To say 2023 was a year of growth and increased activity at 6 Wheels would be an understatement. We presented at more events, were part of more impactful disability and inclusion discussions, and made more vital connections than ever! While we re-upped our ADA Coordinator Recertification, we conducted dozens of interviews, presentations, trainings and entered into new partnership agreements.
As excited as we are about what we accomplished in 2023, we’re confident that the foundation we have laid sets the stage for a breakout 2024. As usual, we’ll be lobbying at Virginia’s General Assembly starting January 10 for the 2024 60 day session, representing the Virginia chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First. APSE is the only national organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.
Below is a list of our 2023 accomplishments with links to our partner organizations and some of the events in which we took part. We hope the links provide you with a rich picture of our diversity and inclusion efforts. We’re very proud of the progress we have made yet we know there is still so much to do to create the inclusive world everyone deserves.
As regards 2024, bring it on!
LOBBYING:
Legislative Victories Ending sub-minimum Wage in Virginia in 2023
CONTRACTS AND BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
TravelAbility (Memorandum of Understanding)
Visit Richmond - Assessments of both Children's Museum of Richmond locations.
Friendship Circle of Virginia Board Appointment
PARTNERSHIPS
VA1 Governors Summit, part of the Visit Richmond Partnership
PRESENTATIONS AND INTERVIEWS:
Aspire - multiple presentations throughout 2023
RVA Small Business Network Interview
National Disability Institute - multiple presentations throughout 2023
Virginia Assisted Living Association conference
TRAINING, CONFERENCES AND CONSULTATION
2023 The Arc of Virginia Conference
Friendship Circle of Virginia’s Team Orientation
Plan RVA Panel
RevUp Press Conference
PROJECTS:
Dupont Elementary School Playground Project
Partnership for People with Disabilities. We'll be discussing how to modernize the groundbreaking 30+-year-old ADA law.