Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

12/23/2022

We're looking for leaders! Applications are open for our 2023-2024 Partners in Policymaking program. We're looking for talented and motivated partners for this rewarding leadership training opportunity that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents, and caregivers of children and adults with I/DD to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. All training expenses are paid by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. PIP training consists of seven two-day sessions held one Friday and Saturday per month from September 2023 through April 2024, except in December. The training is hybrid with in-person and virtual sessions. Attendance is required at all sessions. Slots are limited for this competitive learning opportunity so apply early. To learn about PIP or to apply, visit https://www.vbpd.virginia.gov/policymaking.htm. Application deadline is March 23, 2023. Please share this post so we can reach diverse advocates from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

12/23/2022

Photos from Ability Center of Virginia's post

12/23/2022

FACT is looking for a basketball coach for our upcoming basketball season. If you, or anyone you know, knows or loves the sport and working with individuals with differing abilities - please send an email to [email protected] or call 757-422-2040 for more details.

12/23/2022

Born in 1818 in England, William Moon lost sight in one eye from scarlet fever as a child and was totally blind by the age of 21. After studying the four systems of embossed writing available at that time and declaring they “had failed to accomplish the object to which they had been directed,” Moon introduced his own simplified raised-alphabet system in 1845. He toured both in England and abroad to promote Moon type, and his visit to Philadelphia in 1882 helped launch the earliest Philadelphia Free Lending Library for the Blind. When he died in 1894, his son Robert—who had immigrated to Philadelphia in 1879—took up his father’s work, establishing the Moon Press for the Blind and editing the monthly Moon Magazine.

[Image: Profile of William Moon. Illustrated London News, October 20, 1894. Courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive.]

12/23/2022

12/18/2022

Whether you are singing along with your choir, performing in a winter pageant, playing in a Christmas Eve service, or simply looking to add some holiday cheer to household, the NLS Music Section has materials for your use. We’ve curated collections of braille sheet music for a variety of instruments for many classic Christmas and Hanukkah songs. You’ll also find some instructional materials in audio formats for beginners. Get inspired and into the holiday spirit here: https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/music-materials/catalogs-circulars-available-music-section/holiday-music-catalog/?loclr=fbnls

12/18/2022

Healing Is Not Exclusive.

Healing Is Not Exclusive.

Trails of Purpose functions solely on the dedication and hard work on our Volunteer Team. As an all volunteer organization, we can not do what we do without our volunteers. These volunteers are some of the most selfless ...

12/18/2022

Timeline photos

Introducing Social Building Blocks! Social Building Blocks at the YMCA is a new monthly program starting in January 2023 designed for neurodivergent children aged 3-6 years old. Each session will focus on developing and practicing social skills through purposeful play. Participants and their caregivers will be allowed to engage with one another in a welcoming and inclusive environment, creating social connections with those in their community. Click to learn more and register. https://loom.ly/jxChrnw

12/04/2022

ACVA is in the holiday spirit! Head to the Holiday Parade at the Beach at 5:30 TONIGHT to wave to the ACVA crew and check out our winter wonderland van!

Where: Atlantic Avenue between 15th and 25th streets
When: TONIGHT @ 5:30 PM

12/04/2022

Check out the Well Sibling Squad!

11/30/2022

Secretary of Health and Human Resources - Surveys

https://www.hhr.virginia.gov/surveys/

John Littel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Office of the Governor, Glenn Youngkin, Richmond, Virginia, VA State, commonwealth

11/28/2022

m.facebook.com

https://m.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pilotonline.com%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2Fvp-nw-fz22-disabilities-emergencies-pandemic-20221127-nzwyrb3tt5dejbla6agm45xvze-story.html&title=For+people+with+disabilities%2C+public+emergencies+are+challenging.+Virginia+is+looking+for+ways+to+better+support+them.#

11/17/2022

Secretary of Health and Human Resources - Surveys

Secretary of Health and Human Resources - Surveys

John Littel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Office of the Governor, Glenn Youngkin, Richmond, Virginia, VA State, commonwealth

11/17/2022

Cory Lee has visited 40 countries on seven continents, and yet the Georgia native has never explored Cloudland Canyon State Park, about 20 minutes from his home. His wheelchair was tough enough for the trip to Antarctica but not for the rugged terrain in his backyard.

Lee’s circumstances changed Friday, when Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources and the Aimee Copeland Foundation unveiled a fleet of all-terrain power wheelchairs for rent at 11 state parks and outdoorsy destinations, including Cloudland Canyon. The Action Trackchair models are equipped with tank-like tracks capable of traversing rocks, roots, streams and sand; clearing fallen trees; plowing through tall grass; and tackling uphill climbs.

