ANNUAL REPORT 2025 Disability Rights of West Virginia As we close out another year of service, growth, and unwavering commitment, I’m reminded of what truly defines our agency: the people. Every day, individuals with disabilities trust us to stand beside them, advocate for them, and help create opportunities for fuller, richer lives. That trust is an honor we never take lightly. None of this work would be possible without our extraordinary staff, whose compassion and determination shine through in every challenge they face and every victory they help make possible. Their dedication is the heartbeat of our mission. We are equally grateful for our board members, whose guidance, vision, and steadfast support ensure that our agency continues to move forward with purpose and integrity. Their leadership strengthens our foundation and fuels our future. As you read through this newsletter, we hope you feel the same pride and gratitude we do. This year has been one of resilience, collaboration, and meaningful impact — and together, we look forward to an even brighter year ahead. Susan Given, MSW, LSW, Executive Director Overview Monitoring In FY 2025, DRWV conducted 246 monitorings at 125 state and private facilities and public schools. These monitorings were conducted over eleven major categories including: Intermediate Care Facilities; WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Children’s Residential Facilities; State and Private Nursing Homes; State and Private Psychiatric Hospitals; Assisted Living Facilities; Specialized Family Care Homes; Forensic Group Homes; IDD Waiver Group Homes; Legally Unlicensed Care Homes; and Public Schools. Cases In FY 2025, DRWV opened 1,063 federally funded Service Requests for 980 clients . The following table shows service requests broken down by federal funding source. Special Education Related Service Requests by Federal Program: Outreach and Training DRWV set up our outreach display at thirty-two events, presented a general outreach presentation nine times, and provided training during seven events (not including voting rights) in FY 2025. DRWV developed a presentation entitled “Advocacy for Justice Involved Individuals with Disabilities” and had the opportunity to present it at two different events in FY 2025. This enhanced “helping professionals” with understanding the high prevalence of disabilities among those who experience incarceration, how WV could make improvements to its community support systems to aid reentry efforts, and the “helping professional’s” role as it relates to this population.. A Senior Advocate provided training about service and emotional support animals during an event at the Ohio County Library. She was invited to do this training after having done one for a similar group in the previous fiscal year. DRWV’s Legal Director accepted the annual advocacy award from National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). This was recorded and appeared on NDRN’s YouTube channel which has 959 subscribers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ8ifXVogKc . Access to Places and Services In the fourth quarter or FY 2025, the decision was made to begin an effort to evaluate each of the state parks in WV who advertise the availability of accessible fishing. For the parks that have fishing, lodging was also monitored when applicable. In just three months, twenty-five parks were assessed. Staff were very well received by most of the parks. Several of them indicated a desire to make their services more accessible and welcomed feedback. At the time of this report, findings had not yet been sent to the parks. This effort will continue into FY 2026. In FY 2024, a client with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) requested assistance with an issue related to the accessibility of an office that provides services specifically for people with TBIs, particularly the inoperable chair lift. DRWV communicated with the client and staff at the provider’s office regarding the accessibility issues and advocated for the problem to be corrected. As a result, in FY 2025 the chair lift was made operational and the client gained access to the services they provide. In FY 2024, two Service Requests were opened to address the lack of accommodations provided by the US Postal Service (USPS) for two different clients. They were both resolved favorably in FY 2025. In both cases, DRWV researched the applicable rules, regulations, and laws. For one case, an accessibility study was conducted at a Post Office. The Postmaster was contacted, acknowledged the lack of accessibility, and agreed to remedy the situation as soon as possible pending approval from his supervisor. For the other case, DRWV negotiated with the USPS to provide an accommodation to the client by delivering mail onto her property rather than her mailbox, which was a mile away from her home. Assistive Technology A client who was homeless at the time was being denied services by a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider due to having no home address other than the shelter. The client requested assistance with getting the DME provider to meet with him to fit him for his prosthetic leg. The Advocate discussed the client's concerns with him then met him at the DME provider’s location. The client was then seen by the DME provider on the day he met with the Advocate as well as another day since then to be fitted for his prosthetic leg. He was able to make a follow-up appointment as well. Education The parent of a student with a serious emotional disturbance requested assistance to ensure her son received a free and appropriate public education. The Advocate convened a Section 504 Plan meeting to address the district's failure to support him since middle school, when his Individualized Education Program (IEP) was removed and replaced with a 504 Plan. During the meeting, it was also noted that the parent had repeatedly asked for information about the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, but