Every three years each of the 40 Disability Services Boards (DSBs) in Virginia conduct Needs Assessments throughout the state. The Needs Assessment results serve several purposes that are critically important to people with disabilities.

1) Information gathered is used to advise county, city, and state government officials about issues important to people with disabilities during their program and infrastructure planning activities.

2) Needs Assessment information is used to educate policy makers about how to best empower people with disabilities to live productively in their communities through the provision of well-planned and efficient service systems at all levels.

3) Needs assessment information is used to advocate for the necessary resources, including funding, to address identified gaps in service and other barriers to services delivery. Core services identified in past Needs Assessments include case management, transportation, assistive technology, personal assistance services, accessible housing, training, education, employment, independent living and family support services.

(Source: Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services)

The NRVDSB 2006 Needs Assessment Survey can be taken here.

PAST NRVDSB NEEDS ASSESSMENT (pdf format)

• 2003 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
• 2000 NEEDS ASSESSMENT