Blog | The Arc of Hanover

Spotlight on Success: Bravo Bakeshop’s Recipe for Inclusion

By Diane Gallegos, Executive Director/Mission, The Arc of Hanover

Carter is the master baker of the Carter Cream Pie at Bravo Bakeshop.

A wonderful aroma is sweeping through Ashland, and it’s coming from the newly opened Bravo Bakeshop! More than just a source of incredible treats, this bakery is quickly becoming a beacon of community and inclusion, and a cherished friend of The Arc of Hanover.

Owner Liz Dillon has created a truly welcoming and inclusive work environment at Bravo Bakeshop. Liz recently shared the inspiring story of how she connected with the culinary baking program at Mechanicsville High School. A teacher from the program reached out, inquiring about employment for a talented young man -- a baker with a disability.

Liz didn't hesitate. She was thrilled to welcome Carter to the team, stating she feels "blessed to have someone who was so well-trained in the art of baking" join her staff. Carter has proven to be an invaluable asset and has mastered the classic oatmeal cream pie.

The Carter Cream Pie: A Sweet Partnership

To celebrate Carter's talent and dedication, Liz has renamed this signature item the Carter Cream Pie. But the sweetness doesn't stop there! In a generous gesture of support, Bravo Bakeshop is donating a portion of the sales of every Carter Cream Pie to The Arc of Hanover.

Diane Gallegos and Stacey Murrell, the Co-Executive Directors of The Arc of Hanover, recently visited the shop to express their thanks, meet Carter, and, of course, sample the famous pies. They were delighted to find Carter to be a very hardworking and polite young man who crafts a truly fantastic cream pie! They walked away with many pies to share with the volunteers at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store -- a treat that brought pure delight to all who enjoyed it.

Loving the Job and Loving the Freedom

Carter's dedication is evident. He had been balancing two jobs for nearly a year but recently made the decision to focus solely on Bravo Bakeshop. He shared his enthusiasm, stating he loves his job, his coworkers, and the opportunity to bake for others.

Carter utilizes the Hanover DASH transportation service to commute, which gives him the independence to schedule his rides and adjust his pick-up time as needed by his work schedule. This freedom ensures he can focus on his passion for baking without transportation worries.

Owner of Bravo Bakeshop in Ashland, Liz Dillon (left), with baker Carter (right), and the signature Carter Cream Pie.

If you haven't had the chance to visit Bravo Bakeshop yet, please make a point of stopping in! You'll not only be treated to wonderful baked goods but also get to meet neighbors and support a business that champions inclusion.

And whatever you do, don't forget to grab a delicious Carter Cream Pie. You’ll be supporting a fantastic baker and The Arc of Hanover!

If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover -- on any subject -- please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.

If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.

Hanover DASH Transportation Service a Key to Employment Success

Updated: Nov 9

By David Hudson, disability self-advocate and guest contributor

The Arc of Hanover is beginning an occasional blog series about public transportation options here in Hanover County. We are connecting with self-advocates who are using transportation services, such as Hanover DASH and the GRTC LINK system. We are asking questions about experiences so we can encourage others to reach out and to learn how to use these services here in the County.

The Arc of Hanover: Who are you?

Respondent: David Hudson, 22 years old.

Note: David is employed in Randolph-Macon College's dining services program. He requires transportation to Ashland for his job from his home in Mechanicsville.

The Arc of Hanover: What type of public transportation do you use?

David Hudson: Hanover DASH

Note: Hanover DASH is operated by Hanover County Government. It's a personalized transportation program for Hanover County residents age 65 and older and for individuals with disabilities. Read more about how to register for Hanover DASH at www.HanoverDASH.org.

The Arc of Hanover: How long have you used public transportation? If you use more than one public transportation service, please mention who you are using?

David Hudson: Two years. Sometimes if Hanover DASH doesn’t have a driver, I get switched to Lyft [a national ride-hailing service].

The Arc of Hanover: Why did you choose to use public transportation?

David Hudson: I become more independent.

The Arc of Hanover: How did you learn what transportation options were available in Hanover?