the school told her he was too far behind on credits to participate. The Counselor clarified that a credit-recovery option existed within the CTE program that would allow him to catch up and graduate with his peers. As a result of DRWV's intervention, the student received a 504 Plan that supports his participation in the CTE program. He was accepted into the Options Program and has been doing exceptionally well. A mother requested assistance with advocating for her son's educational rights. The Advocate requested and reviewed education records then attended an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting where the team agreed that the student needed a Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) Plan, as well as an Occupational Therapy evaluation. School staff received PBIS training. PBIS and sensory supports were added to the IEP. A behavior contract was also added. School staff appeared to have had an attitudinal change, and the student was doing well with self-advocacy and self-awareness. Employment/Transition Planning A client requested assistance regarding a change in funding for out of state visual training that the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) had previously agreed to provide. DRWV communicated with WVDRS to facilitate continued funding for visual training program. As a result, WVDRS agreed to continue funding the visual training at school in Louisiana. A Senior Advocate addressed an issue with the patient work program at one of the state psychiatric hospitals. The hospital had a requirement for two staff to escort patients who participated in the work program. After the Advocate discussed this with the supervisor, it was determined that patients who met the qualifications for this program should only need one staff member to escort them. Hospital Discharge Planning/ Least Restrictive Environment A client with intellectual/developmental disabilities requested DRWV's assistance with discharge planning from a private psychiatric hospital. Advocates attended treatment team meetings and communicated with the client, hospital, and providers to facilitate a smooth discharge back to the community. As a result of DRWV’s intervention, the client is now living in the community with supports and services in place through the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW) to help him stay out of the hospital. He has learned skills to advocate for himself as well. In FY 2023, a client with serious mental illness in a state psychiatric hospital requested assistance with getting discharged. At the time, she had been there for two years. The Advocate worked with the client to determine her goals for discharge. The Advocate followed up with the Social Worker at the hospital as well as the Legal Guardian to ensure that discharge planning was occurring and moving forward. She Advocated for the use of Special Project funding to establish a placement setting for the client and followed up with referrals, requests, and other needed details to set up the discharge to be as successful as possible. As a result of extensive advocacy, the client discharged from the state psychiatric hospital in FY 2025 after being there for at least four and a half years. The hospital and the Legal Guardian are also now more aware of options to move individuals into their least restrictive environment with appropriate services and supports. As a result of extensive advocacy, the client discharged from the state psychiatric hospital in FY 2025 after being there for at least four and a half years. The hospital and the Legal Guardian are also now more aware of options to move individuals into their least restrictive environment with appropriate services and supports. Individual Rights A Legal Guardian from the WV Department of Human Services (WVDoHS) contacted DRWV for representation to prevent the eviction of a client with intellectual/developmental disabilities that was due to an issue between the housing provider and the Representative Payee, who happened to be a sheriff’s department. The housing provider failed to notify the Guardian of a problem with how the rent was being paid and filed for an eviction in Magistrate Court. The housing provider sent notices to the client herself, who was unable to fully understand the situation. Once the Guardian found out, she contacted DRWV immediately. A staff attorney was assigned and took prompt action to prevent the eviction. He interviewed Guardian and obtained affidavits to support a motion to dismiss. He researched and drafted the motion to dismiss, motion to remove, and affidavits. He then appeared on behalf of Guardian and client at the eviction hearing. Due to the quick action of the staff attorney the eviction proceeding was dismissed, and the client remained in her home. A client with intellectual/developmental disabilities requested DRWV's assistance with discharge planning from a private psychiatric hospital. Advocates attended treatment team meetings and communicated with the client, hospital, and providers to facilitate a smooth discharge back to the community. As a result of DRWV’s intervention, the client is now living in the community with supports and services in place through the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW) to help him stay out of the hospital. He has learned skills to advocate for himself as well. PAVA/Voting DRWV assisted 18 clients with registering to vote or updating their voter registration and assisted twenty-six clients with casting ballots in FY 2025. The PAVA Advocate provided voter rights training to individuals with disabilities at a community-based center that mainly serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The PAVA Advocate was invited to the Rotary in one town in WV to give a presentation about voting rights as well. Systems Work The Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) is the state survey agency for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DRWV’s monitoring highlighted