Joy Evans Therapeutic Rec Center Opens 12/23/24 . . . Know Before You Go. . . Save-the-Date . . .Let's Talk About Relationships in 2025

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 12/19/2024 11:01 AM EST
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Image is a graphic rendering of the Joy Evans Recreation Center with a red holiday bow draped across it.  The text is below.  

Mayor Bowser Cuts the Ribbon Cutting for New Therapeutic Rec Center
District residents and employees are invited to tour the premier therapeutic facility in the regions serving residents of all ages and abilities. Mayor Bowser and representatives from ODR, DACL, DDS, DGS, and DPR will cut the ribbon on the Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center Monday, December 23, 11 am, 3030 G St., SW.

Attendees will enjoy a free demonstrations such as farm-to-table cooking, playing the piano, seated yoga, and line dancing. There's also a free water aerobics class, so bring your swimsuit, if you dare! Registration is required for water aerobics. For the schedule of activities, click here.

The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center is a 37,000 square foot facility offering amenities to residents of all abilities, including:

  • Therapeutic pool with locker rooms
  • Spa
  • Full size gym
  • Sensory room
  • Teaching kitchen
  • Fitness center
  • Two Playgrounds
  • Splash pad and plaza
  • Walkways & pathways throughout the grounds

Know Before You Go . . . 
Metro Shuttle Plan for the Holidays
Construction work on several metro stations this holiday season will impact commuters' travel throughout the District. Metro recently announced its planned shuttle services for riders on the blue, orange, and silver lines.

According to the Metro website, free local and express buses will replace trains during the 11-day construction project. Shuttle frequency will be every 8-10 minutes on weekdays and 8-12 minutes on weekends and holidays. For more detailed information on shuttles, train service, and construction work, visit Metro’s Major Construction website.

Getting to DDS During the WMATA Makeover

From Dec. 27-30, Farragut West, McPherson Square, lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) at Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and the lower level of L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Silver service) will be closed. 

Shuttles will replace trains between Foggy Bottom and Federal Center SW. 

Shuttles include a local, stopping at all affected stations, and three express shuttles: Foggy Bottom to Federal Center SW, Foggy Bottom to Gallery Place, and Foggy Bottom to Farragut North (weekday rush hours only).

Orange Line customers traveling toward Foggy Bottom must transfer to the Silver Line at Clarendon.

Click here to read the full press release and see videos to help with your daily travel.

District of Columbia Named Core State with the DOL NEON Initiative

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that 13 states and the District of Columbia will participate as “core states” in fiscal year 2025 in its National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network initiative (NEON). Government agencies in these states will receive capacity-building support, policy development assistance, and ongoing mentoring to increase competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.

The recently selected states are Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia. DDS will manage the initiative for DC.

The selections will complement existing partnerships between the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, five state intermediary organizations that joined the NEON initiative in fiscal year 2023, and five national provider organizations that have participated in NEON since it began in fiscal year 2020. These organizations work with the initiative on key national, state, and local issues to increase competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities. 

Full press release here. 

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Respecting the Sexuality of People with Disabilities
Lifeline Partnership and RCM of Washington will host a discussion about Healthy Relationships for people with disabilities on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 2 - 3 pm at 501 4th Street. The discussion will cover topics such as sexuality, consent, healthy relationships, and choice and decision-making. 

Parking is free, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. To confirm your attendance or for more information, contact Mary Bees at Director@LifelinePartnership.org or call (202) 628-4819.

 

Shape the Future of Independent Living

Attend the annual

Consumer Forum & Youth Summit
Friday, February 7, 2025 • 8:30 am - 5 pm
Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University
 800 Florida Ave, NE


The State Plan for Independent Living Services (SPIL) determines the independent living services provided to DC residents with disabilities. The forum and summit will educate attendees about the SPIL, help participants understand their roles, and gather input about the current draft, which can be found on the DDS website at Statewide Independent Living Council | dds.

If you cannot attend the forum, you may submit comments about the draft plan to Darnise Henry-Bush, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council, at Darnise.Bush@yahoo.com.

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From HSEMA
Resilience Bureau
Disability, Access, and Functional Needs Program

Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Tis the season to be jolly, not sick. Colder weather and gatherings with friends and family increase the chances of getting ill. In December, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses rise. People with pre-existing conditions, older adults, and children are at a greater risk of complications from both the flu and COVID-19. Follow these tips to remain merry and bright.

  • Get vaccinated. Vaccines are your best defense against the flu or COVID-19. Make an appointment at your local pharmacy doctor’s office to get your shots today!

  • Wear a mask. A KN-95 mask filters the air and can prevent you from breathing in germs. Masking during flu season may be essential if you or a loved one is immunocompromised. Consider wearing transparent masks so that your lips can be seen by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • Wash your hands often with soap or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

  • Clean frequently touched surfaces. Use disinfectants to remove germs from surfaces you frequently touch, such as walkers, wheelchairs, keyboards, and phones.

  • Stop touching your face. Germs can enter your body quickly through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Cover your cough. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.

If you get sick, follow these tips to recover.

  • Keep your distance. If you are sick, stay home and keep away from roommates and family members to keep germs away from them.

  • Wear a mask. Protect yourself and others by preventing germs from spreading. 

 

 

 

 

 

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