Protection and Advocacy for the Help America Vote Act (PAVA) Established in 2003 as part of the Help American Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The PAVA program seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities have full participation in the electoral process through voter education regarding registering to vote, casting a vote and accessing the polling sites. Activities also include training of poll officials and polling site accessibility surveys. WV Counties Polling Site Accessibility Reports Click here to see if your polling place is accessible. The reports are arranged by county. Assess your Polling Sites for Accessibility People vote in many different places, such as libraries, schools, fire stations, churches, and even in shops or other private businesses and are known as polling places during elections. These places need to be accessible to people with disabilities. The ADA Checklist for Polling Places provides guidance to election officials for determining whether a polling place already has the basic accessibility features needed by most voters with disabilities or can be made accessible on Election Day using temporary solutions to remove barriers. Polling Place Accessibility Survey We would like to hear about your experiences while voting! Click here to fill out and submit our online Polling Place Accessibility Survey Click here to download and print our Polling Place Accessibility Survey NOTE: This version of our survey will need to be mailed to us. Funding Source U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Voting Guides Registering To Vote On Voting Day – Answers to Your Questions Absentee Ballots – Answers to Your Questions Accessible Voting – Questions About Your Right to Vote Temporary Accessibility Solutions for Election Day Voting From the State Hospitals WV Polling Site Accessibility Reports - arranged by County Additional Contacts PAVA Publications Voting Dates PAVA Brochure Am I Eligible to Vote? Electronic Absentee Voting for Persons with Physical Disabilities Guardianship and Voting

NEWS LETTER March Disability Rights of West Virginia Programs and Supports for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 2022 Article by Regina Desmond, DRWV Senior Advocate March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, there are more than 5.3 million children and adults in the United States who are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability. That’s one in every 60 people. DRWV would like you to be aware of the following programs available to those with lived experience and their support systems. Support Groups There are several Support Groups in WV for those with a TBI. Groups include: Morgantown Brain Injury Group (BIG) of WV; BIG of the Eastern Panhandle; BIG at Marshall; BIG of Southern WV; and, the Mid-Ohio Valley Brain Injury Support and Information Group. The TBI Program at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED) has Monthly Virtual Mindfulness Sessions for People with TBI, Caregivers/Family Members of People with TBI, and Professionals. These meetings are held on Zoom the 3rd Friday of the month from 12-1 p.m. Traumatic brain injuries not only impact the person with TBI, they also impact their family members and caregivers. After a TBI, family dynamics often shift. Many find themselves plunged into the role of caregiver which can increase stress and a sense of burden. These are related with poorer physical and emotional health. This has the potential to decrease the caregiver’s quality of life. Caregivers play a vital role in the life of a survivor and their well-being is important. A caregiver can impact the TBI survivor’s success in recovery. Due to this, the TBI project holds a support group for Caregivers. This group meets via zoom on the last Friday of each month from 12-1pm. Caregivers and family members of individuals with TBIs are all welcome. To RSVP and register, call Carrie Cobun Stark, TBI Intake Coordinator at 304-376-7834 or email ccobun@hsc.wvu.edu . Information on the Support Groups and Mindfulness sessions can be found online at: http://tbi.cedwvu.org/support-groups/ . Community-Based Supports The West Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver program provides home and community-based services to those with traumatic brain injury. These services are provided in conjunction with the support and assistance of family members, friends and other caregivers. TBI Waiver Services include case management, personal attendant services, and, transportation. More information about TBI Waiver can be found online at: http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Programs/WaiverPrograms/TBIW/Pages/default.aspx The TBI Program at WVUCED provides resource coordination, technical assistance, training, screening & assessments are available to individuals of all ages with TBI, family members, caregivers and service providers. The statewide program consists of regional TBI Social Workers who use a person-centered approach to help individuals reach their personal goals and achieve independence within their communities. Additional information on the TBI Program at WVUCED can be found online at http://tbi.cedwvu.org/ . Referrals for their program can also be completed online . Funds for You The Funds for You Program provides individuals who have a have a medically confirmed diagnosis of traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury with goods and services that will increase opportunities for and enhance the achievement of functional independence and a return to a productive lifestyle. Goods and services may include, but are not limited to medical, dental, vision/hearing, Adaptive Equipment/Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Assistive Technology Assessment /Training and Start-up Funds. This program is a funder of last resort. If you have questions about Funds for You, contact the TBI Program at WVUCED at 877-724-8244 or TBI@hsc.wvu.edu . Advocacy Services One of DRWV’s federally funded programs focuses on advocacy and outreach for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). DRWV provides advocacy for people of any age with a TBI who are experiencing possible abuse, neglect, or rights restrictions in the following systems: school/education; work; access to assistive technology; access to programs & services in their home and community (Medicaid waivers, Personal Care services, etc.); housing rights (service/emotional support animal access, reasonable accommodations/modifications, etc.); Independent Living services; supported decision making; voting rights; etc. DRWV also completes trainings on Self-Advocacy, Supported Decision Making and other topics upon request. If you, or someone you know has a TBI and has questions or concerns, please call DRWV at 800-950-5250. Client Comments Why we do what we do Thank you so much for all your help! My advocate is amazing, caring and helpful.

