Building Our Legislative Agenda

We don’t just react to policy—we help shape it. Each year, we talk with self-advocates, families, local chapters, and community partners to understand what’s most important. We use what we learn to create a legislative and funding agenda based on real-life experiences. Many of the nearly 500 people and families we support each year help inform this work by sharing the challenges they face and what needs to change. Some speak for themselves; others speak on behalf of loved ones who can’t advocate on their own.

We also work with other organizations—like disability-specific groups, family networks, and statewide coalitions—to make sure our agenda reflects both urgent needs and long-term goals. Then, our team researches the issues, writes proposals, drafts bills, and works directly with lawmakers to push for change. Through this work, we’ve helped expand rights, improve access to services, secure funding, and move Virginia closer to a future where everyone can live A Life Like Yours.

Building Our Legislative Agenda

Listening and

Learning  First

We start by listening. Through surveys, listening sessions, community groups, and one-on-one advocacy, we hear directly from people and families about what matters most. Each year, we support nearly 500 individual and family advocacy cases—keeping us grounded in real experiences. We also connect with our local chapters and their members through quarterly Chapter Council meetings to ensure statewide advocacy reflects local priorities. To stay informed and shape the strongest possible policy, we monitor about 40 public meetings and advisory groups—helping us stay up to date on what’s happening across systems that impact our community.

Providing Public Comment and Taking Positions

Influencing the public narrative is a vital part of systems advocacy. By helping elevate key issues to the top and shaping the broader conversation, we ensure the needs of our community stay front and center. Our team analyzes proposed policies, regulations, and practices—then speaks up. We submit public comments, take clear positions, and work directly with state agencies to raise concerns and propose solutions. We also speak out when we see systemic problems, harmful trends, or violations of human and civil rights—holding systems accountable and pushing for change.

Sitting at the Table—and Opening Seats for Others

We represent our community on more than 16 state-level boards, commissions, and advisory groups—and we help others do the same. Right now, we support over a dozen individuals with disabilities and family members to serve in these roles. By making sure people with lived experience have a seat at the table, we help drive systems change from the inside out. Our team is often asked to recommend individuals for public appointments, and we look to our network when we do.

If you're interested in serving, fill out our interest form and let us know—your experiences matters.

Educating and Preparing our Community

Understanding policy isn’t just about advocacy—it’s also essential for navigating services and protecting access. When laws, regulations, or eligibility rules change, our team helps individuals and families understand what those changes mean for them. We break down complex information into clear, accessible updates so people know how to respond—and how to adjust if needed. Whether it’s a new requirement, deadline, or service rule, we ensure our community has the information they need to stay informed, eligible, and supported.

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