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Commending STEP VA.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 9, 2026
WHEREAS, STEP VA, a nonprofit organization based in Fredericksburg, strives to empower people with disabilities by providing opportunities for creative expression and sensory exploration; and
WHEREAS, STEP VA, which stands for Sensory + Theatre = Possibilities, was developed when two pediatric therapists noticed a young girl struggling to participate in a community theatre production and developed a special prop with sensory weights, allowing her to perform with her friends; and
WHEREAS, STEP VA was officially founded in 2013 by speech language pathologist Jan Monroe, physical therapist Carolyn Pockat McKinney, and occupational therapist Katie Brown; and
WHEREAS, STEP VA offers workshops, classes, camps, group meetings, and performing arts productions that allow people with disabilities to unlock their fullest potential in a nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, STEP VA's unique, intentional programs allow participants to experience success on their own terms, cultivate a better understanding of their own capabilities, and promote participation in community life; and
WHEREAS, STEP VA's programs and resources have enhanced the lives of countless participants over the years, and its workforce development initiatives have helped train future generations of caregivers on how to better support and advocate for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, STEP VA has fulfilled its mission through the dedication of its leadership and staff, the hard work of its volunteers, and generous support from community partners; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That STEP VA hereby be commended for its legacy of achievements in service to people with disabilities in Fredericksburg; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to STEP VA as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's commitment to helping people with disabilities become confident leaders in their communities through arts education.