At United Virginia, disability rights and choices are an integral part of our mission. Our organizing efforts coalesce around the philosophy that the Commonwealth and our communities must invest in the services and supports that ensure individuals with disabilities may live successfully within the community of their choice. We support efforts to enhance legislative policies and investments to improve the state’s service systems that result in greater community integration and inclusion.

Specifically, we advocate for a shift of state resources away from institutions and into communities. Such measures are both more cost effective and compassionate in honoring individual rights, and addressing Virginia past failures as it continues to rank 46th out of 50 states in providing community supports for people with disabilities.

Early identification and intervention programs are the foundation of a successful structuring of disability services and programs and United Virginia supports these efforts. In addition, expanding the investments for vocational rehabilitation services to help with job training, education and placement must be a goal of future legislation. Future service programs for individuals with disabilities require inclusion and access to technological modalities that parallel advances in other sectors.

We are committed to policies that expand access to employment by encouraging the state government to lead by example in hiring people with disabilities. A review of the enforcement of existing laws along with awareness and education designed to provide technical assistance and information on accommodations will also contribute to improved employment opportunities for people with disabilities.