Community Alliance

Pre-ADA (1985), this committee was already addressing consumer concerns. The most recent committee chair was a person with a disability and a VRA activist. He also helped to organize a consumer alliance focused on needs of persons with disabilities. The committee continues to work in bringing consumers and allied interest groups together.

Tidewater Community Alliance

A VRA President and a committee chair were catalysts for assisting a fragmented group of activists to form an alliance in the Tidewater area. This Hampton Roads coalition refocused and still functions today as one of the most powerful consumer groups in Tidewater. Their success sparked enthusiasm for continuation of the Community Alliance Committee.

Housing for the Disabled

In 1990, the Legislative Committee Chair worked with the Virginia Housing Authority to ensure legislation for building codes to include appropriate housing for persons with disabilities.

Virginians with Disabilities Act

House Bill 817 (signed in 1991; effective 1992) was initiated in the Virginia Rehabilitation Association. Members were involved throughout the process of composing, educating the community, advocacy and passage of the bill.

Legislative Advocate

When rehabilitation issues are proposed for legislative action in Virginia, VRA employs legislative advocates to represent the disability community at the General Assembly as well as activating its own membership network.

Virginia Rehabilitation Association Foundation, Inc.

An educational grant program was established in 1985 with $1,000 and was funded to $10,000 in 1988. At that time, the VRA board mandated the creation of a Foundation to administer the grants and solicit additional funding. The Foundation was incorporated in 1992 and is governed by a Board of Trustees.

Parking Reminders

The Chapter has created a parking reminder (ticket) to be used for violation of handicapped parking spaces. They have been utilized by Independent Living Centers, the Department for the Rights of Virginians with Disabilities, the Department for the Visually Handicapped, DRS employees, churches, business establishments and VRA members across the state. It carries a reminder message as well as the VRA logo and address.

Community Awareness

The First Miss Wheelchair America pageant was the outcome of a father's concern for his daughter who never expected to be able to participate in a Miss America Pageant. It originated in 1974 as a forum to promote the needs as well as the achievements of women with disabilities. The Miss Wheelchair Virginia Pageant started the same year and became a major annual event sponsored by the VRA.

In 1982, the VRA was proud to have the Pageant become a fully independent, non-profit corporation and continued to provide encouragement and involvement. The Pageant emphasized personal achievement, personality, the competitiveness of women with disabilities, and promoted the elimination of both architectural and attitudinal barriers. In 1993, the Pageant sponsored training in the Americans with Disabilities Act for all former Pageant winners.