The Arc of the Piedmont

The Arc of the Piedmont Serving Central Virginia since 1954. Vision

A future where all people with developmental disabilities and their families experience their best lives possible

Mission

Build and provide high quality services and supports to advance and enhance inclusion, respect, and appreciation for all people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Sandra’s birthday falls on Juneteenth, so what better time to gather, celebrate, and enjoy a party together? 🎉Sandra is ...
06/23/2026

Sandra’s birthday falls on Juneteenth, so what better time to gather, celebrate, and enjoy a party together? 🎉

Sandra is a Direct Support Professional at The Arc of the Piedmont, where her steady care and daily support help make community life possible for the people we serve.

Happy birthday, Sandra! We are grateful for you.
Image Description: Image 1: A colorful birthday graphic that reads “Happy Birthday Sandra!!!” and features a group photo of adults celebrating together. Images 2 through 10: A Juneteenth celebration at The Arc. Adults and staff gather around tables decorated in red, yellow, and green while enjoying a cookout meal, cake, and educational activities about Juneteenth. Staff are featured throughout the celebration helping participants, sharing information about the holiday, serving food, and enjoying time with friends. Participants smile, laugh, and eat together.

How we talk about people reflects how we see them.People First Language is an approach to communication that recognizes ...
06/16/2026

How we talk about people reflects how we see them.

People First Language is an approach to communication that recognizes the full humanity of people with disabilities by placing the person before the diagnosis. Rather than saying "disabled person" or "autistic person," People First Language says "person with a disability" or "person with autism." The distinction is intentional. It signals that a person's disability is one part of who they are, not the sum total of their identity.

It is also worth noting that language is personal. Some people, particularly in the Autism community, prefer to be called autistic rather than person with autism. People First Language is the starting point, but the most respectful approach is always to follow the individual's own preference. When in doubt, ask.
Research and advocacy organizations including the Arc US and Virginia's Department of Medical Assistance Services consistently recommend People First Language as the standard for respectful, dignified communication about people with disabilities.

At The Arc of the Piedmont, it is not a style guide. It is a deeply held value that shapes everything we do and how we show up for every single person we serve.
Swipe through to learn some words that make a difference.
Image Description: Image 1: Two adults wearing colorful heart-shaped sunglasses stand against an orange background beneath the title, “What is People First Language?” Image 2: Definition slide explaining that People First Language puts the person before the disability and emphasizes a person’s humanity rather than their diagnosis. Image 3: Educational slide titled “Common Words to Reconsider,” providing examples of preferred People First Language, including “person who uses a wheelchair,” “person with Down syndrome,” and “accessible parking.” Image 4: Closing slide titled “Words Matter,” explaining that People First Language is a commitment to seeing the whole person before a diagnosis. The slide ends with the message, “People first. Always.” alongside The Arc of the Piedmont logo.

The results are in and we are so proud. 🌱 At our first ever Electronics Recycling Drive, the community came together and...
06/11/2026

The results are in and we are so proud. 🌱 At our first ever Electronics Recycling Drive, the community came together and recycled 1,011.37 pounds of e-waste. That is over half a ton of electronics kept out of landfills. And because of your generosity, The Arc received $394.04 in proceeds directly supporting the people we serve.

Naturally, the only appropriate way to celebrate was with a giant check ceremony. Because some milestones deserve to be held with both hands.

Thank you to Connect Computer Recycling for making this drive possible and ensuring every device was handled responsibly. And thank you Charlottesville for showing up. 💜
Image Description: Two people stand outdoors in a grassy park holding an oversized ceremonial check made out to The Arc of the Piedmont for $394. The check represents proceeds from Connect Computer Recycling. A large tree and open green space are visible in the background.

The R-word is not just a word. It is a slur that causes real harm to people with intellectual and developmental disabili...
06/09/2026

The R-word is not just a word. It is a slur that causes real harm to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At The Arc of the Piedmont, we stand with the people we serve. This word is derogatory, dehumanizing, and it has no place in our community.

