Advocacy

2011 - 2012 Resources
2011 General Assembly Session (2010-11 Resources)
2010 General Assembly Session (2009-10 Resources
From the floor of the House of Delegates
The "A Life Like Yours" Movement: Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.

55 years ago, families of people with developmental disabilities came together to form The Arc of Virginia so that they and their loved ones might have a voice in Virginia's capital. These families sparked a movement that led to community integration for people with developmental disabilities in Virginia's schools, neighborhoods and communities. Their actions helped pave the way for the services and supports that exist today.

While much has been accomplished, the work is not done yet. Thousands of Virginians with developmental disabilities are on waiting lists for community-based services or are living in large, segregated state institutions. As the country continues to face unprecedented fiscal crisis, existing community-based services for people with developmental disabilities are currently vulnerable to budget cuts and/or elimination.

It is our turn to continue the work of the heroes who came before us. The Arc of Virginia needs your help to carry on The Arc's important legacy of advocating for the rights and full inclusion of children and adults with developmental disabilities. We hope you will join us in advocating for "A Life Like Yours" for Virginians with developmental disabilities as we work to strengthen and sustain this all too important civil rights movement.

How can I get connected with the "A Life Like Like Yours" movement?