See DRWV in action. DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION Through our advocacy efforts, read how DRWV plays a crucial role in advancing disability rights in West Virginia, addressing systemic issues, and ensuring that individuals with disabilities can lead full, integrated lives with access to opportunities that promote self-direction and independence. 2025 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION ARTICLES 2024 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION ARTICLES 2023 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION ARTICLES 2022 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION ARTICLES

PSYCHIATRIC ADVANCE DIRECTIVES For Consumers Creating a Psychiatric Advance Directive: A Toolkit for Consumers (PDF) Psychiatric Advance Directives: Information for Consumers (PowerPoint) Psychiatric Advance Directives: Information for Consumers (Text) For Families Creating a Psychiatric Advance Directive: A Toolkit for Families (PDF) Psychiatric Advance Directives: Information for Families (PowerPoint) Psychiatric Advance Directives: Information for Families (Text) For Providers Creating a Psychiatric Advance Directive: A Toolkit for Providers (PDF) Psychiatric Advance Directives: Information for Providers (PowerPoint) Psychiatric Advance Directives: Information for Providers (Text) Forms Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Crisis Plan Post-Crisis Plan Additional Information The Advance Self-Advocacy Plan (ASAP) Toolkit Baker Act Advance Directive Form Caring Connections Advance Directive Living Will Power of Attorney WV Bureau of Senior Services Five Wishes Resources Disability Rights of West Virginia, (800) 950–5250 Caring Connections , (800) 658–8898 National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives

2022 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION 12/28/22 - The Parkersburg New and Sentinel W.Va. Public Broadcasting reporter released after DHHR pressure https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2022/12/w-va-public-broadcasting-reporter-released-after-dhhr-pressure/ 12/19/22 - From Common Dreams.org West Virginia journalist fired in alleged retaliation over reporting on abuse in state facilities https://www.commondreams.org/news/wv-journalist 12/19/22 - The Parkersburg New and Sentinel Cold Shoulder: Disab ility rights group details strained relationship with West Virginia DHHR’s Crouch https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2022/12/cold-shoulder-disability-rights-group-details-strained-relationship-with-west-virginia-dhhrs-crouch/ 12/17/22 - The Weirton Daily Times DHHR’s Crouch puts pressure on disability rights group https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2022/12/dhhrs-crouch-puts-pressure-on-disability-rights-group/ 12/8/22 - WV Press Association WV Legislative Interims: Committee on Health hears testimony on the federal investigation into the WVDHHR https://wvdn.com/53789/amp/ 12/6/22 - WV Metro News As feds investigate state-run facilities, advocate tells lawmakers of ‘vicious cycle of institutionalization’ https://wvmetronews.com/2022/12/06/as-feds-investigate-state-run-facilities-advocate-tells-lawmakers-of-vicious-cycle-of-institutionalization/ 12/6/22 - Articles/news about Mike Folio (DRWV Legal Director): https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/attorney-dhhr-breaking-promises-to-west-virginians-with-disabilities/article_357e35e4-75af-11ed-add5-57237fcedaba.amp.html https://www.wsaz.com/2022/12/06/former-wva-dhhr-attorney-blasts-agency/?outputType=amp https://www.wvpublic.org/government/2022-12-06/advocate-brings-transparency-concerns-about-treatment-of-people-with-disabilities-to-lawmakers 12/5/22 - WV Public Broadcasting New federal investigation targets DHHR’s treatment of people with disabilities https://www.wvpublic.org/health-science/2022-12-05/new-federal-investigation-targets-dhhrs-treatment-of-people-with-disabilities 12/2/22 - WV News WVDHHR under federal civil rights investigation https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-department-of-health-and-human-resources-under-federal-civil-rights-investigation/article_e768b39e-7274-11ed-b253-f73089f7022b.html 11/13/22 Joint Committee DRWV Legal Director, Mike Folio, mentioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apCl7x3eS_s 11/11/22 - WV Metro News Disability Rights organization asks lawmakers to scrutinize review of DHHR https://wvmetronews.com/2022/11/11/disability-rights-organization-asks-lawmakers-to-scrutinize-review-of-dhhr/ 11/3/22 - WV Public Broadcasting Mike Folio (DRWV Legal Director) Interview https://www.wvpublic.org/government/2022-11-03/reports-show-people-with-disabilities-are-abused-in-state-care

