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 . 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 Learn more and how to apply Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is accepting applications for its Board of Directors with terms beginning October 1, 2026. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026 . DRWV is the West Virginia federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities. DRWV is a private, non-profit agency. DRWV welcomes applicants who bring relevant experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to the organization’s mission. 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 2026 Priorities and Objectives See our past year in review: Our 2025 Annual Report is now available! 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:

PAIMI ADVISORY COUNCIL As required under the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Act, 42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq., the purpose of the Council is to: Advise DRWV staff and the Board of Directors on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of individuals with mental illness in West Virginia. Complete a section of the annual PAIMI program performance report that describes the activities of the Council and its assessment of the operation and quality of services of the PAIMI Program. Work with the Board of Directors and the PAIMI program staff members jointly to develop the annual statement of objectives and priorities for the PAIMI program of DRWV. Educate the public about DRWV’s purpose, priorities and activities. If you are interested in becoming a member of DRWV’s PAIMI Advisory Council, please fill out the application below and send it to Disability Rights of West Virginia by: E-mail: contact@drofwv.org Mail: 5088 Washington St. W, Suite 300 Charleston, WV 25313 Fax: (304) 346-0867 PAIMI Advisory Council Application (PDF Format) PAIMI Advisory Council Member Information Sheet (What to Expect as a Member) PAIMI Advisory Council Application link PAIMI Advisory Council Meeting Dates Fiscal Year 2026 Meeting Dates: December 4, 2025 March 5, 2026 June 4, 2026 September 3, 2026

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS Community Advancement And Development Division of the WV Department of Economic Development Emergency Solutions Grant Program The Emergency Solutions Grant program (ESG) provides any individual experiencing homelessness with emergency shelter and essential supportive services as well as homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. Disability Housing and Home Loans for Disabled Americans Resources and information about housing options and home loans for people with disabilities. Fair Housing Information Sheet # 6: Right To Emotional Support Animals In "No Pet" Housing A fact sheet from the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Heart + Hand Outreach Ministries Heart & Hand is the primary provider of a food pantry for South Charleston and the surrounding area. We receive USDA Commodities and donations from the community. HUD and DOJ Joint statement about reasonable accommodations under the FHA The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Justice joint statement: Reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. Legal Aid of West Virginia's Renters Rights This link will take you to Legal Aid of West Virginia's resources related to housing. National Fair Housing Alliance A national organization dedicated solely to ending discrimination in housing. Pets in Condos: New HUD Rules Regarding Training Emotional Support Animals New HUD rules strike down Emotional Support Animal (ESA) training provisions. Rebuilding Together At Rebuilding Together, we make essential repairs to help people stay in their homes. Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home. Learn more about our services for families, seniors, veterans and people living with disabilities. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD's mission is to increase home ownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Discrimination Complaint If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint. West Virginia Homeless Shelters Complete list of West Virginia Homeless Shelters. West Virginia Human Rights 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. What "Fair Housing" Means for People with Disabilities This guide from Bazelon addresses common questions about housing discrimination, reasonable accommodations, accessibility requirements, and resources for challenging discrimination by a landlord or other housing provider.

