Governor Youngkin announces legislation to help people with disabilities

ROANOKE, Virginia. – Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin stopped in Salem Tuesday to sign new legislation to support Virginians with developmental disabilities and their families.

Youngkin said he recently expanded access to waivers to more families.

The waivers fund in-home support for a disabled person, giving them access to everything from a job coach to a personal care attendant.

The Arc of Virginia supports families throughout the process and says they are excited to see progress.

“It’s about keeping promises from years ago,” said Tonya Milling, executive director of The Arc of Virginia. “People will have more independence, more control over their own lives and get the services and support they need. »

It’s part of Youngkin’s “Right Help, Right Now” program, a three-year effort to fix Virginia’s behavioral health system.

Youngkin also signed a bill that would allow remote participation in public meetings and voting for people with special needs and their caregivers.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but this is a very important day for us to recognize where we are, which is much further than where we were,” Youngkin said.