Virginia Advocates United Leading Together

06/15/2025

Great point from Misa on Wheels.

Please do not automatically assume another person accompanying a disabled person is their caregiver.

05/20/2025

For those interested in seclusion and restraint policy in Virginia (hopefully a lot of us!!), please be aware that the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall has posted that a Public Comment period is now open on "seclusion and restraint pursuant to SB 569". Here is that notice:

https://townhall.virginia.gov//l/ViewNotice.cfm?GNID=3120

Here is the General Assembly language:

https://legacylis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0795+pdf

And here is what the Town Hall Public Comment page says:

“The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is hosting a workgroup and reporting to the General Assembly on Seclusion and Restraint pursuant to SB569 (2024) (https://legacylis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0795+pdf). SB569 directs DBHDS to propose additional regulations to allow for the use of (i) evidence-based and recovery-oriented seclusion and restraint practices and (ii) alternative behavior management practices that may limit or replace the use of seclusion and restraint in hospitals, residential programs, and licensed facilities. Seclusion means the involuntary placement of an individual alone in an area secured by a door that is locked or held shut by a staff person, by physically blocking the door, or by any other physical or verbal means, so that the individual cannot leave it (12VAC35-115-30). Restraint means the use of a mechanical device, medication, physical intervention, or hands-on hold to prevent an individual from moving his body to engage in a behavior that places him or others at imminent risk (12VAC35-115-30).

In developing such regulations, the work group shall (a) solicit input from experts in the field of behavioral health, persons with relevant lived experience with the Commonwealth\'s behavioral health system, and staff from both public and private providers; (b) review any data and other information made available by the Department regarding seclusion and restraint, serious incidents, and complaints and investigations regarding the misuse of seclusion and restraint; (c) review current regulations and training policies; (d) examine practices used in other states, best practice recommendations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and evidence-based and trauma-informed practices recommended by other national experts; (e) identify practices and approaches that safely de-escalate persons in crisis and reduce or replace the use of seclusion and restraint; and (f) identify staffing, training, and monitoring practices related to seclusion and restraint and that limit and ensure the appropriate use of seclusion and restraint.

Public comments may be submitted in writing for workgroup consideration through 5pm Friday August 8, 2025. Workgroup meetings will also include a public comment period. Meeting information will be posted on Commonwealth Calendar. Your input will help DBHDS improve regulations, training, and oversight to better support service recipients and providers.”

05/16/2025

Everything from Open Future Learning is worth sharing. Here's another:

If it's not clear whether you are talking about a horse or a person it's a sign to be more thoughtful about your words!

Words have power, let’s use them wisely. Instead use everyday language like "I helped John to eat his breakfast."

Welcome to Words Matter, a powerful, thought-provoking module by Open Future Learning written by Nina Tame.

: Image shows a support person stood between a disabled person and a horse. A speech bubble from the person reads "I've done your grooming and feeding."

04/28/2025

As the disAbility Law Center of Virginia says on their website, the crisis/complaint system for people with I/DD is "especially fragmented" in Virginia. There ARE resources, even though they can be hard to find when you need them.

If you are a self advocate (or ally!) in Virginia and you need to advocate and/or make a complaint, check out the DLCV's I/DD Self Advocacy and Complaint Portal here:

For Virginians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), find information on dLCV's online self-advocacy complaint and other oversight and regulatory entities.

04/26/2025

Please take this survey by May 4, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/2wb9j8eb

04/15/2025

So very true, from Misa on Wheels.

03/15/2025

Sharing from the Westchester Independent Living Center . Thank you Lois Curtis.

Lois Curtis was a champion for disability rights, paving the way for greater freedom and independence for people with disabilities. As the lead plaintiff in the landmark Olmstead v. L.C. case, she helped secure the right for individuals with disabilities to live in the community rather than institutions. Her legacy continues to shape advocacy efforts and inspire the fight for true inclusion.

Let’s honor Lois Curtis and her impact on disability rights today and every day. 💜♿

01/25/2025

We must do better than this.

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) has uncovered a major concern that affects hundreds of incredibly vulnerable Virginians!

12/16/2024

What a great idea! Sharing from The ADA Nerd

11/14/2024

Another gem from Open Future Learning 🙌 ✨️ 👌

10/28/2024

Sounds like a great idea from The ADA Nerd 👍

10/10/2024

Sharing this super catchy ditty about ADHD 🎶