Disability Awareness and Support Services in Warren County

As part of Disability Awareness Month, Brenda Norman, Adult Protective Services Supervisor, and Audra Smeltser. Adult Services Specialist from the Warren County Department of Social Services (DSS) spoke about the challenges faced by people with disabilities—and the many ways local services are stepping up to provide support.

December 3rd marks Disability Awareness Day, a global observance created by the United Nations in 1992. The goal: to recognize the everyday barriers—especially economic and housing challenges—that people with disabilities face.

In the U.S., 24% of individuals living with disabilities fall below the poverty line, compared to just 9% of able-bodied people, according to Norman. Virginia mirrors that statistic, and the impact is clear. Many individuals with disabilities can’t work full-time due to mobility issues, cognitive limitations, or chronic health conditions like COPD, which is especially common in the region.

Behind the Term “Disability”

The term “disability” covers a broad range of conditions—from mobility impairments to cognitive challenges. Brenda and Audra explained that many of their clients may not “look” disabled. Some can’t climb stairs or walk long distances. Others may appear physically healthy but face cognitive, developmental, or mental health issues that make daily tasks, including work, extremely difficult.

“Most people want to work,” Norman emphasized. “They just need a little help to get there.”

Audra Smeltser added that part of their role is helping clients feel safe enough to ask for help. “We try to build a relationship first. Once people feel heard and respected, they’re more likely to accept the support that’s available.”

Support That Makes a Difference

DSS provides a wide variety of services, many of which are voluntary. People can walk in to request help with Medicaid waivers, housing, food, and even representative payee services, which help manage Social Security income if a person is unable to handle finances on their own.

One success story involved a man with a traumatic brain injury who was unable to access his disability payments after his payee passed away. The DSS team connected him with Access Independence, helped him re-establish his benefits, and supported him as he found a job that suited his abilities. The DSS prevention team also helped him and his partner, who had just had a baby, navigate early parenthood during a financially vulnerable time. Now, they are stable, housed, and thriving.

What Is Adult Protective Services?

When people hear “protective services,” they often assume it’s like law enforcement, but Adult Protective Services (APS) focuses on support and safety for adults over 60 and for those aged 18–59 living with disabilities. DSS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including self-neglect, which is when someone is unable to care for their basic needs, but still retains legal independence.

“Our goal is not to take over someone’s life,” Norman explained. “It’s to give them options. Sometimes we have to try a few times before someone is ready. But we’re always here.”

APS can also step in during emergencies, like when a disabled person is left alone after a caregiver’s sudden death or when a family home has no running water in the middle of winter. DSS connects families to the help they need—repairs, housing, healthcare, and more.

In-Home Support: The Medicaid Waiver

One of the most life-changing resources DSS offers is help with applying for the Medicaid waiver. This allows people to receive care in their own homes instead of moving into a nursing facility. For many, that means a trusted family member or friend can become their paid caregiver.

Another valuable program is PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), now available locally through Blue Ridge Care. It provides day services, in-home help, and transportation—giving seniors more options to live independently and safely.

When Mental Health Is the Issue

Mental illness is part of the picture, too. While DSS focuses more on physical and cognitive needs, it often collaborates with the Northwestern Community Services Board, which provides mental health services and administers the DD (Developmental Disabilities) waiver. The agencies work closely when cases overlap and strive to find the right mix of services for each individual.

Smeltser pointed out that people often don’t realize they can apply without committing. “You might not be ready now. But applying doesn’t mean you have to accept the help. It just means you’ve started looking at your options.”

Community Resource Fair – December 3

For those unsure where to begin, the Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, December 3, from 1–3 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center is a great place to start. With over 30 organizations present, including DSS, it’s a one-stop shop for discovering what help is available.

“You might not qualify today,” Norman said, “but you might qualify tomorrow. And even if we can’t help, we usually know someone who can.”