Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

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. The team currently serves over 5,000 individuals, helping them navigate various needs across their lifespan. Unlike many other CSB services, 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 About Developmental Disability (DD) Support Coordination Services Developmental Disability (DD) Support Coordination provides a range of essential services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them access the resources they need throughout their lives. Key Services Offered: Intake: Assessment and Eligibility Determine eligibility for Developmental Disability Services. Assist in placement on the Statewide Waiting List. Targeted Case Management: Linking, Monitoring, and Coordinating Services Includes 30/90-day face-to-face visits. Annual Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Quarterly ISPs, and Monthly Collateral Contacts. Ensures that there are no unmet needs and that individuals are satisfied with the services provided. Monitoring Case Management: Annually and As Needed Help individuals on the Statewide Waiting List access services such as housing, employment, transportation, and provide annual waitlist updates. Transition Case Management: Final Year of School Assist graduating individuals in obtaining employment, day support services, and navigating non-mandated adult services. Who in the community is eligible and where do they go for assistance? To be eligible for Fairfax-Falls Church DD Services, an individual must meet the State of Virginia's diagnostic criteria for a DD Waiver: A documented diagnosis of a developmental disability with onset before age 22 (or before age 18 if the qualifying diagnosis is intellectual disability). Have significant support needs in at least three (3) categories of adaptive functioning (based on functional adaptive& assessments/testing), and Meet criteria on the Virginia Individual Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Survey (VIDES), an assessment tool that will be administered by CSB staff during the eligibility appointment. To find out if you are eligible for Developmental Disability Services, call 703-324-4400 and request to speak with an intake support coordinator. What are the outcomes or improvements in people’s lives after they have received services? Individuals connected to DD Support Coordination are placed on the Statewide Waiting List for a DD Waiver, which funds services like residential support, personal assistance, in-home support, employment, nursing, assistive technology, and environmental modifications. While waiting, individuals can access local funding for employment, day support services, and Self-Directed Services. Those with a DD Waiver receive targeted case management to ensure their health and safety, and that services meet their needs. Crisis intervention is also provided to all individuals open to Developmental Disability Services. Could you share a success story? Levi was awarded a Family and Individual Services (FIS) Waiver and assigned a support coordinator to guide his family through available services and providers. With the FIS Waiver, Levi continued his day program without interruption. He selected an In-Home Services provider who also handled transportation when local options ended, and his caregiver was hired by the provider to maintain continuity in Levi’s life. Levi also chose a Respite services provider for overnight and weekend stays, which helped him build independent living skills. Having lived at home with his parents, Levi has developed his own friendships and activities in Fairfax County, and has made it clear he doesn't want to move away from his life here. He is considering moving into a group home with a friend, which excites him. Levi remains socially active, participating in a bowling league, a baseball team, and a monthly social club. His strong community support system continues to help him navigate his choices.

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.

Each year, the CSB Spirit of Excellence Awards recognize the people who exemplify excellence by demonstrating exceptional performance and engagement, have far exceeded the routine requirements of their role, have significantly advanced the community in unique and strategic ways, or have served as exemplary role models to inspire excellence in others. The nomination period for the 2025 CSB Spirit of Excellence Awards is now open! Submissions will be accepted through Friday, March 14, 2025. Find Award Categories and Nomination Forms: CSB SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS CSB Spirit of Excellence Awards recognize outstanding individuals and teams whose performance and actions promote, reinforce or exemplify the CSB’s vision, mission and values. Help us honor those who provide extraordinary service to strengthen our community—submit your nomination today!

February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the richness of the contributions, trials, triumphs, fortitude and cultural achievements of Black Americans. This Black History Month, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers a view at the landscape of behavioral health in the Black community. Mental Health in the Black Community Black History Month can be a powerful time for reflection, learning and community building. Here are some things you can do to enhance your wellness and appreciate the commemoration: Educate Yourself and Others: Learning about Black history and the contributions of Black individuals can be empowering and inspiring. It can also provide a sense of connection and pride. Share your knowledge with friends and family to foster a supportive community. Celebrate: Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's listening to music, dancing, reading literature by Black authors, or watching films by Black filmmakers. Connect with Community: Surround yourself with people who share appreciation for your cultural background and experiences. Attend events, join clubs, or participate in online forums that celebrate Black history and culture. Building a strong support network can enhance your mental well-being year-round. Practice Self-Care: Ensure you are taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include activities like exercising, meditating, journaling, or simply taking time to relax and unwind. Find Professional Support: If you are struggling with your mental health, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Finding a therapist who understands and respects your cultural background can be particularly beneficial. See how to access services from the CSB below. Taking care of your mental health is a personal journey and it's important to find what works best for you. The CSB is here to help by providing services for mental health, substance misuse, and developmental disabilities to all individuals in our community. Accessing Behavioral Health Care There is longstanding evidence that there are unique challenges in accessing behavioral healthcare for the Black community. It’s important to be aware of such barriers to support a more equitable and healthy community. While there can be a willingness to seek help, it may be alongside apprehension about seeking professional mental health services due to stigma and perceived lack of cultural competence among providers. Historical trauma, systemic racism, poverty and socioeconomic disparities also contribute to mental health challenges within Black communities. The Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention (WHPP) team at the CSB is dedicated to reaching underserved and underrepresented communities in Fairfax County. The targeted efforts from WHPP include initiatives in the Black community such as the Barbershop Talks series. Historically, this initiative facilitated open dialogue with members of the Black community with a focus on promoting positive mental health outcomes. The inspiration for this initiative came from recognizing that barbershops are a culturally social place where Black individuals may find comfort and support. In this spirit, the Barbershop Talks series promoted engaging conversations around mental health issues. The WHPP team partners with the fraternities and sororities that charter the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other community leaders to provide resources at community events. These include no-cost prevention trainings and community engagement via the Fairfax Prevention Coalition. The WHPP team will be present at this year’s Black History Celebration at the Fairfax County Government Center on February 21, 2025. Let’s celebrate and honor the impact of Black Americans’ contributions as we strive for a more inclusive and diverse community no matter what month it is on the calendar. Happy Black History Month! Find additional ways to celebrate Black History Month in Fairfax County. Learn more about behavioral health within the Black community. To Access CSB Services 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. 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. 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. 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.