“I’ll finally be able to go on these trails for the first time in my life,” said the 32-year-old travel blogger, who shares his adventures on Curb Free With Cory Lee. “The trails are off-limits in my regular wheelchair.” https://wapo.st/3UL5zlG

11/17/2022

With a combined 23 Paralympic Games appearances and 15 Paralympic medals to their credit, an experienced roster of 12 athletes has been selected to represent the U.S. at the 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Matosinhos, Portugal, Dec. 7-16. This year’s tournament provides the first chance for countries to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with the top two teams in the men’s and women’s competitions punching their ticket to Paris. https://www.usaba.org/first-paris-2024-qualification-opportunity-for-experienced-u-s-teams-at-upcoming-ibsa-goalball-world-championships/

11/10/2022

Virginia Autism Foundation's 13th Annual Tidewater Autism Summit is this Saturday November 12th 11:00-3:00 at YMCA at JT's Camp Grom! Come join us it is the largest gathering of Autism Service Providers under one roof and a ton of fun! Free toys for ALL children in attendance! Food, Beverages, Bounce House, Bubble Land, The Teeny Tiny Farm Petting Zoo. VB Police and Fire Dept and their monster Fire Truck. Breakout session at Noon "Our Autism Journey and how to navigate yours" Free admission! Additional information [email protected]!

11/06/2022

Seeking New Members!
We are seeking members who are Virginia Beach residents:
• who have a disability; and/or
• who have experience working with a person, or persons, with a disability; and/or
• who are affiliated with organizations that provide services to Virginia Beach residents with a disability; and
• City employees, in an ex-officio status.
Membership application forms are available through the Mayor's Office and on our web page at http://www.vbgov.com/disabilities .
Hope to see you soon!

11/06/2022

Annual Award Nominations
The deadline for submitting nominations is November 30, 2022.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 1, 2022) — The Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities seeks nominations from the community for its 2022 annual awards. The awards recognize individuals, businesses and service organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving and enriching the lives of the citizens of Virginia Beach who have disabilities.
The award recipients are chosen from nominations from the community for individuals and groups that have impacted the lives of Virginia Beach citizens with disabilities in a positive manner. Each recipient exemplifies the best of the Beach and has made significant contributions in time and resources to ensure that people with disabilities have full integration in the community in which they live.

The award nomination form can be found and completed online on the Committee web page http://www.vbgov.com/disabilities. People who do not have access to the Internet can use a computer at any Virginia Beach Public Library. Computers at the Bayside and Central Libraries have assistive devices to make them Internet-accessible for persons with impaired vision.
A printed application can be obtained at any City of Virginia Beach Public Library. The completed application can be e-mailed to the ADA Coordinator at [email protected] or mailed to the Office of the Mayor, Municipal Center, Building 1, 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9000. If you have questions, please call 757-385-4134.

11/06/2022

Timeline photos

Who says there’s no such thing as a “free ride”? Again, this year, Hampton Roads Transit is offering free rides on election day. All bus, light rail, ferry, paratransit and microtransit are free on Tuesday, November 8th.

10/24/2022

2022 Hampton Roads Fall Career Fair

2022 Hampton Roads Fall Career Fair

October is National Disability Awareness Month and we will be hosting an event that highlights the experience and skills of ALL jobseekers

10/24/2022

The Halloween Family Fun Day at JT's Camp Grom is right around the corner!
We are looking for volunteers and candy donations to help make this event spook-tacular 👻
🎃Saturday, October 29th
🎃 Set up volunteers needed 2:30-4PM
🎃Haunted bus and spooky sensory station volunteers needed 4-7PM
🎃Any help is appreciated!

We are still accepting candy donations! Can't drop your donation at ACVA? Send it through Amazon or email [email protected] to schedule a pickup 🍬
We will stop accepting donations on Friday October 28th

10/24/2022

Allowing kids to be who they really are: Parents open school for students on autism spectrum

https://www.pilotonline.com/news/health/vp-bc-maverick-learning-1023-20221023-d2iqzibsorgb7bcnbx3jab7shq-story.html

When Josh and Maegan Cahoon set a goal, all their energy goes into the project. Recently, they started their own school, from the ground up.