TEMPORARY ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS FOR ELECTION DAY The H elp A merica V ote A ct (HAVA) is a federal law which ensures that each and every American citizen who is legally eligible to vote is able to fully exercise their right to vote; it makes the voting process and the voting place accessible to ALL eligible voters. P rotection and A dvocacy for V oting A ccess (PAVA) was Established in 2003 as part of HAVA. PAVA ensures that legally eligible 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. West Virginia Advocates (WVA) is the grantee for PAVA. The following are accommodations that can be made to temporarily resolve common accessibility issues on Election Day: Problem: Entrance door to the building is heavy and difficult to open. Solution: Keep the door propped open or station volunteers near the door to open it for voters. Problem: The accessible entrance is different from other entrance(s). Solution: Place signs at key points/areas to direct voters with disabilities to the voting area. Problem: The voting area is not on an accessible route and cannot be made accessible. Solution: Look for another area where accessible voting may be provided. Problem: Lack of Accessible Parking Solution: Traffic cones, or other temporary elements, may be used to mark the spaces and access aisles that are closest to the accessible entrance. Provide a sign designating each accessible parking space. Problem: The accessible route crosses a curb and no curb ramp is provided or one or two steps are part of the walkway leading to the accessible entrance Solution: Install a portable ramp with edge protection and handrails. Remember: The accessible voting area must be on an accessible route and have an accessible entrance with adequate circulation and maneuvering space for voters who use wheelchairs or scooters or who walk with mobility aids. Each polling site should have at least ONE accessible electronic voting machine. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has created a video on Making Polling Places Accessible. It can be found online at https://www.eac.gov/making_polling_places_accessible/ . The ADA Checklist for Polling Places can be found online at http://www.ada.gov/votingchecklist.htm . WVA’s Voting Rights video, People With Disabilities Vote!, can be found online at: https://www.youtube.com/user/wvadvocates. Please contact Disability Rights of West Virginia at 304-346-0847 or toll free at 1-800-950-5250 if you have any questions regarding the information provided, or need assistance. WVA’s website may be an additional resource for you. It includes a wealth of useful information on various disability and non-disability topics. Go to www.drofwv.org and choose the “Resources” tab. From there, scroll down to the category that interests you. Please check back for frequently for updates and additions. WVA can also be found on Facebook. Go to https://www.facebook.com/drofwv then “like” us to receive updates. Funding for this publication is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Temporary Accessibility Solutions for Election Day (PDF) Temporary Accessibility Solutions for Election Day (DOCX)

A PARENT'S ADVOCACY GUIDE TO SPECIAL EDUCATION Parent's Advocacy Guide: Version 4.0 - April 2024 3rd Edition Parent's Advocacy Guide (Spanish) Templates for Education Letters

DRWV ANNUAL REPORTS 2023 DRWV Annual Report 2024 DRWV Annual Report 2025 DRWV Annual Report

2023 NEWS LETTER February Disability Rights of West Virginia Bullying and School Article by Lori Waller, DRWV Staff Attorney What is bullying? According to the federal Department of Education, bullying is characterized by aggression used within a relationship where the aggressor has more real or perceived power than the target, and the aggression is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated. Bullying is physical, verbal, or psychological actions inflicting or attempting to inflict discomfort upon another through a real or perceived imbalance of power. Dear Colleague Letter, 61 IDELR 263 (OSERS/OSEP 2013). According to West Virginia law, harassment, intimidation or bullying means “any intentional gesture, or any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, communication, transmission or threat” that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of any one or more of the following: (1) physically harming a student; (2) damaging a student’s property; (3) placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person; or (4) placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to his or her property. W.Va. Code §18-2C-2(a)(1). The act also must be sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or emotionally abusive educational environment for a student; or disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school. W.Va. Code §18-2C-2(a)(2) & (3). Of note, confrontations between students that are not characterized by an imbalance in power generally do not constitute bullying. Bullying can occur in multiple different ways. It can involve overt physical behavior or verbal, emotional, or social behaviors (e.g., excluding someone from social activities, making threats, withdrawing attention, destroying someone's reputation) and can range from blatant aggression to far more subtle and covert behaviors. Cyberbullying, or bullying through electronic technology (e.g., cell phones, computers, online/social media), can include offensive text messages or emails, rumors or embarrassing photos posted on social networking sites, or fake online profiles. Dear Colleague Letter, 61 IDELR 263 (OSERS/OSEP 2013). Children have the right to not be bullied. According to West Virginia law, each county board of education is required to establish a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying. W.Va. Code §18-2C-3(a). The policy must prohibit harassment, intimidation or bullying of any student on school property, a school bus, at a school bus stop or at school sponsored events and define what constitutes harassment, intimidation and bullying. W.Va. Code §18-2C-3(b)(1) & (2). Schools also have an obligation to ensure that a student with a disability who is the target of bullying behavior continues to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in accordance with his or her individualized education plan (IEP) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The school should, as part of its appropriate response to the bullying, convene the IEP Team to determine whether, as a result of the effects of the bullying, the student's needs have changed such that the IEP is no longer designed to provide meaningful educational benefit. The student with the IEP continues to have the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning dealing with bullying cannot be solved simply by placing the student with the disability in a more restrictive environment to separate that student and the student who is doing the bullying. How many children are bullied? Students with disabilities are more likely to experience bullying than students who do not have disabilities. Students report being bullied for a variety of reason such as their sex, race/ethnicity, and grade level. Any student may be the subject of bullying. The chart below shows the frequency of reports of bullying for year 2019 by various demographic characteristics. Approximately one quarter of students aged 12 to 18 experienced bullying during 2019, showing the extensiveness of this problem. 1Total includes race categories not separately shown. 2Race categories exclude persons of Hispanic ethnicity. Data for Pacific islander and American Indian/Alaska Native students did not meet reporting standards in 2019; therefore, data for these two groups are not shown. 3Excludes students with missing information about the school characteristic. NOTE: “At school” includes in the school building, on school property, on a school bus, and goind to and from school. Although rounded numbers are displayed, the figures are based on unrounded data. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, School Crime Supplement (SCS) to the National Crime Victimization Survey. 2019. See Digest of Education Statistics 2020. table 230.40 What must schools do? West Virginia’s public schools must respond quickly and consistently, in accordance with state and federal law, to incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation in a manner that effectively deters future incidents and affirms respect for individuals. Client Comments Why we do what we do Our advocate is very meticulous about her job. One of the best in her field. We love her! My advocate is doing a great job!

