Some Of Our Specific Goals As A Group Are:
EDUCATE
We will educate by sharing information, ideas and
resources. We will invite qualified and informative guest speakers who
will give presentations on appropriate topics. We will post information
on our Website about upcoming events, conferences, trainings and
workshops that will educate and interest people with disabilities and
their advocates. Our website will be updated often to keep it relevant
to current events and happenings associated with advocacy for people
with disabilities, our parent support group and the goals we aspire to
achieve.
ADVOCATE
Provide advocacy training through workshops, speakers
and meetings. Encourage and promote advocacy for all disability issues
in the state and the community. We will network with various advocacy
groups and organizations which have similar goals to expand our group's
base of information and resources. Identify appropriate and ethical
practices in advocacy efforts.
EMPOWER
Empower people with disabilities and their advocates
to support positive change in their communities. Learn about
self-determination and enabling a person with a disability to live their
dream and to have access to the same opportunities as a person without a
disability.
ENRICH
Enrich each and every life of a person with a
disability by supporting and promoting positive change. Provide
resources and education to enrich the lives of Virginians with
disabilities and allow them to live where they want to live and with
whom they want to live. Open new vistas for personal enrichment to
people with disabilities by active participation in a friendly group
setting of genuine care and concern.
ENCOURAGE
Encourage parents in the support group to advocate
for their children and all Virginians with disabilities by using all
resources available to them and by promoting advocacy to others as well.
SUPPORT
We will encourage our own membership to provide
mutual aid or support to fellow members with issues and concerns dealing
with disability. Interactive membership support through people with
personal experience is the backbone of our disability support group!
We will be there for each other through the tough
times and the good times and share and help each other through our
knowledge and experiences. Together we will provide understanding
and assurance for others in the group that they are not alone.
FUN STUFF
We will have organized social events occasionally
during the year to allow the families to socialize and get to know
everyone and their personal loved one with a disability. As a group
we will plan, implement and decide how often and what kind of social
events will be held. Our social gatherings will provide a setting for
members to relax and enjoy themselves while providing a fun event for
their loved ones with disabilities to interact with others.