NEWS LETTER April Disability Rights of West Virginia Threat Assessment 2022 Looking at Angry Words in the Social Media Age We can all think of a mass shooting that has occurred at a school within the last 10 years. It might be the first thing we think of when we hear a child has made a threat at school. And we all have differing opinions on how that child should be handled. However, every child who mentions shooting someone at school or bringing a gun to school does not plan to do so. How do we determine which child is an actual threat and which child simply said something stupid in the heat of the moment? Likewise, how do we get our schools to separate these children out to only exclude the true threats? Availability Heuristic The availability heuristic describes our tendency to use information that comes to mind quickly and easily when making decisions about the future. Because of this bias, we may believe any child who says anything about shooting someone at school or bringing a gun to school needs to be excluded from the school for the safety of everyone else. Availability Heuristic (What actually happens in the world) All the Information The information most available to you that you use to make a decision: Recent Emotional Vivid There are two biases emanating from the availability heuristic: Ease of recall and retrievability. When we make decisions we tend to be swayed by what we remember. What we remember is influenced by many things including beliefs, expectations, emotions, and feelings as well as things like frequency of exposure. Media coverage (e.g., Internet, radio, television) makes a big difference. When rare events occur they become very visible to us as they receive heavy coverage by the media. This means we are more likely to recall it, especially in the immediate aftermath of the event. However, recalling an event and estimating its real probability are two different things. If you’re in a car accident, for example, you are likely to rate the odds of getting into another car accident much higher than base rates would indicate. Because of the availability bias, our perceptions of risk may be in error and we might worry about the wrong risks. This can have disastrous impacts. Ease of recall suggests that if something is more easily recalled in memory it must occur with a higher probability. The availability heuristic can distort our understanding of real risks. Policy Changes Regarding School Safety Since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, policy changes to address school safety have been proposed at the local, state, and federal level. The proposed changes are wide ranging, and some have the potential to cause great harm to children of color and children with disabilities. Many of the proposals focus on increased access to personal information about students. The new anonymous reporting mechanisms and softened information barriers may be mis-used, permitting implicit bias to take hold and undermining civil rights protections. There is no one specific or accurate profile of a school shooter. Louvar Reeves, M.A. & Brock, S.E., School Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, Contemp. School Psych. 22 , 148-162 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-017-0158-6. It is known that children of color and children with disabilities currently are removed from school and arrested at disproportionate rates due to decisions by improperly trained, supported, and supervised school staff. Smith Howard, D., National Disability Rights Network, Storm on the Horizon: Federal and State Proposals Re: “School Safety,” Washington D.C., March 22, 2019, available at https://www.ndrn.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Storm-on-the-Horizon-Policy-Document-FINAL.pdf. Further, removal of children from school for non-violent disability related behaviors does not prevent school shootings nor will it improve school safety. Id . Instead, it can actually cause harm as profiles can be stigmatizing and may result in discrimination, invasion of privacy, unfair punishment, isolation and/or exclusion from school and activities without due process. Reeves & Brock, supra. Threat Assessments Threat assessments may be used by schools to determine which children are at high risk, but not every child who makes a threat needs a complete threat assessment to determine he is low risk and is not likely to act on his words. The central question of a threat assessment (of any type) is whether the child is truly a threat, not whether the child has made a threat. Reeves & Brock, supra . This central question recognizes not every child who makes a threat is threatening or dangerous. Five Stages of School Threat Assessment 1 Initiate Threat Assessment 2 5 Manage Risk 4 Determine Whether Student Poses Threat Collect Information 3 Organize and Analyze Information School-based threat assessment must be a flexible and efficient process that can quickly resolve threats that are not serious and concentrate efforts on the small number of serious threats. Cornell, D.G., University of Virginia, Overview of the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), May 26, 2020, available at: https://education.virginia.edu/sites/default/files/images/YVP/Comprehensive%20School%20Threat%20Assessment%20Guidelines%20overview%20paper%205-26-20.pdf . Client Comments Why we do what we do I am satisfied with our advocate. She calls often to check on my client and asks if we need anything. I am pleased with her service and know she is only a phone call away. My advocate is amazing.

