Goals and Focus Areas

People with disabilities are free from harm in mental health facilities: We monitor conditions in mental health facilities and investigate selected instances of death, serious injury, or abuse or neglect, and seek reforms.

People with disabilities are free from harm in licensed and regulated community settings: We investigate selected allegations of abuse or neglect in licensed and regulated community settings and seek reforms.

Children and youth with disabilities are free from harm in schools: We advocate for children in educational settings to be free from seclusion and restraint through education and training.

Children and youth with disabilities receive appropriate services in juvenile justice facilities: We monitor facilities and advocate for children in juvenile justice facilities to receive appropriate services.

The Commonwealth will maintain sustained compliance with the U.S. v VA settlement agreement: We review the progress and status of the U.S. v VA settlement agreement and take appropriate action to maintain compliance.

People with Disabilities Will Be Free from Harm and Receive Appropriate Services from First Responders and Other State Agencies: We will investigate, create resources, and educate policy makers on barriers to services.

Government Programs Provide Reasonable Accommodations and Effective Communications: We seek equal access to government buildings and programs under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Virginians with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

Social Security recipients who have representative payees are free from exploitation: We conduct reviews of Representative Payees on behalf of Social Security, investigate allegations of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, and seek corrective action.

People with disabilities have equal access to vote: We advocate for individuals with disabilities to have a barrier free voting process. We also provide training and education on voting rights to the community.

People with disabilities are assisted in Medicaid appeals: We provide training, information and referral and advocacy to address Medicaid appeals.

The Commonwealth will appropriately transition all people when they are ready for discharge from state hospitals: We assist individuals in state-operated facilities to receive appropriate discharge planning and timely discharge to integrated community placements.

People with disabilities have maximum individual choice: We advocate for individuals with disabilities to have choice and control over themselves and their environment through supported decision- making and alternatives to guardianship.

All people with disabilities who contact dLCV receive Information and Referral services: We provide information and referral services relating to disability rights to everyone.

The general public is aware of dLCV’s services and successes: We provide training and outreach to the public to bring awareness of the agency and increase resources to operate.

Spanish speaking communities and children and youth in foster or kinship care are aware of dLCV’s services: We serve these underserved communities through targeted outreach, training and advocacy.

dLCV provides education, training, and outreach to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault: We collaborate with other agencies serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to increase our ability to assist in this area.

The legal community and general public are aware of dLCV’s advocacy through Amicus Briefs: We provide Amicus Briefs on targeted legal issues to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Provide Information, Resources, or Educational Materials to Self-Advocates, Family Members, or Care Givers to Better Assist Students Who are Eligible for an IEP or a 504 Plan to File a Formal Complaint: We provide information and resources to individuals on educational barriers