Executive Director of The Arc of Hanover, Diane Gallegos (fourth from right), attended a time of sharing along with The Arc of Virginia, The Arc of Central Virginia and hosting agency, The Arc of Southside, with Virginia 5th District Congressman John McGuire at the end of March 2025.
Self-advocates and family members were on hand to share their stories about the value of Medicaid-funded waivers -- which provide services in one's community rather than in an institutional setting, and the need for more Direct Support Professionals -- those who assist families with the care of those with disabilities. We are always grateful to join in these conversations, advocating for those in our community with those who are representing our community at various levels of government.
Advocacy
For "A Life Like Yours"
The Arc of Hanover advocates for the rights and full inclusion of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Together -- as self-advocates, staff, volunteers, parents, caregivers, and concerned local organizations, along with affiliated chapters of The Arc across Virginia and the nation -- we provide and improve systems of supports and services to benefit those with disabilities.
We connect families, inspire communities and influence public policy. We value people with intellectual and developmental disabilities classmates, coworkers, neighbors and friends.
Executive Director of The Arc of Hanover, Diane Gallegos (second from left), listens to comments from Tonya Milling, Executive Director of The Arc of Virginia, at a time of sharing with Virginia 5th District Congressman, John McGuire, at The Arc of Southside.
Photo credit (this and above): Patrick Gibson Photography,LLC
Partners in Advocacy
Advocacy at the Federal Level
The Arc of Hanover advocates alongside The Arc of Virginia and -- by association -- with The Arc of the United States for changes and improvements at the Federal level. We encourage self-advocates and families to join in these efforts by sharing their stories with their local Congressperson. Every voice matters.
Advocacy at the State Level
The Arc of Hanover joins with The Arc of Virginia in supporting and personally advocating for policy and systemic change within the Commonwealth. We make annual visits to the offices of our representatives at the General Assembly in downtown Richmond. We also engage with Email and phone campaigns to advocate with our representatives and their offices. Once again, all voices are vital in effecting changes and bringing forth the reality of the circumstances faced by people with disabilities living in Virginia.
Advocacy in Hanover
When it comes to local-level advocacy, The Arc of Hanover believes in beginning and maintaining open, partnering relationships with our municipal representatives. We may attend meetings or we may arrange for conversations. Our staff meet representatives at local functions -- official and recreational. As with all other areas of advocacy, we strive to bring the personal situations and challenges of being able to live "a life like yours" in Hanover County before our governmental and school district officials, their departments and agencies. We have the greatest impact when neighbors share their lives with their neighbors.
Hanover County School Board
The Board is responsible to preserve and enhance public school education in Hanover: Establishing policies for the total operation of the school division, providing qualified personnel, adopting an annual school budget, and determining the educational needs and desires of the community.
Let's Work Together
Advocacy takes many forms, and we would love to have you join in our efforts.
If you have a pressing concern and need some guidance on how to address it, please reach out to our Executive Director, Diane Gallegos: (804) 798-2400 (PRESS ONE). Or send her an Email: diane@thearcofhanover.org. If you would like to be part of The Arc of Hanover's larger advocacy efforts, Diane can add you to Email list, so we can contact you about upcoming opportunities.