2024 VOTING DATES Election Days Primary Election MAY Tuesday 2024 14 General Election NOV Tuesday 2024 5 Registering or Switching Parties to VOTE in Primary Election: register by: APR Tuesday 2024 23 to VOTE in General Election: register by: OCT Tuesday 2024 15 Absentee Voting Absentee Voting for Primary Election View list of all County Clerk Phone Numbers Here NOTE: If voting by Absentee Ballot, be sure to request one as soon as possible from your county clerk! County Clerk begins sending Ballots to Absentee Voters: MAR Friday 2024 29 Earliest Day to apply for Absentee Voting: Last Day to apply for Absentee Voting: JAN Saturday 2024 1 MAY Wednesday 2024 8 Deadlines to Submit Absentee Ballots for Primary Election MAY Monday 2024 13 MAY Wednesday 2024 15 In Person/Hand Deliver: Mailed Absentee Ballots without postmark accepted: Absentee Ballot postmarked by Election Day accepted if received by the start of Canvas: MAY Monday 2024 20 Absentee Voting for General Election AUG Tuesday 2024 13 OCT Wednesday 2024 30 County Clerk begins sending Ballots to Absentee Voters: SEP Friday 2024 20 Earliest Day to apply for Absentee Voting: Last Day to apply for Absentee Voting: Deadlines to Submit Absentee Ballots for General Election NOV Monday 2024 4 NOV Wednesday 2024 6 NOV Tuesday 2024 12 In Person/Hand Deliver: Mailed Absentee Ballots without postmark accepted: Absentee Ballot postmarked by Election Day accepted if received by the start of Canvas: Emergency Absentee Voting Emergency Absentee Voting for Primary Election MAY Tuesday 2024 7 Earliest Day to Request: Last Day to Request: OCT Tuesday 2024 14 @ NOON Emergency Absentee Voting for General Election OCT Tuesday 2024 29 Earliest Day to Request: Last Day to Request: NOV Tuesday 2024 5 @ NOON Early Voting For both the Primary and General Elections, voters may vote an early ballot at the county courthouse, an annex, or a designated community voting location during normal business hours. Early voting must be conducted between 9am and 5pm on the last two Saturdays before the Primary or General Election. Early Voting for Primary Election MAY Wednesday 2024 1 to MAY Saturday 2024 11 Early Voting for General Election OCT Wednesday 2024 23 NOV Saturday 2024 2 to *For further questions or assistance, feel free to contact us at 1-800-950-5250.

2026 Priorities and Objectives Priorities and Objectives are based on fiscal year 2025 funding levels and if there are changes it could change the scope of work for the fiscal year. Priority 1 Childre n and Y outh with Disabilities Receive an Appropriate Education DRWV will provide direct advocacy services on behalf of up to twelve (12) students with disabilities who are not receiving all educational services they are entitled to, or at risk of receiving no educational services. (see footnote 1) (PADD, PAIMI (see footnote 3), PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will continue to collaborate with the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council (WVDDC) to distribute the Parent’s Advocacy Guide to Special Education to parents of school age children with disabilities. (PAAT, PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will systemically monitor and advocate on behalf of students with disabilities related to individual counties and/or statewide policy changes. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI, PAAT) Priority 2 People with Disabilities Make Decisions About Where They Live, and the Supports and Services They Receive DRWV will systemically monitor and advocate for individuals found eligible for services under the Medicaid Title XIX Home and Community Based Waiver programs in West Virginia to ensure client centered services, choice of providers and quality services in their home community. (PADD, PAIR, PATBI, PAIMI) DRWV will provide direct advocacy services for up to twenty (20) individuals found eligible for services under the three Medicaid Title XIX Home and Community Based Waiver programs, or Medicaid Personal Care in West Virginia to ensure access to client centered services, choice of providers and quality services in their home community. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will advocate/litigate for the civil rights of children with disabilities who have been abused and neglected while they were dependent on the WV child welfare system. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will advocate/litigate for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities who are involved in the criminal justice system and have been found by a court to be incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of mental illness. (PADD, PAIMI) DRWV will systemically monitor and advocate for individuals in psychiatric facilities to have access to community placement in the least restrictive environment. (PADD, PAIMI) Priority 3 People with Disabilities are Free from Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Other Rights Violations DRWV will receive, review, investigate, refer for investigation, and/or conduct monitoring to identify evidence or allegations of death, serious injury, or other prohibited conduct that suggests or potentially suggests probable cause that abuse or neglect was involved, including alleged abuse/neglect that occurs during acts of omission or acts of commission involving seclusion, restraint, use of aversive techniques, excessive force, financial exploitation, and/or other punitive or prohibited methods of controlling, harming, threatening to control or harm, and/or failing to provide necessary services to individuals with disabilities who receive services from state or private service facilities or providers or from WV schools. (see footnotes 1, 2) (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) DRWV will advocate for disability related medical/psychiatric treatment, including properly prescribed and administered medication, to be available to individuals of all ages who are incarcerated that come to the attention of DRWV. (see footnote 1) (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will provide direct advocacy services to individuals who meet DRWV’s case selection criteria and are at risk of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation when requested by the individual or their legal representative. (see footnote 1) (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will open a service request for all individuals in psychiatric facilities in West Virginia who request advocacy services, with priority given to patients at the two (2) state psychiatric hospitals. (PADD, PAIMI, PATBI) DRWV will conduct monitoring of at least ten (10) Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) as well as address systemic issues as identified. (PADD) DRWV will conduct a minimum of fifteen (15) monitorings of WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities to ensure that appropriate mental health/medical treatment is being provided to individuals with disabilities. