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The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is excited to announce our virtual disAbility Rights and Resources Summit on November 13, 2025, from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. This free, statewide event is open to the public who want to learn more about the available resources and services that dLCV and our partnering organizations offer to members of the disability community.
This year’s theme, “Here. Proud. Empowered.,” highlights dLCV’s commitment to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities through sessions that speak to their needs and challenges. The Summit features keynote presentations, interactive panels, and educational sessions on critical disability rights topics, with a focus on accessibility, equity, independence, and opportunity. Sessions will be led by dLCV staff and partners from across Virginia, providing both expertise and lived experience.
Join us to learn more about disability issues and how we can work together to create a Commonwealth free of barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Space is limited. Don’t delay — reserve your spot today!
Why Attend
The Disability Rights & Resources Summit is Virginia’s statewide event for people with disabilities, families, advocates, and service providers. It’s more than a conference—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and take action together.
Attending the Summit means you will:
- Gain insights on current disability rights issues in Virginia
- Connect with advocates, allies, and professionals from across the state
- Access tools and resources to support your community
- Be part of shaping a more inclusive and empowered Virginia
What to Expect
This year’s theme, Here. Proud. Empowered., highlights the leadership and strength of the disability community. The 2025 Summit will be fully virtual, free to attend, and packed with opportunities to engage.
You can look forward to:
- An afternoon of sessions led by advocates, allies, and leaders
- Engaging presentations with opportunities for Q&A and discussion
- Practical resources to take back to your community
- A welcoming, accessible space to learn and build connections
What to Expect
This year’s theme, Here. Proud. Empowered., highlights the leadership and strength of the disability community. The 2025 Summit will be fully virtual, free to attend, and packed with opportunities to engage.
You can look forward to:
- An afternoon of sessions led by advocates, allies, and leaders
- Engaging presentations with opportunities for Q&A and discussion
- Practical resources to take back to your community
- A welcoming, accessible space to learn and build connections
Event Schedule
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
The Journey to Disability Rights: the Places, the Pioneers, and the Protests (The History of the Disability Rights Movement)
Keynote Address and Introduction
Join 6 Wheels Consulting, LLC Founder & CEO Matthew Shapiro as he discusses the Disability Rights Movement through important characters, events, and struggles; along with the events that led to the passage of the landmark disability rights legislation known as The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He will also talk about the amendments that went into The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Speakers
Matthew Shapiro, Founder, 6 Wheels Consulting
Colleen Miller, Executive Director, disAbility Law Center of Virginia
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
Break
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Here, Proud, and Performing: Artistic Platforms for Empowerment
This session will focus on:
- Creative Expression as a Tool for Identity and Empowerment
- The Arts as a Bridge Across Communities
- Practical Strategies for Adapting, Creating, and Empowering Artistic Spaces
With an additional performance from Noah Finch, a playwright, composer, director, and performer. He will demonstrate his exceptional musical abilities through performance. Noah will discuss how his disability has affected his creativity. Session time permitting, he will participate in a brief Q/A.
Jan Monroe, Executive Director, STEP VA
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
From Confusion to Clarity: Understanding New Medicaid Rules
This session will review how this summer’s big budget reconciliation bill, HR1 or “The One Big Beautiful Bill,” will change some eligibility rules and benefits for Medicaid. We will also explain what Medicaid programs are exempt from new requirements, such as more frequent Medicaid renewals, and discuss what flexibilities states will have when implementing the changes.
Eleanor Sullivan, Medicaid Policy Analyst, Virginia Poverty Law Center
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
From School to Work: Building Your Bridge to the Future with Pre-Employment Transition Services
Session description coming soon
Matt Luther, Transition and Education Services Manager, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Words Matter: Plain Language and the Disability Community
Language shapes access to information, but too often, legal jargon and complex writing create barriers for people seeking to understand their rights. This session will explore the plain language movement—what it is, why it matters, and how it fosters inclusion within the disability community. Participants will gain practical strategies for translating complex legal or technical language into clear, accessible content. Because everyone deserves to understand the laws that govern their lives.
Virginia Pharis, Freedom, Abuse Neglect, and Safety Unit Manager, disAbility Law Center of Virginia
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 - 3:15 PM
Empowering Choices: Supported Decision-Making as an Alternative to Guardianship
You are the expert on your life, including your medical care, but what happens when you cannot make decisions for yourself due to illness or injury or the decision is just too complicated? Who will make those important decisions then? In this session, Dana Traynham goes through the different kinds of supported decision-making to ensure that you always have a say in the decisions that matter most.
