Advocacy

"A Life Like Yours" in the Words of Our Legislators

Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08)
"There's no better way to gain perspective into an individual's life - their struggles, challenges and achievements - than by walking a day in their shoes."

Sen. Patricia Ticer, 30th-Alexandria/Arlington
"The friendships made during the "A Life Like Yours" campaign pointed out the basic similarities of all people and the desire of people with disabilities to be as independent as they can be. It showed what wonderful contributions to society people with disabilities can make. I was a beneficiary of the campaign."

Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, 31s-Arlington
"A Life Like Yours' gave me a better and more personal understanding of the difficulties parents face when trying to find appropriate housing and support for their children, and how important it is to have adequately-funded community services."

Sen. Janet Howell, 32nd-Fairfax County
"What does "A Life Like Yours" mean to me? It means dreaming and following your dreams and never giving up no matter how many obstacles."

Sen. Mark Herring, 33rd-Fairfax
"I am inspired by the perseverance shown by those who work towards overcoming their personal challenges and by those dedicated individuals who build communities in which every citizen receives the dignity and respect they deserve."

Former Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, 34th-Fairfax County
"A Life Like Yours' means making educational, job and housing opportunities available to our citizens with disabilities, so that they can live independent, full and satisfying lives."

Sen. Richard Saslaw, 35th-Fairfax County
"Thank you for many years of dedicated service and advocacy for Virginians throughout the Commonwealth. The Arc of Northern Virginia is a powerful example of grassroots organization at its best."

Sen. Toddy Puller, 36th-Fairfax County
"I was very pleased to be able to participate in The Arc's program, 'A Life Like Yours'. I have a basis of personal knowledge of the difficulties life can present for folks who are outside the norm. The Arc does a wonderful, wonderful job of enriching the lives of a wide spectrum of deserving Virginians. I am glad to help in any way I can."

Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, 37th-Fairfax County
"'A Life Like Yours' is one of the most effective advocacy campaigns in Northern Virginia. Advocates are deeply involved in the community life of men and women who live with disabilities. They have a passion to educate legislators and the entire community on how individuals benefit from increased independence. I am happy to report that we were able to get a 15% mental retardation / developmental disabilities Medicaid waiver through this year to increase care available to people with special needs. I also co-sponsored successful legislation to provide support and information to women whose babies are diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities during pregnancy. I want to congratulate The Arc of NoVA on a very successful advocacy campaign this year. I look forward to working with you in the future."

Sen. Jay O'Brien, 39th-Fairfax County
"It has been my pleasure working with The Arc of Northern Virginia. Not only will this benefit the members of The Arc but it will also benefit the families and friends of these great individuals. The Arc is a truly inspiring organization that works tirelessly to help the needs of many individuals."

Former Del. Vincent Callahan, 34th-Fairfax
"I think everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest and achieve whatever their goal is with their greatest potential."

Del. Stephen Shannon, 35th-Fairfax
"The Arc provides a tremendous service to policymakers by giving us the opportunity to witness how financial decisions that we make have a direct impact on the quality of life for so many families."

Del. Kenneth Plum, 36th-Fairfax
"No greater blessing can come in life than to ensure that others can have 'A Life Like Yours'."

Del. David Bulova, 36th-Fairfax
"What does 'A Life Like Yours' mean to me? It is the chance to challenge yourself and be challenged by others to do better. It means being able to share both your successes and failures with your family and friends. It means knowing that you are loved and that you are part of something special. The Arc of Northern Virginia is truly something special..."

Del. Vivian Watts, 39th-Fairfax
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet people of such joy and enthusiasm for life, people with focused determination to complete their job or to be heard, and loving parents dedicated to the lifelong needs of their child being met."

Del. Timothy Hugo, 40th-Fairfax
"'A Life Like Yours' proves that, with the proper support, everyone can live life to its fullest and with great integrity."

Del. David Marsden, 36th-Fairfax
"Freedom, independence and having control over the direction of one's life are the greatest gifts that any of us can receive."

Del. David Albo, 42nd-Fairfax
"I really enjoyed getting to spend time with my special constituents during the 'A Life Like Yours' campaign. It is always inspiring to see how they are fighting for and really appreciate the things so many of us take for granted."

Del. Mark Sickles, 43rd-Fairfax
"The 'A Life Like Yours' initiative brought home to all of us the importance of integrating every member of our family into every aspect of our community because we all want the same things for the ones we love. It was the most successful citizen campaign in Virginia I have witnessed."

Del. Kristen Amundson, 44th-Fairfax
"I really had fun. I had a great time with the women who were residents there and I look forward to spending time with them again soon."

Del. David Englin, 45th-Arlington/Fairfax/Alexandria
"'A Life Like Yours' put a human face on the need for Virginia to do more for our citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's always easier to dismiss people you don't know, but this campaign helped each legislator appreciate the impact of their decisions on the lives of real people. That human touch is what made this campaign such a success."

Del. Albert Eisenberg, 47th-Arlington
"A Life Like Yours" gives in three ways. First, it provides essential services to maximize the potential for each person in need. Second, it offers the opportunity for Arlington citizens generally to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities--fulfilling the responsibility that all of us have to each other. Third, it helps all of us to understand that as we focus on the physical and mental challenges among our community, we also recognize that no matter how profound the challenges among us, all of us have abilities that allow us to connect to one another as giving, caring people."

Del. Robert Brink, 48th-Arlington
"'A Life Like Yours' gives everybody in our community the chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of day-to-day living, and to grow by meeting the challenges we face day in and day out."

Del. Adam Ebbin, 49th-Arlington/Fairfax/City of Alexandria
"The Arc of Northern Virginia is making 'A Life Like Yours' a reality for many who live in this area. Congratulations to the staff of the Arc, its many supporters, and to the people who are served by the great work of this organization."

Del. James Scott, 53rd-Fairfax/Falls Church
"My thanks to the Arc of Northern Virginia for making 'A Life Like Yours' a reality for so many people. We know the job is not yet finished, but The Arc has done a great job in getting us this far."

Del. Charles Caputo, 67th-Fairfax/Loudon
"'A Life Like Yours' means having a job, a home & independence, along with friends and family to share it with and make it more meaningful."

Del. Thomas Davis Rust, 86th-Fairfax/Loundon
"To paraphrase my college-age sons: 'The Arc of Northern Virginia Rocks'! We could not have been so successful in the budget this year without The Arc's help."

Back to top