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

EDUCATION - SECTION 504 Section 504 Discipline Fact Sheet This Fact Sheet summarizes public schools’ obligations under Section 504 to: Provide a free appropriate public education to K-12 students with disability-based behavior; make reasonable modifications to disciplinary policies for students with disabilities; and administer student discipline requirements in a nondiscriminatory manner. The IEP & Section 504 Guidance for West Virginia Schools and Districts The West Virginia Department of Education, Office of Special Programs has developed this document to assist counties and parents in serving their general education students with disabilities in a way that assures a quality education that is in compliance with state and federal laws. This document includes a parent and educator guide to Section 504, highlights the major differences between Section 504 and the IDEA, provides sample policies and procedures including forms, detailed frequently asked questions (FAQ) and sample accommodations for use by counties in West Virginia. U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 504 FAQ's Frequently asked questions about section 504 and the education of children with disabilities. U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaints The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights information and forms for filing complaints.

EDUCATION - ORGANIZATIONS American Diabetes Association's Safe at School The American Diabetes Association's goal is for children with diabetes to be medically safe while at school and at day care, and to have the same access to educational opportunities as other children. American Education Services Deferment and Forbearance If you can't make any payments at all, then a deferment or forbearance might be the right choice to keep your loan from entering default. Bridges4Kids Building partnerships between families, schools, and communities. Center for Law and Education The Center for Law and Education (CLE) strives to make the right of all students to quality education a reality throughout the nation and to help enable communities to address their own public education problems effectively, with an emphasis on assistance to low-income students and communities. Center for Parent Information and Resources The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) serves as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers and the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs), so that they can focus their efforts on serving families of children with disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children 'The voice and vision of special education.' Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates and parents. Fairview Learning Network Fairview Learning is dedicated to helping individuals maximize their reading skills. Specific strategies, materials, programs, and assessments have been developed to jumpstart the reading skills of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Learning Disabilities Association of America Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. Marshall University's HELP Program The Marshall University H.E.L.P. Program is dedicated to providing educational support, remediation, and mentoring to individuals diagnosed with a Learning Disability and/or ADHD. National Association for the Education of Young Children Dedicated to the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age eight. National Ataxia Foundation The site is designed to provide information on ataxia to persons with ataxia, ataxia families, caregivers, the medical community, researchers, and others who are interested in ataxia. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education OSEP is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21. OSEP's Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports The TA Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education to give schools capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices. PACER Center The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. PACER Center's National Center for Bullying Prevention PACER Center's Bullying Prevention Project is for all children, including children with disabilities, and promotes bullying awareness and teaches effective ways to respond to bullying. Special Education Connection "The one-stop reference center for all your special education needs." West Virginia Birth to Three WV Birth to Three is a statewide system of services and supports for children under age three who have a delay in their development, or may be at risk of having a delay, and their family. West Virginia Department of Education The West Virginia Department of Education homepage. West Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning Formerly the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Education. West Virginia Home Educators Association The West Virginia Home Educators Association was founded in 1986 to assist homeschooling families. West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. (WVPTI) is a non-profit agency. The programs and services of WVPTI are based on the concept of parents helping parents. Wrightslaw Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. WV Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council The ICC was established in 1987 in compliance with the federal regulations governing state early intervention systems that address the needs of infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, eligible under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

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

EDUCATION - LEARNING DISABILITIES Learning Ally A national nonprofit, volunteer organization with an accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia. Learning Disabilities Association of America Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. Learning Disabilities Online "The world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD." Learning Disabilities Page – GreatSchools.net The GreatSchools.net page for learning disabilities and difficulties. Marshall University's HELP Program The Marshall University H.E.L.P. Program is dedicated to providing educational support, remediation, and mentoring to individuals diagnosed with a Learning Disability and/or ADHD.

