FREE TAX PREPARATION HELP IN ARLINGTON

For taxpayers of low and moderate income, Arlington County has free tax preparation help available. Below are the schedules with locations and a list of what to bring.

 

VITA and EDGE

901 South Highland Street

From February 1st through April 15th

Language English

Appointment Required

Volunteer prepared and self-prep are available.

For an appointment, call 571-321-6976

 

Central Library AARP Tax Help

1015 North Quincy Street

February 1st to April 11th

Tuesdays: 10 am - 7 pm

Thursdays: 10 am - 5 pm

Appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome in English and Spanish.

Make an appointment beginning January 25th at Tax-Aide Information (novataxaide.org).

Learn more at the AARP Tax-Aide Information website or call 703-829-6192 after January 25th.

 

Columbia Pike Library AARP Tax Help

816 South Walter Reed Drive

February 2nd to April 13th

Tuesdays from 12:00 to 6:30 pm

Saturday s from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome in English and Spanish.

Make an appointment beginning January 25th at Tax-Aide Information (novataxaide.org).

Learn more at the AARP Tax-Aide Information website or call 703-829-6192 after January 25th.

 

Important documents to bring with you: 

§  Government identification with pictures, both spouses

§  Social Security Cards (or ITIN letter) for each family member

§  All W-2 and 1099 Forms

§  Information on all other income received in 2023

§  Copy of last two year’s return (if you have it)

§  For direct deposit of your refund, bank account and routing number

§  Form 1095-A/B/C (if you purchased health insurance thru the marketplace)

§  Income information for all your dependents

§  IRS Letters 6419 (if received)

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THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LAUNCHES PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR AIR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES

In preparation for the busy holiday travel season, and in celebration of the 37th anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a campaign, #AccessibleAirTravel, to raise awareness about the right of air travelers with disabilities to safe, dignified, and accessible air travel. An estimated 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and many encounter barriers when it comes to air travel.

 

The #AccessibleAirTravel campaign will promote DOT’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights through a quick and informative video that empowers individuals with disabilities to understand and assert their right to safe, dignified, and accessible air travel. 

Learn more at DOT Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Ensure Air Travelers with Disabilities Know Their Rights | US Department of Transportation.

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OMB RELEASES GUIDANCE ON SECTION 508 IMPLEMENTATION TO IMPROVE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

Despite tens of millions of Americans living with a disability, nearly half of the most popular federal government websites are not fully accessible. In response, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recently published guidance to help strengthen digital accessibility and the management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Together with the OMB memo "Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience" which also requires accessibility, this guidance will aid in delivering a more universally accessible digital experience for information and communication technology provided by the federal government.

 

This OMB memorandum, M-24-08 Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, tasks the U.S. Access Board with several Government-wide actions.

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LSU HEALTH DISCOVERY MAY OPEN NEW THERAPEUTIC AVENUES FOR DEGENERATIVE DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND EYE

Nicolas Bazan and colleagues at Louisiana State University have identified a new mechanism that protects against the excessive oxidative stress that precedes the development of neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and eye. LSU news story.

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MARYLAND STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND PRINT DISABLED PODCASTS

The Maryland State Library Agency has a series of podcasts on a wide variety of topics available through several different platforms. Topics, links and transcripts can be found at:

Maryland State Library Agency | Podcast on Spotify

The podcasts can also be found on Google PodcastsApple PodcastsAmazon MusicTuneIn, and via RSS.

 

Here are a few samples to check out:

LBPD TUG: Integration Technologies Group, Inc.

LBPD Guest Hour - Friend of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

LBPD Live: Novel Writing 101

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THEATER UPDATE

The following performance will be described by a MWE volunteer. Note that recorded program notes will be available at the theater just prior to the actual performance and on Dial-In before and after the performance at Publication 8, Category 12, Branch 11.

Annie

National Theater – 1-800-514-3849

Described Saturday, January 27th at 2:00 pm & Sunday January 28th at 7:30 pm

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CALENDAR

Legal Counsel for the Elderly Self-Help Office

Tuesday, January 2ND from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library

901 G Street, NW, 202-J Consultation Room

For more than 45 years, Legal Counsel for the Elderly has championed the dignity and rights of Washington, D.C. elders by providing free legal and social work services to low-income seniors in need.

