“Walk a Day in Our Shoes”

In 2006, The Arc of Virginia created the “A Life Like Yours” Campaign as a way to engage both legislators and our community so that they too, could begin to understand the challenges people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face everyday. People with these disabilities continue to struggle for equality in every aspect of their daily life; equality of opportunity, social inclusion, and independence. This campaign was designed to effectively describe the values and principles that guide the advocacy efforts of The Arc for legislators and the community. From August through November 2006, The Arc of N. Virginia’s self-advocates, family members, and support staff met state and local officials to educate them on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The campaign was named, “A Life Like Yours.” The name was created to facilitate understanding—every person deserves the same opportunities. Through this opportunity legislators heard testimonials about struggles and success and were able to “walk in our shoes.” Our visits created partnerships with state legislators, which have begun to increase their commitment to community-based funding and policies for people with intellectual disabilities.

Steven L. Miller, the photographer that documented “A Life Like Yours” campaign, did so in an moving and engaging way. (www.slmblackandwhitephotography.com). Mr. Miller's background includes extensive experience in non-profit management, documentary photography, communications and marketing. Eight of his photographs are on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution’s American History museum. The Arc of Northern Virginia maintained a journal throughout the campaign, documenting stories on a weekly basis.

Click here to read the campaign's journal, “A Life Like Yours.”