POLLING PLACE ACCESSIBILITY SURVEY Polling Place Accessibility Survey West Virginia Advocates would like to know if your polling place is accessible. Providing us information on the accessibility of your polling place may help get any accessibility issues corrected in the future. If you are interested in filling out the survey, then please indicate the county and precinct information. You may also provide your contact information, although that is not required. Download the survey Return the survey by: U.S. Mail to: WV Advocates, 1207 Quarrier St, Ste 400, Charleston, WV 25301; Email: contact@wvadvocates.org Fax: (304) 346-0867; or Phone: (800) 950-5250 Thank you very much for your help in making West Virginia accessible!

Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) The Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) helps assure all active Medley and Hartley class members have behavioral health services, rehabilitation services, free and appropriate public education and individualized treatment in the most integrated setting. The Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) serves individuals living in the community as well as those committed to medical facilities. Through individual advocacy, training and outreach, the advocates provide services to some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. The MHAP holds firm the belief that individuals who have intellectual/developmental disabilities or require behavioral health services may lead a life that is dignified, productive and enjoyable, when appropriate supports are in place. Eligibility Criteria Must have a diagnosis of Intellectual Disability Born on or after April 1, 1956, and Been institutionalized prior to age twenty-three (23) for thirty (30) or more days at William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital (Weston State Hospital), Mildred Mitchell - Bateman Hospital (Huntington State Hospital), Lakin Hospital, Colin Anderson Center, Greenbrier Center, Spencer State Hospital, or Hopemont Hospital. Funding Source The West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (BBHHF). The WV Departments of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), the WV Department of Education (WV DOE) and the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WV DRS)

2027 Priorities and Objectives As the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in WV, Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is requesting input for our fiscal year 2027 priorities and objectives. The purpose of this input is to learn what issues are important to people with disabilities in WV. Input will be collected from: May 1, 2026 - June 12, 2026 Help us to help you by taking a few minutes to complete our survey! Take our survey

REPRESENTATION OF PROTECTED AND INCAPACITATED PERSONS Incapacitated means the person is incapable of handling his or her medical, financial or personal affairs. A protected person is someone who, through a legal process, has been deemed to be incapacitated. Appointed by Court Conservator (W. Va. Code §44A–1–8) Manages the estate and financial affairs of a protected person. May be “limited” (W. Va. Code §44A–2–12) or “temporary” (W. Va. Code §44A–2–14). Pays bills; responsible for bank account(s); may buy and/or sell real and/or personal property. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the protected person’s debts, such as medical bills. Must file periodic reports with the court unless the court waives the reporting requirement. Guardian (W. Va. Code §44A–1–8) Responsible for the personal affairs of a protected person. May be “limited” (W. Va. Code§44A–2–11) or “temporary” (W. Va. Code §44A–2–14) Makes financial, medical and other miscellaneous decisions, such as residency. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the protected person’s debts, such as medical bills. Court may appoint separate Conservator. Must file periodic reports with the court unless the court waives the reporting requirement. Guardian Ad Litem (W. Va. Code §56–4–10) Attorney appointed by the court to represent a minor child or an individual who is mentally disabled. May be appointed temporarily until another more permanent resolution is decided upon, such as Guardian and/or Conservator. Duty to faithfully represent the interests of the individual for whom he or she is appointed. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the protected person’s debts, such as medical bills. If appointment lasts for an extended period of time, must file periodic reports with the court unless the court waives the reporting requirement. Appointed by the Individual (Principal) General Power of Attorney (POA) (W. Va. Code §39B–1–101) A notarized, or otherwise acknowledged, written document. Takes effect immediately unless the document clearly states otherwise. May be “durable” or “non-durable”; however, POA presumed to be “durable” (i.e., not terminated by the principal’s incapacity) unless the document clearly states otherwise. POA may make financial, medical and other miscellaneous decisions on behalf of the principal as specified in the document of appointment. POA is a mechanism that may be easily exploited to take advantage of the principal. Important that the POA is someone in whom the principal has complete trust. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the principal’s debts, such as medical bills. Existence of a POA “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed [POA] is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) Living Will (W. Va. Code §16–30–6) A written document which must be witnessed when signed. Dictates decisions about the principal’s health care if he or she is unable to communicate those decisions to health care personnel. May be a good option for a principal who believes that no one else can be trusted to carry out his or her wishes. Cannot take into account all of the circumstances that may exist at the time the Living Will is needed, including advancements in medicine since its signing. A Living Will “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed [by the Living Will] is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) (W. Va. Code §16–30–6) A written document which must be witnessed when signed. If the principal becomes incapacitated, grants authority to another person to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal. MPOA has the right of access to the principal’s medical information and the right to discuss that information with the principal’s health care providers. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the principal’s debts, such as medical bills. Existence of a MPOA “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed [MPOA] is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) The following persons may not serve as MPOA or successor MPOA: the principal’s treating health care provider; an employee of the treating health care provider who is not related to the principal; the operator of a health care facility serving the principal; or an employee of the operator of a health care facility serving the principal who is not related to the principal. (W. Va. Code §16–30–4(c)) Appointed by Medical Provider Medical Surrogate (W. Va. Code §16–30–8) Must first inquire as to the existence and availability of a MPOA or Guardian. Statute includes list of priorities regarding who may serve. Selected by the attending physician or advanced nurse practitioner to make health care decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person. Least favored form of making health care decisions because the individual does not choose the surrogate, rather the attending medical provider does. Cannot be held personally responsible for the incapacitated person’s debts, such as medical bills. The existence of a Medical Surrogate “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) Legal Disclaimer All information contained within this document is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. West Virginia Advocates, Inc. does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information as laws are subject to change. You are encouraged to seek advice from an attorney to insure that the information is up to date and accurate. Funding Funding for this publication is provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Published by Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV). Content is solely the responsibility of DRWV and does not reflect the official views of the funding agencies. Version 2.0 Representation of Protected and Incapacitated Persons (PDF)

REPRESENTATION OF PROTECTED AND INCAPACITATED PERSONS Incapacitated means the person is incapable of handling his or her medical, financial or personal affairs. A protected person is someone who, through a legal process, has been deemed to be incapacitated. Appointed by Court Conservator (W. Va. Code §44A–1–8) Manages the estate and financial affairs of a protected person. May be “limited” (W. Va. Code §44A–2–12) or “temporary” (W. Va. Code §44A–2–14). Pays bills; responsible for bank account(s); may buy and/or sell real and/or personal property. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the protected person’s debts, such as medical bills. Must file periodic reports with the court unless the court waives the reporting requirement. Guardian (W. Va. Code §44A–1–8) Responsible for the personal affairs of a protected person. May be “limited” (W. Va. Code§44A–2–11) or “temporary” (W. Va. Code §44A–2–14) Makes financial, medical and other miscellaneous decisions, such as residency. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the protected person’s debts, such as medical bills. Court may appoint separate Conservator. Must file periodic reports with the court unless the court waives the reporting requirement. Guardian Ad Litem (W. Va. Code §56–4–10) Attorney appointed by the court to represent a minor child or an individual who is mentally disabled. May be appointed temporarily until another more permanent resolution is decided upon, such as Guardian and/or Conservator. Duty to faithfully represent the interests of the individual for whom he or she is appointed. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the protected person’s debts, such as medical bills. If appointment lasts for an extended period of time, must file periodic reports with the court unless the court waives the reporting requirement. Appointed by the Individual (Principal) General Power of Attorney (POA) (W. Va. Code §39B–1–101) A notarized, or otherwise acknowledged, written document. Takes effect immediately unless the document clearly states otherwise. May be “durable” or “non-durable”; however, POA presumed to be “durable” (i.e., not terminated by the principal’s incapacity) unless the document clearly states otherwise. POA may make financial, medical and other miscellaneous decisions on behalf of the principal as specified in the document of appointment. POA is a mechanism that may be easily exploited to take advantage of the principal. Important that the POA is someone in whom the principal has complete trust. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the principal’s debts, such as medical bills. Existence of a POA “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed [POA] is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) Living Will (W. Va. Code §16–30–6) A written document which must be witnessed when signed. Dictates decisions about the principal’s health care if he or she is unable to communicate those decisions to health care personnel. May be a good option for a principal who believes that no one else can be trusted to carry out his or her wishes. Cannot take into account all of the circumstances that may exist at the time the Living Will is needed, including advancements in medicine since its signing. A Living Will “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed [by the Living Will] is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) (W. Va. Code §16–30–6) A written document which must be witnessed when signed. If the principal becomes incapacitated, grants authority to another person to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal. MPOA has the right of access to the principal’s medical information and the right to discuss that information with the