In the summer of 2026, Main Street partnered with The Arc of Northern Virginia to launch Connect and Go, a social learning and community engagement series designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships, strengthen social confidence, and become more comfortable navigating community experiences independently.
The program combined four interactive virtual workshops with two in-person outings, giving participants opportunities to learn practical social and planning skills and then apply them in real-world settings. Rather than simply participating in activities, members took an active
role in planning, making decisions, and connecting with peers.
Through the virtual workshops, participants practiced meeting new people, planning activities, navigating community destinations,
and adapting when plans change. They put these skills into action during the Walking Club Travel Event, using Montgomery County’s
Ride On bus system to travel to a local walking trail while practicing public transportation, pedestrian safety, community navigation, and social interaction.
For the final outing, participants worked together to explore travel options, evaluate destinations, consider what to bring, and create backup plans. The series culminated in Travel Trip Your Way, a participant-designed outing based on their own interests and ideas. After generating four destination options, the group selected Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg.
Through Connect and Go, participants gained confidence in making decisions, working together, navigating their community, and turning their ideas into reality, all while building connections.
We all value the freedom to travel, make plans, and spend time with friends. Through programs Connect and Go, Main Street members are building the confidence and independence to do the same.
Want to learn more? Enjoy photos and hear partner Ryan McNulty and a participant share their experiences in this one-minute video.
