DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

Access Fairfax

08-19-2026

Register for Fairfax County Public Library's Book Club Conference

Registration opens Saturday, Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.

Join other local readers for a fun Book Club Conference! This event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.

You will:

• Learn how to start a book club
• Get tips for running a great book club
• Find new ideas to make your book club even better
• Meet and talk with other book lovers

Special guest: Victoria Christopher Murray, co-author of The Personal Librarian, will give a keynote talk.

Details:

• For adults ages 18 and up
• Light breakfast snacks, coffee, and a box lunch will be served
• You must register to attend

Come to Clemyjontri Park's Open House

Sunday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Clemyjontri Park

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean

Come explore Clemyjontri Park at this fun Open House for all ages and abilities!

Each guest will get a ticket for:

• The carousel
• The trackless train

You can also enjoy:

• Arts and crafts
• A community resource fair
• The Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center

Parking at the park is limited. A shuttle will run from Cooper Middle School (977 Balls Hill Rd, McLean).

Questions? Email fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov .

Learn about Upcoming Medicaid Eligibility Changes for Some Noncitizen Adults

Later this year, a federal law will require changes to Medicaid eligibility rules for certain noncitizen adults. These changes are scheduled to begin October 1, 2026.

To qualify for full Medicaid benefits after October 1, 2026, adults will need to be a U.S. citizen, a Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban or Haitian Entrant, or a Compact of Free Association migrant. Medicaid rules for children and pregnant members are NOT changing.

Learn more about these changes and how to update your contact information to get important notices.

Losing your health insurance can create challenges in accessing and managing care.

Regardless of immigration status, there are community clinics and other services available to help you stay healthy. Learn about low-cost or free health care options in Fairfax County.

Take Action with New Toolkit for Proposed Accessory Living Units Updates

Proposed changes to Fairfax County’s rules for accessory living units (ALUs) are now ready, and the community is invited to learn more and share ideas using an online toolkit.

ALUs are second living spaces inside or beside a single-family home. They are often called in-law suites, basement apartments, or guest houses. The Zoning Ordinance has rules for ALUs, including limits on size, who can live there, entrances, parking, and more. Fairfax County is thinking about updating these rules through a Zoning Ordinance amendment.

The online toolkit lets neighborhood groups and residents:

• Host local discussions
• Share feedback on possible changes

County staff will review community feedback along with their own research to decide on next steps.

Comments on the proposed changes are due Monday, Sept. 28.

Connect with County Leaders: Trevon Jenifer, Paralympian

Join Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill for a compelling conversation with American Paralympian and wheelchair basketball champion Trevon Jenifer. Learn how Trevon became a Maryland high school wrestling champion while competing against able-bodied athletes before rising to the highest levels of wheelchair basketball and the Paralympic Games.

Social Security Administration Announces New Online Tools for Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration has made big improvements to its online site, mySocialSecurity. These changes: Give people more self-service options for disability claims and appeals Add online forms one can fill out and submit Include a claim status tracker with real-time updates, estimates, and key steps in the process These new tools help: See what is happening with one’s claim Get information faster Move one’s case along more efficiently from start to finish

Opportunity to Advocate for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities

You can help advocate for people with physical and sensory disabilities by joining the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB), a group of 15 volunteers who work to improve local services. If you’ve lived with disabilities or have experience using social services, your insight is invaluable for creating fairer, more effective programs. You’re welcome to apply if you receive public assistance like SNAP or Medicaid, but you cannot work for the Department of Family Services. Contact your local Board of Supervisors representative to apply.

Looking for More Resources?