Public Policy

and Advocacy

Advocacy That Moves Virginia Forward


For over 70 years, The Arc of Virginia has been at the forefront of the fight for inclusion and equity for people with developmental disabilities. Alongside our members and local chapters, we worked to close Virginia’s institutions and build a community-based system of support—at times suing the Commonwealth and later working closely with the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure Virginia's compliance with the Olmstead decision.


Advocacy is how we protect rights, shape systems, and build a more inclusive Virginia. Today, The Arc of Virginia continues to lead statewide efforts to advance public policies that support people with developmental disabilities and their families—at every stage of life, and in every community.


While there is still work to do, we recently celebrated a historic milestone: the nearly 25-year fight to fully fund Priority One of the DD Waiver waitlist was won—thanks to the voices and advocacy of thousands of advocates.

Advocacy is not just a strategy—it’s a responsibility

Ours is rooted in lived experience and focused on building a more inclusive Virginia. We are nonpartisan, persistent, and committed to advancing public policy that reflects the voices and needs of our community of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and allies.


We work across the aisle, build long-term relationships, and engage respectfully—knowing that influence is earned through consistency, credibility, and care. We follow the processes that make lasting change possible, and we show up year after year to protect rights, shape systems, and expand opportunity.

Advocacy in Action

Advocacy takes many forms—and we do them all. Together with our local chapters, we engage in:


  • Systems Advocacy – Influencing laws, policies, and funding at the local, state, and federal levels to protect rights and expand access.


  • Grassroots Advocacy – Mobilizing Virginians to take action, from contacting legislators, to showing up at rallies, hearings, and advocacy events.


  • Individual & Family Advocacy – Helping people navigate services, understand their rights, and speak up for what they need. Families often play a vital role in advocating for their loved ones. You can explore tools and support for this work in our resources section. Explore → Resources


  • Self- and Peer Advocacy – Through our ALLY Alliance, people with developmental disabilities build self-advocacy skills, share their experiences, and take on leadership roles—while also supporting one another through peer connections and collective action. Learn More about→ Ally Alliance


  • Public Awareness Advocacy – Changing attitudes starts with understanding. Through workshops, presentations, and campaigns like Are You In?, we help people across Virginia learn about developmental disabilities, inclusion, and what it means to truly support a life like yours. Whether it’s schools, businesses, service providers, or neighbors—our goal is to build a Virginia where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Learn More about→ Are You In Campaign


Together, these efforts create lasting change—one voice, one policy, and one community at a time.

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.