RRTC Features
ACE Provides Autism Supports for VA Students, Families, & Schools
April is Autism Acceptance Month. This month shines a spotlight on the diverse experiences and perspectives of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children are identified as being on the Autism spectrum. With the prevalence of ASD on the rise, the Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Autism Center for Education (VCU-RRTC-ACE) is dedicated to providing Virginia public school divisions with essential supports that help students with ASD thrive, both at home and in educational settings.
Dr. Paul Wehman Receives the 2025 National Distinguished Career Award
On February 25, 2025, Dr. Paul Wehman received the 2025 National Distinguished Career Award from the Association for Rehabilitation Research, Policy and Education in Savannah, Georgia. VCU-RRTC attended and presented at the Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy and Education Conference in Savannah, Georgia Feb. 24-25.
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines Now Available
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)) mandates that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) update the federal poverty guidelines annually. These updates, based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, are crucial for determining eligibility for various state and federal programs, including Medicaid and others.
NTDC Training and Certification Program Supports Expanding Benefits Counseling Capacity in West Virginia
The National Training and Data Center (NTDC) Initial Training and Certification program is the only Social Security-funded benefits counseling training and certification program and has trained thousands of benefits counselors in all 50 states and territories who assist disability beneficiaries to expand their employment opportunities and reduce their dependence on federal disability benefits.
VCU-RRTC 2024 in Photos
What a year! Throughout 2024, our faculty and staff have conducted new research, provided new training, and explored new innovative approaches to the education and employment of individuals with disabilities! Along the way, we had some fun too! Enjoy this year in photos.
Happy Holidays from the RRTC
As we wrap up another impactful year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and collaboration. Together, we’ve made strides toward empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive community. This holiday season, we’re reminded of the power of connection, kindness, and shared purpose. We hope you take time to relax and recharge with those who mean the most to you.
ACE: A Year in Review
Over the course of 2024, ACE has continued to make great strides in its mission to coach and train educators to better serve students on the Autism spectrum in Virginia public schools. Check out some highlights from this past year.
How the National Training and Data Center Connects to Social Security's Ticket to Work Help Line
Congress created The Ticket to Work & Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 to help Social Security disability beneficiaries achieve their employment and economic self-sufficiency goals. It contained three separate components: Ticket to Work (TtW), Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA), and Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS).
2025 Cost of Living Adjustment Information
The purpose of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is to ensure that inflation does not erode the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It is based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year a COLA was determined to the third quarter of the current year.
VCU-RRTC Salutes Veterans on Our Staff
This Veterans Day, VCU-RRTC would like to take a moment to salute our two staff members who served in the United States Armed Forces: Joshua Drywater and Lucian Friel. Read about their service and their roles with RRTC.
Spotlight: Exploring Customized Behavior Application Training (CBAT)
For over eight years, the Customized Behavior Application Training (CBAT) project at VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center has provided division-directed training and technical assistance to public school professionals across 42 school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This month’s project spotlight dives into the CBAT program.
Emily Ross: A Journey of Resilience, Passion, and Empowerment
Emily Ross, the WIPA Program Manager for Disability Rights Oregon’s Plan for Work program, embodies the spirit of perseverance and the transformative power of self-advocacy. Diagnosed with Aniridia, a rare eye disorder characterized by the absence of the iris, at just two months old, Emily faced challenges from the start. Yet, with the unwavering support of her parents, she learned early on that there was nothing she couldn't accomplish, even if it required more time or creativity.
Q&A on the Statewide Transition Leaders Academy
In response to the need for enhanced transition practices, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), in partnership with the RRTC, Center on Transition Innovations, has launched the inaugural Statewide Transition Leaders Academy (STLA). This question-and-answer feature gives insight into the goals, objectives, and key components of the academy.
Introduction to Social Security Disability Benefits, Work Incentives, and Employment Support Programs Web Course
The National Training and Data Center (NTDC) offers a free Introductory Web Course to provide a basic introduction to the Social Security disability benefit programs (SSI and SSDI) and their associated work incentives as an overview of work incentives planning. NTDC
Fredericksburg Students Make PROGRESS During New Summer Internship
FREDERICKSBURG, Va.- Five students at James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, Va., kicked off a pilot paid internship program this summer, working various jobs at the school throughout the summer break. The first cohort of students dubbed the new program: PROGRESS, which stands for Providing Resources and Opportunities for Growth Readiness Employment Skills and Success.
