The Hampton Roads Disabilities Board (HRDB) selected a new Chair in March. Virginia Beach resident and long standing member of HRDB, Bob Barnaby will Chair the organization for the next two years. The HRDB assists localities in identifying and addressing the needs of persons with physical and sensory disabilities in their communities. The HRPDC provides staff support for the HRDB’s important mission.

Mr. Barnaby brings a fresh approach and unique perspective to the Chair position. A former Virginia Beach volunteer fire fighter, Bob is disabled, and although disabled he is anything but sedentary.

Since 1994, he has been an active member of the Sun Wheelers, a wheelchair sports organization, mainly playing tennis, and is currently serving as Coordinator of the Virginia Beach National Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. He has served on many Hampton Roads Commissions and Boards that specifically work with or on the behalf of the disabled, including: the Therapeutic Care Units of the Parks and Recreation Departments in Norfolk and Virginia Beach; Easter Seals, and the Greater Hampton Roads Disability Symposium.

As Chair, Barnaby wants to continue and expand the HRDB’s recent education initiative regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). For the past two years, the HRDB has been holding workshops examining the ADA, title-by-title.

“I would like to also focus on other needs, such as transportation, housing and emergency preparations, that need to be considered or addressed for those with disabilities,” said Barnaby. “These needs can be met, but are often not known by the general public. I hope the HRDB can help bridge the knowledge gap.”

Barnaby will serve as Chair until January 2018.