disAbility Law Center of Virginia

disAbility Law Center of Virginia The disAbility Law Center of Virginia or dLCV is the designated Protection and Advocacy organization of Virginia.

Our vision is a Commonwealth free of legal barriers for individuals with disabilities. The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (“dLCV”) advocates for and protects the legal rights of persons with disabilities. We do this through education, training, the promotion of self-advocacy skills for people with disabilities, and through information and referral services. We also provide direct advocacy services in particular cases that fall within our Strategic Goals and Focus Areas.

09/12/2025

Voting is a fundamental right, but the disAbility Law Center of Virginia's most recent election report shows that even now, polling places across the state fell short for people with disabilities.

Key findings:
-No curbside voting signage at 1 in every 10 sites
-Accessible parking missing at nearly 1 in 5 sites
-Confusing pathways and entrances at more than 1 in 10 locations
-Staff at over 30% of polling places lacked training to use accessible voting machines
-Only 57% of sites informed voters how to request assistance

Colleen Miller, the center’s Executive Director, reminds us: “Voting is a fundamental right, and barriers at polling places—whether physical or procedural—undermine democracy.”

This is one example of our network’s impact in voting advocacy. Learn more about dLCV’s work, and their letter to the Virginia Department of Elections here:

https://www.dlcv.org/voting-report-2025

Today, September 10th, is World Su***de Prevention Day! This year's theme is Changing the Narrative on Su***de, by trans...
09/10/2025

Today, September 10th, is World Su***de Prevention Day!

This year's theme is Changing the Narrative on Su***de, by transforming how we perceive mental health concerns and shifting to a culture of openness, understanding, and support.

At dLCV, we are committed to protecting and advocating for the rights of people with mental health concerns and ensuring access to autonomy, independence, and self-determination.

Learn more about dLCV's mental health resources at www.dlcv.org/mental-health

***dePreventionDay

dLCV was excited to take part in PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center Parent Youth Empowerment Summit thi...
09/08/2025

dLCV was excited to take part in PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center Parent Youth Empowerment Summit this weekend!

Our team joined students, families, and advocates from across Virginia to exchange resources and strengthen disability rights awareness.

We’re grateful to PEATC for bringing the community together and proud to contribute to such an empowering event.

Want to connect with dLCV this September?We’re hosting one free hybrid event (virtual and in person) and participating i...
09/05/2025

Want to connect with dLCV this September?

We’re hosting one free hybrid event (virtual and in person) and participating in additional events across Virginia. All are focused on disability rights, self-advocacy, and community engagement.

📅 Explore the full lineup via the link in our bio.

You can make a difference. dLCV is seeking a Staff Attorney to advocate on behalf of children and adults with disabiliti...
09/04/2025

You can make a difference. dLCV is seeking a Staff Attorney to advocate on behalf of children and adults with disabilities.

This position will provide legal advice, representation and general advocacy services. Attorneys at all experience levels may appear in administrative and court proceedings.

📌 Read the full description and apply online: www.dlcv.org/employment
📧 Email applications or questions to jobs@dlcv.org

Our P&A funding is on the line. Federal budget proposals have threatened major cuts. Here’s what you need to know, and h...
09/03/2025

Our P&A funding is on the line. Federal budget proposals have threatened major cuts. Here’s what you need to know, and how you can help.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW:
✅ Share this post.
✅ Tell your story of how dLCV has helped you.
✅ Donate if you can: www.dlcv.org/donate
✅ Follow the National Disability Rights Network to stay informed at the national level.

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is part of the national Protection & Advocacy (P&A) network — the largest provider of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities in the U.S., created by Congress to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities.

🟢 Good news: The Senate Appropriations Committee has level-funded P&A programs, meaning we’d receive the same amount as last year.

🔴 Bad news: Demand for our services is rising, and we’re not out of the woods yet. The budget still has to pass the House, and earlier drafts of the President’s budget included major cuts to our programs.

Your voice matters. Support the work of P&As and remind your representatives that the disability community counts: https://secure.everyaction.com/I6avR5LSvUamWdNZNIgMew2

Our office is closed today, Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.Today, we honor the labor movement tha...
09/01/2025

Our office is closed today, Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.

Today, we honor the labor movement that has fought for fair conditions and the rights of every individual in the workplace. A movement that originally began as a struggle for basic labor rights has evolved into a broader fight for inclusion, ensuring people with disabilities have a right to safe and accessible employment.

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

Today marks the birthday of Justin Dart, Jr., an advocate widely known as the “father of the Americans with Disabilities...
08/29/2025

Today marks the birthday of Justin Dart, Jr., an advocate widely known as the “father of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" and one of the founders of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

Some of his most monumental advocacy work included visiting every single state at least five times to advocate for the passage and implementation of the ADA.

At dLCV, we continue to honor his legacy through zealous advocacy to protect Virginians with disabilities.

Learn more about Justin Dart Jr. and his crucial advocacy work https://www.justindart.com/biography

A common issue that many children with disabilities face is concerns with school attendance. Children with disabilities ...
08/28/2025

A common issue that many children with disabilities face is concerns with school attendance.

Children with disabilities may have to miss school due to hospital visits, accessible transportation issues, recovery from medical procedures and illnesses, and more. This guide highlights the legal requirements and protections that affect school attendance.

As you and your family return this month, you can empower yourselves with the extensive special education resources on dLCV's website at www.dlcv.org/special-education

Did you know that ALL students with disabilities in the State of Virginia are entitled to FREE and ACCESSIBLE transporta...
08/26/2025

Did you know that ALL students with disabilities in the State of Virginia are entitled to FREE and ACCESSIBLE transportation to their local public school?

Transportation is part of the "Other Services" section of a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). If your child needs accessible transportation services, communicate this with their IEP team. If you're struggle to get these services approved or there's an issue with the transportation services provided, consider dispute options.

You can learn more about your dispute options and transportation rights at www.dlcv.org/special-education

dLCV has another   Resource for you!When schools and parents disagree about the results of the school's disability evalu...
08/22/2025

dLCV has another Resource for you!

When schools and parents disagree about the results of the school's disability evaluation, the parents can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

This is a way for parents to get a second opinion on their child's academic and functional performance. Check out this guide to learn all about the basics of IEEs.

For more information or other resources like this, check out our website at www.dlcv.org/special-education

The special education and accommodations processes can be really complicated and overwhelming, especially if it's your f...
08/20/2025

The special education and accommodations processes can be really complicated and overwhelming, especially if it's your first time navigating this system.

As students return , dLCV wants to continue to provide you and your families the resources to support disabled students in Virginia!

That's why we've created this helpful guide to walk you through the process and show you how to get started.

For more details on the information shared here, or to access other special education resources please checkout out website at www.dlcv.org/special-education

Address

1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Ste 100
Richmond, VA
23230

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18005523962

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