VCU-RRTC-ACE Provides New Autism Training for Transportation Staff
In 2022, the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted State Bill 229, also known as “the Hanger Bill”. SB229 was sponsored by State Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr., and it requires school transportation personnel to obtain training in interacting with students on the Autism spectrum.
Highlight: RRTC’s Social Security National Training and Data Center
For over 20 years, the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center has housed the VCU Social Security National Training and Data Center. The mission of the National Training and Data Center (NTDC) is to promote the employment and economic self-sufficiency of Social Security disability beneficiaries. Researchers estimate that nearly 3 million disability beneficiaries who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance are currently working or plan to seek employment in the near future.
VCU-RRTC Collaborates with Kyambogo University on New Course
Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Director Dr. Wendy Parent-Johnson is engaging in a new shared education opportunity in collaboration with Kyambogo University and Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The course is focused on policy and practice to advance employment for people with disabilities. It will be conducted via Zoom using the online platform through Kyambogo University’s E-Learning system, KELMS, from July to December 2024.
VCU ACE-IT In College leads the way in Virginia as the first inclusive higher education program to achieve accreditation
Virginia Commonwealth University’s ACE-IT in College recently became the first accredited college program for students with intellectual disability (ID) in Virginia and the third program nationally. ACE-IT in College is a two-year VCU School of Education certificate program for students with intellectual disability. Enrolled students take VCU classes and participate in campus activities and work experiences that align with career goals and interests.
Video Feature: VCU-RRTC-ACE Concludes Successful Summer Conference
VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center's Autism Center for Education held its annual Communities of Leaders in Autism (CoLA) Summer Institute Conference June 20-21. The theme was Accept, Understand, Empower. Members of the VCU-RRTC-ACE staff and administrators and educators from Virginia Public School divisions discussed this year's conference successes, themes and takeaways in this video presentation.
VCU-RRTC Partners on New Court-Involved Youth Project
RICHMOND, Va.- The Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center took a major step with a grant for Project Belong, a program that will address employment needs for 75 high-risk young adults with behavioral health disorders in Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center in Richmond, Virginia.
VCU Alum with Autism Gains Employment, Builds Confidence to Be a Voice for the Disability Community
RICHMOND, Va.- When Zack Day graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s political science program in 2021, they knew they wanted to start a career in disability law to help individuals with disabilities. “Ultimately, I’m someone who is trying to help people and help society,” Day explained.
Communities of Leaders in Autism to Hold Annual Conference
Each summer, an annual conference brings together educators from throughout Virginia to help them better serve students on the Autism spectrum. This year’s CoLA Summer Institute will be held June 20-21 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown. The theme will be Accept, Understand, Empower.
Project SEARCH Success Story: Ehab Abdalla
For many school-aged individuals living with disabilities, the fear of the unknown grows as they approach the end of public education. The question of “now what?” begins to circulate amongst individuals and families. This was the case for Ehab Abdalla and his family, as he grew closer to exiting Henrico County Public Schools.
RRTC Leads Innovative Pilot Training for Families of Children with Autism
Recently, approximately 18 Virginia family members of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder participated in a pilot training and educational program designed to assist families with behavior support and community inclusion for their loved ones.
VCU Student with Cerebral Palsy Connects Passion with Employment
Finding employment can be a challenge for anyone. Finding employment that matches one’s passion and career goals can be a greater challenge. But for one Virginia Commonwealth University student with Cerebral Palsy, combining his degree path and current work with his desire to help people with disabilities meets that challenge.
Self-Paced Online Autism Course Nears First Anniversary, Record Certifications
RICHMOND, Va.- As of April 2nd, World Autism Day 2024, VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Autism Center for Education’s (RRTC-ACE) Autism Spectrum Disorder for Paraprofessionals self-paced online course is approaching both its first anniversary and the milestone of having provided this training to nearly 4,500 participants.
The Journey to Employment for People with Disabilities: Kelly McCown
For many teenagers, independence starts with a job and money in their pockets. Kelly McCown is no exception to this. At 14 years old, Kelly began working around her neighborhood, watering plants, taking care of pets, and doing house chores for neighbors. Lucy McCown, Kelly’s mother, said she’s noticed Kelly’s confidence grow throughout her job experiences.
