Partnership for People with Disabilities

10/15/2025

Looking for a part time job? We have an opening for a Regional Community Engagement Specialist

The Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) celebrates 40 years as Virginia's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Research, Training, and Dissemination (www.partnership.vcu.edu ).

The Partnership's Center for Family Involvement (CFI) provides emotional, informational and systems navigational support to families to help them increase their skills as advocates, mentors, and leaders so that families, children, and young adults with disabilities can lead the lives they want.

The Partnership is seeking a dynamic person to serve in the Regional Community Engagement Specialist position, which is a part-time position for 10-12hours/week.

The Partnership is a grant-funded center in the School of Education at VCU. This position is grant-funded. We anticipate long-term funding for this role; however, similar to other grant-funded organizations, we could be impacted by funding changes at the federal level. This position will be open rank with an anticipated slotting of Coordinator, CE 1 (80241)

JOB LINK: https://vcujobs.com/jobs/regional-community-engagement-specialist-vcu-main-campus-virginia-united-states

10/15/2025

🎉Good News Southwest Virginia
A NEW Support Group!

We're shining the spotlight on the incredible groups lifting up Virginia's disability community-one post at a time!

TOGETHER IN VIRGINIA
SUPPORT GROUP SPOTLIGHT
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

LINK: https://forms.gle/E8eXmA4hJfunxyj77

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

10/14/2025

TRAINING ALUMNI Invites You To Attend … SO, YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

This workshop will share practical advocacy tips and strategies to help you have your voice heard.

Participants will learn effective approaches for legislative meetings, delivering public testimony, writing impactful letters, organizing phone campaigns, and using tools like petitions, proclamations, and resolutions to advance their cause.

A Statewide Continuing Education Workshop - Friday, October 24, 2025 • 12 PM – 2 PM
Join us for this educational and engaging session.

Heidi Lawyer has worked in disability policy and advocacy for more than 30 years. She
served as Deputy Director and then Interim Director of Virginia’s Protection and Advocacy
System, as well as Executive Director of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.

She was a parent co-founder of the Autism Program of Virginia, now Commonwealth Autism.
Heidi joined the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) in 2020 after
retiring from state service and, in 2024, became its Deputy Director, where she is
involved with policy efforts, resource creation, and family support.

Heidi’s commitment to advocacy began when her now 39-year-old son was diagnosed with autism. She has advocated for individuals with disabilities and their families at the local, state, and federal
levels.

LINK: https://dsa-virginia.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/9SDXu5TBRVmYcKkvRtQ6zA #/registration

Visit www.PEATC.org: “Building Positive Futures for Virginia’s Children.

10/10/2025

10/07/2025

🎉Good News Southwest Virginia: A NEW Support Group

A SPACE FOR SUPPORT:
Support group for families of people with disabilities in Southwest Virginia

CONNECT WITH US
October 21, 2025 10AM - 12PM
HIGHER ED CENTER, #235
ABINGDON, VA SNACKS PROVIDED!

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

10/07/2025

Toolkit Series: Session 1 SELF CARE FOR PROFESSIONALS
This is the 1st of 5 in a Tookit

Series October 30, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Virtually on Zoom

Speaker: Patrice Beard

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Register now at
https://tinyurl.com/2s46x473

ASL INTERPRETATION WILL BE
AVAILABLE

https://tinyurl.com/2s46x473

ASL INTERPRETATION WILL BE
AVAILABLE

©The LOTUS Project (Linking Outreach, Trust, Understanding, and Safety) is a grant funded project made possible through support from DCJS. It is operated through a partnership between the Partnership for People with Disabilities and the VCU School of Social Work.

The mission of the LOTUS Project is to promote and facilitate awareness about abuse of people with disabilities and to advocate for equal access to services and legal protections.

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

10/06/2025

Our very own Lisa Richard attended the Montgomery County Public Schools Transition Fair. What a great night at Christiansburg High School connecting with families!

After a full day of conversations, questions, and shared stories, Lisa wrapped up the evening with a smile and a full heart 😊.

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