principal’s health care providers. Cannot be held personally responsible by creditors for the principal’s debts, such as medical bills. Existence of a MPOA “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed [MPOA] is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) The following persons may not serve as MPOA or successor MPOA: the principal’s treating health care provider; an employee of the treating health care provider who is not related to the principal; the operator of a health care facility serving the principal; or an employee of the operator of a health care facility serving the principal who is not related to the principal. (W. Va. Code §16–30–4(c)) Appointed by Medical Provider Medical Surrogate (W. Va. Code §16–30–8) Must first inquire as to the existence and availability of a MPOA or Guardian. Statute includes list of priorities regarding who may serve. Selected by the attending physician or advanced nurse practitioner to make health care decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person. Least favored form of making health care decisions because the individual does not choose the surrogate, rather the attending medical provider does. Cannot be held personally responsible for the incapacitated person’s debts, such as medical bills. The existence of a Medical Surrogate “may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a Guardian or Conservator, and any person so appointed is to be the first preferred nominee for Guardian or Conservator.” (W. Va. Code §44A–1–3) Legal Disclaimer All information contained within this document is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. West Virginia Advocates, Inc. does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information as laws are subject to change. You are encouraged to seek advice from an attorney to insure that the information is up to date and accurate. Funding Funding for this publication is provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Published by Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV). Content is solely the responsibility of DRWV and does not reflect the official views of the funding agencies. Version 2.0 Representation of Protected and Incapacitated Persons (PDF)

EMPLOYMENT - DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Disability Discrimination Page In addition to a variety of formal guidance documents, EEOC has developed a wide range of fact sheets, question & answer documents, and other publications to help employees and employers understand the complex issues surrounding disability discrimination. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act West Virginia Human Rights Commission West Virginia Human Rights Commission whose mission is to eliminate discriminatory practices related to employment, housing and public accommodations based upon sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, religion, blindness and familial status. Wheeling Human Rights Commission It is the mission of the Human Rights Commission to encourage mutual respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups within the City. Zippia Disability Resource Guide Zippia is a resource site for job seekers who want to empower their career aspirations with knowledgeable data.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) AbleNet Assistive Technology Products Assistive Technology products. Center on Technology and Disability The Center is designed to increase the capacity of families and providers to advocate for, acquire, and implement effective assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) practices, devices, and services. Research-based technologies, used appropriately, have great potential to help infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities participate fully in daily routines; have increased access to the general educational curriculum; improve their functional outcomes and educational results; and meet college- and career-ready standards. Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) For information on CAP and accommodation solutions for civilian employees with disabilities. CAP works closely with service members across the nation to ensure they receive appropriate assistive technology for their needs, including vision or hearing loss, dexterity impairments, and cognitive difficulties. How To Get an iPad (or other AT/AC device) Funded There are a number of ways to get an iPad or other device funded for children with disabilities. This link will provide you with resources that may be helpful for you to do so. iCanConnect If you have significant combined vision and hearing loss and meet federal income guidelines, iCanConnect can provide you with free communication technology and training to stay connected with family and friends. Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Guiding the provision of quality AT services. The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals The organization's mission is to serve as a global resource for wheelchair service standards and provision through advocacy, education, standards, evidence-based practice, innovation and a platform for information exchange. ISWP's vision is that all people who need wheeled mobility devices receive the appropriate products and services with dignity. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. Tools for Life AppFinder This database is a unique tool that will allow you to search for apps by disability or multiple disabilities as well as by price ranges and device types. West Virginia Assistive Technology System WVATS helps to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) in the areas of: education; community living; employment; and telecommunication. West Virginia Technology Related Assistance Revolving Loan Fund application Links you directly to the application form to apply for a loan to purchase assistive technology through the West Virginia Technology Related Assistance Revolving Loan Fund. West Virginia's Assistive Technology Loan Library and Exchange System The WVATS AT4ALL system is a free online service to list and find assistive technology devices and durable medical equipment in West Virginia.

