The Choice Group

As we step into 2025, disability advocates are closely monitoring three major trends that could shape the future of accessibility, healthcare, and independence for individuals with disabilities. While advancements in technology and policy changes bring both opportunities and challenges, staying informed is key to ensuring inclusive solutions remain a priority. 1. The Growing Role of AI in Healthcare Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into healthcare systems, from streamlining administrative tasks to assisting with medical decision-making. However, automated processes aren't always perfect—errors in Medicaid eligibility systems, for example, have previously resulted in wrongful disenrollment for eligible individuals. As AI continues to evolve, ensuring these technologies serve all individuals fairly is essential. 2. The Future of Medicaid and Community Care Medicaid is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, providing access to long-term care, home-...

We’re excited to share the story of Montae Warren, whose hard work and dedication have led him to success at Michaels! Montae began working with The Choice Group in June 2023. He independently applied for jobs, demonstrating his drive to find the right opportunity. In March 2024, he landed a position at Michaels, where his strengths—organization and attention to detail—help him excel in his role. Like many job seekers, Montae faced obstacles in the workplace. He sought clearer instructions from supervisors, positive reinforcement for his efforts, and a strong, supportive team environment. Through our Follow Along services, we’ve worked together to ensure he has the tools and support he needs to thrive. Since starting his position, Montae has shown remarkable growth. He takes notes to retain important information, actively advocates for himself, and has gained confidence in the workplace. His dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed—he was recently named Employee of the Month! ...

We believe that empowerment through knowledge and real-world experiences is key to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with different life circumstances and abilities. That’s why we’re excited to see programs like the Sensory Friendly First Responder Safety Seminar making a difference in our community. Hosted by the Autism Society of Central Virginia and the Richmond Police Department, this immersive training event gave children and teens with autism the chance to interact with first responders in a safe, structured environment. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, learning what to do in real-world situations—such as traffic stops, emergency calls, and fire safety. Why These Trainings Matter For individuals with a disability, unfamiliar or high-stress interactions—especially with law enforcement or emergency personnel—can be challenging. Sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or unexpected responses may be misinterpreted in high-pressure moments. That’s ...

  Real-world exposure is one of the best ways for students to explore potential careers. Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn from professionals in their desired fields. Recently, one student with a passion for graphic design and distribution had the chance to go behind the scenes of one of the largest tie-dye and graphic t-shirt distributors in the United States—a company that produces designs for Disney, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, and legendary rock bands like The Grateful Dead and AC/DC. During the tour, the student asked insightful questions about how intricate digital artwork is transferred onto shirts, how high production demands are met, and how the facility operates day-to-day. Not only did the student get answers, but they also had a chance to walk through the entire production process—from an initial artistic idea to a finished product ready for distribution. They observed ea...

Every day, the individuals who receive services from The Choice Group go above and beyond to surpass the expectations that others have set for them in order to meet their goals of earning an income, contributing to the world, building relationships, and maintaining employment. Katie Knipple, of the Richmond team, shares the story of Michael, who, with a little support along the way, has overcome several barriers to competitive employment. All too often, the perfect job may not exist in a google search or indeed posting, but instead, is created with the willingness of an employer to consider their business’ unmet needs in conjunction with the contributions that an individual brings. From there, a partnership is forged. According to Meriam-Webster, the word customized can be defined as “to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications.” This story of success is rooted in the customization of building, fitting, and altering to best fit Michael and his employer’s needs. Mich...

  Our Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) help students explore career paths and gain valuable industry insights. Recently, one student expressed a strong passion for animation, hoping to one day become a successful artist and animator. Finding direct connections in the animation industry was a challenge, but Vocational Counselor Dylan Kelly was determined to make it happen. With no pre-existing industry contacts, Dylan took on the exciting challenge of building new relationships from scratch. Dylan  reached out to some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Universal Studios and Warner Bros., making countless calls in search of the right opportunity. After persistent efforts, Dylan successfully connected with a production manager at a major animation studio, who arranged a one-on-one call with the studio’s Lead Animator/CGI Expert—a leader in the field whose work spans Disney, Universal Studios, major news networks, and even government contracts. To prepare for ...

Despite the fact that one in four U.S. adults has a disability, many doctors report feeling unprepared to provide adequate care for this population. Historically, medical education has framed disability as a problem rather than focusing on inclusion, accessibility, and patient-centered care. This lack of training has contributed to negative biases, inaccessible healthcare environments, and disparities in treatment. At institutions like Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, educators are working to change this narrative. A new approach to disability-competent medical training ensures that future physicians gain direct experience and insight into the needs of patients with disabilities. Hands-On Learning for a More Inclusive Future. Medical students at Feinberg are now actively engaging in: ✅ Patient-centered history-taking – Learning to ask about a patient’s disability and functional needs in a respectful and informed manner. ✅ Guest speaker experiences – Hearing first...