Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

03/09/2020

Senate passes bill that aims to help family caregivers

According to a release, the Senate has passed the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020, with parts from the Supporting America's Caregivers and Families Act that Kaine and Durbin introduced...

The release says nearly 35 million Americans provide unpaid care to people who are 50 or older, most of whom are family members. And there is also a growing number of grandparents and older relative caregivers who are in charge of young children and adults with disabilities.

Parts of the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 specifically address the needs of family caregivers.

03/08/2020

Out of the Darkness Community Walk - Virginia Beach

03/07/2020

Ceremony honors community members who support those with disabilities

The Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities accepts nominations for awards each year. The deadline is Nov. 30, and forms are available at the mayor’s office or on the committee’s webpage at vbgov.com/disabilities.
https://www.pilotonline.com/events/vp-bc-disability-awards-0308-20200305-phgeakrcgrh7lpixfqqdjey3r4-story.html

Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities recognized individuals, businesses and organizations for work

03/07/2020

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam - Proclamation

March 2020 as DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/proclamations/proclamation/developmental-disabilities-awareness-month.html

Governor Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor of Virginia

03/07/2020

Virginia Zoo moves toward more inclusive, sensory-friendly visitor experience

Virginia Zoo moves toward more inclusive, sensory-friendly visitor experience

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is working to make sure all visitors can experience the animals, even those who may be overwhelmed by all that’s going on. The zoo has …

03/07/2020

Class makes gymnastics accessible for all kids

Class makes gymnastics accessible for all kids

Excalibur’s Gymnastics for Everyone class is geared toward children with disabilities.

03/07/2020

America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store

FREE Annual Pass for current US Military and their dependents

FREE Annual Pass awarded to volunteers who contribute 250 or more hours

FREE Annual Pass for US 4th Grade Students

https://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html

Please note that Interagency Passes will not be available for immediate download or printing. A physical pass will be shipped to you. Receipts and electronic scanned images of your pass are not valid for use.

03/06/2020

Virginia will spend a record amount on early childhood education

Virginia will spend a record amount on early childhood education

Lawmakers are close to final agreement on a plan that will see $90 million spent mostly to help 3- and 4-year-olds.

03/06/2020

Judith Heumann: 100 Women of the Year

Time Magazine is honoring 100 women, one per year 1920 - 2020. For 1977, their choice is Judith Heumann.
https://time.com/5793652/judith-heumann-100-women-of-the-year/

Find out why TIME chose Judith Heumann as one of the 100 women who defined the last century

03/05/2020

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference
with Pete Wright, Esq.
Virginia Beach, VA
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 and Friday, May 15, 2020

Online Registration Now Available for both Wrightslaw Trainings in Virginia Beach, VA! https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/20.05.va.htm

03/05/2020

How Long Will It Take For Ridesharing Companies To Go Electric?

"Recent research has indicated that since very few ridesharing vehicles are electric, the services may, in fact, be increasing emissions due to increased idling and miles driven between ride requests. The ridesharing win-win is only truly achieved when trips are largely shared and done in the most efficient vehicles possible."

We already know that ridesharing companies like Lyft and Uber are making efforts to add many electric vehicles to their fleets, but is it enough?

03/04/2020

City of Virginia Beach Developmental Services Forum

Developmental Services Forum
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT)
Advanced Technology Center
1800 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Follow link below to register.

The City of Virginia Beach Developmental Services Division will be hosting an engaging half day of learning about services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Medicaid Waiver, and the role of the Virginia Beach Community Services Board. The event will include....

03/04/2020

The Described and Captioned Media Program

In 2006, the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) announced that March 13 to April 15 is National Deaf History Month.

Join us in celebrating the amazing achievements of the men and women who advanced civil rights throughout our country’s history.

Learn about the man who became the first instructor of the deaf in America. Take a glimpse into Helen Keller's life. Discover Robert Panara, the legendary professor of English, literature, and theater.

DCMP offers several text and video resources to help your students learn about deaf history.

www.dcmp.org

The Described and Captioned Media Program is a free-loan library of accessible educational media for use by teachers and family member of K-12 students with a vision or hearing loss. This U.S. Department of Education-funded program also serves as a clearinghouse of accessibility information and trai...

03/04/2020

Virginia Miss Amazing

Virginia Miss Amazing is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving girls and young women with disabilities who are ages 5 and older. Our pageant provides a venue for them to build confidence, leadership and life skills - and their self-esteem - in a supportive environment that highlights their abilities.

