Search this site

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (NOT EDUCATION) Attention Deficit Disorder Association "The World's Leading Adult AD/HD organization." Bridges4Kids Building partnerships between families, schools, and communities. Cerebral Palsy Guide Cerebral Palsy Guide helps children and families in need, by extending medical options, educational information financially and emotionally supportive tools to those affected by cerebral palsy. Child and Youth Advocacy Center The mission of the Child and Youth Advocacy Center (CYAC) is to develop a community-wide response that builds on existing resources to empower families, youth, professionals, and others in breaking the cycle of maltreatment and abuse. Children and Adults with ADD/ADHD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. Children with Special Health Care Needs Program The Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Program, in the Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health (OMCFH) advances the health and well-being of children and youth with certain chronic, debilitating conditions by providing specialized medical care and care coordination services to children under 21 years of age who meet financial and medical eligibility criteria. Children's Therapy Clinic We provide free comprehensive therapy to children with disabilities. Children's Therapy Clinic offers a team approach to focus on each child's needs and abilities by including parents, caregivers, family members, and other professionals involved with the child. Our therapists help each child to reach his or her full potential and help create the little miracles of a child's first step or word. We're located in Cross Lanes, just off the I-64 exit. Coalfield Community Action Partnership Coalfield Community Action Partnership, Inc. is a private non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that serves residents of Southern West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. Coalfield CAP offers a variety of services and programs including Head Start, Community Services Block Grant, Weatherization, Personal Care, Seniors, and more. Easter Seals Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. Family Voices Keeping Families at the center of children's health care. Foster Care Ombudsman During the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions House Bills 2010 and 4094, relating to Foster Care, enabled an independent Foster Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is required to have experience as a former foster parent or in the area of child welfare. HealthCheck – West Virginia's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program HealthCheck is the name of West Virginia's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (E.P.S.D.T.). It is a mandated Medicaid Program enacted in 1967 to ensure that Medicaid-eligible children under age 21 receive a comprehensive range of preventive and primary health services. This program provides periodic, comprehensive health examinations; vision, dental and hearing assessments; immunizations; and treatment follow-up of conditions found through the health examination. Help Me Grow Help Me Grow is a FREE referral service that connects families with critical developmental resources for their children birth through five years. Learning Disabilities Online "The world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD." Legal Aid of West Virginia's Family, Advocacy, Support, and Training (FAST) Program The goal of the Family, Advocacy, Support, and Training (FAST) program is to develop a statewide parent-to-parent and youth support network that will empower families to participate in planning, management, and evaluation of their child's treatment. Make a Wish Foundation Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. MODIFY (formerly Chafee Community Support Services) MODIFY with the WVUCED provides on-going services to youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Mountain State Parents Child and Adolescent Network (MSP-CAN) Promotes reforms in the service delivery system through a continuum of interrelated activities that educate and support parent, inform practitioners, and administrators and policy makers. National Resource Center for ADHD The nation's clearinghouse for science-based information about all aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the NRC provides information on this disorder which affects how millions of children and adults function on a daily basis. Parents with Disabilities – Through the Looking Glass Provides direct services, information, and referral to a diverse group of parents with disabilities and their families. Pride Community Services PRIDE offers a multitude of programs geared at assisting low income individuals and families to move out of poverty and toward self sufficiency. Currently the agency operates Senior nutrition sites in Logan, Chapmanville and Millcreek; Head Start Centers in Logan, Chapmanville, Dehue, Lorado and Buffalo; and in conjunction with the Logan County Board of Education we operate specialized collaborative classrooms in several schools; Weatherization Program; CSBG Program; Child and Adult Food Care Program; Case Management and In-Home Care Programs. Quiet Minds Our goal is to facilitate early identification and treatment of psychosis in a collaborative, recovery-oriented approach involving individuals experiencing first episode psychosis, therefore reduce the disruption to the young person’s functioning and psychosocial development. Right from the Start RFTS provides in-home care coordination services to high risk, low income pregnant women through the second postpartum month and Medicaid eligible high risk infants through one year of age. Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center Information and resources about sensory processing disorders. Special Needs Grants Provides a list of available special needs grants. Study Tips and Strategies for Students With ADHD Managing your ADHD and achieving academic success is a result of persistence and hard work. Thankfully, there are many tools and strategies to ensure a successful college experience. 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 Bureau for Family Assistance Meeting the needs of today's children and families: Children and Families Services Directory. West Virginia Court System Self-Help Center This on-line self-help center has been designed to provide valuable information to those persons wishing to represent themselves in court. West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources A statewide program designed to provide professional development opportunities for the early care and education community. West Virginia Family Grief Center To provide caring support to grieving children between the ages of 3 and 18 and their families. West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services The mission of the West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for all West Virginians through disease surveillance, investigation, analysis, education and prevention services. 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).

