About Us

The Virginia Rehabilitation Association (VRA) is a chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all persons with disabilities. NRA is the oldest, largest, and strongest advocacy organization for all persons with disabilities in the USA.

Chartered in 1959, VRA continues to promote issues that enable persons with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of society, to provide opportunities for professional development for persons in the field of rehabilitation and independent living.

Mission

It is the mission of VRA to promote issues that enable persons with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of society, to provide opportunities for professional development for persons in the field of rehabilitation and independent living. VRA is involved in the following activities: Legislative Advocacy, Removal of Architectural Barriers, Professional Development, The VRA Foundation, Inc.

Our History

The VRA, a chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA), was organized on January 30, 1959. The NRA is a private, non-profit association whose members are professional persons in various areas of rehabilitation work, as well as consumers, volunteers, educators, students, and interested citizens.

By 1964, the total membership of VRA was slightly more than 600 persons. Approximately 60% were professional members representing physicians, rehabilitation counselors, vocational evaluators, therapists, social workers, nurses, administrators, and placement specialists. The remaining members included persons interested in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. The association was incorporated August 12, 1968.

VRA Awards

Submit an Online Nomination

Download Nomination Template

Norman C. Hammond Business Award

Mr. Hammond was credited with creating “IBM Data Processing for the Handicapped” Program. This award was established to honor business and industry leaders whose contributions to the field of rehabilitation in Virginia are outstanding and result in the employment of persons with disabilities. Eligible for this award may be organizations or industrial leaders that have made a contribution to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in activities over and beyond the purpose for which the organization was established. Preference is given to individuals or organizations that have effectively and actively advocated for individuals with disabilities; introduced innovative programs and approaches to rehabilitation; and impact rehabilitation beyond the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This award was created in 1986 to honor business and industry leaders whose contribution to the field of rehabilitation in Virginia are outstanding and resulted in the employment of persons with disabilities. The award is named in honor of Norman Hammond, who began the IBM Data Processing For the Handicapped Program.

Past Recipients

2020 - McAlister's Deli, Blacksburg, VA
2019 - Legget Town & Country
2018 - CVS
2017 - Jennifer Hunter Johnson, HR Director of IHG Army Hotels
2017 - Mr. Brett Vassey, President and CEO of Virginia Manufacturers
2016 - Howard Green, National Organization on Disability
2012 - Lisa Malone and Rebecca Pate-Johnson, Didlake Employment Services, Itouch Pilot Project Team
2009 - Sue Cline, Active Grey Matter/Cyclonic Consulting
2008 - Boddie Noell
2007 - Omni of Richmond and Loudoun County Workforce Investment Center
2006 - Rappahannock General Hospital
2005 - Garth Larcen, Positive Vibe Cafe, Richmond
2004 - Imperial Plaza and Crown Cork and Seal (USA)
2003 - Ukrop's Supermarkets, Inc.
2002 - Millie Hewett
2002 - Manpower
2001 - Prudential Cleanroom Services
2000 - Booz-Allen
1999 - David French - ARAMARK, Inc.
1998 - Faye Luellen - K Mart
1995 - George Homan, Assistant Director, Friendship Industries, Harrisonburg
1992 - Bobby L. Townsend, Senior Vice President and Stephen A. Schutze, Director of Corporate Resources, Nations Bank
1991 - Ukrop's Super Market, Richmond
1991 - Sprint Services, Richmond
1990 - Robert Biggs, Assistant District Manager, Kroger Company
1989 - Noel C. Taylor, Roanoke Mayor
1987 - William Reeves, Sears & Roebuck
1986 - Norman C. Hammond, IBM Data Procession

Franz Stillfried Barrier Free Achievers Honor Roll

Established in 1988 to recognize efforts made by individuals, businesses or organizations for the removing of architectural, attitudinal and environmental barriers. A plaque honoring Mr. Stillfried’s work for more accessible facilities was prepared and presented to Mr. Stillfried’s family when this award was established. Awarded to an individual who has exercised notable leadership in either removing environmental, attitudinal or legal barriers and/or has contributed to the attainment of independence for persons with disabilities by significantly supporting the growth of rehabilitation services throughout Virginia.

The purpose of this award is threefold:

To develop a cooperative resource link between Virginia’s Mayors’ Committees/Commissions and the Virginia Rehabilitation Association;
To increase awareness and share information on innovative projects; and
To generate more activities and participation in barrier removal.

