VISION

Complete access for every individual to any public space and/or opportunity within the Rappahannock Region.

MISSION STATEMENT

To increase the awareness of the capabilities and needs of people with physical and sensory disabilities and to promote the inclusion of all people with disabilities in all community life.

PURPOSE

Communicate and educate about issues, barriers and options, to assist persons with physical and sensory disabilities to participate to the fullest extent possible in their community of choice.

Advise the governing bodies of the Region of issues of importance to persons with physical and sensory disabilities.

Assess service needs and capabilities and advise appropriate public and private agencies serving persons with physical and/or sensory disabilities.

Serve as a catalyst for the development of public and private funding sources for needed services.

Recognize exceptional efforts to accommodate and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.

Develop and support communication among service providers to improve the coordination and the availability of services for persons with disabilities.

Advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.

WORK PLAN

1. Promote awareness through the media (press releases & articles) and participation in events, including disability awareness month activities.

a. Prepare or contribute to at least 3 articles or press releases on issues which will enhance the understanding of people with disabilities.

2. Promote awareness through recognition of agencies, businesses, and individuals who have provided noteworthy service to people with physical or sensory disabilities.

a. The Recognition Committee will solicit and review nominations and recommend at least 6 awards.

3. Participate and facilitate in the public discussion of issues important to people with physical and sensory disabilities in the region, such as housing, employment, transportation and access to services and education.

a. Participate in committees or work groups which are established to develop and/or implement solutions to issues of concern for people with disabilities.

b. Develop and implement a revised process for the tri-annual survey and needs assessment in a manner that expands the quantity and quality of data collected to develop the needs assessment. The needs assessment will be completed in FY09. Work with DRS, other DSBs and interested local and regional organizations, individuals and businesses to revise and improve our data collection.

4. Develop, coordinate, and support community needs through the work of RADN (Rappahannock Area Development Network).

a. Support the regular meetings of RADN; encourage the collaboration of those agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities in the region.

5. Improve access to information through the continual enhancements of the RRDSB website.

a. Provide continual updates to information provided on the RRDSB website to enhance access to information on disability related services in the region.

b. Continue efforts with the Regional Library to improve the “Find Help” website.

c. Continue to work with the Rappahannock United Way to enhance Internet-based access to information for services to people with disabilities.

6. Promote communication, coordination and collaboration among disability-focused agencies, organizations, businesses and advocates through support and active participation in the Rappahannock Area Disability Network (RADN).

7. When appropriate and resources allow, assist RADN members with the preparation of grant proposals.

8. Update the Action Plan to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the region.

a. Review the changes made to the Code of Virginia during the last 2 General Assembly sessions to determine opportunities that exist to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in the region.

b. Formulate a multi-year Action Plan to take advantage of the opportunities identified in the review (8.a.)

c. Begin implementation of the Action Plan developed in 8.b.

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Vision

Complete access for every individual to any public space and/or opportunity within the Rappahannock Region.

Mission

To increase the awareness of the capabilities and needs of people with physical and sensory disabilities and to promote the inclusion of all people with disabilities in all community life.