concerns about OHFLAC monitoring licensed and certified state psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health centers. DRWV provided substantial technical assistance to the lead drafter in the West Virginia Senate to amend the state code to separate the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and OHFLAC from the former WVDHHR entities. The OIG and OHFLAC are now separate and independent agencies. As a result of the separation, the OIG and OHFLAC have initiated ongoing engagement with DRWV that has resulted in collaboration in facility monitoring, information sharing, and strategic planning. DRWV is now receiving information to which it otherwise was historically denied. DRWV continued to monitor public schools in FY 2025 and monitored a total of twelve schools, along with the on-grounds schools at two juvenile justice facilities. The focus for FY 2025 was behavior, discipline, and exclusions. Advocates discussed the importance of positive behavior support plans (PBSP), trauma informed approaches, and specifically reviewed Individualized Education Programs (IEP) of students with behavioral concerns and discipline infractions. Advocates sought to assist schools in meeting the needs of students by offering information, training, and linking them to additional resources. Through monitoring, it was also discovered that some student health plans were not included in all educational settings, particularly transportation. It was determined this would be one of the areas of focus for the next FY. Advocates found issues such as: recommendations of the psychological evaluations not being considered by the IEP team; a sensory evaluation not completed; poorly written functional behavior analysis (FBA) and PBSPs; lack of data collection; untrained implementation of PBSPs; staffing, services, and placement decisions determined by the county office instead of by student needs; and students as young as elementary school being arrested due to behaviors that are manifestations of a disability, strengthening the schools to prison pipeline. Collaboration DRWV’s Executive Director is a member of the WV University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED) Advisory Council and participated in the meeting that was held in FY 2025. She also participated in the planning committee for the Mountain State Conference on Disabilities held in September 2025. DRWV was also a sponsor of this event and was listed in the conference materials. DRWV’s Legal and Program Directors gave a presentation about advocacy related to West Virginia children’s right to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT). The Executive Director also met with the WVUCED’s Director about proposed budget cuts impacting people with disabilities in WV and the agencies that serve them. DRWV continued to participate in a statewide Sexual Violence Prevention Collaborative and the project’s Disability Workgroup subcommittee. The Collaborative’s objective is to identify the state of sexual violence prevention in WV. Additionally, the Collaborative strives to establish and offer resources with a standard of 'quality control' in prevention programming, as well as build a prevention network that utilizes local collaborations. The Disability Workgroup was developed to address the specific sexual violence prevention needs of the disability community. This Workgroup is also charged with identifying resources and methods to address the inclusion of sexual violence prevention programs for individuals with disabilities. DRWV worked with the subcommittee to build an online training program for WV Bureau for Medical Services (WVBMS) to be made available to IDD Waiver providers. During FY 2025 DRWV attended two collaborative meetings, two disability Workgroup meetings, and three module meetings. DRWV attended quarterly meetings with Legal Aid of WV (LAWV) to communicate any ongoing issues and opportunities for collaboration. DRWV is also a member of the LAWV Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Advisory Committee and participated in meetings. The purpose of these meetings is for DRWV to be aware of issues related to the work of the LTC Ombudsman program that affect people with disabilities and collaborate as needed. Advocates also continued to collaborate with LTC Regional Ombudsman about issues encountered during monitoring. DRWV continued to participate in the WV Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) meetings and attended all four quarterly meetings in FY 2025. DRWV participated in the meetings to keep informed and updated on the status of independent living services in WV. This allows DRWV to maintain current information to provide to our Board, clients, and staff as needed when issues arise that are pertinent to these services. DRWV includes information about the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) with Information and Referral follow ups. The CILs also refer many individuals to DRWV, often asking for our brochures to have on hand. DRWV also spoke to the Director of the SILC about issues affecting potential clients . DRWV is a required member of and regularly attends the TBI Advisory Board led by the WV University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED) TBI project. The Board’s purpose is to provide guidance and feedback to state, local, and private partners on design, development, and implementation of statewide services and supports for people with TBI. To this end, the Board’s charge is to work to develop and strengthen West Virginia’s ability to appropriately serve those with TBI by: analyzing the needs of people with TBI, their families, and caregivers and proposing strategies to meet those needs; reviewing best practices and making subsequent recommendations to partners; participating in the development of a statewide plan for TBI; and, involving people with TBI and their families in the development of policies and programs. DRWV continued to participate in the Community Participation subcommittee in FY 2025. There was discussion in this subcommittee about starting new TBI support groups in different areas of the state. DRWV linked the subcommittee with an agency in an unserved area in the hopes of creating a new support group. An introductory meeting was set for the first week of October 2025. DRWV and the Alabama Disability Advocacy Program (ADAP) collaborated on a joint monitoring effort and visited three residential treatment facilities in Alabama that serve approximately sixty WV children. The facilities we visited had more than adequate staffing levels and the treatment provided appeared to meet standards of care. Youth reported that they trusted staff, medical care was available, and they had many opportunities for community integration. Multidisciplinary Team meetings and a child’s access to their primary WV Department of Human Services (WVDoHS) worker were areas of concern.

