In 2017, the Code of Virginia was amended to establish a goal to increase by five percent, the level of employment of individuals with disabilities over the next five years.

One of the requirements for all Executive Branch agencies is the annual submission of a formal Employment Plan that outlines the organization's individual strategies for helping the Commonwealth achieve its goal.

The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) designed an Agency Employment Opportunity Plan template to collect required information and enable agencies the flexibility to present successful practices that can drive the future direction of the overall strategy.

Ninety percent of Executive Branch agencies are in compliance with the mandate. These agencies submitted a Statement of Commitment signed by their Agency Head or College or University President, and an updated Employment Opportunity Plan outlining their recruitment and retention efforts.

Although agencies have made progress in their recruitment and retention efforts, Individuals with Disabilities continue to represent approximately 1% of Executive Branch employees. The number of Individuals with Disabilities employed in the Commonwealth have potentially been impacted by retirements and the transition of classified employees to university staff. In addition, many agencies still have employees who have not disclosed their disabilities. The ongoing efforts of agencies to foster a culture of inclusion will build the necessary trust for employees to provide this data and agencies will be able to see an increased representation.