Assessing Virginia's Disability Services

Periodic assessment of Virginia’s disability services system by the Board is required by state statute. As the state’s federally established Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Board is also required to include assessment information as a part of its federal five-year State Plan. In late spring 2011, the Board will publish a new edition of its Assessment of the Disability Services System in Virginia. In August 2011, it will submit its 2012-2016 State Plan to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, its federal oversight and funding agency. These two important documents will impact the Board’s activities and inform individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates, service providers, policymakers, educators, the media, and all Virginians for years to come.

The Board greatly appreciates the feedback by constituents who participated in its recent Public Comment Forums across the state and who contributed comments by e-mail, fax, phone, and postal mail. The information that they have provided will be immensely useful in determining the areas of concern and recommendations to be included in the 2011 Asssessment and in determining the Board's goals, objectives, and activities for the next five years.

While this formal public comment period has ended, the Board welcomes ongoing input about the state's disability services system, as well as its own activities. Individuals with disabilities, their family members and caregivers, advocates, service-providers, policymakers, and other concerned citizens are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences. Contact us at any time via e-mail, telephone, fax, or postal mail. The Board's Public Comment Policy includes information on submitting public comment at its quarterly meetings.

2008 Assessment of the Disability Services System in Virginia

Featuring a comprehensive assessment of Virginia's service system for people with developmental and other disabilities, identification of critical issues facing Virginia's disability services system, Board recommendations addressing those concerns, and reference listings for additional information.

Initially released in April 2006, the Board`s Assessment has become an essential reference and resource guide for the many individuals and organizations working to improve Virginia's service system. Its content has been reviewed and cited by state and local elected and appointed officials, the news media, advocates, service-providers, individuals with disabilities, and their families.

The latest edition, released in Spring 2008, has been revised and expanded based on extensive research and public comment. Program descriptions and statistical data have been updated. A new chapter on Emergency Preparedness has been added along with an additional appendix listing agency and program Acronyms.

The Board would like to thank all those who contributed to the 2008 edition, especially its colleagues at the many agencies that contributed or reviewed program information and data. It also greatly appreciates the input of the many individuals who shared their personal experiences and concerns about Virginia's service system by mail, e-mail, fax, and telephone and at the Stakeholder Roundtables and Public Comment Forums held in Petersburg, Fairfax, Winchester, Hampton, St. Paul, and Danville during April and May 2007. Their feedback was carefully considered by the Board and played a significant role in the 2008 update of the Assessment.

For more information on the Assessment, please click on the following links:

• Announcement (Word)
• Announcement (PDF)
• PowerPoint Introduction (PPS)
• PowerPoint Introduction (PDF)
• Excerpt: Executive Summary (Word)
• Excerpt: Executive Summary (PDF)
• Excerpt: Summary: Progress, Concerns & Recommendations (Word)
• Excerpt: Summary: Progress, Concerns & Recommendations (PDF)
• Excerpt: VBPD Recommendation Priorities for 2008-2009 (Word)
• Excerpt: VBPD Recommendation Priorities for 2008-2009 (PDF)

To access individual sections of the Assessment in print formats, please click on the links listed below.

An audio version of the Assessment, produced by TecAccess LLC, has been posted to the Virginia Voice Radio Reading Service's website where it can be listened to on-line or downloaded for listening on a computer, mp3 player, or other compatible audio device.

Copies of the Assessment in CD-ROM, audio, and other accessible formats may be obtained by contacting the Board at:

VIRGINIA BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Washington Building, Capitol Square
1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
info@vbpd.virginia.gov
(804) 786-0016 - Voice & TTY
(800) 846-4464 - Toll-Free, Voice & TTY
(804) 786-1118 - Fax