Disability Rights of West Virginia protects and advocates for the human and legal rights of persons with disabilities. DRWV provides information and referral services to people with disabilities, families, and other interested parties. Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in West Virginia. DRWV is a private, nonprofit agency. Our services are confidential and free of charge. Removing Barriers to Opportunity and Equality If you would like to schedule a presentation, an outreach event, or need brochures for distribution, please contact DRWV at 304-346-0847 or email us at contact@drofwv.org . Learn more Board of Directors Application Together we can change how people perceive mental illness. The Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council is seeking PAIMI Advisory Council Members! We currently have four vacancies on our PAIMI Advisory Council. We are looking for individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services, and family members of individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services, mental health professionals, mental health providers and primary caregivers of minors with mental illness. Learn more PAIMI Advisory Council Application LATEST NEWS Disability Rights of WV Fiscal Year 2025 Priorities and Objectives 2022 Special Education Fact Sheet Our Emergency Services Communication Board is now on our website for you to view and print! Powered by STABLE ABLE Accounts give people with special needs more independence and financial security To learn more about ABLE, click here You can make a difference! By giving, you will help Disability Rights of West Virginia serve more people with disabilities. DRWV is a non-profit organization that advocates for West Virginia residents with disabilities. Donate Disability Rights of West Virginia truly appreciates the generosity of our supporters! Please check out our YouTube Channel to see informative videos such as the one on the right entitled: Working while receiving Social Security Benefits. Please Subscribe to Our Channel Below:

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Established by Congress under the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act of 1986. PAIMI was formed to help individuals with mental illness in both institutional and community settings and to investigate abuse, neglect and rights violations on their behalf. PAIMI Eligibility To be eligible for services under our PAIMI Program a person must have a significant mental illness, emotional impairment, and/or receives inpatient treatment in a State psychiatric hospital. PAIMI Funding Source U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. PAIMI Publications

SELF-ADVOCACY RESOURCES To look for resources, choose a resource category from the list below. This will take you to a page with links related to that topic. Resource Categories ABLE Accessibility Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assistive Technology (AT) Autism Blindness/Visual Impairment Children and Families (not Education) Criminal/Juvenile Justice Deafness/Hard of Hearing Disaster Preparedness and Response Education - Bullying/Harassment Education - Discipline Education - Home Schooling Education - Laws and Policies Education - Learning Disabilities Education - Miscellaneous Education Education - Organizations Education - Section 504 Employment - Accommodations Employment - Discrimination Complaints Employment - Employer Information Employment - Employment Rights Employment - Federal Agencies Employment - Finding Employment Employment - Healthcare/Work Incentives Employment - Job Training Programs Employment - Miscellaneous Employment Healthcare - Children Healthcare - Complaints Healthcare - Dental Healthcare - Insurance/Medicaid/Medicare Healthcare - Miscellaneous Healthcare Healthcare - Prescriptions Housing/Homelessness Independent Living Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Legal Referral Resources and Legal Information Mental Health Miscellaneous Resources Older Adults People First Service and Emotional Support Animals Substance Abuse Supported Decision Making Transition - School to Work/Adult Life Transportation and Travel Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Veterans - Benefits Veterans - Employment Veterans - General Voting

ABLE ABLE National Resource Center The ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) is a collaborative whose supporters share the goal of accelerating the design and availability of ABLE accounts for the benefit of individuals with disabilities and their families. We bring together the investment, support and resources of the country’s largest and most influential national disability organizations. West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office ABLE Information The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office administers WVABLE, a program designed to give people with disabilities more independence and financial security. WVABLE ABLE Accounts give people with special needs more independence and financial security. This page is a direct link to create or log in to an account.

