Disability Rights Center of Vi

The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (drcvi) hosted five (5) radio shows on our weekly ability radio program. The shows included guests from both the private and public sectors with a focus on developmental disabilities. Drcvi also conducted trainings in disaster assistance emergency radio for home health agencies in the Vi. Additional training was also provided to the early headstart staff and the department of education. Our employer recruitment roundtable enabled us to provide a platform where both employers and job seekers can interact. We also provided sensitivity training to peace officer cadets and taxi and tour operators.

Drcvi provides protection and Advocacy services for individuals with mental illness. During the year, drcvi monitored 10 facilities that serve individuals with mental illness. We also disseminated information at our outreach activities and hosted four radio shows with the focus on mental health. We partnered with the national alliance for individuals with mental illness (naimi) on issues involving individuals struggling with mental illness, violence in our community, dealing with trauma and the need to end mental health stigma. Drcvi continues to advocate for a comprehensive case management system in the Virgin Islands to provide a safety net for individual with mental illness.

The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (drcvi) collaborated with the Virgin Islands department of education, department of human services, tutu park mall, and service providers to conduct 10 workshops at 7 events. Additionally, we sponsored several events presented by the Virgin Islands department of education. We trained members of the Virgin Islands department of education and department of human services on section 504 plans, the individuals with disabilities education act, family educational Rights and privacy act, health insurance portability and accountability act, and mandatory reporting. In addition, drcvi advocated on behalf of over 15 students, broadcast over 7 radio shows, and disseminated more than 1000 publications to staff, parents, and students.

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