The Choice Group

Did you know Virginia had its own disability rights law five years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed? The Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) was signed into law in 1985 and has been protecting the rights of millions of people with disabilities across the Commonwealth ever since. Learn more about how this important law has evolved over the years in the timeline below. 1950s – Virginia passes its first white cane laws, requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians with vision loss and making it illegal for anyone without a disability to carry a white cane. These laws lay early groundwork for disability protections in the state. 1973 – The federal Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs, influencing state-level efforts across the country. 1984 – The Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) is introduced to the General Assembly. The bill aims to expand protections to people with both physical and mental ...

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 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 ...

At The Choice Group, we are dedicated to fostering the talents of individuals through tailored employment programs. Vincent Murray from our Hampton Roads team shares the remarkable work of Xavion Simon, who has thrived through Project SEARCH and Supported Employment. Xavion began as an intern with Project SEARCH in April 2023. His exceptional performance during the internship led to a job offer from Sentara's Environmental Service Department. Since starting in this position, Xavion has demonstrated incredible dedication in his role. Xavion's attention to detail, effective communication, teamwork, and time management skills have made him highly proficient in his duties. These strengths have enabled him to excel in tasks such as cleaning, mopping, and sanitizing various hospital areas, including bathrooms, windows, walls, and furniture. His thoroughness and reliability have made him a valued team member. One of the initial challenges Xavion faced was his reaction to constructive...

The Choice Group team takes pride in empowering individuals to develop skills and achieve their employment goals. Jenn DePuy from our Hampton Roads team shares that pride as she recounts the story of Lewis Turner, whose path through Skills Training and Supported Employment demonstrates the success and importance of the programs we offer. Lewis Turner began working with The Choice Group in October 2023, when Jenn and Lewis discovered that Texas Roadhouse may be the ideal place for him to work. Despite facing challenges such as navigating paratransit, adapting tasks, and orienting himself to a new environment, Lewis persevered with determination. Now, months into his employment, Lewis has made significant strides. Lewis's motivation and independence have been pivotal in his success. He possesses excellent compensatory skills, which help him adapt and thrive in his role. Since starting his position at Texas Roadhouse, Lewis has set up robust natural supports for himself and has becom...

At The Choice Group, we take pride in supporting our clients in finding purposeful employment, enabling them to lead full and enriching lives. One such story comes from Billy Kraus, who has been working with Daylin Wilkins in the Hampton Roads area. Known for his caring nature, Daylin exemplified this quality in May when, while completing tasks on a worksite, he noticed a woman struggling to help an injured bird near the water. Without hesitation, he approached her and used his work vest to safely wrap the bird and assist in its rescue. This act of kindness did not go unnoticed. Military personnel arrived shortly after to continue caring for the bird and commended Daylin for his assistance. The military site manager even reached out to Daylin's manager to express gratitude for his compassionate actions. Daylin Wilkins teamed up with The Choice Group in January 2021. Through a series of situational assessments and job development sessions, Billy and Daylin worked together to find th...

At The Choice Group, we work tirelessly to help clients find employment that enhances their lives. Billy Kraus from our Hampton Roads team shares a story about Nicholas Cunningham, whose experience demonstrates the power of sustained employment. Nicholas Cunningham began working with Billy in April 2021. To identify the best job opportunities, Nicholas helped pull weeds at a job site as part of a situational assessment. Nicholas enjoyed the task so much that he applied for a position with the landscaping company , after a little encouragement from the employer. He has now been employed there for three years. Since starting his position, Nicholas has achieved significant milestones. He has been promoted to Crew Lead, a role in which he drives, supervises, and trains his crew at each job site. His job tasks include various landscaping duties, and his leadership skills have afforded him the opportunity to mentor new employees and build strong connections with his managers and coworkers. ...

In the normally calm aisles of Harris Teeter, where everyday tasks often revolve around groceries and daily routines, one employee stood out recently for his extraordinary act of compassion and quick thinking. Meet Michael Powell, a familiar face at the Hanbury Road Harris Teeter in Chesapeake, whose passion for helping others extends beyond the supermarket shelves. Michael, a seven-year veteran of The Choice Group, brings a unique blend of dedication and community spirit to both his work at Harris Teeter and his personal pursuits. When he's not bagging groceries, collecting shopping carts, or delivering groceries to customers' vehicles, you might find him engaged in a strategic card game with friends or lending a hand at the Hickory Trading Company coffee shop. When news broke of the disappearance of 82-year-old Janice Hall , who had wandered away from a dental appointment, Michael's immediate response was to offer his assistance. Without hesitation, Michael began searchin...

                                     We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ethan, a distinguished participant in our esteemed Pre-ETS program. Ethan is currently in the second week of his Shielded Metal Arc Welding course at a local community class.  He recently participated in a class contest where participants were challenged to weld two bars to replicate a precise model. Ethan's exceptional craftsmanship shone through, earning him the well-deserved distinction of first place. As the victor, Ethan was awarded his very own DeWalt Grinder! As Ethan nears the culmination of his course, we are thrilled to share that he has secured a position in a paid apprentice program, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his professional journey. Furthermore, we are delighted to announce that Ethan's will then transition into the realm of adult Vocational Rehabilitation services. Plea...

  We extend our heartfelt appreciation to The Choice Group counselors, Rita Dee and Christine Clayton, for their exceptional representation of our organization at the Norfolk Transition Agency Tour in May. The Norfolk Transition Agency Tour is an post-secondary transition planning event designed to offer invaluable information to currently enrolled adult students or parents/guardians of students with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and/or autism who are receiving services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The agencies who participated boast an extensive track record of assisting individuals with disabilities in Virginia as they make the critical transition from high school to adulthood.  Rita and Christine’s involvement in the tour exemplifies their commitment to providing comprehensive guidance and support to individuals with special needs. We commend them for their remarkable contributions and once again extend our immense gratitude. for th...

Madison was the first client Laura met through her counseling work with The Choice Group when they both volunteered to bag items at a grocery store. The rest is history.  After seeing how well the grocery store event went, Laura and Madison decided to explore additional jobs within the food industry, eventually settling on Outback as an ideal fit for Madison’s first job. She has now maintained employment at Outback for over a year and a half! In her role, Madison has carried out many tasks, starting with food prep at a table in the dining room before the restaurant opened, which gave her a large, quiet workspace. After mastering that task and becoming more comfortable in her new environment, Madison began working in the kitchen alongside other staff. She eventually added bussing and rolling silverware at night to her resume. On slower evenings when bussing tasks are not needed, Madison has even trained other staff on how to do food prep.  Madison continues to add helpful kitch...