David Hudson: My mom.

The Arc of Hanover: How did you learn to use the transportation system? (Read a schedule; contact a driver; arrange for payment, etc.)

David Hudson: My mom helps me. They also have an app.

Note: Hanover DASH uses UZURV Ride, an app available for Apple and Android platforms. See the Hanover DASH website for more information.

The Arc of Hanover: Describe a typical day of using public transportation: What do you do? See?

David Hudson: Driver comes to my house. I make sure it’s the correct car and license plate. They drop me off at work. In the afternoon, my mom texts me who is picking me up (car type, car color, license plate and picture of driver). I look for car and check license plate and car type, and drive home. My debit card gets charged for my trips.

The Arc of Hanover: What challenges or barriers did you face in using your transportation? How did you overcome those challenges?

David Hudson: When I get switched to Lyft, they are sometimes late to pick me up. Sometimes one driver will drop my ride, and I have to wait for another driver to pick me up. I stay calm and play my phone.

The Arc of Hanover: What advice would you share with others about using public transportation?

David Hudson: Try it. You will like it. Tell your parent if you don’t like driver. One smelled like smoke, or they play loud music.

The Arc of Hanover: What has been the best part of using public transportation?

David Hudson: Riding in different type cars.

This interview was completed prior to the Fall 2025 shutdown of the federal government. As of this publication in November of 2025, Hanover DASH may temporarily cease operations on December 1st due to the shutdown. The program is funded by Hanover County Government as well as by state and federal funding from the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation. The County is currently funding the program through the end of November.

Another Hanover disability self-advocate -- and an avid volunteer at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store -- John Morel also uses Hanover DASH for his transportation to his volunteer position. John's story about using Hanover DASH is published in the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of The Hanover Review, the biannual magazine of Hanover County Government. You can read the article online here.

The Arc of Hanover continues to monitor these changes as they impact our local disability self-advocates, their families and caregivers. If you need help or information now, contact Diane Gallegos, Co-Executive Director/Mission at The Arc of Hanover. Email diane@thearcofhanover.org or call 804-798-2400 (PRESS 1).

If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.

If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover -- on transportation or any subject -- please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.

Changes to the Federal and State Landscape Prompt New Understanding and Advocacy for People with Disabilities

By Katrina VanHuss, Past-President, The Arc of Hanover

katrina@thearcofhanover.org

While the general population of Virginia and the United States are by and large highly supportive of programs to benefit people with disabilities, the federal government has been less so and providing less.

In summary, here is how the landscape has and is changing for people with disabilities:

Cuts to the Social Security Administration mean slower disability claim processing.
Deep layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education have gutted federal special education oversight — likely leading to fewer programs, longer dispute resolution times, and more pressure on states to fill the gaps.
New Medicaid rules — including upcoming work requirements and possible funding caps — could make it easier for people with disabilities to lose coverage or access to providers.
Virginia has raised some provider rates and is trying to reduce risks tied to federal funding cuts. But if those cuts move forward, people with disabilities could face more delays, lost services, and fewer options for care.
Virginia’s “trigger clause” could automatically end Medicaid expansion if the federal monetary match drops below 90%, which would push many people with disabilities out of coverage altogether.

Diane Gallegos, Co-Executive Director/Mission of The Arc of Hanover, says, “The world is getting to be a harder place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s going to take all of us to take care of the folks we love.”

Here is more detailed information on each topic:

Social Security Administration (SSA) Shake-Up

In Virginia and elsewhere, delays in Social Security disability determinations have become more severe after workforce cuts at the SSA. In Richmond, individuals with disabilities report prolonged waits just to have their claims processed.

Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

In a sweeping downsizing that has rattled the education world, the U.S. Department of Education has slashed its special education staff, raising urgent questions about its capacity to enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and support students with disabilities nationwide. AP News reported that 486 staff members were released, with the Office of Special Education Programs being left with only a handful of staff members.