Interviews, Stories and Articles Adam M. Dean is an attorney in West Virginia and individual with a disability. He has written both fiction and non-fiction publications. Adam was born with cerebral palsy but that didn't slow him down one bit. He's traveled the world, made some good friends, written some great books, and had some fantastic experiences. But unfortunately, he has also dealt with stereotypes and stigmas because of his disability. Here are 9 questions with Adam Dean. I. Jeremiah: Tell me about your personal story. (upbringing, education, your life as a person with a disability…) Adam: I was born in Huntington and raised in Kenova, which is a "bedroom" suburb. My father Hugh Dean was a counselor with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services, and my mother Rae Dean was a teller, loan servicer, and insurance agent with First Bank of Ceredo and then United Bank. I have two older sisters, Barbara and Deana (who is now deceased). I went to Kenova Elementary School, Ceredo-Kenova Middle School, and Ceredo-Kenova High School. I graduated high school with very high honors. I went to college at Marshall University in Huntington, graduating in three years (in 1997) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with high honors. I went to law school at West Virginia University College of Law in Morgantown, completing my studies there in 2000. I graduated the Order of the Coif (top 10% of the class) in May of 2000. I went to work as a writ clerk at the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in Charleston in August of 2000 and have been there ever since. II. Jeremiah: What inspired you to go to law school? Adam: I've always enjoyed reading about history, government, and politics. So, I've always wanted to be a lawyer. My parents also thought the law would be a good profession for me given the physical limitations I have (a weaker right side, a limp on my right side, and minimum use of my right arm). I've been a lawyer for nineteen years now. I can say I love being a lawyer. I also love my job at the state supreme court. As a general writ clerk, I help draft memorandum decisions in civil appeals in which the appellant is a pro se litigant, i.e., a person without a lawyer representing them. III. Jeremiah: How did you become an author? Adam: My brother-in-law Rich Ossias (Barb's husband) wrote a book called E-I-E-I-OY!: How I Became a Jewish Farmer in Middletown, America with a print on-demand publisher called PublishAmerica. I published my first three books (all fiction) with PublishAmerica. They all are now out-of-print. Rich's father Morris Ossias later self-published a book called Up Yours, Georgie! on Amazon's CreateSpace platform. So, after I wrote Perfect Love: An Ordinary Person's Thoughts on Christianity, I self-published that book (my first non-fiction work) with CreateSpace. So, you could say I come from an extended family of self-professed authors. Rich and Morris (whom I've met once) are great people. IV. Jeremiah: What motivates you write? Adam: I've always been fascinated with becoming an author. I also think I have a unique prospective to offer as an individual with a disability. I recently republished my second book, The Gate of Heavenly Peace, under the new title A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Shanghai Hilton with Kindle Direct Publishing (which CreateSpace has merged into). Although Shanghai Hilton is fiction, the story involves a person with my disability (cerebral palsy) traveling to Beijing and Shanghai, China, based on my own trip to those Chinese cities as a part of cultural exchange in March of 2002. It was a unique experience but one that offers insight into how we all interact with a different society and the individuals within it. V. Jeremiah: Tell me about your books? Adam: Of the two books that are currently in print, the main character in Shanghai Hilton, who has cerebral palsy, chokes in a restaurant due to the excess saliva in the mouth (which isn't uncommon), experiences communication difficulties while going to a Chinese doctor apart from the language barrier, and suffers what most people would consider discrimination in two situations--one situation where he is treated like he shouldn't ever be alone (in case he needs help) and another situation who he is treated dismissively. But, like myself, the main character thinks such experiences shouldn't be taken out of proportion of what actually happened. Every individual is mistreated at some point in their life. That's not peculiar to any one person, including a person with a disability. I wrote Perfect Love following the deaths of my dad Hugh and sister Deana in 2014. I read the whole King James version of the Bible as well as the additional chapters that are considered canonical by the Catholic Church. In Perfect Love, I put forward my personal observations on the Christian faith after so many recent deaths in my family (my mom's sister, Aunt Beth, died in May of 2015). The conclusion I reached was that the perfect love Jesus Christ personifies is comprised of three things: (1) the ability not only to love, but to be loved; (2) the courage to suffer; and (3) forgiveness—not only for others, but also for ourselves. VI. Jeremiah: Besides what you already covered is there any particular messageyou wanted to deliver through your publications? Adam: In two chapters in Perfect Love regarding sexual morality, one of my purposes was to disabuse able-bodied people of the notion that individuals with a disability are asexual. That notion is very unhelpful to someone like me, whose disability has nothing to do with my mental capacity or sexual function. I'm middle aged, or nearly there. I also enjoy sex and still would like to have a wife and kids someday. So, especially disabusing women of that notion is very important to me. VII. Jeremiah: What did you learn when writing your books? Adam: I enjoyed reading the whole Bible. Although I am a Protestant, I started going to Sacred Heart Catholic Church here in Charleston on Virginia Street (I have good friends who go there). Father Brian, who has since transferred to another part of the state, gave fine homilies on the importance of communion to the Catholic Faith. With all due respect to Father Brian's fine homilies, the Bible explicitly tells you what is most important: that you love the Lord and that you love others as you love Him. I think loving the Lord and loving others as you love Him means, as I've said, that you have: (1) the ability not only to love, but to be loved; (2) the courage to suffer; and (3) forgiveness—not only for others, but also for yourself. VIII. Jeremiah: What was your biggest challenge when writing the books? Adam: Proofreading. I've never been particularly good at it. Writing and editing books has given me additional practice. I hope I have become better at proofreading. IX. Jeremiah: What’s next? Adam: I plan on continuing working for the state supreme court. I also try to go down to Kenova every weekend to see my mother Rae. She is still going strong but is 82 now. We have to make the most of the time we have with each other. As for writing additional books, I certainly will provided that I get another idea that's worth a book.