How Retailers Can Cater to Customers with Disabilities Creating an Inclusive Shopping Experience How Retailers Can Cater to Customers with Disabilities By: Ed Carter February 2025 Accessibility in retail isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a welcoming environment for all customers. Individuals with disabilities often face barriers that can make shopping difficult, from narrow aisles to untrained staff. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, retailers can not only expand their customer base but also foster goodwill and loyalty. Whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online platforms, businesses have countless opportunities to enhance the shopping experience for individuals with disabilities. Here’s how retailers can take meaningful steps toward true accessibility. Redesigning Store Layouts for Mobility & Navigation For many individuals with mobility impairments, navigating a store can be frustrating if aisles are too narrow or cluttered with merchandise. A well-thought-out store layout ensures that everyone, including wheelchair users and those with walkers or service animals, can move comfortably. Wide, obstruction-free pathways allow for easy access to products and fitting rooms. Adding clear signage with high-contrast text and braille can further assist customers with visual impairments. When retailers design spaces with accessibility in mind, they create an environment that is both welcoming and functional. Training Staff to Provide Thoughtful Assistance A store can have all the physical accessibility features in place, but without well-trained staff, the experience may still fall short. Employees should be trained in disability etiquette , including how to offer assistance without assuming a person’s needs. Understanding how to communicate with customers who have hearing or speech impairments, as well as knowing when and how to provide accommodations, fosters a respectful shopping experience. Providing training on how to operate accessibility features, such as mobile checkout devices or in-store wheelchairs, further ensures that staff can meet the needs of every shopper . Implementing Adaptive Checkout Solutions The checkout process is often an overlooked area of accessibility , yet it plays a crucial role in a shopper’s experience. For customers with disabilities, long lines, high counters, or inaccessible card readers can be major obstacles. Lowered checkout stations, self-checkout kiosks with speech output, and mobile payment options can make transactions more accessible. Retailers can also provide seating in checkout areas for those who need to rest while waiting. By offering multiple checkout options, stores empower all customers to complete their purchases with ease. Enhancing Digital Accessibility for Online Shoppers Designing an accessible website means creating a digital space that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can navigate with ease. One essential step is ensuring full keyboard navigation, allowing users who rely on assistive technologies to browse without a mouse. Adding descriptive alt text to images benefits visually impaired users by enabling screen readers to convey important visual information. Enhancing color contrast between text and backgrounds improves readability for those with low vision, making content clearer and more distinguishable. Providing Sensory-Friendly Shopping Options Customers with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism or PTSD, often find shopping in crowded, noisy environments overwhelming. Retailers can implement sensory-friendly hours, during which stores lower music volume, dim harsh lighting, and reduce loud announcements. Creating designated quiet zones can also provide a space for shoppers to take a break if needed. Thoughtful adjustments like these demonstrate an understanding of the diverse needs of customers and help make shopping more comfortable for everyone . Offering Personalized Assistance and Inclusive Technology Personalized shopping services, such as appointment-based assistance or guided shopping experiences , can greatly enhance accessibility. Retailers can offer in-store assistants who help customers locate items, read product labels, or carry shopping baskets. Additionally, the integration of assistive technology, such as AI-powered chatbots for customer inquiries or smart mirrors with voice commands, can provide further support. Investing in innovative solutions ensures that individuals with disabilities receive the same level of service as any other customer . Encouraging Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement Accessibility should never be a one-time initiative—it requires ongoing assessment and adaptation. Retailers should actively seek feedback from customers with disabilities to understand what’s working and what needs improvement. This can be done through surveys, in-store suggestion boxes, or social media engagement. Partnering with disability advocacy groups can also provide valuable insights into best practices. By maintaining an open dialogue, businesses can evolve their accessibility efforts and create an environment that truly serves all shoppers . Retailers who prioritize accessibility aren’t just complying with regulations—they’re making a commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction. From physical store design to an accessible website, every touchpoint in the shopping journey should consider the needs of individuals with disabilities. An inclusive shopping experience benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also their families, caregivers, and the broader community. When retailers remove barriers, they open doors to a more welcoming and equitable shopping experience for everyone. Discover how you can make a difference with Disability Rights of West Virginia by supporting their mission to remove barriers and promote equality for people with disabilities across the state.