In short, the federal machinery that once carried out oversight, technical assistance, research, and compliance in special education has been stripped almost to its bones. Education Week and K–12 policy analysts warn that the cuts to special education offices are so deep that the department’s capacity to operate is threatened.

Anticipated changes at the local level include:

Reduced Federal Support for Innovation – With limited staff, the department may scale back pilot programs, research on evidence-based practices, and dissemination of innovative models in special education.
Longer Resolution Times for Disputes – Complaints or mediation requests involving IDEA protections may take longer to process, leaving families waiting for resolution and services.
Increased Burden on States & Local Districts – States and districts will need to take on more administrative and oversight roles with less federal backstop — often without commensurate resources.
Heightened Risk of Noncompliance – The weakening of federal enforcement could embolden states or districts to underdeliver certain services, knowing oversight is less likely.
Potential Backlash & Litigation – A wave of lawsuits might arise from families or advocacy groups seeking to compel compliance where federal oversight has been diminished.

Changes to Medicaid

Statewide Coverage in General

In Virginia, the new federal Medicaid changes may cause coverage instability, service interruptions, and administrative burdens — especially for people with disabilities. While protections and exemptions exist on paper, the real impact will depend heavily on how the state defines, implements, and enforces them. Unless carefully managed, even well-intended reforms risk sliding into harmful gaps in care.

Work/“Community Engagement” Requirements

One of the most talked-about provisions in the new federal Medicaid rules is a requirement that many Medicaid recipients engage in 80 hours of work, education, or volunteer activities per month (or equivalent qualifying activities) to maintain eligibility. While the legislation includes exemptions for people with disabilities, it remains unclear how broadly or narrowly those exemptions will be implemented in Virginia.

State-level reporting lines suggest that the new law “will require those receiving Medicaid benefits to maintain full-time employment subject to twice-yearly verification” in Virginia — a verification threshold that could be difficult for people with disabilities. Currently, an annual verification process is in place.

For Virginia, a strain on agency capacity and increased paperwork — plus a higher chance of documentation delays — could mean more inadvertent loss of coverage among people with disabilities, especially those whose financial circumstances or health needs fluctuate.

Coverage loss or delays could interrupt access to therapies, durable medical equipment, home health, transportation, and attendant care. Loss of Medicaid means loss of access to prescription drugs, mental health care, preventive services, and more.

December 31, 2026, has been floated as the starting date for some work requirement provisions in states.

Provider Payment & State Funding Cuts

Virginia already took steps to shore up provider rates under its waiver system: On July 1, 2024, the state raised Developmental Disability (DD) waiver service rates (for group

homes, supported living, in-home supports, etc.) by 3% and also increased consumer-directed service facilitation rates.

But under the proposed federal cuts, Virginia faces pressure to reduce or cap state-directed payments, limit how much states can direct funds to managed care providers and reduce provider taxes (which help fund Medicaid).

Lower reimbursement rates, cuts in Medicaid support, or increased administrative burden might push some providers (especially in rural or underserved areas) to stop accepting Medicaid clients or scale back services.

In areas already facing provider scarcity, those with disabilities may find fewer therapy, specialist, or home-based providers available.

Trigger-Based Termination of Expansion Coverage

Virginia has a “trigger” clause in its budget language: If federal Medicaid funding (the monetary match) falls below 90%, the state could automatically end its Medicaid expansion coverage, which currently covers hundreds of thousands of Virginians.

Since expansion enrollees include people with disabilities whose income is just above ABD (Aged, Blind, Disabled) eligibility thresholds, a termination of expansion could knock many out of coverage.

The state has already moved to remove the automatic termination language in one budget amendment, indicating some legislative awareness of the risk.

The Arc of Hanover is continually monitoring the changes at the federal and state levels, and we consult with our partners at The Arc of Virginia with regularity. We are committed to serving self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Hanover County and will continue to report updates in these changes as they become available.

If you need help or information now, contact Diane Gallegos, Co-Executive Director/Mission at The Arc of Hanover. Email diane@thearcofhanover.or g or call 804-798-2400 (PRESS 1).

If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.

If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover, please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.