Dana Traynham, Senior Attorney, disAbility Law Center of Virginia
2:15 - 3:15 PM
Beyond Awareness: Practicing Disability Etiquette
Session description coming soon
Julie Triplett, Independence and Program Access Unit Manager, disAbility Law Center of Virginia
2:15 - 3:15 PM
The Power of Assistive Technology: Bridging Gaps and Building Independence
Assistive Technology professionals will share their knowledge about the latest technology, agencies available to provide training and access, and answer your questions about Technology.
Brittany Howard, Technology Assistance Program Manager, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Francie Mitchell, Richmond Clinical Director, Children’s Assistive Technology Service
Sheridan Knowles, Occupational Therapist, Brain Injury Services
Dan Aunspach, Director of Rehabilitation Technology Services, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
2:15 - 3:15 PM
Your Voice, Your Vote: The Power of Self-Advocacy
Learn about Self Advocacy and disability rights connected with Voting accessibility.
Kelly Hickok, Community Services Manager, Resources for Independent Living
Regina Martin, Professor, College of William & Mary
Joliefawn Fowler, Senior Disability Rights Advocate, disAbility Law Center of Virginia
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Panel: Our Past, Our Future and Our Reality
Join our panel to discuss their experiences with Pre and Post ADA accommodations, as well as their perspectives on a variety of issues we all face.
Kelly Hickok, Community Services Manager, Resources for Independent Living,
Chanthen Nene, State Rehabilitation Council President, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Shannon Straughn, Independent Living Advocate, Independence Empowerment Center
Gary Talley
Amy Scherer, Senior Staff Attorney for Vocational Rehabilitation, National Disability Rights Network
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
dLCV Executive Director Colleen Miller will wrap up the Summit by talking about the changing political landscape and how disability advocates can best engage with their lawmakers.
Colleen Miller, Executive Director, disAbility Law Center of Virginia
Our Sponsors
Want to be a Sponsor?
The Disability Rights & Resources Summit is free to attend thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Their support helps us keep this event accessible and widely available across Virginia.
Interested in making an even bigger impact? Explore sponsorship opportunities and join us in advancing disability rights.
ABOUT US
We are Virginia’s designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. We work to prevent abuse, neglect and discrimination through education and training, information and referral, and at times legal advocacy. Our services are provided free of charge.
CONTACT
1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23230
Questions?
Email info@dlcv.org or call 804-225-2042
ABOUT US
We are Virginia’s designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. We work to prevent abuse, neglect and discrimination through education and training, information and referral, and at times legal advocacy. Our services are provided free of charge.
CONTACT
1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23230
Questions?
Email info@dlcv.org or call 804-225-2042
Checkout
ABOUT US
We are Virginia’s designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. We work to prevent abuse, neglect and discrimination through education and training, information and referral, and at times legal advocacy. Our services are provided free of charge.
CONTACT
1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23230
Questions?
Email info@dlcv.org or call 804-225-2042
Take Action
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Thank You For Registering!
We’re excited to see you at the 2025 DisAbility Rights and Resources Virtual Summit on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly.
How You’ll Join the Summit
You will receive a separate email with your Summit virtual access link as we get closer to the event. The email you registered with (this one) will be your login for the Summit.
You’ll be able to attend any session throughout the day. Live captioning will be provided for all sessions. If you requested additional accommodations, our team will do our best to provide them for the sessions you selected during registration and will follow up with you directly if we have any questions about your needs.
Spread the Word
Help us make this the most impactful Summit yet! Share this event with your friends, colleagues, or networks:
Our Sponsors
Want to be a Sponsor?
The Disability Rights & Resources Summit is free to attend thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Their support helps us keep this event accessible and widely available across Virginia.
Interested in making an even bigger impact? Explore sponsorship opportunities and join us in advancing disability rights.
ABOUT US
We are Virginia’s designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. We work to prevent abuse, neglect and discrimination through education and training, information and referral, and at times legal advocacy. Our services are provided free of charge.
CONTACT
1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23230
Questions?
Email info@dlcv.org or call 804-225-2042
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