HEALTHCARE - INSURANCE/MEDICAL/MEDICARE A Guide to the Medicaid Appeals Process The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured (KCMU) brief on the Medicaid appeals process. Benefits.gov Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) To ensure effective, up-to-date health care coverage and to promote quality care for beneficiaries. Items and Services That Are Not Covered Under the Medicare Program Booklet This booklet is designed to provide education on non-covered items and services. It includes information about the four categories of items and services that are not covered under the Medicare Program and applicable exceptions (items and services that may be covered) and Beneficiary Notices of Noncoverage. Medicaid A federal government managed website by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) M-WIN is a work incentive for people with disabilities or chronic health conditions. It allows individuals who work, to pay a monthly premium and keep or obtain Medicaid healthcare coverage. Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) page Describes the EPSDT program and the requirements of states. Medicare The Official US Government Site for People with Medicare. Medicare and You Information Summary of Medicare benefits, rights and protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare. (128 pages) Medicare Extra Help Information for Caregivers and Organizations Information about getting help with prescription drug cost for people with Medicare coverage. Medicare Extra Help with Prescription Drug Plan Costs To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. State Health Insurance Assistance Program Provides free, objective, and confidential help to West Virginia Medicare beneficiaries and their families who need information about their Medicare benefits, Medicare supplement insurance companies, supplement plans and monthly rate comparisons, long-term care insurance plans, and help with paying Medicare costs. The AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation Provides AbbVie medicines at no cost to qualified patients who are experiencing financial difficulties and who generally do not have coverage available for these products through private insurance or government funded programs. The Role of Medicare for the People Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid This policy brief describes the roles played by Medicare and Medicaid in providing care for duals, presents characteristics of the dual eligible population, examines the Medicare and Medicaid spending for the dual eligibles, reviews provisions in the 2010 health reform law that are relevant to the care and spending for the dual eligibles, and considers key issues for the future. The West Virginia Consumer Services Division (CSD) The mission of the Consumer Services Division (CSD) is to provide assistance to West Virginia citizens who have questions or problems involving insurance. The CSD is the consumer assistance and investigative arm of the West Virginia Insurance Commission and is available to answer your questions and work to resolve your insurance problems. West Virginia Estate Recovery Program brochure The information in this brochure is intended to provide only a general description of the State of West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. West Virginia Health Homes The Health Homes initiative provides a place for individuals to have their health care needs identified and to receive the medical, behavioral health and related social services and supports they need in a coordinated manner that recognizes all of their needs as individuals and as patients. Health Home services include comprehensive care management, care coordination, health promotion and community and social support services. West Virginia Health Insurance Premium Payment The West Virginia Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program is a state-funded program for qualifying Medicaid recipients and their families who have access to health insurance that is either self-funded, available through a job, or COBRA. West Virginia Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver Program The Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) Program provides in-home and community services to individuals 18 years of age and older who are medically and financially eligible. West Virginia Medicaid Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver Manual Direct link to the current manual for the WV Medicaid I/DD Waiver Program. Your Guide to Medicaid – West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources The information which follows tells you what services are paid for by your Medical Card, what your rights and responsibilities are under the Medicaid Program, and how and where you may receive additional information.

