WHY SPEAK?!?!

WHY SPEAK?!?!

Do you think it is important for brain injured survivors to advocate for themselves?

I believe it is very important because the particular needs of any organization are truly known by the participants.   The needs come straight from the “the horse’s mouth”.  We walk the walk, so we must talk the talk and hopefully our concerns will be met.  Consider, how will they  know  if we don’t voice our needs, hopes, and concerns. Did you know that more than four hundred Virginians, Partners in Policymaking alumni and past graduates across the United States have addressed the needs of the disabled population in order to make a difference for their community and themselves?   You may have never heard of Partners in Policymaking (PIP), because it was new to me.  Partners in Policymaking graduates speak in support of community inclusion, accessibility issues, inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, civil rights, and needed social changes in attitude and values concerning the disabled community. One of their goals is to improve systems for persons with disabilities, so a participant must have a developmental disability, as defined by the Developmental Disabilities or Bill of Right Assistance Act. 

If you would like more information please contact: 

Kara A. White, Program Assistant

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

Washington Building

1100 Bank Street, 7^th floor

Richmond, VA  23219

804-786-1118(fax)

804-786-3441(voice)

1-800-846-4464 (TTY/Voice)

Let’s stand up and speak up for survivors of the silent epidemic.  


Submitted by Debra J. Jones