Disability Rights Center of Vi

The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (drcvi) hosted two radio shows on our ability radio touching on the topic of empowing individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their goals. We conducted training of headstart staff on individuals with disabiliities act (idea), section 504 - to address students with a Disability, individualized education plans (iep) and individual family service plan (ifsp). Drcvi also invited the department of jusice to speak on anti-hate campaign. In addition, we provided support to the Virgin Islands deaf and hard of hearing group in their efforts to provide information at the disaster expo.

The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (drcvi) provies protection and Advocacy services for individuals with mental illness. We monitored 12 facilities that house individuals with mental illness to ensure that their Rights are not violated, that there were no incidents of abuse or neglect. We continue to participate in monitoring of the bureau of corrections consent decree which seeks to address the state of individuals with mental illness who are housed in the prison system. Additionally, we hosted two radio shows highlighting how communities can address cultural taboos through art and professional advice on the importance of mental health for the overall health of the community. We also hosted a webinar with four experts on the subject of the stigma assocated with mental illness.

Drcvi provided training to more than 146 professionals, 123 parents, and 448 youth in early childhood, special education, and vocational rehabilitation systems. With our collaboration with head start we trained 175 staff members and 53 parents on the individuals with disabilities education act (idea) and section 504. We worked at the edith williams alternative school where we taught the students about self-advocacy, self-awareness, and self-esteem. We sent out 1802 text messages using catchy slogans to engage parents. We posted 208 informational posts to our social media platforms. We provided training to 219 students about proper hygiene and disseminated hygiene products to 167 students. We created a Disability Advocacy and Rights reading initiative (darri) book club. To date, we have disseminated 108 books.

Drcvi provides legal services, conducts investigations of facilities, provides information and referral services and training and outreach to underserved communities.