09/05/2026
We are thrilled to share the launch of our 2026 initiative, Your Voice, Your Choice! This campaign is all about empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to take an active role in choosing their service providers and expressing the supports they want and need. Our focus is on strengthening self-advocacy, elevating personal choice, and ensuring that every person we serve feels respected, heard, and included in their own planning.
A part of this initiative also involves helping providers improve communication and accessibility. We are encouraging the use of plain language materials, multiple formats, and supports such as ASL interpretation, braille, bilingual materials, and other accommodations. Clear, accessible communication is essential for people to make informed decisions—and that’s at the heart of this campaign.
As part of Your Voice, Your Choice, we will offer several seminars, including:
• A self advocacy session presented by an individual we serve and his mother
• A plain language workshop for providers by Linh Nguyen (Virginia Board for People with Disabilities)
• Information sessions on waiver services and Medicaid presented by Nicole Destafano (DBHDS) and Jason Perkins (DMAS)
We will wrap up the campaign with a provider fair, giving individuals and families the opportunity to meet providers directly and learn about available service options.