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.

2021 NEWS LETTER Disability Rights of West Virginia August The Pandemic and Special Education The American Rescue Plan Act Article by Lori Waller, DRWV Staff Attorney The American Rescue Plan Act The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) is designed to help the American public recover from the effects of the pandemic created by COVID-19. Part of the money given to States through the ARP is specifically tagged for educational recovery. The federal government gives each State a certain amount of money. In turn, each State must give 90 percent or more of the money given to it for education recovery to local school districts. Local schools can use the money to help in re-opening schools safely, in maintaining the safe operations of schools, and in addressing students’ learning loss, including students’ emotional and social wellbeing. Local schools must use 20 percent or more of the money given to them by the State to address learning loss through the use of evidence-based interventions (using programs that have been shown to work) to respond to the full variety of students’ needs, including social needs, emotional needs, and academic needs. This money also is to be used to deal with the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on certain student subgroups, including children with disabilities. ARP funds are to be used to address learning loss and for children with disabilities, this learning loss can come in many forms. All children lost classroom instruction time and social time with others due to being forced to go to school virtually. However, children with disabilities also lost other services, given the limitations of transferring those services to virtual delivery and due to social distancing during in person learning. One recommended intervention is tutoring. In providing tutoring to regain losses and move students forward: (1) tutors should be trained educators; (2) tutors should plan and collaborate with classrooms teachers; (3) wherever possible, tutoring should be done during the school day; and (4) tutoring should be done in high dosages each week (three sessions per week, preferably daily sessions). Parents and guardians do not be afraid to ask for tutoring for your child(ren)!! If your child needs tutoring, it is part of their right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

CAREERS: We are currently accepting applications for the following position/s. Advocate for Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program