 

The Self-Help Office Legal Associate aids seniors with a variety of brief services such as getting answers to legal questions, completing small claims complaints, writing consumer complaint letters, assisting with small estate probate paperwork, obtaining a DC Real ID, checking for public benefits, requesting DC services, assisting with legal forms, and much more! Call 202-434-2120 to make an appointment.

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Get Up and Go: Stepping Into the New Year

Tuesday, January 2nd and the 1st Tuesday of every month at 2:00 pm

Brr! It’s cold out there. How will you get your steps in when the weather outside is frightful?  Join this Hadley Discussion Group to discuss creative ways to stay the course until Spring.  Don’t miss a step – stay motivated and healthy. 

Sign up to join at Get Up and Go! Fitness | Hadley Discussion Group for the Visually Impaired.

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Travel Talk: Remedies for Travel Hiccups

Wednesday, January 3rd and the 1st Wednesday of every month at 5:00 pm

No matter how well we plan, we’re sure to encounter a few hiccups in our travels. A fight is delayed, luggage is lost, and any number of things go awry. What to do? Join this this Hadley Travel Talk Discussion Group as they share ways to turn traveling woes around.

Sign up to join at Travel Talk | Hadley Discussion Group for the Visually Impaired.

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POB READS: Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions

Friday, January 5th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

A virtual event hosted by Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington

This month, POB Reads covers Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions, by Mario Giordano. On her sixtieth birthday, Auntie Poldi retires to Sicily, intending to while away the rest of her days with good wine, a view of the sea, and few visitors. But Sicily isn’t quite the tranquil island she thought it would be. When her handsome young handyman goes missing, and is discovered murdered, she can’t help but ask questions. Soon there’s an investigation, a smoldering police inspector, a romantic entanglement, one false lead after another, a rooftop showdown, and finally, of course, Poldi herself, slightly tousled but still perfectly poised. This “masterly treat” (Times Literary Supplement) will transport you to the rocky shores of Torre Archirafi, to a Sicily full of quirky characters, scorching days, and velvety nights, alongside a protagonist who’s as fiery as the Sicilian sun.

To register, visit POB READS Sign Up Form – Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington (youreyes.org) or call (301) 951-4444.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85372619909

Meeting ID: 853 7261 9909

Phone: 301 715 8592

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Maryland LBPD Technology User Group (TUG) Virtual Meeting

Saturday, January 6th from 10:00 to 11:00 am

Echo Tips & HIMS SensePlayer

You do not have to RSVP for this event.

The Technology User Group (TUG) is delighted to welcome two presenters to their inaugural Zoom Meeting.  First up will be David Ward from the Echo Tips podcast, who will be discussing tips and tricks for your Echo device.  Following this performance will be Christina Nixon to highlight the many attributes of the HIMS SensePlayer.

Who should attend this meeting?

The sign in information to join the meetings is as follows:

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/6562037293?omn=94648805523Meeting ID: 656 203 7293

---

One tap mobile+13017158592, Meeting ID: 6562037293# 

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ACBVA Virtual Program Meeting

Monday, January 8th at 7:00 pm

The featured speaker will be Sam Seavey, creator of the extremely popular YouTube channel, "The Blind Life,” on which he talks about living and thriving with vision loss. He is an assistive technology expert and a visually impaired content creator who films and edits all of his own material. 

 

Sam will be discussing the wide variety of canes available to blind and visually impaired individuals. Something to note is that Sam tests the products he discusses, so his assessment is based on personal experience.  

Sam started losing vision at age 11 as a result of Stargardt
disease. His website is: 
www.theblindlife.net.

 

Join the meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86481244260?pwd=ekgxYldXMnlqYk16MFlua0lIQnozZz09
Meeting ID: 864 8124 4260
Passcode: 111222

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,86481244260

#,,,,*111222# US (Washington DC)


Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 864 8124 4260
Passcode: 111222


Membership in ACBVA is not required to attend this meeting.