EMPLOYMENT - JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS 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. Human Resource Development Foundation Assists West Virginia's youth through advocacy, empowerment, and the successful administration of a wide variety of employment, occupational skill training, and educational programs. Assists West Virginia's youth through advocacy, empowerment, and the successful administration of a wide variety of employment, occupational skill training, and educational programs. My Skills My Future The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration online tool to help job seekers match their current skills to new careers and find out what training is needed to transition from one job to another. This resource includes information about occupational skills that can be transferred from one job to another, a side-by-side comparison chart of likely skill gaps from one occupation to another, and links to training programs that could help address skills needs. Job listings will also be available from the site. Online Colleges That Offer Laptops This resource is split into two major sections:? A list of online colleges that provide laptops and tablets to students as part of tuition.? A guide to choosing the best laptop to purchase as a college student. West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services Homepage for the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. WorkForce West Virginia WorkForce West Virginia is a state government agency funded through the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees the state unemployment insurance program as well as a network of workforce development services designed to provide West Virginia's citizens and employers the opportunity to compete in today?s competitive global economy.

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL ADA Essentials for Transit Board Members Fundamentals of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Transit Public Policy is a 68-page, spiral-bound resource that is suited for not only board members, but bus, rail, and paratransit staff, public officials, community planners, advocates, and anyone seeking basic information on the ADA as it relates to public transportation. About the Air Carrier Access Act A summary of the Air Carrier Access Act and its major provisions. Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Effective public and community transportation. Federal Transit Administration ADA Page The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Civil Rights is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring of public transportation. Guide to Vehicle Modifications People with disabilities can have specialized vehicle modifications installed in their cars. These modifications keep drivers with disabilities on the road and create more accessible vehicles. Common modifications include seat belt adjustments, safety bars and straps, ramps, swivel seats, and hand controls. National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) Dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to safely drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment to fit their specific needs. NewFIT Program A joint venture between Mountain Line Transit and In Touch and Concerned. Seniors, Work-related, Medical-related, or premium transportation services arranged by Appointment in the Morgantown area. The Guided Tour, Inc. The Guided Tour is a very special program that offers opportunities for personal growth, recreation and socialization through travel. Our travelers are persons with developmental challenges (and sometimes persons with BOTH a physical and developmental challenge), ages 17 and up, who come from all over the United States. Topic Guides on ADA Transportation A Series of Topic Guides for Transit Agencies, Riders and Advocates on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Transportation. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions TSA has established a program for screening of persons with disabilities and their associated equipment, mobility aids, and devices. Travelers can find information about traveling with disabilities and medical needs. U.S. Department of Transportation Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel Information from the U.S. Department of Transportation about air travel. This includes a form for making complaints about disability related discrimination under the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. United We Ride An interagency federal national initiative that supports states and their localities in developing coordinated human service delivery systems. West Virginia Department of Transportation – Transportation Providers Directory of transportation providers in West Virginia. West Virginia Plate and Placard Program The West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles Program for Parking for a Person with a Disability.

