disAbility Law Center of Virginia

03/24/2026

Rachel represented dLCV at the Education and Transition Conference hosted by the Virginia Down Syndrome Association, leading a breakout session for youth and young adults with disabilities.

We’re grateful to be in community with organizations, families, and advocates working to ensure young people have access to the tools, information, and support they need to navigate adulthood with confidence.

Supporting a young person preparing for adulthood? Explore our Coming of Age resources: www.dlcv.org/coa

📸: Event organizer; Virginia Down Syndrome Association

03/20/2026

Turning 18 is a big milestone, and it can bring changes to SSI benefits.

If you receive SSI, your benefits will be reviewed using adult rules through a process called an Age-18 Redetermination. Being prepared and understanding your rights can make a difference.

Learn more in our I Have a Choice, I Have a Voice manual; go to pages 22-28.
👉 www.dlcv.org/coa

You can also explore this helpful resource from VCU:
👉https://vcu-ntdc.org/resources/WIPA_OtherResources/2025_Age18Redeterminations.pdf

03/17/2026

Today, you’ll see a lot of green worn in celebration. But green can also represent something deeper.

March is , and we’re proud to highlight one of our own, Lygia Yates.

Lygia (she/her) is an Administrative Assistant at the disAbility Law Center of Virginia and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. After becoming disabled as an adult, she navigated changes in her voice, balance, and daily life, while also confronting ableism and assumptions about her abilities.

Through it all, she continues to show up with resilience and a deep commitment to helping others.

Read her story: https://www.dlcv.org/alive-ly

People with brain injuries deserve more than awareness. They deserve dignity, choice, and access. That is why dLCV continues to advocate for a commonwealth free of legal barriers for people with disabilities!

03/16/2026

For the safety of our staff and community, dLCV will close today at 12:00 PM, Monday, March 16, due to the potential for severe weather this afternoon

Need assistance while we’re away? Visit www.dlcv.org/get-help to request services, learn about your rights, or access self-advocacy resources.

03/10/2026

Happy Social Work Month! This month, dLCV wants to highlight our wonderful social work and advocacy staff. Today, you hear from Rebecca “Becka” Herbig (She/Her/Hers). Becka is the Legal Director here at dLCV.

She says, “My favorite part of my job is talking with clients and staff to explain complex legal processes to them, along with providing resources to assist them in reaching justice in the courtroom. The combination of my legal degree and social work degree allows me to think and plan like a lawyer, but communicate like a social worker!”

03/09/2026

After a decade of failed attempts, the legislature has finally passed a measure that will abolish the common law crime of su***de.

Our latest legislative highlight breaks down the proposals and what they could mean.

Read more:

Update from the Virginia General Assembly regarding processes on su***de prevention and mental health awareness!

03/06/2026

Three years ago today, Irvo Otieno died during a mental health crisis in Virginia.

Three years later, our commitment remains the same: to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of people with disabilities across Virginia.

His death raised urgent questions about crisis response, restraint practices, and accountability within our systems of care.

In response, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia conducted an independent investigation and issued a public report detailing our findings and recommendations.

Read the full report: https://www.dlcv.org/irvo-otieno-report

03/05/2026

TOMORROW is the first day of early voting! From 3/6/2026 through 4/18/2026, you can cast your vote at your local Registrar’s Office or satellite locations. ***Please note that this is a Statewide Special Election for April 21st.

Find your early voting location on the Department of Elections website at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-voting-office-locations/

Remember, your VOTE is your VOICE! It’s in your hands to help build a better Virginia by voting for candidates that you believe in!

03/04/2026

Legislative proposals could affect captioning access in public spaces across Virginia. dLCV is monitoring the issue and advocating for meaningful accessibility.

Read the update: https://www.dlcv.org/lets-go-to-the-movies-mar-3

Update from the Virginia General Assembly regarding "open" captioned movies, where the captions are available for everyone to see.

03/03/2026

Join the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) for our first Meet and Greet of the year, an Open House and Community Mixer at our Richmond office.

📅 Thursday, March 26, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 Richmond, Virginia

RSVP now: www.dlcv.org/meet

✔ Meet the advocates advancing disability rights across Virginia
✔ Connect with community leaders and partners
✔ Learn how you can get involved in 2026
✔ Enjoy light refreshments, including alcoholic beverages

Whether you are a longtime supporter or new to dLCV, this is your opportunity to step inside the movement for access, inclusion, and justice.