In Memoriam: ANCOR Remembers Karen Tefelski

Karen Tefelski, who served as Executive Director of longtime ANCOR member Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitation Programs (vaACCSES), passed away on November 6 at the age of 66. ANCOR extends its condolences to Karen’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Karen lived a passionate life, and her advocacy and love will survive through all the people positively touched by her work. Through her work, she pushed for legislation to increase funding for services for people with disabilities. She also was a passionate supporter of “employment first” initiatives. This advocacy led to the redesign of Virginia’s Medicaid waivers, increasing funding across the state and improving the quality of life of Virginians with disabilities.

Karen’s work also secured a grant to establish a program that helped people with disabilities navigate the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive training, benefits counseling, and other entitlements. She worked collaboratively to bring advocacy groups and government agencies together. Through this work, she championed efforts that brought the departments of Social Services, Medical Assistance Services and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to streamline processes and secure better, more independent lives for people with disabilities.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Karen’s life of service and personal generosity, Karen’s family appreciates donations to one of two organizations dear to Karen’s heart: The Arc of Virginia and/or Bon Secours Community Hospice House.