About the VBPD
VBPD
To enrich the lives of Virginians with disabilities by providing a VOICE for their concerns. Vision of communities that welcome people with disabilities Outreach to individuals, families and advocates Innovation through grant projects and sponsored programs Collaboration with providers of disability services Education of policymakers on disability issues
About the Board
Created in 1985 by the General Assembly, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities serves as the state´s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council under the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and the state Virginians with Disabilities Act. Since 1992, the Board has been an executive branch agency within the Secretariat of Health and Human Resources.
The Governor appoints 31 of the Board´s 40 members, who represent specific constituencies such as individuals with disabilities, their families, and various professions. The remaining nine members represent key state agencies engaged in providing disability services. Principal funding for the Board´s activities, including its Community Services Awards, is provided by the Administration for Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Board advises the Governor, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, legislators, and other constituent groups on issues related to people with disabilities in Virginia. It also engages in advocacy, outreach, systems and needs assessment, education and training, technical assistance, barrier elimination, system design/redesign, coalition development, support of citizen participation, and the demonstration of new and innovative approaches to the delivery of community-based services.
Collectively, the Board´s capacity-building and system-change activities contribute to a coordinated, comprehensive, consumer- and family-centered and directed system of services and supports that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.