Past Recipients

2018 - Stephen Johnson
2016 - Carrie Clawson, DARS
2015 - Keith Johnson, Manager, HRT Paratransit
2009 - Appalachian Independence Center, Abingdon, Virginia
2008 - Linda Broady-Myers

Dr. Roy M. Hoover Award for Outstanding Medical Achievement

Dr. Hoover of Tallahassee, Florida, former Roanoke orthopedic surgeon and former medical director of Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, initiated this award at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. In 1969 WWRC requested that the Virginia Rehabilitation Association accept the responsibility for its administration. It honors a physician practicing in Virginia who has given outstanding medical rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities and whose contributions are substantial. This nominee may have a local, statewide, or regional impact on services to clients through rehabilitation, in the field of medicine or in any field, rehabilitative in nature. Length of service in Virginia and voluntary efforts is a consideration.

Past Recipients

2018 - Dr. Geoffrey Smith
2017 - C. Frederick Capps, Former Director of the Psychology Department at WWRC
2016 - Dr. Mammen Mathew, WWRC
2009 - Dr. Harvey E. Jacobs, Private Practice, Richmond, VA
2005 - David Hebda, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist, Manassas, VA
2004 - Pamela S. Duff, M.D., Chief Medical Consultant, Dept of Rehabilitative Services & Disability Determination Division
2003 - John D. Ward, M.D.
1998 - Louis Massad, M.D.
1995 - Dr. Michael E. States, Dentist, Charlottesville, VA
1990 - Doris Woodward, M.D., Psychiatric Consultant
1987 - Dr. Mammen M. Mathew, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
1984 - Henry H. Stonnington, M.D.
1982 - Reno Porter, M.D.
1980 - Dr. G. Slaughter Fitz-Hugh
1979 - Dr. Susan Millette
1978 - Dr. William Orr
1977 - Sam. D. Graham, M.D.
1976 - Dr. Warren G. Stamp
1975 - Dr. David K. Webster
1974 - Dr. Joseph T. Byrne
1973 - Dr. Leroy Smith
1972 - Dr. Alexander McCausland
1971 - Dr. Rachel Weems Gann
1970 - Dr. Treacy O'Hanlon

A. Ray Dawson Humanitarian Award

In 1971, Dr. Dawson, Director of geriatric and rehabilitation services for the Virginia Department of Mental Hygiene and Hospitals, initiated this award with a $1,000 grant and presented the first award. It is presented for outstanding services to people with disabilities by a practitioner, who is not in an administrative or supervisory position. Awarded to a professional person having direct contact with persons with disabilities in the rehabilitation process, and whose efforts have had a significant impact on their lives. Individuals may have worked in psychology, vocational evaluation, or medical specialties.

Past Recipients

2018 - Lisa Handke
2017 - Lisa Topolsoky, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2016 - Jill Clark, Fairfax County Government
2011 - Alissa Molinelli and Whitney Ham, Rehabilitation Professionals, VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
2009 - Helen Kimble, Charlottesville Department of Social Services
2007 - Ellen Braswell, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2006 - Bonnie Hawley, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2005 - Robin Metcalf, The Choice Group
2004 - Eunice Griffin, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2003 - John (Benjy) Burnett
2001 - Steven Sommer, Department of Rehabilitative Services
1992 - Judy Dorman, Department of Visually Handicapped
1991 - Marika Byrd, Department of Rehabilitative Services
1990 - Lynne Seward, Adult Development Center, Inc
1989 - Susan Dawkins Ireland, Northwestern Workshop
1987 - Dr. Pat. Poplin, Department of Education
1983 - Janet Downs
1982 - Thomas L. Jolly, Department of Rehabilitative Services
1980 - R. Edward (Ned) Strange, Department for Rehabilitative Services
1979 - Eammon P. McEvilly, Department of Rehabilitative Services
1978 - Dr. Mitchell Rosenth
1977 - Frank B. Hart Jr.
1976 - S. James Cutler, MCV Audiology
1975 - Thomas G. Powell, Sr.
1974 - John J. Hawse, Department of Rehabilitative Services
1973 - Ruby Watkin
1972 - Marshall L. Sanders, Department of Rehabilitative Services
1971 - Harry L. Rankin, Jr., Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center

R. N. Anderson Award for Leadership

In 1986 a classroom at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Anderson, the first Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services. This award is given to a current member of the Virginia Rehabilitation Association who has demonstrated excellence in services to persons with disabilities. The first R.N. Anderson Award was presented in 1961.

Past Recipients

VRA Distinguished Achievement Award

Awarded to a person with a disability who has demonstrated imagination, perseverance, resolve, and an indomitable spirit in working to overcome barriers in their lives resulting in a better quality of life for themselves and others. When making nominations for this award, volunteer work, part time and full time employment is a consideration but not a requirement.