2021 July NEWS LETTER Disability Rights of West Virginia Housing Accommodations and Modifications for People with Disabilities Article by Regina Desmond, DRWV Senior Advocate Under West Virginia’s Fair Housing Act (FHA), a landlord cannot discriminate against an applicant because of the applicant’s: Race; Color; Religion; Sex; Handicap (disability); Familial Status (presence of children 18 years old or younger, pregnant women, or persons anticipating adoption); National Origin; Blindness; or Ancestry. Private housing, housing that receives federal financial assistance, and state and local housing with certain exceptions are all protected under the Federal and State Fair Housing Act. The Federal Fair Housing Act requires accommodation in policies and operations for persons with disabilities if the accommodation is reasonable and necessary to afford persons with disabilities equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing. A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a property rule, policy, practice, or service. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are: adjusting the date rent is due to correlate with social security; assigning a lower mailbox; designating a parking area; permitting a Service or Emotional Support Animal to live in no-pethousing; waiving a pet fee and/or security deposit for a Service or Emotional Support Animal; permitting a live-in Personal Care Attendant to live with a resident who has a disability and might need 24-hour assistance or the waiving of any guest fees or rules due to this need. Landlords are also required to allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable access-related modifications to their private living space. A reasonable modification is a structural change made to the premises. In most cases, the landlord is not required to pay for the changes in private living spaces. Tenants need to seek permission prior to completing modifications. Some examples of modifications include: installing an entrance ramp; modifying doorknobs to levers for someone with dexterity impairments; modifying a bathtub so that it is walk-in; allowing installation of handrails in the restroom. Owners of housing facilities may also be required to make changes to private living spaces and to common-use areas in buildings constructed after March 13, 1999. Public areas, such as the rental office, meeting room, laundry rooms, etc. should also be accessible if they are open to the public. DRWV suggests that all requests for accommodations or modification be made in writing. It is also important to note that just because a tenant requests a specific accommodation or modification, that does not necessarily mean that the request will be approved. It also should not flatly be denied. There should be discussions held about the tenant’s needs and how those needs can be met. Who pays for a reasonable accommodation? Private Housing In private housing, a housing provider/landlord may require that the tenant/resident pay for the cost of the modification and request that funds be set aside to restore the unit to its original condition before the modification (except for reasonable wear & tear). The housing provider may also request that a licensed contractor be obtained to make the modification and/or restoration, if applicable. Government Subsidized Housing In government subsidized housing (Section 504, rural development, housing set up for those with disabilities, etc.), the housing provider typically pays for the modification unless it is an undue administrative or financial burden. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a tenant with a disability, please call DRWV at 800-950-5250 .

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Established by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999 for individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who want to work or return to work. Eligibility Criteria A PABSS client must be a SSI/SSDI beneficiary who desires to work and has a barrier keeping him/her from working. Funding Source Social Security Administration PABSS Publications PABSS Brochure

DRWV is seeking an advocate for the Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program. Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for West Virginia for individuals with disabilities. Requirements/Qualifications: DRWV is seeking an advocate to perform work, primarily in the Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program. This Advocate helps to protect and preserve the rights of Medley Class Members. This includes helping Class Members to have a voice in decisions that impact their lives, representing their interests, and obtaining needed services by working with others. Medley Class Members are individuals with a diagnosis of an intellectual/developmental disability who were institutionalized, in certain institutions, prior to the age of 23 for at least 30 days. This position primarily serves a vast area which includes the north and eastern parts of the state and requires extensive travel throughout the region. Additional travel throughout the state is required as needed. Applicants must have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with diverse populations, including people with disabilities. The applicant must represent the agency in a professional manner at all times. Duties include direct advocacy, outreach and monitoring facilities at other locations that provide services to individuals with disabilities. It is preferred, but not required, that applicants have a bachelor’s degree and experience working with people with disabilities. Telework is available, but the applicant would need to report to the Bridgeport office when needed. DRWV offers an excellent benefits package. Work Schedule: Full Time Monday to Friday Weekends and overtime as needed Work Location: Hybrid remote and as needed in the Bridgeport office Benefits: Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Salary Range: $37,000 - $46,000.00 per year TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter with your salary requirement along with your resume using the submit button below or by email to jobs@drofwv.org . DRWV is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . JPEG or PDF files accepted* Upload Files Here Submit