Charlotte Woodward, a Virginia disability rights advocate, lobbyist with Down syndrome, and community outreach associate at the National Down Syndrome Society, said it best:

"People with disabilities have been trying for a very long time to have their inherent worth and value acknowledged by society, and have campaigned for the R-word to be removed from use. It is disgraceful that we still have to ask for basic respect. The R-word is derogatory and dehumanizing. I wish that people would look beyond themselves and see people with disabilities for who we are and the abilities we have, not just our disability diagnoses. We want to be treated with dignity and respect, just like everyone else."

She is right. And she should not have to keep saying it. This word is harmful whether it is used as a joke, an insult, or casually without a second thought. Intent does not erase impact.

If you hear it, name it. If you see it, call it out.

Image Description: A black-and-white portrait of a woman with long dark hair looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. Across the bottom of the image, bold text reads: “The R-Word: Why It Hurts.”

06/04/2026

Movement matters. For the people we serve, Jazzercise is a daily routine that brings joy, connection, and real health benefits. 😊💜

Research consistently shows that regular physical activity improves emotional wellbeing, self confidence, and quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We build that into every single day. Because our people deserve to feel good, move freely, and have a great time doing it! 🥳🎉

Video Description: Reel shows a group of adults participating in a seated Jazzercise class. Men and women move their arms, legs, and feet to the music while smiling, laughing, and exercising together. The class follows rhythmic movements from their chairs, creating an energetic and social atmosphere. The reel ends with the camera moving through the group as participants exchange high fives and celebrate together.

Behind every Medicaid dollar is a person. A Direct Support Professional helping someone start their day. A resident livi...
06/02/2026

Behind every Medicaid dollar is a person. A Direct Support Professional helping someone start their day. A resident living independently in their own home. A participant thriving in their community rather than an institution.

At The Arc of the Piedmont, Medicaid makes all of it possible. And right now it is under serious threat. Congress has already made the largest cut to Medicaid in history. More cuts are being considered. The people we serve cannot afford to wait.

📱 Contact your members of Congress and tell them to protect Medicaid Home and Community Based Services. Take action NOW! https://linktr.ee/arcpiedmont.va

Image Description: Slide 1: Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services. Purple slide with a yellow title and white text. Medicaid funds the services and supports that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live and thrive in their communities. Slide 2: This Is What Medicaid Makes Possible. Purple slide with a yellow title and white text. Medicaid supports Direct Support Professionals, day programs, residential services, and in-home care. Slide 3: The Largest Medicaid Cut in History. Purple slide with a yellow title and white text. Recent Medicaid cuts may lead to longer waiting lists, fewer services, and reduced support for people with disabilities.Slide 4: Virginia, We Need You. Purple slide with a yellow title and white text. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to protect Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services. Link in bio.

Got old electronics collecting dust? The Arc of the Piedmont is co-hosting an Old Tech Recycling Event with Pantops Comm...
05/28/2026

Got old electronics collecting dust? The Arc of the Piedmont is co-hosting an Old Tech Recycling Event with Pantops Community Church. Thanks to Connect Computer Recycling every device recycled generates donations that directly benefit individuals and families with disabilities.

📅 Saturday, May 30th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
📍 Pantops Community Church, 1525 Stony Point Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911
☀️ Rain or shine

We accept computers, Cell phones, Tablets, Laptops, Gaming systems, Cameras, Speakers, Cables, Printers, Scanners, DVD players, Stereos, and Much more.

We DO NOT accept Televisions, Cathode-Ray-Tube (CRT) or LCD monitors, Commercial floor printers.

See more of what we can and cannot accept https://connect4recycling.com/items-we-accept/

Your data is safe with us. Wipe your devices before arriving, or we can remove your hard drive or SIM card on site. Our R2 certified recycler uses DoD approved methods to ensure your data is fully protected.

✉️ Questions? Email [email protected]

Image Description: promotion of an electronics recycling event hosted by The Arc of the Piedmont. Large headline reads: “Old Tech Recycling Event.” Event details: May 30 at Pantops Community Church, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, rain or shine, benefiting individuals and families with disabilities. A bulleted list of accepted recyclable items includes computers, keyboards, cell phones, tablets, gaming systems, speakers, laptops, cables, home printers, scanners, ink, toner, stereos and stereo components, electric motors, cameras, camcorders, tapes, and more. An illustration shows broken electronics overflowing from a green recycling bin. Footer includes location: 1525 Stony Point Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911, and contact email: [email protected]. Logos for Pantops Community Church and The Arc of the Piedmont appear at the bottom.

