I am the Founder & Executive Director of Vanguard Landing and I speak as the loving and fiercely dedicated Mother of a Virginia born woman who among her other gifts and talents, has an Intellectual Disabilty.

While serving on the Virginia Beach Community Services Board, nominated by the VB City Council, for over a decade, I was exposed to exactly what was available in Virginia for the precious people like my daughter. The best thing I saw was Innisfree in Charlottesville but it was not exactly the location and program that my daughter needed. I was approached by the former Virginia Beach CSB Director of Developmental Services, Dr. Jay Lazier, who asked me to consider doing more than my plan to open a coffee/sandwich shoppe to employ those with disabilities.  He asked me to meet with a group of parents and listen to their concerns for their family members. He took me to Innisfree and to local provider’s homes and to the General Assembly to appeal to them for waiver funding and more opportunities. When I saw NOTHING that even came close to a vision of a FULL life that MY daughter wanted, and in most cases what I saw as reminiscent of the dark days hearkening back to the abysmal homes of the old days, I traveled the country to research for several years what other states were doing and I discovered Intentionally planned AMAZING Communities of all shapes and sizes and I along with MANY others decided to create one to help with the severe lack of opportunities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

I’ve spent 16 years with a dedicated and mighty group of people developing Vanguard Landing, which included finding the land, finding and raising the money and overseeing the project to create this wonderful option for those that want this. I set it up as a non-profit not a for profit. Any extra money after all expenses go back into the community for the residents, not bonuses for owners. All providers utilizing waiver charge rent, room and board separately as they are required. Vanguard Landing is no different.

This business plan was designed to align with the HCBS Settings Rule and its person-centered principles in all aspects. An intentional community is not automatically disqualified from providing Medicaid Waiver-funded services because of its design. A house sitting on a street or one apartment in a building does not, by itself create inclusion. Having neighbors nearby does not necessarily mean having friends. We need to look at whether people have meaningful relationships, opportunities to participate and the support to enjoy a FULL life. Vanguard Landing provides all of the HCBS opportunities and more, not less. 

The individuals THEMSELVES, with the support of the families who love them, must have a meaningful say in where they live and receive supports. Their needs and preferences must guide those decisions. Many people have worked all these years to create another option for those that WANT this kind of community.

Over the years, I have worked with wonderful people who want more opportunities for persons with disabilities, and I am grateful for them! I have also been told things that this Mother cannot accept. Things like, “We believe that all persons with disabilities should be in their own apartment and let nature take its course”, to “Debbie, why don’t you stick to rich people and let the “waiver” people be left to other providers.” These statements were made TO ME!  Is “WAIVER PEOPLE” a person-centered phrase? Our family members deserve to be recognized as individuals, with their own gifts, needs and hopes for their lives!” MUCH of the criticism disguised as concern for the disabled is simply that Vanguard is seeking Medicaid Waivers- plain and simple. That was confirmed by the Executive Director of one agency who continues to criticize Vanguard Landing in this forum.  

Other Intentional Communities have been APPROVED FOR Medicaid waiver-funded services, which makes it attainable to MORE people, not less and we are asking for the opportunity at Vanguard Landing for FULL choice for those that hold a Waiver.

There are lots of great and loving providers in Virginia all trying their best. Vanguard Landing is aligned and friends with many but one, by their choice. Vanguard Landing is proud to be one of the great providers serving some very special people.

I am fiercely dedicated to this group of very deserving folks and I will continue to advocate for them-

Debra Bond Dear