(1)
On behalf of all people with disabilities, and in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, our mission is to raise the awareness of the Mayor, City Council, City Administration and the community at-large of the needs of persons with disabilities. We assist in formulating solutions to meet those needs, and provide advice on issues involving compliance with state and national legislation addressing their needs.
Mission: On behalf of all people with disabilities, and in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, our mission is to raise the awareness of the Mayor, City Council, City Administration and the community at-large of the needs of persons with disabilities. We assist in formulating solutions to meet those needs, and provide advice on issues involving compliance with state and national legislation addressing their needs.
This article is from a personal perspective, but it’s educational and has a helpful link to a website that caters to people with disabilities who travel.
Experiencing the world has shaped my worldview and the way I interact with others. I started when I was 6 in Russia, with my family's help, and I haven't stopped. I just turned 23.
In a partnership with national advocacy organization, The Arc, VersAbility is hosting its second annual “Wings for All” airport rehearsal event on Feb. 1, giving families and caregivers the opportunity to experience what it would be like to travel with their loved one but without leaving Hampton Roads.
A family boards a plane during The ARC’s 2019 Wings for All program at Norfolk International Airport. (WYDaily/Courtesy VersAbility Resources) Air travel is overwhelming enough for anyone with having…
"After publication of the NPR story, Amtrak released a statement reiterating its earlier comments that the charges were part of the company's policy to charge passengers "an additional fee when any group requires reconfiguration of our railcars."
It usually costs $16 to take Amtrak from Chicago to Bloomington, Ill. The company defended the $25,000 cost for the extra wheelchair users, saying it reflects a new policy.
4th Saturday of the month, 10am - noon
Church of the Good Shepherd
7400 Hampton Blvd. Norfolk
For families with young deaf and hard of hearing children
A great resource for families with young deaf and hard of hearing children in Hampton Roads!
The bill HB276 has been amended to add "disability" to the list of hate crimes that must be reported to the state police.. It now goes to the full Courts of Justice committee. You can let your delegate know what you think about the bill.
Virginia State Police; reporting hate crimes. Includes within the definition of "hate crime" a criminal act committed against a person because of sexual orientation or gender identification and requires the reporting of the commission of such crime to the State Police.
There are plenty of crowdsourced websites, like Brettapproved, that offer ratings of places based on the experiences of those with disabilities, caretakers, family members and friends.
Experiencing the world has shaped my worldview and the way I interact with others. I started when I was 6 in Russia, with my family's help, and I haven't stopped. I just turned 23.
Governor's Executive Order
NUMBER FORTY-SEVEN (2020) EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIRGINIANS WITH DISABILITIES
Analysis and opinion on how candidates are addressing disability rights. "According to one 2018 poll, 34% of disabled voters are swing voters, 36% are Democratic voters, and 29% are Republican voters."
And these ones are not.
Congratulations to Governor Northam's appointees to the State Rehabilitation for the Blind and Vision Impaired
> Irene M. Conlin* of Virginia Beach, Volunteer Community Advocate for the Blind and Vision Impaired
> Julie Akers* of Radford, President, Ability2Access
> Christine Appert, EdD* of Charlottesville, Instructor, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia
The Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities is seeking input about accessibility and access to public services and facilities in Virginia Beach. The Committee will use the feedback to focus its efforts over the next year.
The survey will be open until January 31, 2020.
The Mayor s Committee for Persons with Disabilities is seeking input about accessibility and access to public services and facilities in Virginia Beach. The Committee will use the feedback to focus its efforts over the next year. The survey will be open until January 31 2020.
As of February 1, 2020, VIA Transportation, Inc., will be the new service provider for our Paratransit services. There will be informational meetings to learn more about VIA Transportation and some new technology initiatives they will have as a part of the current services. Learn more at the following meeting dates, times and places:
Jan.8 – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – HRT, 509 East 18th Street, Norfolk Facility
Jan.16 – Noon to 2:00 p.m. – Primeplus, 7300 Newport Avenue, Norfolk Wellness Center
Jan.16 – 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Norfolk Mayors Committee for Persons with Disabilities, 7300 Newport Avenue, Norfolk Wellness Center
As of February 1, 2020, VIA Transportation, Inc., will be the new service provider for our Paratransit services. There will be informational meetings to learn more about VIA Transportation and some new technology initiatives they will have as a part of the current services.
"Encouraging everyone to respond to the census helps Hampton Roads communities get their fair share of money for such things as school lunches; mental-health and substance-abuse programs; hospitals, housing, Pell grants and programs for the elderly."
"Recent experience suggests many of those most likely to go uncounted live in Hampton Roads; more than a fourth of Virginia’s “hard-to-count” population is believed to be here."