EDUCATION - LAWS AND POLICIES Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities: Higher Education's Obligations Under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights guide. Basic and Specialized Health Care Procedure Manual for West Virginia Public Schools This Basic and Specialized Health Care Procedure Manual for West Virginia Public Schools shall be utilized as the minimum standard for safe practice as approved by West Virginia Board of Education Policy 2422.7 and adopted by the West Virginia Bureau for public Health in the Specialized Health Procedures in Public Schools Rule, 64 W.Va. CSR 66. Every Student Succeeds Act The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our nation’s schools. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education OSEP is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21. PACER Center's ADA Q&A: Section 504 and Post Secondary Education Questions reflect those most commonly asked of PACER staff regarding the ADA and postsecondary institutions. A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal privacy law that gives parents certain protections with regard to their children's education records, such as report cards, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact and family information, and class schedules. Protecting Student's Privacy: Photos and Videos under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) - U.S. Department of Education As with any other “education record,” a photo or video of a student is an education record, subject to specific exclusions, when the photo or video is: (1) directly related to a student; and (2) maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. (20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4)(A); 34 CFR § 99.3 “Education Record”). Learn certain factors to help determine if a photo or video should be considered "directly related" to a student. U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 504 FAQ's Frequently asked questions about section 504 and the education of children with disabilities. U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website Brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and grantees. West Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning State Complaint Process West Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning State Complaint Information. West Virginia Department of Education Procedural Safeguards Procedural safeguards available to parents. West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning's Policy 2419 West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning's Special Education Policy 2419. Wrightslaw Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

EDUCATION - HOMESCHOOLING Homeschool Legal Defense Association A nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Homeschool World - West Virginia Homeschool Groups Find homeschool groups in West Virginia or add your homeschool group. West Virginia Home Educators Association The West Virginia Home Educators Association was founded in 1986 to assist homeschooling families.

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

EDUCATION - DISCIPLINE Center for Law and Education: When Schools Criminalize Disability When Schools Criminalize Disability: Education Law Strategies for Legal Advocates explores various legal theories and strategies for challenging inappropriate school-initiated delinquency petitions and crime reports, and addressing their aftermath. Discipline for Children With Disabilities Questions and Answers Questions and Answers from OSEP: Answers to Some Commonly Asked Questions About Discipline Under IDEA. West Virginia Compilation of School Discipline Laws and Regulations This compilation presents school discipline-related laws and regulations for U.S. states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, and, where available, links to education agency websites or resources related to school discipline and student conduct. West Virginia Department of Education Procedural Safeguards Procedural safeguards available to parents. West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning's Policy 2419 West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Special Programs Extended and Early Learning's Special Education Policy 2419.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE Disaster Distress Helpline If you or someone you know has been affected by a disaster and needs immediate assistance, visit this website or call 1-800-985-5990. DisasterAssistance.gov Access to disaster help and resources. FEMA Office of Disability Integration & Coordination Integrating and coordinating emergency preparedness, response and recovery for children and adults with disabilities and others with access and functional needs before, during and after a disaster. United Cerebral Palsy Emergency and Disaster Preparedness This site contains resources that will help people with disabilities safely prepare for emergencies. West Virginia Center for Threat Preparedness Through partnerships and collaboration, support public health and medical systems to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate emergencies and threats to our health.

Interviews, Stories and Articles Interview with Adam Dean, Esq. Top Tips for Aspiring Politicians with Disabilities by Ed Carter How Technology Can Help People With Disabilities In Their Careers by Ed Carter Tips for Navigating Entrepreneurship as a Parent with a Disability by Ed Carter The More You Know: Understanding Differently Abled House Hunting by Ed Carter Why and How to Recruit Employees with Disabilities by Ed Carter House Hunting for Accessibility by Ed Carter The Adaptive Entrepreneur: Tailoring Your Business to Fit Your Needs by Ed Carter Thriving in the Workforce: Business Opportunities for Young Adults with Disabilities by Ed Carter Creating an Inclusive Shopping Experience: How Retailers Can Cater to Customers with Disabilities by Ed Carter How Employers can Break Employment Barriers: Boosting Jobs for People with Disabilities by Ed Carter

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