About the Fellowship
The Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellowship was established in 2021 by the family and friends of the late Frank Trippett. It was created as a tribute to his years-long advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Under the supervision of the Director of Advocacy, and in cooperation with other staff members, the Trippett Fellow assists with grassroots advocacy and outreach to families with a loved one with a developmental disability. Working to engage families in the legislative process, with a focus on policies and legislative issues that affect the disability community, the Trippett Fellow also helps people with disabilities and their families advocate for systemic change. Additionally, the Trippett Fellow assists with outreach activities to educate families about the resources that are available for them and their loved ones.
The Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellowship is an 11-month full-time contractor position.
About Frank Trippett
After his retirement from government service in 2001, Frank Trippett (1951-2021) and his wife Linda worked closely with The Arc of Northern Virginia to build a rewarding life for their daughter Hailey. Described by Linda as “a man of substance and a man of integrity,” Frank strove to advocate not just for his family but for an entire community. Building on the support and resources the Trippett family found in their partnership with The Arc of Northern Virginia, Frank was tireless in his commitment to assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve lives of their own choosing within their community.
The Fellowship seeks to create an enduring legacy to Frank’s advocacy and deep personal commitment to helping other families like his connect to vital resources.
Inaugural Recipient, 2022
In July 2022, The Arc of Northern Virginia announced the selection of Joseph Albert as its inaugural recipient of the Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellowship, serving through the end of May 2023.
Joe Albert brings a great deal of advocacy experience and a vital perspective to the Fellowship. A 2020 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a a BA in Political Science, Albert has worked on a number of political campaigns both as a campaign coordinator and in various other consultation roles. He has served as a precinct captain in his local community and as a member of the Arlington County Developmental Disability Committee.
“I’ve always had a passion for solving problems and working with others to advocate and promote solutions for those with disabilities,” Albert said shortly after assuming the fellowship. “Being on the spectrum myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand how advocating and sharing my experiences with others can lead to better understanding and more positive outcomes in general. I’m excited to participate in The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Fellowship.”
Advocacy questions? We have your answers!
To learn more about the Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellowship, our year-round advocacy activities, or our priority issues, contact our Director of Advocacy Lucy Beadnell at lucy.beadnell@thearcofnova.org.
For further general information pertaining to waivers, visit our online Resource Library. You may also get answers to your specific questions by submitting an inquiry to our Information & Referral Portal.