For more information about ACBVA, please email:
Info.acbva@gmail.com.
Visit the ACBVA website at:
www.acbva.org to learn  more about the organization, find links to several resources and learn how to become a member.
Please contact Paul D'Addario at 703-532-9138 or Roseann Ashby
at 703-403-0226 with questions.
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Social Security Administration: Disability Benefits

Tuesday, January 9th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Prince George’s Memorial Library Virtual Branch

The Social Security Administration provides protection for workers and their families. Programs provide monthly income to seniors, workers with a disability, children with disabilities, and families in which a spouse or parent has died.

 

Attend this virtual presentation to learn more about disability benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

 

The virtual branch of the library is available 24/7 to PGCMLS cardholders. Please visit their Online Resources page to gain access to many worthwhile resources or attend one of many virtual events by visiting pgcmls.info/events.

Need help accessing a virtual program? Contact them via the Online Library Help form.

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Writers’ Circle: Crafting Character Connections

Tuesday, January 9th and the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 pm

Help spark your creative energies, share your writing experiences, offer advice, and gain insight from others with this Hadley Discussion Group. Are there characters that stay with you long after you finish a book? Think Atticus Finch, Harry Potter, Scarlet O’Hara, Jo March…  Dive into character development and learn how to craft characters readers will love (or love to hate). 

Sign up to join at Writers' Circle | Hadley Discussion Group for the Visually Impaired

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The Rockville Memorial Library Talking Book Group Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, January 10th from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. They will discuss "Remarkably Bright Creatures," by Shelby Van Pelt. Here's a summary of the book, where to get the audio version, and the Zoom info:

 

Staying busy has helped Tova cope ever since her son disappeared decades ago. So, when her husband dies, she takes a job at the local aquarium, where she meets Marcellus, an octopus that deduces what happened to her son. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late. Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. This book is 11 hours 8 minutes long. You can get it from Montgomery County Public Libraries on CD or downloadable audio. The Talking Book BARD number is DB 107924. 

Join the event with your

Zoom app: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86867953753  

Or Dial In by calling:301 715 8592; use the Meeting ID: 868 6795 3753.

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Maryland Assistive Technology Library Presentation

Friday, January 10th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Hosted by Leisure World Lions Club

Leisure World of Maryland (Clubhouse II)

3300 N. Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring

With vision loss, we need adjustments and technology to help us adapt. This state-run program can help!

Guest Speaker: Jerry Rice, Program Manager

To RSVP, call Larry at (908) 770-9111

Sponsored by Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington.

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Crafting Circle: Crafting from Recycled and Repurposed Items

Wednesday, January 10th and the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 5:00 pm

From scrapbooking to sewing, knitting to painting, join this Hadley Discussion Group to learn and share ideas to keep enjoying many creative projects. Why break the bank when there’s a treasure trove of materials all around us? Get artsy with what’s right at hand.

Sign up to join at Crafting Circle | Hadley Discussion Group for the Visually Impaired.

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Try Visual Aids and Devices from Eschenbach

Thursday, January 11th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

POB Low Vision Resource Center

4948 St. Elmo Avenue #200, Bethesda

Learn about the various visual aids and devices Eschenbach provides to individuals with vision loss. This includes handheld magnifiers, video magnifiers and more!

By appointment only.

Sign Up: Call 301-951-4444 or email scurry@youreyes.org.  

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Book Nook: Another Time and Place

Thursday, January 11th and the 2nd Thursday of every month at 12:30 pm

Join fellow Hadley book lovers and cozy up in the Book Nook. Share favorite historical fiction reads that take us on a trip to another time and place. Sign up to join at Book Nook | Hadley Discussion Group for the Visually Impaired.

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Beginner Braille

Saturday, January 13th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library

901 G Street, NW, 205-B Accessibility Program Room

Learn the basics of reading the braille alphabet!

Learn the braille alphabet and practice using slate, stylus, and Perkins Braillers

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Bristol Virginia Local Peer Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, January 16th from Noon to 3:00 pm

Belle Meadows Baptist Church, 619 Wagner Road, Bristol, VA

The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired is excited to be able to help start a local Support Group in this area. Join as you have the opportunity to meet with their team and other individuals who are blind or vision impaired and have guided discussions around self-advocacy and more. Children are welcome with parents.

