We are excited to share with you the many achievements and strategic accomplishments
realized during Fiscal Year 2009 (FY 2009). Since MVLE’s beginnings in 1971, our
mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities has remained constant. Our
board and staff members are guided by our five organizational values: Respect,
Opportunity, Success, Diversity, and Integrity. These guiding principles are responsible
for MVLE’s many stories of success.

During 2009, we focused on growing community and business partnerships to diversify
our financial foundation and insure MVLE’s future in a period of economic turmoil. As
a result, MVLE grew during one of the most difficult fiscal times in recent history. For
persons with disabilities, our growth is providing employment and support service options
that “create futures one person at a time.”

Our principles of opportunity and success were evident as we established “Good Scents”
potpourri, expanded our Walter Reed Army Medical Center Federal janitorial contract,
and developed a new Guest Services restaurant enclave. Our other line of business,
DigitalStream, is providing jobs in the technology field for individuals with disabilities,
while helping local businesses streamline their office procedures. In 2009, 68 new
full-time jobs were created and we served 630 individuals with disabilities, including 24
school graduates.

There is no single formula that defines the journey to personal achievement.
Acknowledging and respecting that diversity requires providing diverse yet individualized
services. During FY 2009, MVLE developed a wealth of supported therapies—art, music,
horticulture, pet-assistive technology, and physical therapy. The resulting achievements of
individuals provide inspiring stories of enhanced ability and personal growth. Success for
individuals with disabilities is not uncommon. Rather, with strong support and services, it
is predictable. Ensuring that adequate services are available to Virginians with disabilities
requires a sustaining commitment from each of us. It requires integrity and maintenance
of a vision in which each individual with disabilities achieves the dream to have “a life
like yours.”

However, having “a life like yours” is not yet a reality in Virginia. For years, Virginia has
lagged behind all but three other states in funding community services for individuals
with disabilities. Progress can occur in response to advocacy efforts by individuals with
disabilities and their families. In the past year, advocacy efforts resulted in Virginia
eliminating the “R” word from the state code, increased access to Medicaid waiver
services, and a needed reimbursement increase for those services. But we still have a
long way to go. Further advocacy is needed to address the more than 5,000 individuals
statewide who remain on the waiting list for services.

Whether we are individuals with disabilities, family members, or interested advocates, it
is vital that we carry such stories of success to local, regional and state elected officials.
Seek out your representatives and tell your story.

As you will see in this report, our community and business partnerships demonstrate a
solid foundation and sustaining support for our mission. Our guiding principles of
Respect, Opportunity, Success, Diversity, and Integrity form the cornerstone of MVLE’s
economic and strategic decisions; decisions that help individuals with disabilities to
win a valued place in our communities.