We’re excited to share a paid opportunity with VisitAble, an organization that provides accessibility training and disab...
05/26/2026

We’re excited to share a paid opportunity with VisitAble, an organization that provides accessibility training and disability inclusion programs that help organizations better employ, accommodate, interact with, and support the disability community.

VisitAble is currently seeking individuals with disabilities in the DC and Richmond areas to participate in upcoming photo and video shoots this summer as part of updated accessibility training videos and promotional materials.

This is an opportunity for genuine representation, helping ensure disability is represented authentically through lived experience.

Here are the details.
Paid opportunity at $30/hour
Accessibility accommodations will be provided based on individual needs
Filming locations will be selected with accessibility and comfort in mind

If you or someone in your community may be interested, please learn more and apply using the link in our Linktree here https://linktr.ee/arcpiedmont.va

Applications close Friday, June 5 at 5:00 PM ET.

Please help us spread the word and support more authentic, inclusive representation!

Image Description: Blue graphic featuring three circular images of individuals within the disability community: a man using a wheelchair, a man communicating through sign language, and a woman with a white cane. Text reads: “Link in Bio. Video Actor/Photo Model Opportunity. $30/hour. Apply by June 5 at 5pm. Filming in DC and Richmond.” VisitAble logo, website, and email shown at the bottom.

05/21/2026

🎨 The Arc Studio is a powerful expression of our mission at The Arc of the Piedmont. It is where creativity meets independence, where artists are seen fully and supported completely, and where the impact of what we do every day becomes impossible to ignore.

We asked the people who know it best to tell us what it means to them. The Executive Director. A staff member. A Direct Support Professional. An artist. A parent.

Five perspectives. One truth. Art changes lives. 💛💜💚💙🧡

Image Description: Reel begins with two men smiling and forming heart shapes with their hands. On-screen text reads, “What does the Arc Studio mean to our community?” The video transitions through a series of testimonials paired with images of Arc Studio artists. Text reads: “The Arc Studio helps people become aware of who The Arc of the Piedmont is and what we do. More importantly, it shows the world the incredible capabilities of the individuals we serve.” Quote attributed to John Santoski, Executive Director. Text reads: “The Studio allows the people we support to have space to create independently and express themselves fully. The Arc Studio is a space to live, create, and explore. It aligns perfectly with our mission.” Quote attributed to Lindsey Emory, Staff Development Coordinator. Text reads: “I see individuals making art that truly represents them. The growth I have witnessed has been tremendous. Being creative helps people come out of their shell. It’s a really positive thing to watch.” Quote attributed to Cherise Sims, Direct Support Professional. Text reads: “When I am making art I feel alive, not stale. Selling my work makes me happy. Someone has my art in their home. That feels good. They care about it. I am blessed to make art.” Quote attributed to DJ Rush, Arc Artist. Text reads: “In the art studio Alex has discovered a means of self-expression he did not have before. When Alex describes himself now, he identifies himself as ‘an artist.’ Art is one of his ways of giving to the world as well as receiving satisfaction.” Quote attributed to Carey Bailey, mother of an Arc Artist.

Emi is an artist at The Arc Studio at The Arc of the Piedmont. She makes collages of the animals she loves and her favor...
05/19/2026

Emi is an artist at The Arc Studio at The Arc of the Piedmont. She makes collages of the animals she loves and her favorite musician, Taylor Swift. She shows up. She creates. She laughs. She holds her finished work up and she owns it completely.

This is who we do this for. 💜

arcpva.org
Image Description: Image 1: Emi smiles and waves while seated at a table with art materials, speaking with others in a studio filled with shelves of creative supplies and ongoing projects. Image 2: Emi and Amy stand together smiling and holding a framed artwork featuring a dolphin above ocean waves, surrounded by shelves of art supplies inside the studio. Image 3: Wide view of a busy community art studio where artists sit around tables covered with art supplies, paper, and colorful works in progress while creating and socializing in a bright, collaborative space.

Address

1149 Rose Hill Drive
Charlottesville, VA
22903

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14349774002

Website

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