Virginia Miss Amazing Confident. Able. Amazing.

03/01/2020

Virginia Beach camp for children with developmental disabilities closes due to lack of funding

We did not know when they were nominated for an award that they would not be back this summer. At least we did not wait too long to recognize this program.

“The 60% reduction in community grant funding last summer made this already difficult situation significantly worse,” wrote Tina Gill, President of The Up Center. “After several years of seeking other funding, we determined that The Up Center could not financially sustain operations and the pa...

02/26/2020

Perspective | How America developed two sign languages — one white, one black

Still, there is rising pride in the dynamism and almost dance-like style of Black ASL at Gallaudet, where about 13 percent of the students are black. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/02/21/how-america-developed-two-sign-languages-one-white-one-black/

In black sign language, a relic of segregation has become a sign of solidarity.

02/26/2020

Perspective | My disabled daughter isn’t your inspiration porn

"There is a cultural trend of able-bodied people congratulating themselves for remembering to include people with disabilities. You might call it a celebration of someone doing a good deed or a feel-good story. But many people in the disability community call it inspiration porn. They don’t want to be the subject of your inspiration, and I don’t want my kid to be that either."

Even though you may find her inspiring, heaping praise on her for merely existing says more about how able-bodied people view her than it does about how great she really is.

02/25/2020

Pentagon Awarded $876M in Contracts Meant for Disabled Vets to Ineligible Companies: IG

"The IG's audit found that the DoD "awarded $876.8 million in contracts to ineligible contractors and did not implement procedures to ensure compliance with the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) subcontracting requirements after the contracts were awarded."

The Inspector General's report calls for better oversight, but one official said his office isn't responsible.

02/25/2020

Chesapeake coffee shop gives opportunities to disabled community

https://www.wavy.com/news/chesapeake-coffee-shop-gives-opportunities-to-disabled-community/?utm_source=newsfore&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026&tqid=gPyxb2YkE18BEWf2P1StdfeTbPr_IaJSdVUaUE1b

“Our second mission is to change community perception of what it means to have a disability or interact with someone with a disability. You come into this place, grab a cup of coffee, youR…

02/25/2020

Chesapeake coffee shop gives opportunities to disabled community

https://www.wavy.com/news/chesapeake-coffee-shop-gives-opportunities-to-disabled-community/?utm_source=newsfore&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026&tqid=gPyxb2YkE18BEWf2P1StdfeTbPr_IaJSdVUaUE1b

“Our second mission is to change community perception of what it means to have a disability or interact with someone with a disability. You come into this place, grab a cup of coffee, youR…

02/23/2020

Governor Northam Announces Community Forums to Inform Statewide Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Governor Northam Announces Community Forums to Inform Statewide Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Governor Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor of Virginia

02/21/2020

Disability rights groups say focus on election security hurting voter accessibility

“For people with disabilities, our votes aren’t secure now,” Kelly Buckland, the executive director of the National Council for Independent Living, said at an election accessibility summit hosted by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) on Thursday. “I believe we could make them more secure through technology that is available today.”

Disability rights advocates on Thursday urged election officials to focus on accessibility alongside security for U.S. elections and pushed for more technological solutions that would allow all Americans to cast secure votes.

02/21/2020

Everyone Counts. Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard in the 2020 Census. :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach

Persons with disabilities can be overlooked by the census but it is very important that we get an accurate count in order to fund services. https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/citypage/Pages/Census-Representation.aspx

 Everyone Counts. Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard in the 2020 Census. ​Voting is one of the most effective ways Americans can have a say in their own government, but all people living in the United States can also make their voices heard by being counted in the 2020 Census.  Page Content​​The ...

02/21/2020

02/21/2020

Helping youth with disabilities on the "Road 2 Independence"

Helping youth with disabilities on the "Road 2 Independence"

The Endependence Center is helping prepare youth with disabilities for careers and higher education, thanks to a grant from the Hampton Roads Community Found...

02/21/2020

Accessibility Survey - PublicInput.com

Have you answered our survey? It's still available for you to comment. https://publicinput.com/4468/

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. For assistance in completing this survey please call the Virginia Beac...

02/20/2020

Despite the snowfall today, the Mayor presented awards to to individuals, businesses, and service organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to enrich the lives of the citizens of Virginia Beach who have disabilities.

