Department For The Aging

What Department For The Aging does

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), commonly branded as DARS, is a cabinet-level state government agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia headquartered at 5620 Cox Rd in Glen Allen, Virginia. It delivers a comprehensive portfolio of publicly funded aging and disability services to Virginians aged 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers. Core programs include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (investigating 3,113 complaints with a 72% resolution rate in 2024 and conducting 6,149 facility visits), Vocational Rehabilitation (serving 23,956 clients and placing 2,832 in employment), the Virginia Assistive Technology System (58,284 devices gifted since 2006), Disability Determination Services (131,373 SSA claims adjudicated in 2025), Public Guardianship for incapacitated indigent adults, Adult Protective Services, and the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville. Service delivery runs through a federated network of 25 Area Agencies on Aging, 20 local Long-Term Care Ombudsman offices, 17 Centers for Independent Living, 11 public guardian programs, 85 community rehabilitation programs, and 9 brain injury service providers across the state.

DARS's underlying technology platform is No Wrong Door Virginia, a statewide web-based infrastructure comprising the Virginia Easy Access public service-finder website, the Communication Referral Information Assistance (CRIA) system for cross-provider coordination, Service Finders and Health Screeners, the Direct Connect secure referral feature (powered by VirginiaNavigator), the Social Health Connector for combatting isolation, and a free No Wrong Door Training Platform for partners and professionals. Sub-brands include the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), No Wrong Door Virginia, VATS, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The department is governed federally by an FWA# 00008936 research assurance through January 14, 2029, and is co-leading the federal No Wrong Door initiative with the Administration for Community Living, CMS, and the Veterans Health Administration.

DARS is funded through Virginia state government appropriations, federal grants under the Older Americans Act and Assistive Technology Act, Medicaid funding for long-term care, and Social Security Administration funding for Disability Determination Services. All core services are provided free of charge to eligible individuals with no co-pays or fees, and pricing is not publicly disclosed because the agency is not a commercial entity. Marketing and outreach occur via the Virginia Easy Access website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, the VR Workforce Studio podcast, newsletters, and the 25-Area-Agency-on-Aging community channel. DARS's strategic value is its statutory authority over long-term care complaint investigation, adult protective services oversight, and SSA disability adjudication — regulatory functions no private competitor can perform within Virginia.

Name

Department For The Aging

Legal name

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Website

https://vda.virginia.gov

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is a state agency delivering aging, disability, vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, and long-term care advocacy services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers across Virginia through a statewide network and the No Wrong Door technology platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Aging and Disability Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Health Care and Social Assistance (62)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Elder Services & Aging Support (BPAGAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

Keywords

• Aging services
• Disability services
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Long-term care advocacy
• Assistive technology access

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Allen

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. State Government Appropriations: Primary funding through Virginia state government budget appropriations for departmental operations and service delivery.
2. Federal Social Security Administration Funding: Funding from SSA for Disability Determination Services to process disability claims under SSDI and SSI programs.
3. Federal Grants: Federal grants including Older Americans Act funding for aging services, Medicaid funding for long-term care, and Assistive Technology Act funding.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is a state government agency that provides aging services, vocational rehabilitation, disability determination, adult protective services, assistive technology access, public guardianship, and long-term care advocacy to older Virginians and individuals with disabilities. It operates a statewide network of 25 Area Agencies on Aging, 20 Long-Term Care Ombudsman offices, and 85 community rehabilitation programs, and delivers the No Wrong Door Virginia technology platform to coordinate access to long-term services and supports across multiple agencies and providers.

Product overview

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) offers a comprehensive portfolio of government social services organized into distinct programs. The core offerings include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for advocacy in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Vocational Rehabilitation services for employment support, the Virginia Assistive Technology System for device access, and Public Guardianship services. These programs are supported by the No Wrong Door Virginia technology platform which provides web-based tools including Virginia Easy Access (a public service finder), CRIA for provider coordination, and a Training Platform. The organization also operates the Human Research Review Committee and provides Adult Protective Services, Disability Determination Services, and digital accessibility resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS): Helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep meaningful jobs through vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• No Wrong Door Virginia
• Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)

Products and services

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program An advocacy program for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities that investigates and resolves complaints, helps long-term care recipients exercise their rights, and mediates concerns between residents and care providers.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program Vocational rehabilitation program delivered through the Division of Rehabilitative Services that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful jobs through vocational counseling, evaluation, job training, and support services.
• Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) Program that helps Virginians with disabilities access and learn about assistive technology through device demonstrations, loans, exchanges, and reuse programs.
• Disability Determination Services Services that make accurate and timely medical determinations for disability claims filed under Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid programs.
• Public Guardianship Program Program that contracts with 11 local providers across Virginia to serve as public guardians for incapacitated adults who are indigent and have no one to serve as their legal decision-maker.
• Adult Protective Services Services focused on recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults aged 18 or older.
• Digital Accessibility Resources Resources to help individuals and organizations understand and implement digital accessibility standards including WCAG 2.1 Level AA, ADA Title II, and Virginia's Digital Accessibility Act.
• Virginia Guardian Training Online training program required for all appointed public and private guardians in Virginia to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable adults.
• Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) Workforce training and education center located in Fishersville, Virginia providing vocational training and education for individuals with disabilities and others needing vocational support.
• Virginia Easy Access Public-facing website for finding and connecting with aging services, disability services, benefits, and local support for older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers across Virginia.
• No Wrong Door Virginia Technology Platform Statewide initiative using web-based technology systems including Communication, Referral, Information and Assistance (CRIA), Service Finders, Health Screeners, Social Health Connector, and a Training Platform to streamline access to long-term services and supports for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Human Research Review Committee (HRRC) Committee that oversees all research conducted or authorized by covered entities to ensure human research involving DARS maintains individuals' rights to privacy and protection from harm.