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) DRWV will conduct a minimum of fifteen (15) monitorings of residential placements who serve children with disabilities and address systems issues as identified. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) DRWV will conduct a minimum of sixty (60) monitorings of the two (2) state psychiatric hospitals in West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PAIMI) DRWV will conduct a minimum of twenty (20) monitorings of psychiatric facilities not operated by the state of West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PAIMI) DRWV will conduct a minimum of ten (10) monitorings of the four (4) nursing homes operated by the state of West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) DRWV will conduct a minimum of ten (10) monitorings of nursing homes not operated by the state of West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) DRWV will conduct monitoring of at least ten (10) Specialized Family Care (SFC) homes in West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PADD) DRWV will conduct a minimum of twenty (20) monitorings of Assisted Living Facilities in West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) DRWV will conduct a minimum of five (5) monitorings of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver group homes in West Virginia and address systems issues as identified. (PADD) DRWV will assist up to five (5) individuals with disabilities who are incarcerated in WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities with accessing reentry services available to them. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will conduct a minimum of ten (10) monitorings of public schools in West Virginia with a focus on discipline and special transportation details. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR) Priority 4 People with Disabilities Have Access Provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and the Fair Housing Act DRWV will advocate for up to five (5) people with disabilities related to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will complete up to five (5) accessibility studies when access issues are discovered by DRWV or brought to our attention. (PAIR) DRWV will advocate for up to five (5) individuals with disability related Fair Housing Act violations. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) Priority 5 People with Disabilities Have Access to Assistive Technology DRWV will provide advocacy for up to ten (10) people with disabilities to gain or maintain access to assistive technology and related supports. (see footnote 1) (PAAT) DRWV will actively participate as a member of the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) Advisory Council. (PAAT) Priority 6 People with Disabilities Have Access to Centers for Independent Living, Competitive/Integrated Employment, and Employment-Related Services DRWV will provide direct advocacy services for up to twenty-five (25) individuals requesting assistance who are applying for, eligible for, or receiving services from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS), supported employment programs, and other programs funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). (see footnote 1) (CAP) DRWV will provide direct advocacy services for up to twenty-five (25) individuals requesting assistance who are Supplemental Security Insurance/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) beneficiaries and want to work but are encountering barriers per the priorities established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). (see footnote 1) (PABSS) DRWV will provide direct advocacy services for up to five (5) individuals requesting assistance who are applying for, eligible for, or receiving services from a Center for Independent Living (CIL). (see footnote 1) (CAP) DRWV will actively support the Statewide Rehabilitation Council’s (SRC) mandate to monitor and advise on the activities of WVDRS. (CAP) DRWV will conduct outreach about CAP and PABSS to individuals with disabilities, families, service providers, WVDRS, and various state and local organizations. (CAP, PABSS) Priority 7 People with Disabilities Have Full Access to the Electoral Process DRWV will act to increase equal access for individuals with disabilities requesting assistance to participate in the voting process, including polling places, voting equipment, and voter registration. (PAVA) DRWV will educate at least fifty (50) people with disabilities, family members, and service providers about the voting process and their right to vote. (PAVA) DRWV will work in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s office to educate County Clerks and election divisions about the voting rights of people with disabilities. (PAVA) Priority 8 DRWV Will Conduct Outreach and Education, and Support the Work of Others to Promote Self-Advocacy DRWV will actively support the missions of groups with grassroots advocacy missions, not including lobbying. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) DRWV will continue to conduct disability rights outreach to educate people with disabilities about their rights and DRWV’s services. (PAAT, PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI, PAVA, CAP, PABSS) DRWV will actively participate as a member of the West Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board. (PATBI) DRWV will actively participate in efforts to support sexual violence prevention for people with disabilities in WV. (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, PATBI) Priority 9 DRWV will conduct reviews of and provide education to Representative Payees who handle income for individuals with disabilities from Supplemental Security Insurance/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) to verify that they are using the benefits properly on behalf of the beneficiary and are carrying out their responsibilities and duties correctly. (PABRP) No Objectives are needed for this Priority as they are detailed in the grant agreement. Priority 10 DRWV will provide advocacy services for class members in compliance with WV DHHR statement of work and state and federal court directives in Civil Action 81-585 E.H. v. Matin (1983), Hartley Decree, and Civil Action 78-2099 Medley vs. Ginsberg (1981), Medley Decree. (MHAP) No Objectives are needed for this Priority as they are detailed in the statement of work. Information and Referral (I&R): DRWV provides Information and Referral to all callers related to disability rights issues. Individual program budgets determine availability of services. FOOTNOTES 1. Case Selection Criteria: A. There is a significant risk of abuse and neglect. Client is in danger of or has experienced severe bodily harm. The client is at risk or a has experienced a serious financial harm. B. The client is institutionalized and ready for reintegration to the community and there is a barrier to discharge. C. A clear violation of the ADA has occurred. D. The case is a special education matter and the child is not receiving consistent educational services, or is at serious risk of receiving no services, or the needs related to the child’s disability have been completely ignored by the school district. E. It is a matter concerning voting rights, assistive technology, a barrier to employment for a beneficiary of SSI or SSDI, Representative Payees, or services under the Rehabilitation Act. Additionally, all cases MUST: • Meet program eligibility for one of DRWV’s federally funded programs; • be in agreement with DRWV’s mission; • be consistent with our ethical standards; • possess significant legal merit; and • funds/resources must be available. At the discretion of the Executive Director or Legal Director a case can be selected for direct representation because of the vulnerability of the client or the potential to effect policy or systemic change or another compelling reason. Abuse and neglect investigations will be prioritized as follows: seclusion & restraint with death or serious injury, suspicious death, and incidents occurring in locations with repeated complaints of abuse and neglect. In complaints where abuse or neglect are currently being investigated by law enforcement, DRWV will delay its investigation until law enforcement has completed their investigation. 2. “Serious injury” is defined as physical harm or injury to an individual with disabilities and includes, but is not limited to acts such as: rape or sexual assault; striking; the use of excessive force when placing an individual with disabilities in bodily restraints; or use of restraints not in compliance with state and federal laws. 3. The issue must be directly related to an individual's diagnosed mental illness in order to qualify for services. Programs Client Assistance Program (CAP) Serves individuals who have applied for or are receiving services from DRS, Center for Independent Living, supported employment programs, and other programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Serves children and adults with disabilities who need assistive technology devices and related support services to maintain or increase their skills, independence, and community integration. Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Assists individuals who receive SSI or SSDI break down barriers to employment. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) Serves individuals with developmental disabilities or a severe & chronic mental or physical impairment that begins before age 22 and investigates abuse & neglect complaints on their behalf. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Serves individuals with significant mental illness or emotional impairment and investigates abuse & neglect complaints on their behalf. Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) Serves individuals with disabilities that substantially limit one or more major life activities and who are not eligible for advocacy under PAIMI or PADD and do not have a CAP eligible issue. Protection and Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) Serves individuals with traumatic brain injury who are significantly limited in activities of daily living. Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) Carries out the mandate of the “Help America Vote Act”, legislation passed to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in the electoral process. Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries with Representative Payees (PABRP) Carries out the mandate of the “Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act 2018” which protects beneficiaries of SSI/SSDI who have representative payees. Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) This state grant provides advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities in compliance with state and federal court directives in Civil Action 81-585 E.H. v. Matin (1983), Hartley Decree, and Civil Action 78-2099 Medley vs. Ginsberg (1981), Medley Decree. Approved by the DRWV BOD July 15, 2025 To download a pdf, click the link below: Download

WV Polling Place Accessibility Survey Disability Rights of West Virginia is working to improve accessibility at polling places across the state. Your feedback on the accessibility of your polling location will help us address any issues that exist. If you're willing to participate in our survey, please provide your county and polling place information. Although not required, you may also include your contact details if you choose. We appreciate your help in making voting accessible for everyone in West Virginia! County* Polling Place* Name (optional) Email (optional) Phone (optional) Polling Place Parking 1. Was there at least one van accessible parking space with an access aisle?* Yes No N/A 2. If you answered yes to question #1, was the surface level and stable?* Yes No N/A 3. If accessible parking was provided, was it located on the closest route to the building entrance?* Yes No N/A Entrance 1. Was there at least one accessible entrance provided?* Yes No N/A 2. Was there a level and stable route that connected the parking area to the accessible entrance?* Yes No N/A 3. Were there any obstructions on the route? (ex: fire hydrants, cracked pavement, steps with no ramp, low-hanging trees, etc.)?* Yes No N/A Voting Area 1. After entering, was there a level and stable route to the voting area?* Yes No N/A 2. Was there adequate space and clearance to maneuver the voting area?* Yes No N/A 3. Was there at least one accessible voting machine available?* Yes No N/A Voting 1. Was the check-in table on an accessible level?* Yes No N/A 2. Was there a sign informing you that assistance was available?* Yes No N/A 3. If an accommodation was requested, was it honored appropriately?* Yes No N/A 4. If assistive technology such as a headset or remote device was requested, was it provided to you?* Yes No N/A 5. Were you able to cast your vote privately?* Yes No N/A 6. Were poll workers helpful in assisting you?* Yes No N/A 7. Did you have a positive voting experience?* Yes No N/A If you have additional feedback about your voting experience, please share it below: Submit

Current job vacancies for Disability Rights of West Virginia Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for West Virginia for individuals with disabilities. To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter with your salary expectation. Requirements/Qualifications: DRWV is seeking an advocate to perform work in multiple programs to protect and preserve the rights of people with disabilities. Travel throughout the state is required. 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 during facility visits, meetings and presentations. Duties include direct advocacy, outreach and monitoring facilities and other locations that provide services to this population. It is preferred but not required that applicants have a bachelor’s degree and experience working with people with disabilities. Telework is available, but ideally, applicant would reside within 60 minute drive from our Charleston or Bridgeport office. DRWV offers an excellent benefits package. Please submit a cover letter with your salary requirement along with your resume using the submit button below. DRWV is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer . Posting open until filled. Work Schedule: Full Time Monday to Friday 8 hour shift Weekends and overtime as needed Work Location: Hybrid remote in Charleston or Bridgeport office. Salary Range: $31,000 - $45,000.00 per year (negotiable depending on knowledge and experience). Benefits: Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance File upload Upload files here Submit

PROGRAMS Client Assistance Program (CAP) Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Representative Payees (PABRP) Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) Protection and Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) Protection and Advocacy for the Help America Vote Act (PAVA)

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

HELP! THE SCHOOL AND I DON'T AGREE ON MY CHILD'S IEP. Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) often receives calls from parents stating that they have requested something from the school district during an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting and the school district will not provide it. These requests are for things like evaluations, assistive technology, services such as physical/occupational or speech/language therapy (PT/OT/SLT) or for an accommodation to be listed on the student’s IEP. When school districts won’t do what the parents have requested, parents often make the mistake of “going to the board of education” to complain. Board of education members are NOT part of a student’s IEP team, nor can they make IEP decisions outside of the IEP process. Remember, IEP development is a process and the process must be followed! Listed below are the steps you should follow when trying to obtain services needed by a student: Make all requests during an IEP meeting in writing! This starts the timelines for the school to respond by agreeing with your request, getting a consent form signed by you, or disagreeing with your request and providing notice of their disagreement.Questions to keep in mind when making a request are: Why are you making the request? Do you have documentation from a professional recommending what you are asking the school district to provide? Some requests may require an evaluation first. You will need to provide a doctor’s prescription requesting an evaluation for a related service such as the PT/OT/SLT. The evaluation will then determine if the student has an educationally based need for the related service. A written request for an assistive technology evaluation should be made if the student needs a device or software to benefit from or have access to their education. There are evaluations for other services. Be sure to keep a copy of the doctor’s prescription and/or the letter requesting an evaluation.Once a parent makes a request for an evaluation, the school district must obtain the parents’ signed consent. Most likely the school district will want to use their form; however, the letter from the parent should serve as written consent for the evaluation. After the school district has obtained signed consent, they have eighty (80) calendar days to perform the evaluation. If the IEP team is requesting the evaluation the school district has sixty (60) calendar days to perform the evaluation. If the school district refuses to do the evaluation or provide other services you have requested, they must provide you with prior written notice (PWN) within five (5) calendar days explaining why they are refusing your request. PWN must contain what was requested, why it is being refused, what other options were considered, and why those were determined inappropriate.Remember, you probably will be working with the school district for several years. It is important to build a good working relationship with the school IEP team members. Because someone from the school district is telling you “no” for something you requested at an IEP meeting, does not mean that they personally disagree with you. They may agree with you, but are being told to say “no” by their supervisors. Be professional. If you are being told “no” for one or more of your requests, request prior written notice for each issue and move on through the IEP development. Don’t let the “no” hold up the rest of the IEP development. There are most likely many other issues the team agrees on. If the county’s Special Education Director attended the IEP meeting at which you made your request, once you have received your PWN, you can then file a state complaint regarding what you requested and the school refused.If the Special Education Director did not attend the IEP meeting in which you made a request, you should write a letter to the Special Education Director. In the letter, explain what you requested and why. You can discuss what the other IEP team members had to say about your request. Finally, ask the Special Education Director to look into the matter and to respond to your letter in writing within ten (10) calendar days. Send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt. The letter allows time for the Special Education Director to investigate the issue(s). The Special Education Director may then instruct the IEP team to meet again with instruction given to the chairperson of the meeting on how to resolve the issue(s) in question. If the Special Education Director does not offer assistance to the IEP team on how to resolve the issue(s), the next step for the parent would be to file a state complaint with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). Parents are often very nervous about filing a state complaint. Don’t be! The role of the WVDE is to investigate matters such as this one. They are to determine if a county has followed the WVDE’s policies and procedures called WV Policy 2419. If a county is not following the policies, the WVDE will require they do so. The WVDE may also require the county to provide staff training or develop a needed procedure for something. They may determine the student is owed compensatory educational services (make up services for something the county failed to do). If the WVDE has received several complaints in the same county for similar issues, they may see that they need to provide training in that county. A state complaint can serve many beneficial purposes. Another option available to parents and educators in resolving disagreements about a student’s IEP, is the Mediation Process. It is a voluntary process. Both parties must be willing to compromise in order to come to an agreement about what is the best way to meet the student’s needs. If both parties are not willing to give and take a little, Mediation will not help. Mediation can take place any time, even if there has been a state complaint or due process filed. An agreement reached during Mediation is enforceable in state and federal courts. A Due Process Hearing request can be filed to resolve disputes between parents and school districts. A hearing officer makes a decision which determines whether the law has been violated and what will be done to resolve issues. A Due Process Hearing is very much like a court proceeding. The school district will have an attorney to represent them. DRWV suggests that if a parent wishes to obtain legal representation for a due process hearing, to do so before filing for a due process hearing. The timeline of events run very quickly in a due process and an attorney will need time to prepare your case. It is wise not to threaten to sue the school district every time you go to an IEP meeting. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to find attorneys who will take a special education case. DRWV does provide representation for a student at a due process hearing when our resources allow. However, because you say you want to file a due process, does not mean that you are ready for a due process. The DRWV attorney or a privately hired attorney will want to see that you have taken steps to document the issues for which you want to go to due process. That is why it is very important to write letters to document problems and conversations, make requests in writing, have recommendations from professionals and file state complaints. Documentation is needed to prove your case. Version Version 2.0 Downloads HELP! The school and I don’t agree on my child’s IEP (PDF)

WV Aging and Disability Resource Center 2023 NEWS LETTER June Disability Rights of West Virginia WV Aging and Disability Resource Center Article by Taniua Hardy, DRWV Program Director What is the WV Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)? The WV Aging and Disability Resource Center is a state-wide resource agency that’s serves as a highly visible, trusted and valued organization where people of all incomes can turn for information on a full range of long term support options through a person-centered planning process. The ADRC serves as a single point of entry to access programs and benefits. Our Resource Counselors provide resources, application assistance and support for anyone 60 years old or older, individuals with p hysical disabilities over the age of 18, and those who act on behalf of said individuals. ADRC coordinators sit on various board and organizations to advocate for improving and adding more resources to benefit the elderly and disabled living in the community. All of our services are provided free of charge. Each ADRC site is staffed with fully trained Resource Counselors ready to assist with a multitude of situations. Each Resource Counselor is nationally accredited with the prestigious Alliance of Information and Referral Systems assoc iation. We have been working to develop a person-centered counseling software system in conjunction with No Wrong Door to streamline access to resources and long-term care supports. Our new system is scheduled to roll out June 1, 2023. We will also have a resource database available to the public for after-hours assistance. Medicare What do we do? All counselors are also fully trained as SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) Medicare counselors. Our counselors can assist with those that are new to Medicare and need help navigating their choices as well as doing annual reviews for Medicare Open Enrollment to help you understand changes to your current plan or compare plans to make sure you have the best coverage for your needs. If you decide to switch to a new plan, we can do that for you as well. We evaluate each Medicare beneficiary for any available financial assistance such as Extra Help for prescription drugs and Medicare Premium Assistance through WV Medicaid and help with the process of completing those applications. If you take prescriptions that are not covered under your plan, we can help you find discounts, patient assistance programs or alternatives when possible. Additional Resources Our counselors provide information and referral, person-centered counseling for Long Term Care Services, screening and application assistance for programs such as SNAP, in-home personal care services, transportation, home-delivered meals, respite services and more. The ADRC currently has grant funding through the WV Bureau of Senior Services Home Modifications and Accessibility Program to assist consumers with home modifications such as walk-in showers, wheelchair accessible ramps, widening of doorways, grab bars, chair rail lifts. etc. The grant can also assist with durable medical equipment, assistive devices or technology such as toileting devices, bathing devices, wheeled walkers and reclining lift chairs. These are not all inclusive lists. We would be happy to discuss availability and provide applications by contacting our office. How can you contact us? Our main office is located at 1400 Ohio Avenue Suite B, Dunbar, WV 25064. We also have three satellite offices located in Fairmont, Petersburg and Princeton. Our offices are open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday each week. We do accept walk-ins but you may wish to call ahead to check availability or to schedule an appointment as some evaluations are more involved and may require a scheduled block of time with a counselor to fully assess your needs and provide comprehensive assistance. You can email our office 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at: adrc.wvstateu.edu. You can visit our Facebook Page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ADRCWV . You can also call our office directly to speak with a counselor at 1-866-981-2372. We are waiting to hear from you! Client Comments Why we do what we do "I am very glad I am in the Disability Rights program. I am glad my wants/wishes are made known at my meetings. They are going to help me work more hours by letting my employer know that I try my very best at my occupation." "My advocate is so nice to me."

2023 March NEWS LETTER Disability Rights of West Virginia March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Today and throughout the entire month, DRWV wants to shine a light on individuals with developmental disabilities and what they do to make our communities better. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges facing individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It is also a chance to promote respect, foster understanding and encourage inclusivity. For our March newsletter, we are pleased to share Lynsay Frye’s article on some things she wants you to know about people with developmental disabilities! Lynsay is very active in furthering the interests of all individuals with developmental disabilities. She proudly serves on the following: Developmental Disabilities Council, Chair of the Olmstead Advisory Council, Independent Living Council, and the Employment First Advisory Council. She is also a member of People First. Lynsay enjoys nature, taking pictures, riding her bike, and hanging out with her niece. What I Want You To Know About People With Developmental Disabilities Article by Lynsay Frye I want to start off with the most important thing………people with developmental disabilities are PEOPLE! I am not my disability but my disability is part of who I am. I would like to be defined by who I am as a person and not my abilities. I am a unique individual with knowledge, skills, talents, interests and experiences. I do not want your pity. Please take the time to get to know me. I have my own identity. I feel the same emotions that you do. I have interests and hobbies. I experience romantic relationships. Relax and be yourself when you are getting to know me. Regardless of the type and degree of the disability, everyone is entitled to choices and the ability to exercise as much personal control as they can on their own or with assistance. I may do things differently than you do but we strive for the same outcomes. Let me be a productive member of society, my contributions may surprise you! Linsay Client Comments Why we do what we do My advocate helped me get out of a place I didn’t want to be. She is a good person. I really like my advocate. She is very helpful.

Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) Established by Congress under the Rehabilitation Act of 1993. In 1994 WVA was designated the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR). The PAIR program was formed to assist individuals with disabilities who were not already eligible for other advocacy programs within WVA. Eligibility Criteria A PAIR client must have a substantial limitation in one major life activity and not be eligible under our PADD or PAIMI programs, and the issue cannot be addressed by the CAP program. Funding Source U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration PAIR Publications