Our policy priorities are shaped by people with developmental disabilities, families, and partners across our statewide network. They highlight key issues we’re actively working to advance—but don’t represent everything we do. Some efforts are long-term, while others respond to urgent needs as they arise. Across all of it, we remain focused on ensuring people with developmental disabilities have the opportunities and supports they need to thrive.

We believe that people with developmental disabilities (DD), like all individuals, have the right to live, thrive, and belong in their communities. That means all people—regardless of their support needs—have the right to the same opportunities, dignity, and protections afforded to anyone. People with the highest support needs deserve the individualized support necessary to fully exercise those rights and live full, meaningful lives.

We champion access to inclusive housing, community-based services, and opportunities for full participation. Our advocacy promotes policies that support education, employment, and social inclusion—while working to remove the barriers that prevent people from being fully included and connected in their communities.

Students with developmental disabilities (DD) have the right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (LRE)—meaning they should learn alongside their peers whenever possible. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), placement decisions must be based on individual needs, with appropriate supports provided in general education before more restrictive settings are considered.

Decisions should be made by the IEP team—including the student’s family—and reflect what each student needs to succeed. We do not oppose any specific type of school; we advocate for equitable access across the full continuum of placements outlined in IDEA. Each step in that continuum should begin with the goal of inclusion, moving to more restrictive settings only when necessary to meet a student’s needs. However, in Virginia, children’s services funding is typically available only for placements in separate schools—and largely unavailable to support students in their local public schools. This imbalance limits meaningful access to inclusive options and denies many students the opportunity to learn alongside their peers in their home communities.

Many people with developmental disabilities need lifelong support to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. In Virginia, this support is provided through Medicaid waivers and can include help with daily activities like getting dressed, taking medication, preparing meals, job coaching, and more—based on each person’s unique needs.

Everyone deserves access to supports that are tailored to their needs and delivered within their communities. Ensuring equitable access to inclusive, community-based services empowers people to live full, meaningful lives.

This means advocating for policies and funding that strengthen the Medicaid waiver system—including rates that support competitive wages for staff, policies that remove barriers to access, and investments that ensure everyone who qualifies for support can actually receive it.

People with disabilities are more likely to be arrested, charged with a crime, and serve longer prison sentences than those without disabilities. People with other marginalized identities (e.g., people of color, members of indigenous communities, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+), are even more likely to get caught up in the system. 

Everyone is entitled to justice, fair treatment, and necessary accommodations at every stage of the criminal justice process. This includes the right to effective communication, access to disability-related supports, and protection from abuse and discrimination. We advocate for reforms that address these inequities and promote a system that upholds the dignity, rights, and humanity of all people.