HEALTHCARE - COMPLAINTS The Joint Commission – Report a Complaint Report a complaint about a Health Care Organization. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Complaints If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex or religion by a health care or human services provider (such as a hospital, nursing home, social service agency, etc.) or by a State or local government health or human services agency, you may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights HIPAA Privacy Complaints If you believe that a covered entity violated your (or someone else's) health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy Rule, you may file a complaint with OCR. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Patient Safety Confidentiality Complaints If you believe that a person or organization impermissibly disclosed PSWP, you may file a complaint with OCR. OCR is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of the confidentiality provisions of the Patient Safety Rule. West Virginia Board of Medicine Complaints To file a complaint with the West Virginia Board of Medicine against a doctor licensed in West Virginia. West Virginia Registered Nurses Board Complaint To file a complaint against a Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in West Virginia.

Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) The Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) helps assure all active Medley and Hartley class members have behavioral health services, rehabilitation services, free and appropriate public education and individualized treatment in the most integrated setting. The Medley/Hartley Advocacy Program (MHAP) serves individuals living in the community as well as those committed to medical facilities. Through individual advocacy, training and outreach, the advocates provide services to some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. The MHAP holds firm the belief that individuals who have intellectual/developmental disabilities or require behavioral health services may lead a life that is dignified, productive and enjoyable, when appropriate supports are in place. Eligibility Criteria Must have a diagnosis of Intellectual Disability Born on or after April 1, 1956, and Been institutionalized prior to age twenty-three (23) for thirty (30) or more days at William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital (Weston State Hospital), Mildred Mitchell - Bateman Hospital (Huntington State Hospital), Lakin Hospital, Colin Anderson Center, Greenbrier Center, Spencer State Hospital, or Hopemont Hospital. Funding Source The West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (BBHHF). The WV Departments of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), the WV Department of Education (WV DOE) and the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WV DRS)

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) Brain Injury Association of America Committed to improving lives through awareness, prevention, advocacy, support, research and community engagement. Brain Injury Connection The Brain Injury Connection (BIC) is committed to helping those affected by an acquired brain injury (ABI). Brain Injury Network The first survivor operated international and USA national Survivor of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) non-profit advocacy organization. BrainInjuryInfo.org Dedicated to understanding and helping victims of traumatic brain injuries. Offers TBI resources and information. Brainline.org Preventing, treating, and living with traumatic brain injury. BrainLineMilitary.org An online service to help service members - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve, and veterans with brain injury and their families. BrainLineMilitary.org provides military-specific information and resources on traumatic brain injury from interviews with medical experts about diagnosis and treatment for TBI and PTSD to personal stories by service members or veterans who have learned from having their own brain injury. Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center The mission of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is to serve active duty military, their beneficiaries, and veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through state-of-the-art clinical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational programs. Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) – A Head for the Future An initiative designed to promote traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness, education and prevention. This website is a portal for service members, line leaders, veterans, medical providers and family members to access the latest information on TBI diagnosis, treatment and recovery. National Association of State Head Injury Administrators Assisting state government in promoting partnerships and building systems to meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families. National Collaborative on Children's Brain Injury NCCBI will focus first on community, family, and rehabilitation issues in relation to school services. Ohio Valley Center for Brain Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Conducts research, provides education and develops programs to improve the quality of life of persons who experience traumatic brain injury. TBI Funds for You Program Funds for You is available to residents of West Virginia with Traumatic Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury (TBI/SCI) to promote increased independence. TBI Raiders Striving to help students reach their full potential. The Brain Injury Law Group – Brain Injury Information Page The Brain Injury Information Page provides information about brain injury, concussion, coma and head injury for TBI survivors, families of survivors, and caregivers. Vision Problems After Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) This factsheet developed by Janet M. Powell, Ph.D., OTR/L; Alan Weintraub, M.D.; Laura Dreer, Ph.D.; and Tom Novack, Ph.D., in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center tells you about problems with your vision after a TBI and how to treat them. West Virginia Medicaid Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Program The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver program (TBI) provides home and community-based waiver services to West Virginia residents who are both medically and financially eligible to participate in the program. The purpose of this waiver is to prevent unnecessary institutionalization by providing services and supports that are person-centered and promotes choice, independence, participant-directed, respect, dignity and community integration. West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities Traumatic Brain Injury Program Traumatic Brain Injury services are available to assist individuals with TBI, caregivers and service providers.

Protection and Advocacy for the Help America Vote Act (PAVA) Established in 2003 as part of the Help American Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The PAVA program seeks to ensure that 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. Activities also include training of poll officials and polling site accessibility surveys. WV Counties Polling Site Accessibility Reports Click here to see if your polling place is accessible. The reports are arranged by county. Assess your Polling Sites for Accessibility People vote in many different places, such as libraries, schools, fire stations, churches, and even in shops or other private businesses and are known as polling places during elections. These places need to be accessible to people with disabilities. The ADA Checklist for Polling Places provides guidance to election officials for determining whether a polling place already has the basic accessibility features needed by most voters with disabilities or can be made accessible on Election Day using temporary solutions to remove barriers. Polling Place Accessibility Survey We would like to hear about your experiences while voting! Click here to fill out and submit our online Polling Place Accessibility Survey Click here to download and print our Polling Place Accessibility Survey NOTE: This version of our survey will need to be mailed to us. Funding Source U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Voting Guides Registering To Vote On Voting Day – Answers to Your Questions Absentee Ballots – Answers to Your Questions Accessible Voting – Questions About Your Right to Vote Temporary Accessibility Solutions for Election Day Voting From the State Hospitals WV Polling Site Accessibility Reports - arranged by County Additional Contacts PAVA Publications Voting Dates PAVA Brochure Am I Eligible to Vote? Electronic Absentee Voting for Persons with Physical Disabilities Guardianship and Voting

Understand the importance of a transition plan. 2023 NEWS LETTER May Disability Rights of West Virginia Transition Services for Students and Youth with Disabilities Article by Sherill Hoffman, DRWV Advocate Transitioning into adulthood can be an exciting and stressful time for all students. Plans for post-secondary education, living arrangements, and career planning are on the minds of students, parents, and educational professionals throughout a student's high school career. For students with disabilities, there can be an additional layer of planning that can become overwhelming. Understanding a student's rights and the process of proper transition planning can help ease minds and help prepare individuals with disabilities for a successful transition into adult life. Transition Plan The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require transition services be available to students and youth with disabilities (OSERS, 2020). Transition services are coordinated and collaborative activities with a person-centered, outcome-driven process that depends on student and family involvement, the local vocational rehabilitation agency, and the school. A transition plan is to be included in a student's individualized education