Pre-ETS and Interagency Collaboration

Local Links and Resources

• Benefits Counseling (PDF)- DARS

• Center for Secondary Education Transition

• Community Knights

• Department of Health and Human Services

• Division on Career Development and Transition

• Hampton/Newport News Community Services Board

• I'm Determined

• Links and Information on Self-Determination

• The Workforce Board & Virginia Career Works Greater Peninsula Career Works Center

• Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

• VA Transition Services for Students with Disabilities

• PEATC: Transition to Adulthood

Virginia Specific Links:

• disability advocacy

• home health services

• home care

• nursing aide services

• Medicaid

• accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.

 Protection & Advocacy Organization

The Virginia state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is the disABILITY Law Center of Virginia (dLCV). dLVC is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Virginia to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. dLVC is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).

 Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)

ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.

• No Wrong Door
  
  

Legal Services Organizations 

These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.

• Virginia Legal Aid Society

• Legal Services of Northern Virginia

• Central Virginia Legal Aid Society

• Southwest Virginia Legal Aid

• Legal Aid Justice Center

• Blue Ridge Legal Services, Inc.

• VALegalAid.org
   

Other Disability Advocacy Organizations

These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.

• Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

• Center for Disability Leadership

• The Arc of Virginia
   

State Medicaid Agency

Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Virginia.

• Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

• CommonHelp (apply for Medicaid)

• Medicaid.gov Virginia page
   

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).

• Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (VASILC)
   

Other State and Non-Profit Agencies

These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.

• Virginia Department of Health

• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services

• Virginia Disability Services Agencies

• Virginia Easy Access

• Virginia Navigator

• Virginia Department of Social Services

• Secretary of Health and Human Resources

• Partnership for People with Disabilities

• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (VDARS)

• Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

• Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)

• Virginia Office of Children's Services

Crisis Services

Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.

• Virginia Suicide Hotlines

• Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program

• Bristol Crisis Center

• CrisisLink

• Virginia Domestic Violence Services
   

Services for Senior Citizens

Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living. 

• Virginia Easy Access

• Virginia Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

• Senior Navigator

• Aging and Medical Services

• Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction (EDCD) Waiver

• Alzheimer's Assisted Living (AAL) Waiver

• Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
   

Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center

Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Virginia disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.

• Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
   

Developmental Disabilities Services

These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Virginia disability services.

• Office of Developmental Services

• Community Support Services

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Employment Services & Special Programs (ESSP)

• disAbility Navigator

• The Arc of Virginia
   

Mental Health Services

These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.

• Office of Mental Health - Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services

• Governor's Access Plan (GAP)

• Mental Health America of Virginia

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• disAbility Navigator
   

Physical Disabilities Services

Free or low-cost Virginia disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology. 

• Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Employment Services & Special Programs (ESSP)

• Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired

• Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• disAbility Navigator
   

Traumatic Brain Injury Services

Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.

• Brain Injury Association of Virginia

• Virginia Brain Injury Council (VBIC)

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Employment Services & Special Programs (ESSP)

• disAbility Navigator
   

Addiction and Substance Abuse Services

Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.

• Office of Substance Abuse Services (OSAS)

• Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA)
   

Low-Income Housing Services

Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.

• Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA)

• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

• VirginiaHousingSearch.com

• Virginia Low Income Housing

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help

• Affordable Housing Lists - Northern Virginia Regional Commission

This information is quoted from of https://www.olmsteadrights.org/self-helptools/advocacy-resources/item.6679-Virginia_Disability_Resources_and_Advocacy_Organizations