disAbility Law Center of Virginia

05/25/2026

This , our office is closed to remember and honor the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Today, and every day, we also recognize the veterans and service members living with disabilities—your strength inspires us.

Visit our website at www.dlcv.org/get-help to submit a request for service, learn about your rights, and to access our self-advocacy resources.

05/23/2026

Today marks 40 years since the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Act was signed into law—a landmark victory for disability rights! Over 60 million people in the U.S. have a mental illness. PAIMI protects all of them.

Because of PAIMI, millions of people with mental health conditions have gained access to:
- Legal advocacy to fight abuse & neglect
- Systemic protections in hospitals & facilities
- A stronger voice in their own care

At dLCV, one of the ways we carry forward this mission is through regular monitoring of psychiatric hospitals and facilities. We conduct monitoring visits at psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) and their corresponding schools; as well as, an inpatient acute psychiatric unit and a medical unit.

Through these visits, dLCV has identified systemic failure trends concerning youth in foster care, including increased likelihood of institutionalization, lengthier stays once institutionalized, guardian involvement in treatment, and barriers to discharge and transition to adulthood.

Without the necessary funding from the PAIMI Act, dLCV would not be able to do this crucial work to protect and advocate for Virginians with mental illness or mental health concerns.

You can learn more about dLCV's mental health resources at www.dlcv.org/mental-health

05/22/2026

The winners of the 2026 disABILITY Impact Awards have been announced!

This year’s honorees include advocates, organizations, legislators, and community leaders advancing disability rights, accessibility, advocacy, and inclusion across Virginia.

View the full honoree recap, event highlights, and recap video: www.dlcv.org/2026-disability-impact-awards

Nominations for the 2027 disABILITY Impact Awards are now open.

05/20/2026

Every Virginian deserves equal access to vote.

dLCV’s new 2025 voting accessibility report found ongoing barriers at polling sites across Virginia, including issues with curbside voting signage, accessible parking, and accessible voting equipment.

While progress has been made, too many barriers still exist for voters with disabilities.

Read the report: www.dlcv.org/voting-report-2026

dLCV’s 2025 voting accessibility report outlines ongoing barriers impacting voters with disabilities across Virginia and calls for continued action.

05/19/2026

We want to hear from you! Help us shape the future of disability rights in Virginia by taking our public input survey!

Visit www.dlcv.org/input to share your input

05/18/2026

As of today, 5/18/2026 at 12:30 PM, dLCV's phones and internet are currently down.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

In the meantime, you can still request for assistance by filling out our Get Help form at www.dlcv.org/get-help

We'll update you as soon as service is restored. Thank you for your patience!

05/14/2026

“People are not going to not harm themselves because it's against the law, but we do believe that passing this bill would be a step in the right direction for destigmatizing mental health,” Durose said during the bill's hearing.

Nicole Durose, disability rights advocate for the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV), supported the legislation, which has now been signed into law in Virginia.

Read more at: https://www.vpm.org/generalassembly/2026-05-01/spanberger-bill-decriminalize-su***de-simon-huffman-durose-scc-vcu-cns

State lawmakers have proposed similar legislation multiple times since 2018.

05/12/2026

Recently, dLCV’s Board of Directors gathered for a retreat to strengthen our strategy, deepen our commitment, and help shape the future of disability rights advocacy in Virginia.

As we look ahead, we want to hear directly from the community. What disability rights issues matter most to you and your family?

Share your input at www.dlcv.org/input

04/28/2026

A system meant to protect is causing harm.

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) has released a new report on Virginia’s involuntary commitment process.

The findings show patterns, not isolated incidents:
1️⃣Lack of information about rights
2️⃣Use of restraints
3️⃣Exclusion from decision-making

These are barriers to dignity, safety, and justice.

Read the full report: www.dlcv.org/between-custody-and-care

People in crisis deserve care that protects their rights.

dLCV’s new report highlights patterns of restraint, lack of information, and barriers to due process for Virginians in crisis.

04/21/2026

TODAY is Election Day in Virginia.

If you’re heading to the polls or already voted, your experience matters.

dLCV is working to ensure voting is accessible for people with disabilities across Virginia. Accessible voting isn’t optional. Your experience helps identify barriers and make change happen.

Share your experience:
👉 https://www.dlcv.org/voting-rights

All of these images are from REAL voting places across Virginia that were NOT accessible for people with disabilities.

04/19/2026

Having a traumatic brain injury (TBI) does not take away your right to vote.

Our new video walks through your rights, voting options in Virginia, and what to expect at the polls so you can feel prepared and confident when you vote.

🎥 Watch now and explore voting resources:
👉 www.dlcv.org/voting-rights