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Supporting Virginians’ efforts to secure independence and employment
The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, in collaboration with community partners, provides and advocates for resources and services to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.
DARS was created by merging the former Department of Rehabilitative Services and Department for the Aging in 2012 to help older Virginians and those with disabilities to maximize and secure their employment, independence and full inclusion into society and guide the Commonwealth in preparing for an aging population. In July, the adult services units from Virginia’s Department of Social Services will become part of DARS.
Read Commissioner Rothrock's message on the agency’s new mission statement.
Latest News
More news from DARSCommonwealth and business leaders kick off events to turn into action Executive Order's support of hiring Virginians with disabilities
On June 27, leaders in the Commonwealth's agencies and departments, along with Workforce Council and business leaders, will gather in Richmond to kick off a series of events in support of Gov. McDonnell's Executive Order No. 55. DARS Commissioner Rothrock will welcome the event's participants in Richmond. Visit our Pinterest boards to see assistive technology devices that can help any employer translate into action the Governor's challenge to help Virginians with disabilities, including our wounded soldiers, "participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of the Commonwealth and to engage in remunerative employment."
DARS congratulates the winners of the agency’s annual “Disability Employment Champions” awards. These statewide awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding business and employment practices encourage all Virginians to contribute their skills, ideas and talents to the workforce. Learn more about the 2012 honorees.
Bob Blancato, former chairman of the Commonwealth Council on Aging and a current council member, takes on the role of Virginia State President for AARP. At AARP, Blancato will lead more than 200 active volunteers representing more than 1 million AARP members in Virginia. Read more about the experience he brings to his new position.
The new chair of the National Governors Association, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has unveiled the initiative, “A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities,” which aims to increase employment among individuals with disabilities. The initiative will focus on the employment challenges that affect individuals with intellectual and other significant disabilities and the role that state governments and business can play in facilitating and advancing opportunities for these individuals to be gainfully employed in the competitive labor market.
The goal of this initiative is to bring together area leaders to focus on accessible and affordable transportation, housing, and wrap-around support services to help Virginians — of all ages and abilities — live integrated lives in their communities. Find out more.
