Arlington Board Backs SPARC Budget Request For Adults With Disabilities

The county board agreed to support SPARC's state funding request to continue its day programs for adults with severe disabilities.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Arlington County Board agreed to send a letter of support to the state legislature for SPARC's budget request. SPARC is a non-profit organization that provides day programs for adults with severe and multiple disabilities, operating centers five days a week in various locations including Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties. The board will also add SPARC's budget amendment to its legislative priorities, following a presentation by SPARC leaders and participants on the importance of supporting the organization's state funding.

Why it matters

SPARC's work is intended to advance the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures individuals with disabilities have the right to live in the most integrated setting possible. Virginia remains under a federal injunction for not meeting these obligations, and community-based programs like SPARC are presented as part of the solution.

The details

SPARC provides services at approximately $15,900 per person per year, compared to roughly $58,000 per person per year for more restrictive alternatives. SPARC has asked Arlington County to provide aggregate data to identify residents who qualify for its specialized services and requested that the Arlington Community Services Board refer qualifying residents to SPARC. These steps aim to prevent adults with complex needs from being excluded from community-integrated programs that operate outside the Medicaid billing system.

  • The Arlington County Board agreed to the support on February 21, 2026.
  • SPARC's budget amendment is currently before the Virginia General Assembly.

The players

SPARC

A non-profit organization that provides day programs for adults with severe and multiple disabilities, operating centers five days a week in various locations including Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties.

Debi Alexander

The CEO of SPARC.

Matt de Ferranti

The Chair of the Arlington County Board.

Del. David Reid

The Virginia state delegate carrying SPARC's budget amendment.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko

The Virginia state senator carrying SPARC's budget amendment.

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What they’re saying

“Because of Arlington County, SPARC operates every Tuesday and Thursday at the Arlington Mill Community Center — and that partnership is life-changing.”

— Debi Alexander, SPARC CEO (Arlington County Board letter)

“Arlington County's commitment to equity — reflected in your adopted Equity Resolution and focus on ensuring all residents have access to opportunity — is evident in this partnership. Your leadership demonstrates that inclusion is not aspirational; it is operational.”

— Debi Alexander, SPARC CEO (Arlington County Board letter)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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