Franklin Lawson in the Spotlight! We’re so proud of Franklin, who is one of our board member and New River Valley Self-Advocates Alliance representatives. He was featured in this Spotlight Virginians Student Success Stories video from the VCU Center on Transition Innovations. Franklin and Danny Kennedy, part of the team who hired him at Carilion, tell the story of Franklin’s work, a critical part of building his independence.
A Life Like Yours Self-Advocacy Alliance of the New River Valley
The A Life Like Yours Self-Advocacy Alliance works to increase the availability of inclusive supports for people with Developmental Disabilities, through changes to policy, expectations and support systems. Our goal is for people with disabilities to live a life like yours in a home that they choose, working in a job that they choose, and participating in their communities. Watch the Declaration of A Life Like Yours (video). Download flyer (pdf).
Area 9 Special Olympics
Fall 2022
It’s time to sign up for Fall 2022 Special Olympics here in the New River Valley (Area 9)! Athletes can sign up online by clicking here, and volunteers can sign up online by clicking here. See more inclusive sports programs for people with and without intellectual disabilities from Christiansburg Parks and Recreation.
Who We Are
The Arc of the New River Valley is an all-volunteer non-profit advocacy group dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
The Arc of the New River Valley is a local chapter of The Arc of Virginia and The Arc of the United States, the nation’s leading advocacy and service organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of the New River Valley chapter serves the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and the City of Radford, Virginia.
Meet Our Volunteer Board
What We Do
Advocate
We work with local and state legislators to support the Arc of Virginia’s agendas. We keep our members and friends informed about disability issues before the Virginia General Assembly.
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Celebrate
We believe in inclusion for people with disabilities in community life. The Arc fosters social connections and relationships throughout the year through parties, gatherings, and community events. Join us!
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Educate
We work to inform and educate the community about DD issues. In 2020, we went virtual and hosted a number of free educational Zoom webinars, with plans for more.
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Our Mission
We advocate for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, inform and educate the community about issues affecting people with disabilities and their families, advocate for full participation in community life, and facilitate opportunities for social connections and relationships.
The Arc of the New River Valley
“We envision people with disabilities leading full, rich lives as active, contributing members of their communities.”
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Support our work by becoming a member or making a one-time donation.
Join The Arc of the New River Valley!
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