Held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the celebration was more than just an anniversary; it was a showcase of four decades of commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

🤝 A Powerful Gathering of Partners and Pioneers

Friends, colleagues, and partners came together with a shared purpose, including a diverse group of current and former Partnership employees, state agency officials, and valued community partners. The turnout highlighted the Partnership's widespread influence and collaborative spirit.

Notably, the event welcomed representatives from high-level management across agencies, offering them a meaningful, firsthand view of the Partnership's collective impact.

Notable community and state partners included:

• Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
• Virginia Department of Education
• Virginia Department of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Virginia Department of Health
• The Arc of Virginia
• The Family and Children’s Trust Fund
• Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
• Richmond Memorial Health Foundation
• VCU Schools of Social Work and Gerontology, and the RRTC

🌟 Celebrating the Past and Future Growth

A truly special moment was the reunion of the Partnership’s foundational leaders. Howard Garner, the first Executive Director, and Fred Orelove, the next long-serving Executive Director, were both in attendance, sharing reflections on the growth and sustainability of the work they helped launch. Their presence underscored the deep roots and enduring mission of the organization.

The celebration was filled with the voices and energy of the people the Partnership supports, with many self-advocates and families attending, including one dedicated individual who traveled to Richmond from Roanoke to participate. Attendees expressed immense support and enjoyed touring the new office space.

💡 Project Showcases: Information and Innovation

The Open House format allowed for an exciting exchange of information, with several core PPD projects hosting information tables to share their mission, goals, and latest updates:

• Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center
• VTSS – Virginia Tiered System of Supports
• VDOE T/TAC
• Virginia Deafblind Project
• Learn the Signs. Act Early
• Project PEACE: Community Collaborations for Employment
• LEAP (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities)
• Center for Family Involvement
• Virginia LEND

The event also served as a fantastic reunion for many LEND alumni who are now working across various partner agencies, creating valuable opportunities for networking and cross-project collaboration.

In summary, the 40th Anniversary gathering was both positive and inspiring, not just in commemorating past achievements but solidifying the strong partnerships that will drive the Partnership’s vital work for decades to come.