Donna Patchett
Donna Patchett, secretary of the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors, also serves on the board of The Arc of NoVa.
For more than sixty years, this nonprofit has served the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those who support them. The Arc of NoVa advocates at the local, state, and national levels for policies that support the full inclusion of people with IDD and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Serving on the boards of both Gabriel Homes and The Arc of Northern Virginia, I see the latter as my go-to source for information about all things related to IDD.
The Arc of NoVa offers a wealth of resources that may be of interest to the families of Gabriel Homes residents. Their online resource library includes information on ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, guardianship and supported decision making, Medicaid, aging with a disability, and more. The Arc’s YouTube channel includes more than 100 recorded webinars and helpful video tutorials on a wide range of subjects. For personalized assistance, contact The Arc through their information and referral portal, or schedule an intake interview with a volunteer. You may end up meeting with me!
Innovations at The Arc of NoVa
One of The Arc of NoVa’s most innovative programs is Tech for Independent Living (TFIL). At the heart of the program is Arc2Independence, a mobile app designed to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence in their daily lives. The app has over 300 lessons across four core categories: Transportation, Safety, Daily Living, and Employment. The TFIL team hosts several events throughout the year, so there are plenty of chances to practice using the app and see how it can be a part of daily life.
For many families, the Arc’s Special Needs Trust Program is an important tool in their financial planning for their loved one with IDD. The program helps people with disabilities and their families save money for the future without affecting their public benefits. Medicaid and Social Security, for example, have strict asset caps.