Northam signs order, directive ensuring inclusion for Virginians with disabilities
Governor Ralph Northam has signed an Executive Order and an Executive Directive that aim to ensure inclusion and opportunity for Virginians with disabilities.
"Governor Ralph Northam today issued Executive Order Forty-Seven and Executive Directive Six, the most comprehensive executive actions in Virginia history to ensure inclusion and opportunity for Virginians with disabilities.
"Executive Order Forty-Seven and Executive Directive Six continue the equal employment initiatives outlined by former Governor Terry McAuliffe in a 2015 executive order. In addition, these executive actions dramatically expand the scope of support for Virginians with disabilities to increase opportunity in higher education, improve the accessibility of state services, and ensure continued stakeholder engagement. "
Governor Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor of Virginia
Unfortunately, the legislation was killed by a subcommittee in the last General Assembly session.
In the middle of a packed committee room in late January, Kara Murdock sat patiently, resting her swollen arm on her leg. She waited for over an hour while a House Commerce and Labor subcommittee rushed through its lengthy, late-in-the-day agenda so she could tell lawmakers about that arm: That she....
Why do we listen to the laments of neighbors and family members about loving murderers and the difficulties of caring for disabled people? A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation described this framing as “killer-centered.” The personhoods and motivations of the killers are explored in detail, while their victims are quietly erased and the cultural contexts that fostered murders are hidden.
When a partner kills his disabled loved one, we see it as an act of kindness or mercy. It isn't.
"They’re participating in a research study at the University of Delaware’s Innovation, Health and Design Lab to generate the country’s first size guide for people with Down syndrome. The lab’s mission is to provide a whole community with access to outfits that help them function with more independence and confidence.
"At the end of the study, Jayden and the nearly 1,000 other participating children with Down syndrome will receive a free custom-made pair of jeans that accommodate their size and limited motor functions.
"The lab, which opened in September 2018, is powered by the vision and leadership of Martha Hall, a fashion designer turned biomechanical engineer. Hall, who was born in Newark, earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from UD and then a doctorate in biomechanics from the school in 2018. She started her career designing cocktail dresses, but once she saw the work UD professor Cole Galloway was doing for children with motor deficits, she dedicated her work to improving minority populations’ quality of life through functional clothing."
When Jayden Niblett wakes up each morning, his mind races to remember what he is doing that day and what he can wear to impress his friends.
"People with disabilities are about as likely to register to vote as people without disabilities, but they are less likely to get their votes cast, according to a Rutgers University report."
Wisconsin officials have missed audits, provided fewer supplies to polling places and haven't followed up to ensure that polls are accessible.
Need this for playground at Mount Trashmore🙂
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- A playground in Richmond is now more inclusive to children with disabilities. SOAR365, a non-profit, in the state's capital unveiled theunique new merry-go-round that was recently installed at a park on Saunders Avenue. "We're excited to offer this new feature to our award-wi...
"As the Telecommunications Relay and/or Captioned Telephone service provider for the state of Virginia, Hamilton Relay acknowledges that opportunities for higher education affect the future of Virginia’s high school students.
"We are pleased to once again extend the Hamilton Relay Scholarship opportunity to graduating high school seniors in Virginia who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking to assist in their goals of continuing their education."
"The scholarship deadline is January 31, 2020 and applications must be received or postmarked by this date. The scholarship is in the amount of $500 and the winner will be determined on or before February 28, 2020."
Creating opportunities for higher education is a priority for Hamilton Relay. The goal of the Hamilton Relay Scholarship is to support students who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking in their post-secondary education.The Hamilton Relay Scholarship is extended to a qual...
YMCA JT's Camp Grom
*Program Announcement* We are very excited for this! 
Public Input: 2021-2023 State Plan for Independent Living
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
Seven Democratic Campaigns Prioritize Disability Issues in Accessibility for All Forum - The RespectAbility Report
Seven presidential campaigns made history together as they participated in a Democratic Party forum focused on issues affecting people with disabilities.
Announcing Theater for Everyone 2019! — Virginia Stage Company
Virginia Stage Company is dedicated to creating an inclusive space where all feel welcomed at the Wells Theatre. Since 2014, a performance of A Christmas Carol has been designated as Theater for Everyone , a performance specially designed as a theater experience for patrons of a
If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact Rebekah Geiselman, Education and Community Engagement Manager, at 757-213-1438 or [email protected].
**New Article Link:
https://www.pilotonline.com/entertainment/music/vp-db-vso-sensory-friendly-1121-20191121-3oirhk73hvhlpiirfegaamtsai-story.html?outputType=amp
“There are so many times when families of individuals with special needs feel like they can’t because it’s going to be loud or their family member will be disruptive or they’ll disrupt somebody else’s experience.To have an inclusive environment to be able to experience the arts and have all of those background concerns kind of put at bay allows us to just do something really normal."