RSVP or learn more by emailing Andrew Davis, andrew.davis@dbvi.virginia.gov.

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Tech Talk Tuesday: Accessible Pharmacy Virtual Event

Tuesday, January 16th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Learn about a free home delivery pharmacy service for people with vision impairment. They offer accessible packaging, easy identification of medications through ScripTalk or braille, and more!

Speaker: Andy Burstein, Executive Director, Accessible Pharmacy

To register, call (301) 951-4444.

Hosted by Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81182511795

Meeting ID: 811 8251 1795

Phone: 301 715 8592

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Norton Virginia Local Peer Support Group Meeting

Wednesday, January 17thfrom 11:30 am to 3:00 pm

First Baptist Norton, 9th Street NW, Norton, VA
Handicap entrance on the right side of the Church when facing the Church.

Lunch: Pizza; bring cash to contribute to lunch costs; bring drinks!

The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired is excited to be able to help start a local Support Group in this area. Join them as you have the opportunity to meet with their team and other individuals who are blind or vision impaired and have guided discussions around self-advocacy and more. Children are welcome with parents.

RSVP or learn more by emailing Andrew Davis, andrew.davis@dbvi.virginia.gov.

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Virtual Low Vision Town Hall – Hope, Planning, Joy – Looking to 2024

Wednesday, January 17th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Join as Dr. Alibhai and Nina Glasner share ideas to foster optimism for the new year and provide coping strategies for the holiday season.

Hosted by Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington

To register, call (301) 951-4444.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85208250758

Meeting ID: 852 0825 0758

Phone: 301-715-8592

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Love Your Eyes: Glaucoma Research Update and FREE Glaucoma Screenings

Saturday, January 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Friendship Heights Village Center

4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Presentation
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Free Glaucoma Screenings
Special Guest: Arthur Schwartz, M.D., Washington Eye Physicians and Surgeons
Learn about the latest research and updates on glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. After the presentation, there will be free glaucoma screenings. All are welcome!

To RSVP, call (301) 656-2797.

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National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar Career FairMonday, January 29th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

From Stan Gowin and forwarded by Sandy Neuzil

Join the National Federation of the Blind for their In-person career fair to find your occupational passion (employees) or add talent to your team (employers). This event is free of charge for both employers and jobseekers. You must register by January 12, 2024.

Career Fair – Jobseeker Registration

Career Fair – Employer Registration 

For more information about the career fair, please contact Jennifer Wenzel, Employment Committee Chair and Employer Liaison, at jenwen319@gmail.com or Rachel Kuntz, Jobseeker Liaison, at rkuntz@saavi.us.

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FCC Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) Meeting

Tuesday, January 30th at 9:00 am

FCC Headquarters Commission Meeting Room, 45 L Street, NE

The meeting will be open to the public and webcast with open captioning at https://www.fcc.gov/live

 

At this meeting, DAC members are expected to discuss a working group report and recommendation on the transmittal of audio description files to Internet Protocol programming.

 

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Last minute requests will be accepted but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to: FCC504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530.

 

The agenda for this meeting will be posted on the event page at https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/2024/01/disability-advisory-committee-meeting

 

Link to Public Notice: https://www.fcc.gov/document/dac-january-meeting-announced

 

For more information about the DAC, visit www.fcc.gov/dac.  For specific questions, please contact Joshua Mendelsohn, DAC Designated Federal Officer, at 202-559-7304 or DAC@fcc.gov.       

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Alexandria Low Vision Resource Group: Alexandria Accessible Travel

Friday, February 16th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, Large Meeting Room

Join to learn about accessible travel options in Alexandria.

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2024 ACB Leadership Conference

The 2024 American Council of the Blind (ACB) Leadership Conference will be a hybrid event. ACB’s Board Meeting, Presidents’ Meeting, Legislative Seminar, and Capitol Hill visits will take place March 1-5, 2024, at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, VA.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available on the conference page at: https://www.acb.org/acb-2024-leadership-conference.

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