Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

09/08/2026

VBPD is proud to introduce the 2027 cohort of the Partners in Policymaking (PIP) Training Program!

This is an impressive group of 24 highly motivated individuals who seek to use their voices to help people with disabilities get the support they need to live their best lives.

Upon completing the program, PIP Partners will have acquired the skills necessary to influence disability policy and advocate for positive change. They will also join a network of more than 700 alumni in Virginia and thousands more nationwide.

Hailing from Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, Central Virginia, and the Tidewater region, PIP Partners will begin their seven-month journey on Friday, September 11, to become even stronger leaders and advocates for people with disabilities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

PIP begins September 11-12, 2026, and culminates April 9-10, 2027.

https://vbpd.virginia.gov/training/partners-in-policymaking/

09/06/2026

Today, we are shining the spotlight on Lucy, an active alum of the Youth Leadership Academy’s class of 2016.

Lucy and her sister, Ceci, co-authored the 2019 memoir “Enabled,” a book about self- acceptance and living a full life.

Lucy recently attended the 2026 National Down Syndrome Society conference, an organization that has recognized her on both their website and on a billboard in Times Square. She has also served as a member of the VCU RRTC advisory committee.

She currently balances coursework at NOVA Community College and employment as a front desk receptionist. She is interested in visiting Thailand, experiencing culture and listening to K-POP.

https://vbpd.virginia.gov/training/youth-leadership-academy/
Video description: Text reads, “Shining the Spotlight. Youth Leadership Academy. Lucy. Class of 2016.” On the left, a photo of Lucy. A box of text appears on the right with information about Lucy as seen in the caption. Calming melodic music plays.

09/04/2026

It’s Resource Friday! Today we’re highlighting a resource to help you learn more about the IFSP Community State and Regional Councils as the application window for new members remains open until Sept. 11.

This website includes:
- A map to find regional council in your community.
- Links to each regions Facebook account so you can connect with members in your area
- A video with an overview about the IFSP
- And so much more!

Visit the website: https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/connect-ifsps-regional-councils

Apply to join the 2027 IFSP Regional Councils: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSP-Council-2027?fbclid=IwY2xjawUHrFRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMW9rRTduSWNRVFRmZkJNQVlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexeWJRIjMbZvv28pC2uJS4nCkIvM_sQ4dekT5_WE2LC3aEoBvAg-Uj8WzgqE_aem_rnOX_ejolkmemKIumGK6BQ

09/03/2026

WATCH: A message from Executive Director John Eisenberg.

In this short video, John shares his gratitude for the opportunity to work with and alongside Virginia’s disability advocacy community.

He also shares his enthusiasm to build upon the strong foundation set by his predecessors Teri Morgan and Heidi Lawyer to create a future where Virginia is the national model for advancing inclusion, opportunity and meaningful systems change for people with disabilities everywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBY5uXaxUYA
Video description: VBPD Executive Director John Eisenberg speaks in his office.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/02/2026

If you or your family find the DD waiver waiting list process difficult to navigate, you are not alone.

VBPD found in its recent assessment of Virginia’s disability services system that many people on the DD waiver waiting list and their families cannot easily find out their current status, priority level or next steps.

That’s why VBPD recommends that the state offers a centralized, secure, user-friendly portal where applicants can see their real-time waiting list status. It would show applicants their priority level, next steps and the contact information of their support coordinator.

Go to our assessment for more details!https://vbpd.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Assessments.pdf

09/01/2026

Emergency preparedness is important for everyone, but especially for people with disabilities who face increased risks during and after extreme weather events and disasters. Stay prepared starting with these tips and resources:

VDEM Suggested Items to Add to Your Emergency Kit: https://www.vdem.virginia.gov/prepare/disabilities

VDEM Local Emergency Management Offices: https://www.vdem.virginia.gov/divisions/operations-bureau/regional-support/

08/30/2026

Today we are shining the spotlight on Kristina, an active alum of the Partners in Policymaking’s class of 2024.

Last year, Mayor Danny Avula appointed Kristina to the City of Richmond, VA Human Rights Commission. She was also recognized as the 2026 Best Practices Participant by the VA Center for Inclusive Communities and Leadership Metro Richmond.

Kristina is an ASL presenter at the Iron Village Prep Summer Camp, and she created an ASL tutorial for families in North Carolina and Maryland. She plans to learn more about workplace accessibility and accommodation for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

For more information about Partners in Policymaking, visit the link in our Instagram bio or https://vbpd.virginia.gov/training/partners-in-policymaking/.
Video description: Text reads, “Shining the Spotlight. Partners in Policymaking. Kristina. Class of 2024.” On the left, a photo of Kristina. A box of text appears on the right with information about Kristina as seen in the caption. Calming melodic music plays.

08/28/2026

It’s Resource Friday! Today we’re highlighting SibStrong, a “By siblings, For siblings” organization for siblings of people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SibStrong provides communities, both in-person and digitally, where siblings can connect, get support, share experiences, and access information.

https://www.sibstrong.org/about/

08/27/2026

As part of VBPD’s recent assessment of supports for family caregivers in Virginia, we found that siblings of Virginians with disabilities are often unsung champions for disability rights and advocacy. As parents age, siblings often assume greater responsibilities as advocates, decision makers and caregivers.

That’s why VBPD recommends that the state develops training programs to help siblings more smoothly transition into these roles with confidence and ease. Go to the full assessment for more details!

https://vbpd.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Assessments.pdf

08/24/2026

New opportunity alert! Apply by September 11.

The IFSP Community is recruiting new members to their 2027 State and Regional Councils. This is a meaningful opportunity for people with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community partners to help strengthen supports across Virginia while building advocacy and leadership skills.

Download the application at our Instagram bio or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSP-Council-2027?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5QUZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVJtUjUzM2FBdndzSzM3VFBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEemVo6ut7kRBbCPYwwekY74bcRloJMOIR_4ujb15pg9cIgpXY3_ULjJKVTr8U_aem_pMEPFmAKeWPqmEOg4eaI1A