Quantifiable outcome

• 72% resolution rate for Long-Term Care Ombudsman complaints
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core and minor.

• Tech for TroopsnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing digital literacy training and employment pathways for individuals with disabilities. Hosted 23 high school students and provided training programs.
• Virginia Career Works - Central RegionnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner linking DARS participants to internships, apprenticeships, and employment with local employers including CloudFit Software.
• Amherst County Public SchoolsnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner strengthening transition services and work-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities transitioning from school to employment.
• Walgreens Ready ProgramnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail training partnership delivering structured training and multiple hires across regional stores for individuals with disabilities.
• Carilion ClinicnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare employer champion hiring individuals with disabilities through DARS vocational rehabilitation services.
• Richmond Electricians JATCnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkilled trades apprenticeship partner providing registered apprenticeship opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Norfolk Public Schools Nutrition DepartmentnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment employer providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• CloudFit SoftwarenotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology employer providing employment opportunities linked through Virginia Career Works partnership.
• Project SEARCHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternship program offering a series of hospital internships providing training and experience for individuals with disabilities leading to permanent employment.
• Mary Washington HospitalnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner hosting Project SEARCH interns and employing individuals with disabilities as transporters and in other roles.
• VirginiaNavigatorcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner powering Service Finders and Direct Connect features through No Wrong Door Virginia website for streamlined service referrals.
• Administration for Community LivingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency that co-founded the No Wrong Door initiative alongside CMS and Veterans Health Administration. Provides oversight and funding for aging and disability services.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency co-founding No Wrong Door initiative and providing Medicaid funding for long-term care services.
• Veterans Health AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency co-founding No Wrong Door initiative to improve access to services for veterans needing long-term care.
• Social Security AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency providing funding and oversight for Disability Determination Services processing SSDI and SSI disability claims.
• Centers for Independent Living (CILs)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner17 non-residential centers run by and for people with disabilities providing independent living support across Virginia.
• Brain Injury ProviderscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner9 community partners providing services and resources for Virginians living with brain injury.
• Local Public Guardian ProgramscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner11 local programs providing public guardianship for incapacitated adults who are indigent and have no other legal decision-maker.
• Community Rehabilitation ProgramscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner85 community rehabilitation programs throughout Virginia approved to provide employment-related services to individuals with disabilities.
• Area Agencies on AgingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor25 local AAAs serve as Local Network Leads for No Wrong Door and provide front-door access to aging services including meals, transportation, Medicare counseling, and caregiver support.
• F.R.E.E. (Medical Equipment Provider)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in assistive technology equipment exchange and reuse program providing durable medical equipment to Virginians with disabilities.
• CATS (Medical Equipment Provider)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in assistive technology equipment exchange and reuse program providing durable medical equipment.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National nonprofit network delivering disability services including vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, and independent living. Comparable to DRS and VATS programs within DARS.
• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit operating community rehabilitation programs and employment services for individuals with disabilities. Comparable to DARS's network of 85 community rehabilitation programs.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Large umbrella state agency administering aging, disability, and vocational rehabilitation programs in Texas. Comparable to DARS but at a materially larger scale and broader mandate.
• AARP: National membership organization providing resources, advocacy, and benefits navigation for older adults. Comparable to DARS's caregiver support, Medicare counseling, and benefits navigation programs.

Direct peers

• Florida Department of Elder Affairs: Florida's cabinet-level state agency for elder services, overseeing AAAs, LTC Ombudsman, and community care programs. Comparable in scope and population served to Virginia DARS.
• California Department of Aging: California's state agency administering aging programs, including Area Agencies on Aging oversight and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Directly comparable to DARS as a state-level aging services authority.
• Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Pennsylvania's state aging department operating a network of AAAs and providing caregiver, in-home, and ombudsman services. Directly comparable in structure and programs to DARS.
• New York State Office for the Aging: New York's state aging agency providing in-home services, caregiver support, and LTC advocacy through a statewide network. Operates a similar mandate and delivery model to DARS Aging Services.

Emerging players

• National Council on Aging: National nonprofit advancing aging services policy, evidence-based programs, and benefits access for older adults. Operates in the same service category as DARS Aging Services at a national scale.
• Disability Rights Advocates: National nonprofit legal center advocating for disability rights and access to services. Comparable to DARS's advocacy, guardianship, and disability benefits access functions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vadars
• YouTubeyoutube.com/vadrs
• Facebookfacebook.com/vadars
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/department-for-the-aging
• Instagraminstagram.com/va_dars

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Department For The Aging