On behalf of REV UP Virginia I am pleased to endorse HB 54. Internships are an excellent pathway to gainful employment for young adults with disabilities. Coordination of internships requires the time and attention of a professional who is knowledgeable of accommodations needed to support an individual toward exercising his or her abilities and skills to the fullest in the given work setting. Persons with disabilities face numerous barriers to achieving gainful employment. A designated internship coordinator with such knowledge would be a significant step forward for the Commonwealth toward support of gainful employment of persons with disabilities. Therefore REV UP Virginia strongly supports HB 54.

On behalf of the Virginia Young Democrats Disability Caucus, we'd like to express our full support and endorsement for HB 54! We are endorsing HB 54 because only 38% of working-age people with disabilities in the U.S. are employed, far below the rate for people without disabilities. This bill strengthens employment opportunities in our Commonwealth, and helps allow disabled youth the opportunity to serve their state, and most importantly- have a clear pathway to gainful employment.

Good afternoon, Chair, My name is Kristi Black and I am representing the Prince William County Chamber, which includes approximately 1,400 members in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park. As the Chamber representing the most diverse county in Virginia, we support HB165 and believe it would provide a substantial means to overcoming barriers to licensure for businesses in our region and across the entire Commonwealth.