Virginia’s disability services gap persists despite progress, leaves young adults vulnerable

By: Nathaniel Cline

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: July 30, 2026

Words: 940

Last Updated: 4 days, 10 hours ago

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Medicaid waiver slots have increased in Virginia, expanding services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have lost school-based special education services.

Even so, thousands of disabled Virginians are still waiting, because demand continues to outpace available slots.

When people with certain disabilities graduate or reach age 22, they face a “services cliff,” as they lose school support but do not automatically transfer to adult services like in-home supports, personal care, respite for …

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