Disability Rights Brochures BROCHURES Client Assistance Program (CAP) Brochure Client Assistance Program (CAP) Brochure Large Print CAP Brochure for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) CAP Brochure for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) Large Print CAP Brochure for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) (Spanish) DRWV General Information Brochure DRWV General Information Brochure Large Print DRWV General Information Brochure (Spanish) Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Brochure Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Brochure Large Print Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Representative Payees (PABRP) Brochure Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Representative Payees (PABRP) Brochure Large Print Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Brochure Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security ( PABSS) Brochure Large Print Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) Brochure Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) Brochure Large Print Protection and Advocacy for Voting Acces s (PAVA) Brochure (Spanish) Traumatic Brain Injury Self Advocacy Transition Services Brochure Transition Services Brochure Large Print

BOARD OF DIRECTORS List of Directors Sarah Rhein , President Christina Jumper, President Elect Andrew Holston, Treasurer Cathy Reed. MAL Vanessa Cain Karen Corrigan Emilee Dearing Whitney Price Sheila Radochio Susan Given, Executive Director Board Application Packet (PDF Format) Board of Directors Application Packet Board of Directors Application Form

DISABILITY RIGHTS HISTORY IN WEST VIRGINIA Click on the arrows to view our timeline of major events pertaining to Disability Rights History in West Virginia, highlighting significant legislative, educational, and advocacy-related milestones.

ACCESSIBLE VOTING Questions About Your Right to Vote Does my disability affect my right to vote? No, you have a right to vote regardless of your disability, unless a court has ruled that you are mentally incompetent. Does the polling place have to be accessible? Yes the polling place must have: accessible parking spaces with proper signs accessible routes from the parking area to the building accessible doors and routes inside the building to the voting machine. Can someone assist me in voting? Yes, you have the right to receive assistance from someone of your choice. Please inform a poll worker and they will have you and your assistant fill out an ‘assisted voter form. It is illegal for the person who is assisting you to reveal your votes! If you do not have a designated person to assist you, two poll workers of opposite parties can assist you. The person assisting you cannot be a candidate, a past or present employer, or a union representative. Can I vote from my car? Some counties provide the option for you to vote from your car if the polling place is not accessible. Poll workers of different political parties will bring a ballot directly to your car. Please call your County Clerk’s office for more information. If I cannot go to the polling place, are there other ways that I can vote? Yes, you may take advantage of Early Voting, absentee ballots, and emergency absentee ballots. What is Early Voting? Any registered voter may vote at their County Clerk’s office beginning 13 days before the election and ending the 3rd day before the election. Please call your County Clerk’s office to find out the location and hours for Early Voting. What is an absentee ballot and an emergency absentee ballot? An absentee ballot is a way for you to vote by mail if you are unable to travel to your polling place to vote. It is applied for in advance. An emergency absentee ballot is a way for you to vote if you are hospitalized or placed in the care of a nursing facility within one week of the election. You must request this from the County Clerk’s office. More information on absentee ballots and emergency absentee ballots can be found earlier in this newsletter, or by contacting your County Clerk’s office. Can I bring my service animal to the polling place? Yes, you have the right to bring your service animal into a polling place. What do I do if I know that my polling place is not accessible to me? Contact your County Clerk and ask them to make the necessary changes to bring the polling place into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If your precinct cannot be made accessible in time for the election, you may request to vote at a different precinct.Please call your County Clerk’s office to make arrangements. What if my polling place isn’t accessible on voting day? Please call, 1 (866) SOS-VOTE (866-767-8683) and ask for elections. They will be able to assist you. Also, please call us and let us know of any issues you had during election day, and we may do an onsite accessibility study of your polling place. There is also an accessibility survey attached to this newsletter.