02/16/2020

Naval Station Norfolk Transit Corridor Project

HRT open houses for Naval Station Norfolk Transit Corridor Project. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:30-6pm, 1570 N. Military Highway and Thursday, Feb. 20, 4:30-6pm, Pretlow Library.

Public Open House Wednesday, February 19, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.Delta Hotels, 1570 North Military Highway, Norfolk Served by Bus Route 15, 23More information on our Project website Public Open House Thursday, February 20, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.Pretlow Library, 111 West Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk Served by B...

02/12/2020

Program Opportunities :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Therapeutic Recreation
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/programs/Pages/programs.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=TR%20rec%20summer%20registration&utm_campaign=spring%20programs%202020#tab=summer%20camps

 TR Program Opportunities Page Content​​​​​​​​​For current program offerings please check the programs & activity listings.​​ ​​  Leisure Programs ​​​​​​​Therapeutic Recreation Programs offer a variety of programs which allow participants of all ages and abi...

02/11/2020

More sensory-friendly concerts from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra are on the way this spring

On March 21, a string quartet will play familiar tunes while therapists from Tidewater Music Therapy lead activities including dancing, moving with scarves and playing small handheld instruments. Mixed Abilities in Motion from TRDance Center will lead a short, interactive demonstration. The show will begin at 3 p.m. in the Sandler Center for Performing Arts Miller Studio in Virginia Beach and is expected to last an hour.

Continuing their Open Doors Sensory-Friendly concert series, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform three more sensory-friendly shows in the coming months.

02/07/2020

A Committee member reports on Mental Health Advocacy Day:
Today (Feb. 5) I had the wonderful privilege of coming together as a community with advocates from all over NAMI Virginia at the Virginia General Assembly to speak with Delegates and Senators about funding the next phase of the STEP-VA program.

STEP-VA is an effort to provide a comprehensive and accessible system of community mental health services. We were asking our electeds to fully fund the next step toward Outpatient and Crisis Services .

This effort is incredibly important - and we are so appreciative of all of our community members and representatives for coming together not just today, but constantly working together to advocate and to #endthestigma.

02/06/2020

Alaska will no longer allow workers with disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage

The minimum wage exception was initially created to help those with disabilities get jobs, but despite its intentions, the legislation still fell short. Disability advocates argue the law is outdated and that many disabled individuals can succeed in jobs earning minimum wage or more, and that no other class of people faces this kind of government-sanctioned wage discrimination.

Yes, that was a thing. And yes, it is completely legal.

02/04/2020

Legislation that could benefit persons with disabilities.
HB207 to create a permanent absentee voter list. This has passed in the House of Delegates and is now in the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee: Deeds (Chair), Howell, Vogel, Reeves, Ebbin, Chafin, Ruff, Spruill, Peake, McDougle, Surovell, Mason, McClellan, Boysko, Bell
Senator Spruill is the one local representative. (804) 698-7505 email: [email protected]

HB276, to enhance reporting of hate crimes committed on the basis of disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity This has also passed the House and is now in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary: Edwards (Chair), Saslaw, Norment, Lucas, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Stanley, Chafin, Deeds, Petersen, Surovell, McClellan, Boysko, Morrissey Senator Lucas is the only local member. (804) 698-7518 email: [email protected]

Your legislators do want to hear from you, particularly if you have a personal experience to tell.

02/04/2020

Why is completing the 2020 Census so important?

It is absolutely critical that every single person gets counted in the census. Spread the word.

The 2020 Census is a population count of everyone living in the United States. It’s used to determine congressional representation and allocate nearly $700 b...

02/03/2020

Some with disabilities can live on their own with a little help. But Virginia is falling behind on its promises to do more.

The state’s promises came seven years ago, when it pledged to boost community services as part of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which had accused Virginia of violating the rights of people with disabilities who lived in state training centers.

“Everybody deserves a chance,” said Jesse Monroe, who has his own home thanks to technology and some assistance from a nonprofit agency.

02/01/2020

LIS > Bill Tracking > HB207 > 2020 session

"The bill also provides for a special application by which any registered voter may apply to receive absentee ballots for all elections in which he is eligible to vote. A voter on the permanent absentee voter list remains on the list until the voter requests in writing to be removed from the list, the voter's registration is canceled or placed on inactive status pursuant to law, or an absentee ballot sent to the voter is returned as undeliverable."

Absentee voting; no excuse; permanent absentee voter list. Permits any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he is qualified to vote. The bill removes the current list of statutory reasons under which a person may be entitled to vote by absentee ballot and removes refe...