Advocate With Us
Change doesn’t happen on its own—it happens when people speak up, show up, and take action together.
At The Arc of Virginia, advocacy is at the heart of what we do. Our Action Center is your go-to space for learning about key issues, tracking legislation, and finding simple ways to make your voice heard—whether you're a self-advocate, family member, provider, or ally.
What is General Assembly?
The Virginia General Assembly is where state lawmakers decide laws and budgets that affect people with developmental disabilities and their families. 2026's regular session adjourned (ended) on March 14th, keep reading for an overview of the work we did so far.
During the session, The Arc of Virginia helps people get involved by organizing the DD Rally, regional Advocacy Days, public testimony, and action alerts to contact legislators.
Together, this makes sure the voices of people with disabilities and their families are heard when decisions are being made.
Special Session
Negotiating the 2026 Budget
The General Assembly has adjourned, but the budget is not done. A special session is ahead, and negotiations are already underway. This is the window where priorities are finalized. Advocacy right now can make the difference in what is included, including funding for developmental disability services and the EVV exemption for live-in caregivers.
It is time to advocate. Use the link below to go to our Action Alert and email the Budget Negotiators. Even if you emailed before, it is time to act again.
What We Advocated For
Access to Services
- Increase Rates for Essential Nursing and Direct Supports
- Align Supported Living Rate to 4-person Group Home rate
- Fund the Community Collaborative Provider Incubator
- Increase funding for the State Rental Assistance Program*
- Study the Feasibility of Core Services Waiver
- Maintain Live-In Caregiver Exemption from EVV*
- Expand Access to Medicaid Works
- Continue SSDI Disregard Policy*
Disability Rights and Justice Issues
- Protect Voting Rights
- Early Diversion*
- Provide an Affirmative Defense*
Items with an * are policy items that are shared or co-led with one of the following organizations: Virginia Housing Alliance, Autism Society of Central Virginia, or Decriminalizing Developmental Disabilities.
How Did Our Agenda Items Do?
These bills passed both chambers and are waiting for the Governor’s approval...
HB 37 (Shin)
- Keeps the SSDI income disregard for Medicaid eligibility
HB 1014 (Tran) | SB 34 (Favola)
- Protects voting rights for people under guardianship
HB 247 (Watts) | SB 416 (Boysko)
- People with Disabilities may get delayed or reduced convictions if they access court-required support
HB 246 (Watts) | SB 335 (Boysko)
- A court may consider developmental disabilities in a legal defense
Advocacy Events
Past Events
DD Advocacy Days
This session, we hosted 5 DD Advocacy Days. Even though this year's wild winter weather kept things... exciting, advocates from Southwest, Tidewater, Central, Blue Ridge, and Northern Virginia showed up. We filled the halls of General Assembly with orange scarves and had meetings with over 40 legislative offices!
Developmental Disabilities
Advocacy Rally 2026
On January 22nd, around 120 Virginians gathered at The Bell Tower with a clear message: "Make the Promise Real!" Amazing speakers like Alex, Nick, Christina, and more shared the importance of continuous community-based services. And we felt the absence of speakers who could not attend because of unreliable services. Homemade signs were held high with The Arc of Virginias', advocating for voting rights, raising nursing rates, and respecting the disability community. It was a morning of frustration, celebration, and motivation!
Thank you, Rally Partners!
K/now is The Arc of Virginia’s digital newsletter—your quick, trusted source for advocacy alerts, policy updates, and action opportunities. Know what’s happening now so you can help shape what happens next.