VETERANS - EMPLOYMENT Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Wounded Service Member Initiative There are many resources that provide information and technical assistance on recovery, employment, and accessibility services. The links highlight Federal government programs, online tools, and other outside resources that provide you the ability to research other programs that are available for returning Service members. Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) offers cutting edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines disabled as a result of their service supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program HVRPs provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans. Job Opportunities for Disabled American Veterans Aims to directly decrease unemployment by opening networks for communication between potential employers and prospective hires. U.S. Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program Established to meet the needs of separating service members during their period of transition into civilian life by offering job-search assistance and related services. U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Services Hire Vets First The mission statement for VETS is to provide veterans and transitioning service members with the resources and services to succeed in the 21st century workforce by maximizing their employment opportunities, protecting their employment rights and meeting labor-market demands with qualified veterans today. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Toolkit An online Veterans Employment Toolkit aimed at helping employers, managers, supervisors, human resource professionals, and EAP providers support employees who are veterans or members of the Reserve or National Guard to increase their success in the workplace. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRandE) service is vested with delivering timely, effective vocational rehabilitation services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. U.S. Office of Personnel Management Veterans employment information. U.S. Office of Personnel Management Selective Placement Program Most Federal agencies have a Selective Placement Program Coordinator, a Special Emphasis Manager (SEM) for Employment of Adults with Disabilities, or equivalent, who helps to recruit, hire and accommodate people with disabilities at that agency. This directory lists the coordinator(s) identified by their agency. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Advisor The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Advisor helps Veterans understand employee eligibility and job entitlements, employer obligations, benefits and remedies under the Act. The law is intended to encourage non-career uniformed service so that America can enjoy the protection of those services, staffed by qualified people, while maintaining a balance with the needs of private and public employers who also depend on these same individuals. Veterans' Guide to Vocational and Apprenticeship Programs If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may have access to educational benefits through the GI Bill and similar programs. In addition to helping veterans attend traditional four-year colleges, these benefits can also be applied to vocational schools and apprenticeships. We break down the different benefits available to veterans for non-traditional postsecondary education and review other important details such as eligibility, costs, and making the transition from soldier to working civilian Veterans' Guide plus Resources to Start a Small Business This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your business-owning dream a profitable reality. WorkForce West Virginia Veterans Page The Employment Service, a partner in the WORKFORCE West Virginia One-Stop Career Centers, is the delivery agent for US Department of Labor funded employment and training programs. Services are provided to Veterans through a network of 17 Job Service offices in West Virginia.

EMPLOYMENT - HEALTHCARE/WORK INCENTIVES Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) M-WIN is a work incentive for people with disabilities or chronic health conditions. It allows individuals who work, to pay a monthly premium and keep or obtain Medicaid healthcare coverage. Social Security Administration "How Work Affects Your Benefits" A Social Security Administration booklet to help you understand how working will affect your Social Security retirement or survivors benefits. Social Security Administration "Reporting Wages For People Who Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)" A guide to assist representative payees and beneficiaries in reporting monthly wages to the Social Security Administration when a person receives SSI. Social Security Administration "The Ticket to Work Program and Other Work Incentives" A Social Security Administration booklet to help you understand your "Ticket to Work" and other work incentives. Social Security Administration "Working While Disabled – A Guide to Plans For Achieving Self-Support" A Social Security Administration booklet to help you in understanding "Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)". Social Security Administration "Working While Disabled – How We Can Help" A booklet from the Social Security Administration to assist you in understanding work incentives and your "Ticket to Work". Social Security Administration "Your Ticket to Work" If you?re an adult age 18 through 64, and you get disability benefits, you qualify for the Ticket to Work program. Social Security Administration Choose Work Website The web site challenges willing SSI and SSDI beneficiaries to "Choose Work" by participating in the Ticket to Work program and using other SSA Work Incentives. Social Security Administration Redbook – A Guide to Work Incentives A guide to work incentives as well as the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs. The Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) The Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) is part of the Social Security Administration?s (SSA) efforts to inform Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients about their disability benefits and the use of work incentives. A BPQY statement contains detailed information about the status of a beneficiary's disability cash benefits, scheduled medical reviews, health insurance, and work history. In essence, the BPQY provides a snapshot of the beneficiary's benefits and work history as stored in SSA's electronic records. Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) WIPA disseminates accurate information to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities about work-incentive programs and issues related to such programs, to enable them to make more informed decisions regarding work.