We advocate for:
- The Right to Healthcare and Access to Holistic Therapeutic Services. Children and individuals with developmental disabilities have a right to access healthcare and holistic therapeutic services to meet their unique and/or complex needs and appropriate accommodations.
- The Right to Community Inclusion. Children and individuals with developmental disabilities have a right to access long-term services and supports to help them survive and thrive in their homes and communities.
- The Right to Education and Therapeutic Recreation. Children and individuals with developmental disabilities have a right to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We advocate for all students to have access to tailored and appropriate accommodations to reach their full potential and access to adaptive therapeutic recreation services.
Infinitas Foundation – Legislative Priorities for 2024
FUND PRIORITY 1 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WAIVER WAITLIST SLOTS: Virginia Governor Youngkin’s Right Help Right Now Plan is anticipated to include funding for new Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waivers to eliminate the Priority 1 Waitlist (estimated at 3,400 individuals). The following are key legislative priorities to support the growing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers:
- Support Provider Capacity: This would include funding initiatives to increase the number and the quality of waiver service providers supporting current and future DD waiver slots.
- Create a “Core Services” Care Package: This grouping of core essential services (including but not limited to: respite hours, assistive technology, and individual supported employment) would support individuals on the Priority 2 waitlist.
- Allow Families To Provide Care: Extend COVID-19 Pandemic flexibility for parents to provide paid care for their children.