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.
Happening Now:
2026 General
Assembly Session
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.
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.
What We Are Advocating 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.
One Page at a Time: Breaking Down the 2026 Legislative Agenda
For a more in-depth explanation of the items on our legislative agendas, check out our free-to-download one pagers!
Looking for Legislation?
We track bills that impact people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the General Assembly session. Visit our Bill Tracker to see the legislation we are following and our positions as they are developed.
Advocacy Events
Upcoming - DD Advocacy Days
The Arc of Virginia is so excited to invite you to our DD Days for the 2026 General Assembly! These are days when each region's chapters, self-advocates, families, and allies come to the Virginia State Capitol and share their experiences with lawmakers.
Sign ups for these days are now closed, but you can email lgerken@thearcofva.org with any questions.
We have had to reschedule some days due to the winter weather. If you sign up, you will get email updates from our team! You can also check back here or on social media for updates.
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Past Events
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.
