Goals and Focus Areas
dLCV’s Strategic Goals and Focus Areas
Within these Goals and Focus Areas, dLCV uses case selection criteria to decide the level of service that will be provided. In selecting cases for direct representation, preference will be given, where appropriate, to those individuals who exercised self-advocacy through technical assistance or short term assistance provided by dLCV. These criteria include consideration of:
- Severity of harm.
- Imminence of risk.
- Potential of case to facilitate systems change or benefit other individuals.
- Availability of other resources to help the individual address the alleged violation.
- Self-advocacy ability of client or family.
- Availability of other appropriate, independent investigatory authorities.
- Availability of dLCV resources.
- Legal merit or available remedy.
If a case is being evaluated for litigation, additional factors may be considered. dLCV will seek prevailing party attorneys’ fees where appropriate. dLCV will not be able to provide you with legal services if you already have an attorney or other advocacy assistance or have the right to appointed counsel in a specific matter.
The following Goals and Focus Areas are the disAbility Law Center of Virginia’s strategic plan of action. They are the guidelines by which the dLCV determines the level of advocacy services provided. Cases may be opened outside of the stated Goals and Focus Areas only with the approval of the Executive Director.
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Strategic Goals and Focus Areas
People with Disabilities are Free from Harm in Adult Institutions
People with disabilities are free from harm in adult institutions: We monitor conditions in adult institutions and investigate selected instances of death, serious injury, or abuse or neglect, and seek reforms.
People with disabilities are free from harm in adult community settings: We investigate selected allegations of abuse or neglect in licensed community residential settings or day-support programs and seek reforms.
Children and youth with disabilities are free from harm in schools, community or institutional settings: We advocate for children in treatment and educational settings to be free from abuse or neglect and to receive appropriate services.
Children and youth with disabilities receive appropriate services in juvenile justice facilities: We advocate for children in juvenile justice facilities to receive appropriate mental health, educational and vocational services.
Programs Licensed by DBHDS will be safer and more inclusive due to dLCV’s monitoring: We review reports of critical incidents to identify systemic conditions that adversely affect health, safety or welfare, investigate selected allegations of abuse or neglect, and seek corrective action.
Children and Youth with Disabilities Receive an Appropriate Education
At Risk Children and youth with disabilities receive appropriate educational services in the least restrictive environment: We assist selected children with disabilities to receive appropriate educational services and assistive technology.
Families have increased access to effective self-advocacy and peer advocacy resources in special education: We promote self-advocacy through training and support of parents and advocates, and access to effective Special Education resources.
People with Disabilities Have Appropriate Access to Government Services
Government programs remove both architectural barriers as well as barriers to service and provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations: We seek equal access to government buildings and programs under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
People with disabilities have equal access to vote: We advocate for individuals with disabilities to have a barrier free voting process. We also provide training and education on voting rights to the community
Social Security recipients who have representative payees are free from exploitation: We conduct reviews of Representative Payees on behalf of Social Security, investigate allegations of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, and seek corrective action.
People with Disabilities Live in the Most Appropriate Integrated Environment
People with mental illness are appropriately discharged in a timely fashion from state facilities to appropriate community placements: We assist individuals in state-operated facilities to receive appropriate discharge planning and timely discharge to integrated community placements.
People with disabilities have maximum individual choice: We advocate for individuals with disabilities to have choice and control over themselves and their environment through supported decision- making and alternatives to guardianship.
People with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations: We seek equal access to public accommodations and services under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People with Disabilities are Employed to their Maximum Potential
People with disabilities receive appropriate vocational rehabilitation services and employment supports: We assist individuals with disabilities to receive appropriate vocational rehabilitation and independent living services.
People with disabilities access supports and benefits for community integrated employment: We advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities to receive Social Security benefits and vocational rehabilitation services needed to gain or maintain employment.
People with Disabilities have Equal Access to Appropriate and Necessary Healthcare
People with disabilities are not denied Medicaid services unlawfully: We represent individuals with disabilities to have access to necessary medical services under Medicaid.
People with disabilities have appropriate in-person and remote access to necessary healthcare services: We promote access to health care facilities and services as required by the ADA, and assist individuals with disabilities to receive reasonable accommodations as needed.
People with Disabilities Become Better Self-Advocates through Education and Training
All people with disabilities who contact dLCV receive Information and Referral services: We provide information and referral services relating to disability rights to all.
dLCV provides education, training and outreach to the general public: We offer consumers, family members, and service providers training and resources regarding disability rights and dLCV services.
dLCV provides education, training and outreach to underserved populations: We offer outreach, training and resources to members of targeted underserved populations.
dLCV advances legal rights through its amicus program: dLCV seeks to informs and educate the courts on issues that will have a substantial effect on the rights of Virginians with disabilities.
If you feel like your legal rights have been violated, contact us!
1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23230
Call: 800-552-3962, 804-225-2042
Fax: 804-662-7057
Email: info@dLCV.org