Organization: The Arc of Northern Virginia

Situation
Summary background of the organization
This group started when relatives of mentally disabled children were looking for alternatives to institutionalization. They regularly introduce new concepts amongst those they serve and those near to them, and aim to allow these concepts to become the norm in society. This group also lobbies actively in the Commonwealth of Virginia to pass legislature that supports the rights of people with disabilities to blend into society successfully. Their mission is to secure and sustain the full range of rights, opportunities and choices for a satisfying and productive life with dignity for all people with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and other related disabilities.

Obstacles
The communication challenges faced
This group’s membership deals frequently with stereotypes and frequency of notions about their abilities and disabilities. They aim to get beyond the “special” status, to be fully integrated into society.

Design Response
The steps and solution taken by the CreateAThon design team
Squares were selected as a key design concept to reflect uniformity and strength. The geometric shapes were placed into a grid to show a solidarity and sense of an organized community of support. The contrasting colors represent the differences that are unique to all individuals.