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VBPD releases draft State Plan for public comment and highlights training gains; members raise mental-health concerns
Summary
The Board approved release of an amended draft State Plan for a 45-day public comment period, received positive evaluations from the Youth Leadership Academy and statewide continuing education workshops, and discussed mental-health and access barriers for people with disabilities.
The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities voted Dec. 3 to release an amended draft State Plan for a 45-day public comment period after receiving staff updates and small-group feedback.
Nia Harrison, director of planning, research and evaluations, summarized the State Plan development process and recapped priorities identified during the Board’s September retreat. After small-group discussion, board member Rachel Loria asked that Health Goal 3, Objective 3‑2 be amended to include the phrase “person-centered.” The Chair then called for a motion to approve the release of the amended goals and objectives for public comment; Ms. Lindsey Pearse moved to approve and Ms. Amanda Forry-Fino seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
In committee reports, Dr. Penni Sweetenburg‑Lee reviewed Training & Alumni Development programs. She reported 19 Youth Leadership Academy graduates from July 2025 and summarized evaluation results noting that most delegates reported increased confidence and leadership skills. Staff also reported metrics from recent statewide continuing education workshops: the HCBS Waiver workshop (Sept. 26) had 531 registrants, 322 attendees and 642 Facebook views; an advocacy skills session (Oct. 24) had 195 registrants, 97 attendees and 447 Facebook views; and a DD Act Network session (Nov. 21) had 220 registrants, 123 attendees and 368 Facebook views.
Board members also discussed mental-health supports for people with disabilities. Dr. Sweetenburg‑Lee raised the topic after learning a YLA alumnus experienced a mental-health crisis that resulted in suicide and proposed the Committee consider mental-health, self‑care, and crisis‑response as future topics. Members noted barriers to accessing counseling, including transportation and insurance, and suggested a possible mental-health parity assessment for people with disabilities and further research on crisis response and diagnostic overshadowing.
Board staff said future committee work could include mental‑health topics and that the Governor’s Right Help, Right Now initiative aligns with these priorities. The Board closed the discussion and moved on to other committee business and adjournment.