Thank you to our community partners for making this such a meaningful and successful day!
The Faison Center
FACT Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater
The Mariners' Museum and Park
Hampton Public Library - Hampton, VA
Faith Inclusion Network-FIN
The Musical Autist
Arts Inclusion Company
Christopher Newport University
Queen of Virginia Skill & Entertainment
Thank you to the League of American Orchestras for the seed funding for this program. If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact Rebekah Geiselman, Education and Community Engagement Manager, at 757-213-1438 or [email protected].
#TeamOrchestra #SensoryFriendly #ArtsForAll #HamptonRoads #Symphony #Orchestra #MyVSO #VirginiaSymphony
Thanks to an $80,000 grant from a League of American Orchestras, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra hosted the first concert of its newly-developed sensory-friendly series. Each show in the series will accommodate people with sensory sensitivities and those on the autism spectrum.
Using a grant, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra hosted its first sensory-friendly concert. The show not only introduced people to new music but made many feel welcomed in a new environment.
Blind engineer builds a SMART cane that has Google Maps, Bluetooth, and a sensory device
This smart cane for the blind includes Google Maps, Bluetooth technology, and a hi-tech sensory device that will change the lives of the visually impaired.
National Organization on Disability
Live look: Our Chairman, Gov. Tom Ridge speaks to the US. Commission on Civil Rights about abolishing the subminimum wage for Americans with #disabilities #LookCloser #civilrights
"This system tells Americans with disabilities and their families that they are not worth the same as other Americans, that society values them and their labor less...All Americans deserve financial independence and security." Ridge Policy Group
These businesses are taking special-needs employees from Disability to ThisAbility, one hire at a time
Employers are changing lives - and strengthening their bottom lines - by hiring those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Captioned photo of a Signing Santa event at MacArthur Center.
Santa Claus greets 2-year-old Asher Milota and his mother, Rachel, during a Signing Santa event with the local deaf and hard-of-hearing community on Tuesday at the MacArthur Center. For more photos from the event, visit PilotOnline.com.
"To advance our work in addressing the mobility needs of older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and communities, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC ) is working with KRC Research to conduct a nationwide survey of transportation providers and stakeholders, including professionals"
EVERY RIDE COUNTS is NADTC's comprehensive publicity campaign to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people
"Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime."
Today we honor the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans. Thank you to all who have served and protected our country!
Do you know the history of this special day? Read more here: http://bit.ly/2PZisKL
Signing Santa
Deaf and hard of hearing children are invited to visit Sign Language Santa and sign their wish lists.
Governor Northam Announces Administration Appointments to the Statewide Independent Living Council
Kenneth Jessup* of Virginia Beach, Retired Lobbyist, Ken Jessup & Associates
Karen Michalski-Karney* of Glade Hill, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Independent Living Center
Alexis Nichols* of Chesterfield, Motivational Speaker and Advocate for People with Disabilities
Robert Targos* of Chesterfield, QC Manager, Evolution Labs
Shawn M. Utt* of Pulaski, Town Manager, Town of Pulaski
https://www.vasilc.org/
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent planning body working with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to increase the impact of Independent Living (IL) services in Virginia.
2401 Courthouse Drive, Suite 281
Virginia Beach, VA
23456
The Williams Farm Recreation Center is served by HRT paratransit.
Meetings are public, usually on the 3d Thursday, 3:45-5:00pm, at the Williams Farm Recreation Center.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Our Chair talks about the committee's work with restaurants to increase accessibility.
Virginia Beach Public Utilities
2405 Courthouse DrCity of Virginia Beach Office of Volunteer Re
2401 Courthouse Dr, Fl 2nd, Bldg 1City of Virginia Beach Office of the City Aud
2401 Courthouse DrVirginia Beach City Government
2401 Courthouse DrVirginia Dare Soil and Water Conservation Dis
2449 Princess Anne Rd, Bldg 14, Ste 102Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preserv
2424 Courthouse DrFCS Virginia Beach VA Cooperative Extension
2449 Princess Anne RdVirginia Beach Crime Prevention Steering Comm
2441 Princess Anne Road, Municipal Center, Building 15Virginia Beach Voter Registration & Elections
2449 Princess Anne Rd Bldg 14Virginia Beach Police Department
2509 Princess Anne Rd, Bldg 11Virginia Beach Project Lifesaver
2509 Princess Anne Rd, Bldg 15
Virginia Beach Project Lifesaver
2509 Princess Anne Rd, Bldg 15
Virginia Beach City Government
2401 Courthouse Dr
Virginia Beach Voter Registration & Elections
2449 Princess Anne Rd Bldg 14
Hampton Roads Biblical Counseling
1809 N Star Ct
Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue
513 Viking Dr
Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America
1032 Heatherwood Dr