EDUCATION - MISCELLANEOUS EDUCATION Age of Majority A West Virginia Department of Education Office of Extended and Early Learning brochure about the transfer of rights of exceptional students. American Diabetes Association's Safe at School The American Diabetes Association's goal is for children with diabetes to be medically safe while at school and at day care, and to have the same access to educational opportunities as other children. Bookshare – Books without Barriers Accessible Books and Periodicals for Readers with Print Disabilities. Bookshare is free for all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities. National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) The mission of the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) is to strengthen policies and programs in school mental health to improve learning and promote success for America's youth. IDEA State Complaint Resource Center Provides information and resources to assist parents, advocates and attorneys in using the IDEA Written State Complaint process for advocacy. Learning Ally A national nonprofit, volunteer organization with an accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia. Marshall University's HELP Program The Marshall University H.E.L.P. Program is dedicated to providing educational support, remediation, and mentoring to individuals diagnosed with a Learning Disability and/or ADHD. Shouldn't School Be Safe? This publication was developed by parents and for parents in response to repeated requests for a practical guide to keeping our school children safe from restraint, seclusion and other aversive practices. While this problem has been most acute among children with disabilities, it is an issue of school safety that has the potential to affect ALL students, directly or indirectly, and one that all parents should know and care about. Tutoring program for active duty service personnel and their families All U.S. Military Families Get Online Tutoring and Career Help at No Charge. Get help with homework, studying and career transitions. U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website Brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and grantees. West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources A statewide program designed to provide professional development opportunities for the early care and education community.

Disability Rights of West Virginia PAIMI Advisory Council Application Biographical Data Sheet Date Name Home Address Home Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code County Business Address Business Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code County Home Phone Mobile Phone Business Phone Facsimile Phone Email How do you prefer to receive mail? At Home At Work How do you prefer to receive calls? At Home At Work Occupation/Employer Education/Training Volunteer Experience Primary Interest Developmental Disabilities Mental Illness Other Please list the disabilities with which you have the most knowledge and/or experience If you have other experience or interest besides the areas indicated above, please explain. For Federal grant documentation and report purposes, please check all that apply: Gender Male Female Ethnicity Caucasian African American Hispanic Native American Asian Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Other Are you a person with a disability? Yes No If so, what is/are your disability(ies)? (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability Are you a guardian of a person with a disability? Yes No If so, what is/are their disability(ies)? (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability If the person for who you are a guardian is eligible for services, what age is that person who is eligible? Check all that apply Preschool Elementary School Age Secondary School Age Adult Senior Citizen (over 55) Do you have a family member who has a disability? Yes No If so, what is/are the family member's disability(ies)? (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability If your family member is eligible for services, what age is that person who is eligible? (Check all that apply) Preschool Elementary School Age Secondary School Age Adult Senior Citizen (over 55) Are you a professional in the field of… (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability Are you a service provider for persons with… (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability Are you an advocate for persons with… (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability Are you an Attorney? Yes No Are you an individual from the public knowledgeable about… (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability Are you a person who broadly represents or is broadly knowledgeable about the needs of people with… (Please check all that apply) Developmental Disability Mental Illness Other Disability Are you a Board Member or Advisory Council Member for a provider of services to Individuals with Disabilities? Yes No Submit Application Thank you for applying! We'll get back to you soon.