The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities advises the Governor, legislators and government agencies
on public policy issues affecting people with DD. Our Policy Values Statement reflects the guiding values the
Board uses to develop and promote policy positions that advance opportunities for independence, personal
decision-making and full participation in community life for individuals with developmental and other disabilities.
To view the policy values, click here.
People with disabilities have a civil right to receive services and supports in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs and desires. We support options and services that help people live, work, learn, and engage in all parts of community life.
We believe all people should receive equitable, person-centered, and inclusive education appropriate to their needs. We support the use of evidence-based practices, starting with early childcare settings and continuing through postsecondary education, that are necessary to assist Virginians with developmental disabilities in reaching their full potential.
VBPD believes in the dignity of work and, with appropriate supports, everyone can work in a competitive-paying job that suits their skills. We support policies that create and promote competitive, integrated employment options for Virginians with developmental disabilities.
VBPD believes that healthcare includes mental, physical, and holistic wellness. We support accessible, affordable, evidence-based healthcare that is responsive to the unique needs of every individual with a disability.
VBPD believes that all Virginians have the right to affordable, accessible, appropriate housing of their choosing. VBPD supports policy solutions that provide the infrastructure and funding necessary to address and expand accessible, affordable housing options for people with developmental disabilities.
VBPD believes people with disabilities are experts in their own needs and desires. They, and their chosen support network, must be included in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. VBPD believes everyone is entitled to the “dignity of risk”1 and should have the freedom and supports they need to make their own decisions. We support policies and practices that give self-advocates a voice.
08-07-2017: Public Comment on proposed Partnerships for Innovation, Inclusion and Independence Program
12-11-2017: VBPD Statement on Net Neutrality Regulations
07-18-2023: VBPD Comment on Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Amendment
03-30-2023: VBPD Comment on FIS Waiver Renewal Application
11-03-2021: A letter to DMAS providing comment on the DD waiver provider manual, Chapter 4
03-20-2021: VBPD Comment on Marcus Alert System
03-25-2021: VBPD Comment Final DD Waiver Regulations
04-01-2019: 4-1-2019 VBPD Comment on Draft DD Waiver Regulations
03-19-2019: VBPD 3-19 Comment on Community Living Waiver Renewal Application
03-16-2018: VBPD Comment on BI and FIS Waiver Renewal Apps
01-15-2016: DBHDS Policy 1021 (SYS) 07-0 Core Services
03-20-2020: Developmental Disabilities Network Letter regarding COVID-19
07-17-2020: Letter to Governor - Reasonable Access to Disability Support Personnel in Health Care Settings
02-08-2017: VBPD Comment on Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities
10-31-2017: Request for Stakeholder Comments on Initial Draft Revisions to DBHDS Regulations Following Periodic Review
02-19-2016: DBHDS Transformation Team Recommendations
05-25-2021: VBPD VDOE Sexual Health IEP Guidelines Comments
01-09-2021: VBPD Letter to Education Committee Members
04-11-2019: VBPD Comment on Proposed Restraint & Seclusion Regulations
03-29-2019: VBPD & CISS Public Comment on Regulations Governing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint
11-30-2018: VBPD Response to Richmond Times-Dispatch Regarding Educating Children with Autism
07-06-2018: Increasing School Safety by Investing in Student Supports, Legal Aid Justice Center Coalition Letter
01-05-2018: VBPD Comments on Standards of Accreditation
09-14-2018: VBPD Comment on DARS EESLTESS Workgroup Recommendations
03-16-2018: VBPD Comment on Virginia's Combined State Plan Modifications
12-15-2022: VBPD Comment on Managed Care Procurement
06-10-2020: VBPD Letter on COVID-19 Data Regarding People with Disabilities
08-12-2019: Virginia Oral Health Coalition Medicaid Advocacy Letter
02-13-2019: VBPD Comment on Proposed CCC Plus Program Part 1 Regulations
09-20-2018: VBPD Comments to DMAS on CCC Plus Contract
09-10-2018: Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits, Virginia Oral Health Coalition and Partners
06-08-2018: Addressing the Needs of Individuals in Virginia with ASD and Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Conditions
10-31-2017: Comment on Draft 2018 CCC Plus Contract
05-05-2017: VBPD Statement on AHCA Passage in the US House of Representatives
01-05-2016: Virginia's Section 1115 Waiver Application to Department of Medical Assistance Services
04-26-2017: DARS Proposed Amendments to Regulations on Auxiliary Grants-Third Party Payments
03-07-2018: VBPD Comment on Draft Amendments re Settlement Agreement Compliance
12-12-2017: VBPD Comment on Rules and Regulations For Licensing Providers by DBHDS