Past Recipients

2019 - Cyril Tay
2018 - Dr. Regina Root
2018 - DeWanna Christian
2017 - Liam Cornwall, VCU Graduate
2016 - Matthew Barkley, Fairfax County Government
2016 - Paul Hoelschen, DARS
2015 - Natasha H. Sherman
2014 - Eli Dimsey, Walgreens
2013 - Sam Leckrone, Staunton, VA, Virginia Department of Transportation
2013 - Greg Gorman, Richmond, VA, Willow Oaks Country Club
2011 - Dominique (Nikki) Meyers-Griffin, CNA, Charlottesville
2011 - Kalyn Hutson, Surgical Care Technician, Richmond
2009 - Jennifer Woodward, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Policy & Planning Unit
2008 - Tazewell Winston & Erika Umbarger
2007 - Janice Austin, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2006 - Tim Downing, PBX Operator
2005 - C.L. & Denise Brown, Eastern Shore, VA

Corbett Reedy Award for Excellence

This award was created in 1985 to honor Corbett Reedy who was a Virginia Rehabilitation Association service provider, as well as an official of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Upon his retirement to his native Virginia, he was appointed to serve on the policymaking Board of the Department of Rehabilitative Services. Awarded to a resident of Virginia currently involved in the rehabilitation field, but not limited to rehabilitation professionals. This person must have creatively pursued excellence in contributions to the rehabilitation program, projects, issues, publications or a significant rehabilitation cause. Excellence in the field of service to persons with disabilities is recognized through this award.

Past Recipients

2020 - Sheneka Hairston
2019 - Karen Michalski Karney
2018 - Win Stevens
2017 - Marty Baldwin, Workforce Center Manager
2016 - Greg Morrell, Celebrating his life and legacy
2014 - Kristi Lockhart, Transition Services Coordinator, VA Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
2013 - David H. Dean, Ph.D., Robins School of Business, University of Richmond
2012 - David Leon, Ticket to Work Coordinator, VA Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
2012 - Patricia "Patti" Goodall, Brain Injury Coordinator, VA Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
2011 - Jack Quigley, Director, Virginia Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Department of Medical Assistance Services
2009 - Beth Tetrault, Henrico County Mental Health Mental Retardation
2008 - Carolyn Craddock Turner, Department of Rehabilititative Services
2007 - Margaret Gillispie, Department of Rehabilititative Services
2006 - Joseph M. Ashley, Ph.D., Director, Grants and Special Programs,Department of Rehabilititative Services
2005 - Richard S. Luck, Ed.D., Director, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, Fishersville
2004 - Raymond "Ray" Graesser, formerly Department of Rehabilititative Services
2003 - Eleana M. Boyer, Director of Supported Employment Services, Didlake, Inc.,
1999 - Karen Smith, Executive Director, Arc/Greater Prince William/Insight, Inc.
1995 - Annette S. Pope, DRS Counselor
1992 - Susan L. Urofsky, DRS Commissioner
1991 - Honorable Don S. Beyer, Jr., Lt. Governor
1990 - Sandra K. Howie, Executive Director, CVILC
1987 - John D. Collins, III, President, Van Go Corp.
1985 - Corbett Reedy (First recipient)

Don T. Johnston Award

This award honors a Virginian that has creatively pursed excellence in contributions to rehabilitation programs, projects, issues, publications or a significant rehabilitation cause.

Past Recipients

2020 - Rhonda Beavers-Chandler
2019 - Dale Batten
2018 - Ericka Neville
2017 - Susan M. Collins, VRA Board Member, Fairfax County Public Schools
2016 - Dawn Scott, VRA NewsNotes Editor, The Choice Group
2015 - Adair Jensen-Smith, Manager, The Choice Group
2014 - Margie Millner, VRA Board Member, Committee Chair, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Counselor
2013 - Susan Gaillard, VRA Education Chair, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
2012 - Kristina Blough, VRA NewsNotes Editor
2011 - Elizabeth (Liz) Smith, Policy and Planning Director, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2010 - Eleanor Williams, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2010 - Andrew Stowe, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2009 - Amy Miller, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Immediate Past President VRA
2008 - Maggie Butler, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Counselor
2007 - Steve Sommer
2007 - Susan Green, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2006 - Ellen Braswell, VRA Secretary, Rehabilitation Counselor, Department of Rehabilitative Services
2005 - Sherman Gifford, The Choice Group, Richmond
2004 - Mark Fletcher
2003 - Mary Kaye Johnston
2002 - Teri Bertsch
2001 - Shirley Lyons
2000 - Naomi Aitken
1999 - Naomi Aitken
1998 - Charles F. Wingold
1996 - Bernice Chattin
1995 - Mary Kaye Johnston
1994 - Mary Kaye Johnston
1993 - Don T. Johnston (first recipient)