Sam Proctor with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine while working at his job at Jersey Mike’s Subs.I recently watched a powerful video for World Down Syndrome Day 2024 titled, “Assume That I Can,” a campaign by CoorDown. The video focuses on stereotypes our community puts on those with developmental or intellectual disabilities and calls for a shift in mindset. We need to assume that anyone with a developmental or intellectual disability Can learn, Can work, Can play, Can live on their own and Can do everything they set their mind to. To foster a more inclusive community, Fairfax County provides many services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
In support of our One Fairfax goals, the county recognized March 2024 as Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month, bringing awareness that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, contributing members of the community. Many residents use county services every day to support themselves and for some it has changed their lives forever.
Sam Proctor grew up here in the Mount Vernon District and attended Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon High School. Sam has ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and is currently in remission for stage 3 cancer. Despite facing such challenges, Sam takes everything with a smile and an “I-can-do-this” attitude. When Sam was diagnosed with cancer, County Services - Adult Protective Services and Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) were able to help him maintain his independent living, but also ensure he received needed care. CSB connected Sam with Neighborhood Health for medical care and check-in appointments. Adult Protective Services provided him with access to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and connected him with MetroAccess allowing him to continue living on his own and get to appointments and work. Sam is just one out of hundreds of residents who use county resources for support.
The CSB provides many resources related to aiding those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. On April 8, 2024, Governor Younkin approved state Senate and House funding for 3,400 additional Priority 1 Medicaid Waiver slots for individuals with developmental disabilities. With 1,200 individuals currently seeking Priority 1 status in the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB service area, this will provide a great deal of new support for individuals in our community.
The Fairfax-Falls Church CSB is considered the “point of entry” for residents to apply for services. If you or a family member are in need of assistance, learn more about the application process and schedule an appointment by calling 703-324-4400 (TTY 711).
The county also partners with many local organizations to provide care for all residents. Our longstanding partner, the Arc of Northern Virginia, supports adults with disabilities who are entering the workforce by helping them find appropriate and fulfilling employment. ServiceSource is another great partner with the county and provides vital support to individuals with disabilities, seniors and their families to assist with job placements, assistive technology screenings, transportation and more. To learn more about these services and more, visit: fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/.