Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

Women’s History Month, observed every March, is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. It has been observed annually since 1987. At the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), women make up 77% of the agency's top leadership. The CSB benefits from these changemakers who provide cutting-edge treatments, promote equity and integrate innovative technologies into the agency’s operations—all for the benefit of our community. The 2025 Women’s History Month theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership, shaping the minds and futures of all generations. In honor and recognition of Women’s History Month, the CSB shares profiles of some of its amazing women leaders who are dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

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!