Chanting “Make the Promise Real” and carrying signs, about 80 disability advocates from across Virginia rallied at the state Capitol on Jan. 22 to press lawmakers for improvements in disability services and protections during the General Assembly session.

The Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Rally, organized by The Arc of Virginia, was one of several demonstrations held at the Capitol last week as groups outlined their legislative priorities. 

For disability advocates, the session marks another push to build on changes made after a 2011 federal investigation found Virginia violated the Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide adequate services. 

The state reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2012 that committed Virginia to expand community-based supports and comply with federal law. 

“When I have consistent support, I can focus on living my life, not starting over,” said Nick Zweerink, an Arc of Virginia peer mentor. 

Zweerink said he has had more than 100 support program counselors over the past decade because of low wages and high staff turnover, forcing him to rebuild relationships and trust. 

“My voice is my strength, but I should not have to fight for basic stability,” Zweerink said. 

Advocates are backing several policy changes, including protecting voting rights for people under guardianship and requiring disabilities to be considered before law enforcement pursues felony charges tied to disability-related behaviors during officer interactions. 

They also want the Blue Envelope program, which helps autistic drivers communicate with police and first responders, expanded to include all people with disabilities. In addition, they are seeking to close a loophole that could cut off caregiving support for adults with disabilities after a parent’s death. 

On funding, advocates are calling for increased community care dollars, protection of the right to work for adults with Developmental Disabilities waivers through participation in Medicaid Works, more affordable housing and continued support for the Public Guardianship Program. 

“Our shared goal is to make the promise of community living real,” said Tonya Milling, Arc of Virginia executive director, “by investing in the supports that people need, by building provider capacity, and by planning ahead so that families are not pushed into crisis while they’re waiting for services and support.” 

While acknowledging progress since the settlement agreement, advocates said significant gaps remain. They cited the lack of proposed rate increases for nursing, personal care and respite services in the current budget, along with workforce shortages, access barriers and inequities in supported living service rates. 

“There’s not enough workers, there’s not enough providers, and that promise depends on everybody getting the support that they need when they need it,” Milling said. 

Advocates, their families and allies from Southwest Virginia also met with lawmakers, and participants from other regions are expected to travel to Richmond in the coming weeks. 

Devon Wieters, 30, cheers at a statewide disability advocacy rally Thursday, Jan. 22 outside the General Assembly in Richmond.  (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)