The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Welcome to your new agency: DARS

Supporting Virginians’ efforts to secure independence and employment

Our Commonwealth now benefits from a new agency, DARS. The agency was created by merging the former Department of Rehabilitative Services and Department for the Aging. In 2013, the adult services units from Virginia’s Department of Social Services will become part of DARS. DARS’ merger was proposed by Gov. McDonnell and took effect July 1 to provide and advocate for the highest quality of services 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.

At the state level, this new agency will work with its community partners to be more effective in strategic planning, budgeting, program monitoring and evaluation and training and technical support. The agency will be at the center of the Commonwealth's response to two critical emerging issues.

First, many Virginians who are often referred to as “boomers” or “seniors” are in, or are approaching, their retirement years. They rightly expect to be secure in their efforts to age in place and to have safe options for their long-term care needs. DARS will be there for them.

Secondly, Virginia is also committed to having livable communities for those Virginians with disabilities who are transitioning from institutions to community settings or those who wish to live and work with long-term supports and services. DARS will also be there in support of their new choices. Read Commissioner Rothrock's full message.

Download the DARS E-Flyer

Questions and Answers

  1. What is DARS?
    The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services was created by legislation signed this spring by Gov. McDonnell to take the programmatic units of the current Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) and the Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) and create a new entity with a wider menu of service options. In 2013, the adult services units from Virginia’s Department of Social Services will become part of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS.

  2. What does DARS do?
    In partnership with older Virginians as well as Virginians with disabilities and their families, DARS supports Virginians’ efforts to secure independence and gain employment; provides and advocates for the highest quality services that empower individuals to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society; and guides the Commonwealth in preparing for an aging population.

  3. How do I learn if I’m eligible for DARS’ services?
    If you’re 65 or older, you have company in Virginia. Nearly 1 million Virginians are 65 and older, a number that will double by 2030 as the Baby Boom generation heads toward traditional retirement age. If you’re an older Virginian, click here for more information about our services for Virginians age 60 and older. About 20 percent of people experience a disability, whether through a chronic illness or a physical or cognitive disability, at some point in their lifetimes. If you’re an adult Virginian with a disability, click on the links below to learn more about:

    1. Employment services
    2. Community-based services
    3. Assistive technology/devices and equipment
    4. Disability determination
  1. I’m already a DRS client / I already receive services through my local Area Agency on Aging. What’s changing?
    DARS will focus on improving the response to seniors and Virginians with disabilities who need some aid in maintaining their options for independence, safety and employment. Services such as programs that help older Virginians learn to manage chronic disease will continue to be offered through local AAAs. Consumers who received vocational rehabilitation services, community-based services or other services from DRS will continue to connect with those programs through the field offices, vocational counselors and other personnel. Whether you’re an older Virginian or someone with a disability, DARS will support your efforts to secure independence and gain employment. Nothing is intended to interfere with your current receipt of services in your locality.

  2. How do I learn about DARS’ activities and events?
    Click on the links below for more about:

    1. DARS offices
    2. DARS boards and councils
    3. DARS calendar
    4. VDA boards
    5. Area Agencies on Aging

Latest News

More news from DARS
DARS lauds employers for championing disability 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.

Governor proclaims October is Disability Employment Awareness Month

Gov. McDonnell has issued a proclamation that October is Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. Virginians are encouraged to celebrate the skills, talents, and innovative ideas that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace, and honor stellar employers across the Commonwealth who champion the employment and advancement of Virginians with disabilities. Visit the Governor's Web Site to read the proclamation.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging honors two outstanding leaders

The n4a recently bestowed top honors for leadership to two long-time directors of Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia: Marilyn Pace Maxwell, Executive Director of Mountain Empire Older Citizens, and Gordon Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging in Charlottesville. Read about the awards and the honorees.

NGA Chair Announces Year-long Initiative: “A Better Bottom Line”

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.

An Open Message to Social Security Disability Beneficiaries from Associate Commissioner Bob Williams

“Every year, thousands of people with disabilities find jobs and leave behind Social Security disability benefits to support themselves and create better futures. As you think about going to work, Social Security wants you to be confident in your choice and to understand what Ticket to Work is all about.” Read more from this open message.

Virginia’s Blueprint for Livable Communities

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.