Norma Draper lives in Hopewell, Virginia which is
near Petersburg and Richmond, the capitol of Virginia. She is retired from
a career in sales and married to Master Sergeant Leslie Draper, US Army, retired.
She is the mother of three grown children, two daughters and one son.
She has five grandchildren, one of which is Justin.
Norma
is the custodian and primary care-giver for her grandson Justin who
has a disability. Justin is very loving and bright and inspires
universal love and hope wherever he goes. Justin, or "Justy" as he is
sometimes affectionately called, uses a power wheelchair with
customized controls to give him the mobility and freedom to go many
places and enjoy life to his fullest potential. Justin also has access
to his own computer with specially configured controls which he enjoys
and
It is through Norma's many years of devotedly caring for and loving
Justin with all her heart that she became involved in and dedicated to
advocacy for children, youth and adults with disabilities. She brings
to the support group her own personal experience plus qualified
training in the field of disability advocacy and caring for people
with disabilities.
Norma Draper is a graduate of the Virginia
Partners in
Policymaking Class of 2002-2003 where she studied diligently
to become a an advocate for children, youth or adults with
disabilities.
This website for the parents support group serves as medium from which to
educate and get the word out about Virginia Voices in Action's
monthly meetings, special events and network of qualified help,
volunteers and resources.
by Governor Mark Warner to The Virginia Board For People With
Disabilities!
From Norma Draper's first inspiration to form VIA,
it has been and always will be, for people with disabilities. This parent
support group is operated and maintained entirely with volunteers and
the generosity of friends and donations from civic groups and
organizations.
Norma's personal desire is for this website and
Virginia Voices in Action parent support group to inspire, educate and empower people
with disabilities and the families and loved ones who care for them.
The website was built by Norma Draper's sister, Sylvia Woolwine of
Salem, Virginia. She is a professional website developer who built and
maintains this website for Norma as her personal contribution to Virginia
voices in Action.
We hope you will browse through our site and find
inspiration to become a member of our support group, volunteer your
time or services, or give a donation to help us continue our work. If you know
someone who would benefit from becoming a member of Virginia Voices
in Action or would like to be on our mailing list please tell them
about vavoicesinaction.com.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Norma Draper and Justin
And all the volunteers at VIA
