Newsletter

The Secretary of the Commonwealth Swears us in, September 12, 2007

Right: Ms. Hanley, Martha, Suzanne Ripley, Brian Clukey

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

What is the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities? What does it mean to serve on the Board?

What is the Board's mission? VOICE - yes, that VOICE. Vision of communities that welcome people with disabilities. Outreach to individuals, families and advocates. Innovation through grant projects and sponsored programs. Collaboration with providers of disability services. Education of policymakers on disability issues.

Originally named the Board for Rights of the Disabled, it was created in 1985 by the Virginia General Assembly to "Advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Governor on issues and problems of interest to persons with disabilities."

As a result of the 2000 Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, all states have a DD council. The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities also serves as the state's DD Council. The VBPD is a state agency equal to all the other state agencies, although smaller.

There are 40 members of the Board, including individuals with developmental delays, family members, advocates, state agency heads, and community representatives. Martha was appointed by Governor Kaine to hold the seat for "non-governmental agencies that serve the disability community." That's fancy-speak for "if you aren't the government and your group or program is out there helping people with disabilities" --- well, that's Martha's seat.

There are 12 staff responsible for program management and adminstration. Why do they even need staff? Does the VBPD do more than just meet every once and awhile? You bet they do! There are real programs that serve people everyday. And there are programs YOU would be interested in joining.

How about the Partners in Policymaking? PIP is an advocacy and leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents or guardians of young children with disabilities. Did you read that right? Parents? Want to learn how to successfully advocate for your child? More than 13,000 Partners graduates are out there organizing and leading groups that can and do help. Would you like to be a PIP graduate? Go to the website www.vaboard.org and find how you can get FREE training.

How about the Youth Leadership Forum? It's open to high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have shown that they have leadership skills. 150 new community leaders "graduated" from YLF since 2000. Just like PIP this program is also FREE.

The VBPD addresses housing, and is currently working on a project that could bring additional community-based group homes to you. The VBPD works on education, health, employment, technical assistance, transportation, early intervention, housing, and advocacy. The Biennial Assessment of the Disability Services System of Virginia is a comprehensive summary of the state's service system.

But how does this tie in with the Beach Boys and a parade?

Remember the 2006 Inaugural Parade? We had a lot of fun representing Virginia's disability community in Williamsburg. But something stunning happened that day. On January 14, 2006 Governor Tim Kaine issued Executive Order 2 "Community Integration for Virginians with Disabilities"

Governor Kaine made us a promise that day. And the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities is working to make that promise a reality.

Please contact Mary's Family when you see a violation of civil rights; or a child's IEP not being met or a child being denied disability benefits. We think we just might know someone who can help!

Please go to our schedule for respite days, workshops and other special events.