Who We Are
The ALLY Alliance is a statewide network of self-advocates with 22 member groups, 26 trained state liaisons, 500 self-advocates trained since 2019, 200 providers trained on inclusive services, and serving on 12 boards, commissions, or workgroups. The ALLY Alliance was launched with a grant from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, and is currently sponsored by The Arc of Virginia. Read more about the history.
The ALLY Alliance of the New River Valley is sponsored by The Arc of New River Valley. Two of our self-advocates are state liaisons: George Rogers and Franklin Lawson, and four serve on our board: George, Franklin, Matt Hudgins, and Anita Ehrhardt.
What We Do
Through community meetings, rallies, lobbying visits, and educational events, the ALLY’s push for meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels. Along the way, we are building deep friendships rooted in mutual respect and a fierce belief in one another’s potential.
Our efforts, whether pushing for accessible transportation, inclusive education, or stronger civil rights protections, stand as a powerful reminder of what collective action can accomplish. United by determination and strengthened by solidarity, we prove that when people with disabilities lead the movement, progress follows.
What We Want
We want more inclusive supports for people with disabilities. Our goal is for people with disabilities to live as independently as possible, to work a job, and to be contributing members of our communities.
ALLY stands for a life like yours and is a reminder that people with disabilities want the same things you do: safety, dignity, connection, meaning, the opportunity to grow, to contribute, and to be part of a community.
Did you know?
Community-Based Programs
Community-based programs are almost universally preferred by people with disabilities for their greater safety, inclusion, independence, and dignity, often at a lower cost than institutional placement.
Timeline of Events
Since 2022, we have
met with Delegate Jason Ballard,
Left to right: Delegate Jason Ballard, Nancy Camajani, Matt Hudgins, Anita Ehrhardt.
Franklin Lawson (Left) and George Rogers (Right) with their Catalyst for Change Awards, at 2025 The Arc of Virginia Convention.
attended and participated in The Arc of Virginia Convention every year,
traveled to Richmond to lobby for disability rights and services,
Left to right: Nancy Camajani, Franklin Lawson, Anita Ehrhardt, Judy Gwazdauskas.
Anita Ehrhardt (orange shirt)
supported The Arc of New River Valley booth at EFFORT Day,
attended bill signings with the Governor,
George Rogers (orange shirt)
President Chris Cadwallader speaks at the podium, NRV ALLY’s look on dressed in orange.
assisted with political Candidate Forums,
amused the crowd as Santa at The Arc of New River Valley’s Christmas Cookie Party,
Matt Hudgins is our Santa!
participated in a medical ethics discussion related to services for people with disabilities at VCOM (the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine) in Blacksburg, VA,
marched in the Blacksburg Christmas Parade,
Matt Hudgins (left) and Anita Ehrhardt (right) with president, Chris Cadwallader (center)
officiated at The Arc of New River Valley events like Arc in the Park,
mentored other young adults transitioning to independent living,
Matt Hudgins (orange shirt)
Front, left to right: Nancy Camajani, Anita Ehrhardt, Matt Hudgins. Back: Chris Cadwallader.
and in 2023, we were introduced to the Virginia House of Delegates by Del. Jason Ballard, part of an annual tradition in the General Assembly, an event we’ll never forget!
And more to come! Follow us on Facebook.
You can be
(in)clusive
You can be inclusive
Communities are strongest when they welcome everyone who lives there.
Yet, for many people with disabilities, this is not their experience (or reality). People have been excluded simply because of one part of who they are. The “Are You (in)” campaign believes that everyone can play a part in changing that.
Do you want to become an ALLY Self-Advocate? Join us!
Whatever your ability, your voice is important to the fight for human rights for people with disabilities.
Donate to Support the New River Valley ALLY Alliance
The Self-Advocates recorded this video message for GiveLocal NRV 2026. GiveBig day is past, but you can still support the NRV ALLY Alliance at the Community Foundation of the NRV: