable Mentions (up to 3) 💡 What We’re Looking For: Programs that make a difference in areas like: • Livable communities • Caregiver support • Healthy aging • Housing, transportation, and more! 📅 Deadline: February 12 at 5 p.m. Submit your nomination today! Full details and forms available at: https://lnkd.in/eUVBHGzu 📧 Questions? Email: bestpracticesawards@dars.virginia.gov. Special thanks to Dominion Energy and AARP Virginia for their generous support. Let’s celebrate excellence and innovation for aging in the community! 🌟

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️ 🔥 Episode 128: Striking Insights – Lightning, Drones, and the Clearinghouse is LIVE! Join Betsy Civilette and Rick Sizemore as they dive into cutting-edge topics—from drones revolutionizing accessibility to the power of RSA's National Clearinghouse for Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM). 🎧 Don’t miss Heather Servais sharing what’s new and next at the Clearinghouse and why VR professionals, families, and job seekers with disabilities should make NCRTM their go-to resource! 🔗 Listen now at https://bit.ly/3VZuSnk and stay ahead of the curve! #VRWorkforce #Accessibility #Podcast

Weather Advisory – Due to the winter storm, many DARS offices are closed or operating on delayed schedules on Tuesday, Jan. 7. 📞 Call Ahead – Please contact your local office before visiting in person. 💻 Remote Assistance Available – Many DARS counselors are teleworking and can assist you remotely. 🌐 Stay Updated – For the latest weather and travel conditions, visit: National Weather Service: weather.gov Virginia 511: 511.vdot.virginia.gov Virginia Department of Emergency Management Stay safe and plan accordingly! Travel safely!

Weather Advisory – Due to the winter storm, many DARS offices are closed or operating on delayed schedules on Jan. 7. 📞 Call Ahead – Please contact your local office before visiting in person. 💻 Remote Assistance Available – Many DARS counselors are teleworking and can assist you remotely. 🌐 Stay Updated – For the latest weather and travel conditions, visit: National Weather Service: weather.gov Virginia 511: 511.vdot.virginia.gov Virginia Department of Emergency Management Stay safe and plan accordingly! Travel safely!

Weather Advisory – January 6 Due to the winter storm, many DARS offices are closed or operating on delayed schedules today, January 6. 📞 Call Ahead – Please contact your local office before visiting in person. 💻 Remote Assistance Available – Many DARS counselors are teleworking and can assist you remotely. 🌐 Stay Updated – For the latest weather and travel conditions, visit: National Weather Service: weather.gov Virginia 511: 511.vdot.virginia.gov Stay safe and plan accordingly! Travel safely!

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️ 🔥 Episode 128: Striking Insights – Lightning, Drones, and the Clearinghouse is LIVE! Join Betsy Civilette and Rick Sizemore as they dive into cutting-edge topics—from drones revolutionizing accessibility to the power of RSA's National Clearinghouse for Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM). 🎧 Don’t miss Heather Servais sharing what’s new and next at the Clearinghouse and why VR professionals, families, and job seekers with disabilities should make NCRTM their go-to resource! 🔗 Listen now at https://bit.ly/3VZuSnk and stay ahead of the curve! #VRWorkforce #Accessibility #Podcast

Breaking Barriers with Spenser Grandstaff: From Rehabilitation to Radiance Join us for an inspiring interview with Spenser Grandstaff as he shares his incredible journey of resilience and transformation. Spenser reflects on overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and how assistive technology, support from DARS, and his indomitable spirit helped him redefine his life and career. This conversation dives into Spenser’s achievements, including his captivating work as a photographer and his passion for advocacy. Hear how his experiences fuel his drive to inspire others through art and storytelling. Don't miss this moving story of determination and empowerment! Hear the full podcast at https://bit.ly/4e0pIxW 👉 Follow Spenser on Instagram: 📸 Personal: @spensergrandstaff 🎥 Creative: @spensereid ✨ Check Out Spenser’s Work: 🌆 Lynchburg Bright Nights Video: Watch here #DisabilityInclusion #AssistiveTechnology #Photography #Inspiration #VRWorkforceStudi