10/22/2022

Join Grace Marshall on October 24 from 6:30-8:30pm, as she shares information about Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income, and other helpful tips. Register at: social_security_basics_FACT.eventbrite.com

10/20/2022

Photos from Food Allergy Research & Education's post

10/20/2022

VBPD seeks Request for Proposals for a public awareness campaign highlighting people with disabilities. Proposals are due November 18, 2022 by 4:00 p.m. ET. Up to $200,000 is available for the campaign. Visit our website, https://www.vbpd.virginia.gov/grants.htm#currentgrants, for more information on the Diversity, Inclusion & Visibility public awareness campaign.

10/20/2022

Who says there’s no such thing as a “free ride”? Again, this year, Hampton Roads Transit is offering free rides on election day. All bus, light rail, ferry, paratransit and microtransit are free on Tuesday, November 8th.

10/20/2022

We are excited to partner with Posh Salon of Williamsburg to offer sensory-friendly haircuts on November 5th! One Child staff will be on site to help families navigate what can often be a challenging experience!

10/10/2022

Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities
Opens Annual Award Nominations
The deadline for submitting nominations is November 30, 2022.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 1, 2022) — The Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities seeks nominations from the community for its 2022 annual awards. The awards recognize individuals, businesses and service organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving and enriching the lives of the citizens of Virginia Beach who have disabilities.
The award recipients are chosen from nominations from the community for individuals and groups that have impacted the lives of Virginia Beach citizens with disabilities in a positive manner. Each recipient exemplifies the best of the Beach and has made significant contributions in time and resources to ensure that people with disabilities have full integration in the community in which they live.

The award nomination form can be found and completed online on the Committee web page http://www.vbgov.com/disabilities. People who do not have access to the Internet can use a computer at any Virginia Beach Public Library. Computers at the Bayside and Central Libraries have assistive devices to make them Internet-accessible for persons with impaired vision.
A printed application can be obtained at any City of Virginia Beach Public Library. The completed application can be e-mailed to the ADA Coordinator at [email protected] or mailed to the Office of the Mayor, Municipal Center, Building 1, 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9000. If you have questions, please call 757-385-4134.

10/09/2022

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022

In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for National Disability Employmen...

10/09/2022

SPOOKY SEASON👻

WHO: SOCIAL CLUB & TEEN TIME
WHAT: Haunted Hunt Club Farm
WHERE: drop off and pick up- 520 VIKING DRIVE, VB, VA 23452 (where we park our bus)
WHEN: Sunday, October 16th
TIME: 5:45 PM- 9:45 PM

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO SIGN UP ➡️ https://conta.cc/3iJn81Z

10/09/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100063749075886/posts/492475982887367/?flite=scwspnss

Seeking New Members!
We are seeking members who are Virginia Beach residents:
• who have a disability; and/or
• who have experience working with a person, or persons, with a disability; and/or
• who are affiliated with organizations that provide services to Virginia Beach residents with a disability; and
• City employees, in an ex-officio status.
Membership application forms are available through the Mayor's Office and on our web page at http://www.vbgov.com/disabilities .
Hope to see you soon!

10/09/2022

Growing a Unity Community in Virginia Beach :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/citypage/Pages/Unity-Week-2022.aspx

 Growing a Unity Community in Virginia Beach Celebrate the Fifth Annual Unity Week Oct. 16-22. Page ContentUnity Week in Virginia Beach is a celebration of individual differences and a movement toward embracing the unique aspects that set individuals apart with positivity and acceptance.This year, ...

10/04/2022

✨BIG NEWS ✨

We have started construction on our facility. Follow along as we highlight our progress!

FACT's Autism Resource Center will be a state-of-the-art facility where FACT and seven other organizations provide a variety of complementary services to thousands of individuals with autism and similar disabilities, as well as their families, in one single location in Hampton Roads. The building is centrally located along the City's bus line with 678,000 people within a 20-minute drive time. Aid Another, Autism Society of Tidewater, CA Human Services, Easterseals, Lider Counseling & Consulting, Sentara, and Social Butterflies have committed to space in the building.
By collaborating, cooperating, and cohabitating with other organizations, FACT's Autism Resource Center will provide an amazing opportunity to create a supportive, loving, and nurturing environment for these individuals throughout their lifetime.

The 21,900 square foot Center will feature:
🔹 5,000 square foot multi-purpose Friendship Hall for Summer Camps and year-round art, music, leisure, social, and educational programs
🔹 1,900 square foot sensory gym, the largest in Virginia Beach
🔹 1,900 square foot gym for sports
🔹office and activity spaces for other organizations benefiting those with autism