July 27, 2009
Contact: Gordon Hickey
(804) 225-4260
www.governor.virginia.gov
VIRGINIA BOARD ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO EXPAND
COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
~ Innovative projects address health care, employment opportunities
and information and referral services ~
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) has approved four 2009 Competitive Grant Awards for projects totaling more than $600,000 to improve and expand community support for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Each of these projects addresses specific objectives in VBPD’s 2007-2011 State Plan and recommendations made in its 2008 Biennial Assessment of the Disability Services System in Virginia.
“The groups receiving these grants continue to break ground on ways to integrate and enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities living in the Commonwealth,” Governor Kaine said. “By supporting these organizations, Virginia is lending a helping hand to the many people with disabilities who want to be active and productive in our communities.”
The four grants awarded by the board are:
· SeniorNavigator, city of Richmond, “Creating a Community-Based Network of VirginiaNavigator Centers.”
Project Total: $286,718
Grant Funds Awarded: $143,359
Match: $143,359
Grant Period: October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2011
Project Goal: To develop a person- and family centered network of VirginiaNavigator Centers which will foster interagency cooperation, expand service capacity, encourage inclusion in the community and enable adults with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The project will have a special focus on transportation.
· Northern Virginia Training Center, Fairfax, “Integrated Dental Service Initiative: Building Capability, Capacity and Commitment to Serve People with Developmental Disabilities.”
Project Total: $97,952
Grant Funds Awarded: $65,541
Match: $32,411
Grant Period: October 1, 2009 – March 31, 2011
Project Goal: To build regional capacity, capability and commitment for the provision of dental health services to people with developmental disabilities.
· Chesterfield County Community Services Board – Chesterfield Employment Services, Chesterfield County, “Creating Opportunities for Persons with the Most Significant Disabilities with Customized Employment.”
Project Total: $153,322
Grant Funds Awarded: $90,000
Match: $63,322
Grant Period: October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2011
Project Goal: To expand employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities by developing and implementing a Customized Employment Program in Chesterfield County.
· PHILLIPS Programs, Annandale, “Using 21st Century Technology and Skills to Promote Employment Success.”
Project Total: $73,154
Grant Funds Awarded: $54,975
Match: $18,179
Grant Period: October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2011
Project Goal: To develop and implement a demonstration project on how 21st century technologies and social media can support youth with developmental and other disabilities in transitioning from secondary education to career pathways of their choice and participation in integrated employment.
As Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, VBPD works to develop and promote person centered policies, programs and services that enable individuals with disabilities to live independently and successfully in communities of their own choice. VBPD has invested in more than 200 best-practice, demonstration, research, advocacy and outreach projects in the areas of education, employment, housing, transportation, early intervention, recreation and community integration.
Funding for these projects is provided to VBPD by the federal Administration for Developmental Disabilities under the national Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-402).
To learn more about VBPD, its grants, advocacy and leadership programs and other activities, visit www.vaboard.org , call (800) 846-4464, or email Info@VBPD.virginia.gov .