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

2023 NEWS LETTER July Disability Rights of West Virginia Peer Support: How Can it Change your Road to Recovery? Article by: Kayla Straight, Peer Services Navigator for NAMI Greater Wheeling Peer support is a new concept being implemented in both mental health and substance use recovery in the United States. An evidence-based support, it is growing in popularity and accessibility around the state of West Virginia. The Importance of Peer Support Among the forms of Peer Recovery Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches, these individuals all have something in common - lived experience. The fundamental prerequisite to becoming a Peer Supporter is that the peer has personally experienced the struggles associated with mental health or substance use recovery in their own lives. It is these experiences that drive the individuals to want to give back to their communities and help others experiencing similar struggles that they themselves have overcome. What is the Role of a Peer Supporter? The main role of a Peer Supporter is to offer acceptance and use their knowledge from lived experience to assist other people in continuing their recovery journeys. Peer Supporters subscribe to the ideals that all roads to recovery are valid and are advocates of support in a recovering person’s corner. Peer Supporters help the individuals they serve to access the services they desire in support of their recovery. These services range from acquiring mental health counseling, accessing medication assisted treatment, navigating WVDHHR benefits, and connecting with other resources in their local communities. Peer Supporters: give hope that people can and do recover travel alongside a person while they navigate their path to recovery provide linkage to resources, information, and recovery supports support a peer’s goals in recovery, education, advocacy, and change empower those they work with to be active members in the planning, execution, and implementation of their recovery treatment increase self-esteem and self-worth within those they support The Benefits of Working with Peer Support In life, we all face struggles and our own forms of adversity. Many times during those struggles the most crucial piece in the puzzle to recovery is to have a strong foundation of support in our lives. Peer Supporters can play a critical role in forming that strong foundation. Not only do Peer Supporters offer help to their peers through information and referral services, but they are also an impartial player in the peer’s life. The only aspect that the Peer Supporter is invested in is the supporting of their client’s road to recovery, so the Peer Supporter provides a safe place for a person to talk about ideas, fears, achievements, regrets, and daily life without the worry of facing stigma or the judgment. Often in recovery we find ourselves struggling and are afraid to reach out and risk disappointing our loved ones with a relapse or mistake. Peer Supports are always there to offer support to the people they serve and are a safe first place to start when a problem may arise.. SAMHSA has shown that working with Peer Support: Increases social functioning and community involvement Increases quality of life Improves relationships with treatment providers Increases housing stability Increased satisfaction with care Decreases criminal justice involvement Decreases relapses Decreases Psychiatric symptoms Reduces hospital admissions and lengths of stay Lowers substance use and instances of depression during treatment How to Locate a Peer Supporter near You As the field of Peer Support continues to grow, the availability of Peer Supporters is becoming more accessible. Peer Recovery Supporters can be found at substance use recovery facilities like withdrawal centers, inpatient rehabilitation centers, and sober living homes. Mental Health Recovery Coaches are housed within counseling centers, inpatient treatment venues, and with local sites of national organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). You may also be able to get connected with peer support though your health insurance carrier, 844-HELP4WV, or the crisis lifeline 988. Client Comments Why we do what we do "My advocate attends meetings, reviews my finances and either visits or calls to conduct wellness/needs checks." "Disability Rights is always helpful."

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

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: DISPUTE RESOLUTION Parents are encouraged to work with their school districts to resolve disagreements regarding the need for special education or related services. These informal discussions include eligibility committee meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, 504 plan meetings, discussions with the school principal, and discussions with the special education coordinator or superintendent of your district. Parents should be willing to compromise, but feel empowered to make their child’s needs known and speak up when they disagree. Parents are wise to put their wishes and disagreements in writing and send a copy to the school district. Also, parents of students with disabilities need to familiarize themselves with the law, policies and procedures regarding special education and the processes available to protect those rights. Below are methods available under Federal and State law to help resolve matters regarding special education or related services: State Complaint (Investigation) – This is a formal complaint process that can trigger an investigation conducted by the Office of Special Programs (OSP) where there are issues regarding the identification, evaluation, placement, the provision of appropriate services, or a general complaint with school policy. This is a great self-advocacy tool for parents because once a sufficient complaint is filed, a third-party investigator will look into the alleged violations. Within 60 days of filing a complaint (excluding unusual circumstances), the investigator will generate a report detailing their findings and submit a corrective action plan if violations are found. Mediation – Mediation is a voluntary process that encourages parents and district to come together with the help of a neutral third party to reach an agreement. Opportunities to mediate can arise as part of a state complaint investigation or due process hearing procedure, but parents may also request a standalone mediation session. Mediation is arranged and paid for by the WV Department of Education at no cost to the parents or district. You do not have to come to an agreement at the end of mediation session. Due Process Complaint – This is the most formal of the dispute resolution procedures and is very similar to a court proceeding. The school district will have an attorney to represent them in front of an Administrative Law Judge. Parents may represent themselves or have an attorney present. This dispute resolution process is complex, but a necessary step when other avenues of resolving disputes prove futile or they feel that their child is in danger. In some circumstances, a parent may request and be granted an expedited hearing. Additionally, parents and districts will have the opportunity to participate in a dispute resolution session, which is much like mediation, after a due process complaint is filed. The funding for this publication is provided, at taxpayer expense, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. 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 agency. Know Your Rights: Dispute Resolution (PDF)

INFORMATION SHEETS 2022 Special Education Fact Sheet EMS Communication Board Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Self Advocacy Handout Durable Medical Equipment (D.M.E.) or Medical Supplies from Medicaid - Tips HELP! The school and I don't agree on my child's IEP. Know your rights: Dispute Resolution Representation of Protected and Incapacitated Persons Temporary Accessibility Solutions for Election Day