Center for Disability Leadership - CDL

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

This week, we're shining the spotlight on Dana Yarbrough, our fearless, thoughtful, and deeply impactful leader.

After years of powerful leadership, we had one burning question: How does she do it? So we asked and Dana answered.

Tune in each day this week for our Q&A series, CFI Unfiltered … you'll want to hear every word!

How do you define "real change" in disability advocacy?

"Real change in disability advocacy for me comes from practicing compassion - in our systems and our interactions.

This is not a new idea but it's urgently needed. When we lead with humility and compassion, we build trust and that is what makes real change possible."

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

10/31/2025

All week, we've been shining the spotlight on Dana Yarbrough, our fearless, thoughtful, and deeply impactful leader.

After years of powerful leadership, we had one burning question: How does she do it? So we asked and Dana answered.

Tune in each day this week for our Q&A series, CFI Unfiltered … you'll want to hear every word!

What's a recent initiative or project that makes you especially proud?

"I'm really proud of the work we're doing to study whether Parent to Parent support helps build family resilience. Families of people with disabilities are often in it for the long haul-it's a marathon, not a sprint.

I believe the support provided through the Center for Family Involvement helps families strengthen their resilience by finding meaning in challenges, gaining confidence as advocates, and feeling connected to other families who truly understand their journey."

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities

10/30/2025

"One of the best truly political documentaries of this or any other year." —DeadlineLEFT BEHIND is the powerful and inspiring story of a group of determined ...

10/30/2025

This week, we're shining the spotlight on Dana Yarbrough, our fearless, thoughtful, and deeply impactful leader.

After years of powerful leadership, we had one burning question: How does she do it? So we asked and Dana answered.

Tune in each day this week for our Q&A series, CFI Unfiltered … you'll want to hear every word!

What's one lesson you've learned from families or self-advocates?

"Families and self-advocates have taught me to replace a "No" response from a professional with a question -"How can we make it happen?"

I've learned that even when dreams don't unfold exactly as hoped, they still hold meaning as a dream is a starting point to help a person with disabilities live the life they want, in the way that makes sense for them.”

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities

10/30/2025

This week, we're shining the spotlight on Dana Yarbrough, our fearless, thoughtful, and deeply impactful leader.

After years of powerful leadership, we had one burning question: How does she do it? So we asked and Dana answered.

Tune in each day this week for our Q&A series, CFI Unfiltered … you'll want to hear every word!

What drives your leadership at CFI?

"What drives my leadership is the simple but powerful belief that we matter.

We matter to other families who are navigating journeys like our own —families who find strength, hope, and connection through shared experience.

We matter to one another on the
CFI team, lifting each other up when our cups are full.

We matter to schools and community partners who see the power of genuine parent-professional collaboration.
We matter to our funders, who recognize the value, wisdom, and lived experience that family leaders bring."

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities

10/28/2025

This week, we're shining the spotlight on Dana Yarbrough, our fearless, thoughtful, and deeply impactful leader.

After years of powerful leadership, we had one burning question: How does she do it? So we asked and Dana answered.

Tune in each day this week for our Q&A series, CFI Unfiltered … you'll want to hear every word!

What inspired the CFI logo?

"The original staff of the Center for Family Involvement wanted a logo that could hold different meanings for different people.

Some see it as a family gathered around a table.

Others see it as an IEP or IFSP planning meeting, with professionals and parents working together.
Still others see a circle of parents supporting one another.

The design was meant to reflect connection, collaboration, and shared purpose —no matter how you interpret it."

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities