We Are People First
WHAT IS PEOPLE FIRST OF VIRGINIA BEACH / AKTION CLUB?

It is an organization that promotes the self-advocacy of adults with developmental disabilities. We are also a sponsored club of Kiwanis International. We are sponsored by Pembroke Kiwanis Club (see link below)

WHY IS IT CALLED PEOPLE FIRST?

Because persons with developmental disabilities want to be seen as PEOPLE FIRST, before their disability. They want to be seen as valuable, contributing members of their community.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Any person of voting age who has or is perceived to have a developmental disability may join People First.

WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU MEET?

We meet at the Pembroke Office Park, Pembroke 3, Suite 210, Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
We meet 2-4pm, on the Second Saturday of each month, from September to December and February to May.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MEETINGS?

Members learn about their rights and how to speak up for themselves. They learn how to run meetings. They elect their own officers and decide on goals. They choose their own advisors, and the time and place of meetings. Sometimes they invite speakers or show a video about a topic of interest.

HOW DID IT START?

It began in Sweden in 1969 and came to the United States in 1974. A group of residents at Fairview State Hospital wanted to realize their goal of living in the community. To do this, they had to learn their rights and how to speak out and make their wishes known.

Since then, chapters have formed in 33 states, Canada, and Mexico. The chapters are run by and for the members, so goals depend on the needs of those members.

Every chapter is different. Some are social / recreational, providing peer support and group activities. Others have become political, speaking out against budget cuts and talking with legislators. A few have expressed interest in learning more about the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to persons with both cognitive and physical disabilities.

Opportunities are endless!

WHAT IS PEOPLE FIRST OF VIRGINIA?

It is a coalition of People First groups who meet together on a state-wide basisc to make plans to further self-advocacy.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Start a local chapter. Find a few interested friends and a willing advisor / helper. Contact an established group for help. We can send information and provide technical assistance.

You can meet at a central place that people can get to. Contact local churches, clubhouses, your Community Services Board and ask for the use of a room.

Join Us or Start a Chapter of Your Own Today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE VIRGINIA BEACH DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AT 757-385-0600.   ASK FOR THE PEOPLE FIRST ADVISOR.


Link to Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities Link to Self Advocates Becoming Empowered - SABE Link to Kiwanis Aktion Club Link to Pembroke Kiwanis Club (inactive link) Link to AAMR Link to ARC of Virginia Peninsula

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