program (IEP) by the time they turn sixteen and can begin earlier if deemed appropriate by the IEP Team. The plan should include post-secondary goals based upon assessments related to training, education, employment, and, if needed, independent living skills such as self-advocacy and finance management. Additionally, a list of services, including courses of study, will assist the individual with a disability in obtaining post-secondary goals (OSERS, 2020). The student should be at the center of transition planning. The team should consider interests, strengths, needs, and preferences throughout the transition process. Students should attend IEP meetings. If a student cannot participate, efforts should be made to ensure the student is at the center of the conversation. Understanding what a person hopes to achieve after high school is essential, increasing chances for success. Questions to think about when Creating a Transition Plan Does the student want to attend college or a vocational program? Which career path does the student want to take? How can the team ensure integrated work (including supported employment)? What are the student’s goals for independent living, and which services and supports may be needed? What additional support and services will be required to create a successful transition plan? Agencies that offer Transition Services In West Virginia, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) is the vocational rehabilitation agency for individuals with disabilities who want to work. Each school in West Virginia has assigned counselor(s) to assist in identifying students who would benefit from transition services. It is also vital for the IEP team to invite WVDRS to the conversation as WVDRS can provide a wide range of services, such as: Vocational and educational planning Career counseling and guidance Work-related training and education Workplace assessments and accommodations Job coaching Supported employment Assistive technology assessments and equipment WVDRS is also able to provide pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS). Pre- ETS are collaborative efforts between the school and WVDRS. These services are available for ages 14 to 21 and include job exploration and counseling, which helps students learn about potential careers and the necessary training. Participating in work-based learning experiences helps transition youth to learn about a workplace, including job shadowing and mentoring opportunities. Pre-ETS include counseling on programs that assist a student in planning post-secondary education and training. This can include workplace readiness which helps to develop independent living, social, and self-advocacy skills, which allow a person with a disability to learn how to represent themselves (WVDRS, 2023). Pre-ETS can help create the framework for a successful transition plan. Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is West Virginia's federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities. DRWV advocates for transition services and employment for individuals with disabilities. The Client Assistance Program (CAP) advocates for individuals who receive or need services from the WVDRS. Examples of CAP advocacy include assistance with applying for vocational rehabilitation services, issues related to a counselor and client relationship, and working to ensure a person receives appropriate support and services from WVDRS to help them achieve their goals for employment. To learn more about DRWV please visit our website at www.drofwv.org or request additional information or support regarding transition services, call us for an intake at 304-346-0847 or 1-800-642-8207. Resources A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities United States Department of Education - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/postsecondary-transition-guide-august-2020.pdf West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) Pre-Employment Transition Services https://wvdrs.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displaystory&groupID=89&itemid=78 Client Comments Why we do what we do "When our advocate comes to the home to visit my non-verbal son, she is very friendly to him. She also always keeps in touch with us. She is very in tune to his needs. " "My advocate is always friendly and polite."

SATISFACTION SURVEY We have enjoyed working with you. We would like some feedback on the services you received from Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV). Your answers are very important to us and will help us to provide better services to our clients. Please complete this survey and submit it to us. The information you provide to us will only be used to improve services to you and others. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our survey. Please insert the number you were given in the box below: Were the staff at DRWV nice/polite to you? Yes No Did DRWV keep you up to date on your case and answer all your questions? Yes No Did your problem/complaint get solved? Yes No After working with DRWV, would you be able to help yourself if you have the same problem? Yes No Would you call DRWV again or refer someone else to DRWV? Yes No Overall, how happy/satisfied were you with DRWV's services? Very Happy Happy Unhappy Very Unhappy Additional Comments: Submit Thanks for submitting!

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)

2025 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION 11/26/25 - WCHS Barboursville School to close in February, widens mental health placement gaps in W.Va. 11/11/25 - West Virginia University Foundation Swinging big: Private support helps WVU College of Law students explore public interest law, serve W.Va. residents. 7/9/25 - West Virginia Watch https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/07/09/operating-costs-for-wv-psych-hospital-reach-128m-community-homes-for-people-with-disabilities-still-lag/ Costs for WV psych hospital top $128M; community homes for people with disabilities still lag. 6/26/25 - West Virginia Watch https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/26/big-beautiful-bill-contains-severe-cuts-to-programs-for-west-virginians-with-disabilities/?emci=7e28f606-d651-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=907af7b7-7c52-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=113465 Federal budget proposals would cut programs for West Virginians with disabilities. GOP-led efforts to curb spending would slash funding for myriad of programs that help adults and children with disabilities in the rural state. 6/4/25 - WAJR - The Voice of Morgantown https://wajr.com/2025/06/04/disability-rights-west-virginia-calls-for-contract-worker-reform-at-state-health-facilities/ Problems within the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities are a continuing issue for Disability Rights of West Virginia. 5/30/25 - WCHS Eyewitness News https://wchstv.com/news/local/advocates-encouraged-by-child-welfare-reforms-in-west-virginia Advocates encouraged by child welfare reforms in West Virginia. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey's plan to bring more transparency to the state's child welfare system is already getting a welcome reception from those who have long been asking for it. 3/31/25 - West Virginia Watch $70M spent sending WV foster children to out-of-state facilities, some with abuse allegations. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/03/31/70m-spent-sending-wv-foster-children-to-out-of-state-facilities-some-with-abuse-allegations/?emci=de8c6e96-ee0b-f011-90cd-0022482a9fb7&emdi=1aae1c51-1f0e-f011-90cd-0022482a9fb7&ceid=113465 3/20/25 - National Federation of the Blind National Federation of the Blind and Blind Students Sue West Virginia University for Discrimination. https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-students-sue-west-virginia-university 2/13/25 - WOWK 13 News What is Section 504? West Virginia joins lawsuit sparking disability rights concerns. https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/what-is-section-504-west-virginia-joins-lawsuit-sparking-disability-rights-concerns/ 1/12/25 - Metro News Disability Rights of West Virginia lawsuit targets contract workers at state-run health facilities. https://wvmetronews.com/2025/01/12/disability-rights-of-west-virginia-lawsuit-targets-contract-workers-at-state-run-health-facilities/ 1/9/25 - West Virginia Watch WV hospital workers face charges over Hopemont patient’s death. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/01/09/wv-hospital-workers-face-charges-over-hopemont-patients-death/ 1/8/25 - Metro News Two Hopemont Hospital workers charged in patient’s death . https://wvmetronews.com/2025/01/08/two-hopemont-hospital-workers-charged-in-patients-death/ 1/8/25 - WV Public Broadcasting Two Nurses Charged With Criminal Neglect In Patient’s Boiling Death . https://wvpublic.org/two-nurses-charged-with-criminal-neglect-in-patients-boiling-death/

OUR SERVICES Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is a private non-profit agency dedicated to protecting and advocating for the legal rights of West Virginians with disabilities. We are designated as West Virginia's Protection and Advocacy System (P&A). Every state is mandated by the Federal government to have a P&A. DRWV works to ensure that West Virginians with disabilities have access to the same opportunities afforded all members of society, and can live full, productive lives, totally integrated into their communities with as much self-direction and independence as possible. DRWV strives to promote systemic change to increase access to services, promote equality, and protect rights. DRWV services are confidential and free of charge. Who We Are We Help People with Disabilities by: giving information and providing referrals, investigating abuse and neglect, providing direct advocacy, providing training on self-advocacy, providing legal representation, and engaging in systemic advocacy and litigation. Definitions of our Types of Services: Systemic Advocacy Services Activities or projects which have the potential to impact populations or systems, such as advocacy on behalf of groups, investigations, monitoring and research. It also includes collaboration, agency support or participation on committees, task forces, and class action/group impact litigation. Community Advocacy Services Activities or projects that provide outreach and educational presentations to people with disabilities, professionals, and the community at large. It also includes training in self-advocacy, training professionals, needs assessments, publications and media. Information & Referral Services (I&R) The provision of brief written or oral information about DRWV, and information about additional programs and resources external to DRWV that relate to the individual’s service needs and statutory or constitutional rights as a person with a disability. I&R is generally of short duration, typically ranging from a few minutes to an hour. Direct Advocacy Services Technical Assistance In addition to providing information and referral, an attorney or advocate can advise a client regarding self-advocacy, including explaining how a service delivery system works and assisting with filing complaints/grievances. Case Service Individual Advocacy/Self Advocacy An attorney or advocate assists a client by obtaining and reviewing information, helping the client decide what actions they want to have taken, and working with the client in taking action to resolve the issue, including providing representation at meetings or hearings as well as litigation. Case Service Individual Investigation An abuse or neglect investigation is done when DRWV has an allegation that abuse or neglect may have occurred to an individual with a disability and a DRWV staff attorney has reviewed the allegation and has documented in writing that DRWV has probable cause to believe that such abuse/neglect may have occurred. DRWV cannot do an abuse/neglect investigation without probable cause. Investigations are undertaken for the purpose of substantiating or not substantiating that abuse or neglect occurred. Investigations require a significant allocation of time that includes a thorough examination of information, records, evidence, and circumstances surrounding an allegation of abuse and neglect. DRWV does not accept the following types of legal Service Requests: Domestic Relations Child custody Child support Divorce or annulment Personal Injury Separation Wills and Estate Planning Real Estate and Property Law Social Security benefits denials and terminations Criminal matters Juvenile Justice matters Any Service Request not directly related to a disability rights issue, even if the client has a disability Service Requests outside DRWV’s annual Priorities and Objectives unless exceptions are made in accordance with our goals and mission NOTICE Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) serves people with disabilities including persons with mental health, developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities, as well as traumatic brain injury. DRWV's Intake Department will provide Information and Referral services to anyone who requests assistance. DRWV's acceptance of direct advocacy and legal cases is determined by a variety of criteria including: disability related eligibility criteria established by our funders, our annual priorities and objectives, our budget, as well as related fiscal factors. Due to limited resources, we cannot provide everyone who requests our services with direct advocacy or legal representation.

2023 DRWV ADVOCACY IN MOTION 12/22/23 - West Virginia Watch WVU paid more than $230K for Coben to fly on private jet to Charleston for governor-appointed job. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/12/22/wvu-paid-more-than-255k-for-coben-to-fly-on-private-jet-to-charleston-for-governor-appointed-job/ 12/19/23 - The Parkersburg New and Sentinel Hearing set for sanctions motion in West Virginia foster care lawsuit. https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2023/12/hearing-set-for-sanctions-motion-in-west-virginia-foster-care-lawsuit/ 12/18/23 - WV Metro News Magistrate judge orders a hearing over purged emails in foster care lawsuit. The federal magistr ate judge plans to hear more about a request for sanctions over conditions in the foster care system. https://wvmetronews.com/2023/12/18/magistrate-judge-orders-a-hearing-over-purged-emails-in-foster-care-lawsuit/ 12/14/23 - West Virginia Watch Former DHHR attorney backs up claim department ‘intentionally’ deleted emails in foster care suit. Attorneys who brought the lawsuit on behalf of foster children say the deletion of evidence ‘was not merely reckless but was intentional.’ https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/12/14/former-dhhr-attorney-backs-up-claim-department-intentionally-deleted-emails-in-foster-care-suit/ 12/14/23 - Mountain State Spotlight Officials say sweeping changes are needed to prevent institutionalization of West Virginians with disabilities. Lawmakers will strongly consider inc reasing pay for workers who help West Virginians with intellectual disabilities live more independently, but a legislative study recommends a broader range of reforms also be implemented. https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2023/12/14/disability-care-worker-pay-raises/ 12/12/23 - West Virginia Watch Weeks away from DHHR split deadline, lawmakers worry not enough is changing . State lawmakers pushed to split the behemoth DHHR, but the implementation appears to some as more ‘bloated bureaucracy’ https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/12/12/weeks-away-from-dhhr-split-deadline-lawmakers-worry-not-enough-is-changing/ 12/10/23 - Mountain State Spotlight As officials delay, more West Virginians with disabilities are being confined to mental hospitals. For at least two years, disability rights advocates have warned that the state was indefinitely instituti onalizing people in state-owned psychiatric hospitals. Despite outcry, lawmakers have been slow to act. https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2023/12/10/wv-disabilities-mental-hospital/?utm_source=Mountain+State+Spotlight&utm_campaign=ba23d2ee17-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_12_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_91c55fb9d7-ba23d2ee17-482962127 11/17/23 - West Virginia Watch DHHR leaders say they’ll change staff vetting after multiple contract employees arrested. Multiple employees at a state-run psychiatric hospital have been recently arrested for crimes, including murders that occurred off-site. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/11/17/dhhr-leaders-say-theyll-change-staff-vetting-after-multiple-contract-emp loyees-arrested/?emci=221f5472-a784-ee11-8925-00224832e811&emdi=f659b2d5-4085-ee11-8925-00224832e811&ceid=113465 11/15/23 - West Virginia Watch Multiple employees at a state-run hospital have been charged with crimes this year. The charges, which include murders, have raised concerns about the employee screening process at Sharpe Hospital in Weston. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/11/15/multiple-employees-at-a-state-run-hospital-have-been-charged-with-crimes-this-year/ 11/1/23 - West Virginia Watch Mother seeks answers as son with autism trapped and injured in troubled state psychiatric hospital. Sharpe hospital was never meant to house patients long term. JP, a 33-year-old mostly nonverbal man, has been there for more than a year as the state doesn’t have enough community placement. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/11/01/mother-seeks-answers-as-son-with-autism-trapped-and-injured-in-troubled-state-psychiatric-hospital/ 10/10/23 - West Virginia Watch Women at Sharpe complained about employee before he was charged with patient sex crimes. It’s the latest problem to surface at the troubled state-run psychiatric facility, which for years has faced scrutiny for its patient treatment and staffing issues. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/10/10/women-at-sharpe-complained-about-employee-before-he-was-charged-with-patient-sex-crimes/ 9/11/23 - West Virginia Watch Patients continue to linger in state psychiatric hospital without treatment plans, inspection shows. Lawmaker s have heard for years about problems at William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital, a psychiatric facility under state operation. They recently toured the hospital, but Disability Rights West Virginia said it’s hardly a response to the crisis. https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/09/11/patients-continue-to-linger-in-state-psychiatric-hospital-without-treatment-plans-inspection-shows/ 5/ 7/23 - WV News West Virginia DHHR working on plans to keep disabled out of state hospitals https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-dhhr-working-on-plans-to-keep-disabled-out-of-state-hospitals/article_73e95f8a-ed27-11ed-95bc-b3f52380e2a6.html 3/8/23 - The Parkersburg New and Sentinel Bill to study IDD in criminal justice system passes West Virginia Senate https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2023/02/bill-to-study-idd-in-criminal-justice-system-passes-west-virginia-senate/ 3/6/23 - The Register Herald People with disabilities in Beckley forced to use the bathroom in buckets and outside, inspections show https://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/people-with-disabilities-in-beckley-forced-to-use-the-bathroom-in-buckets-and-outside-inspections/article_18790d7a-b9f7-11ed-8dec-63c4337ace4f.html 2/13/23 - T he State Journal Advocates: Home care service shortages and issues place West Virginians at risk https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/advoc ates-home-care-service-shortages-and-issues-place-west-virginians-at-risk/article_613b3f82-a891-11ed-a400-3bc087a218c6.html 2/13/23 - 100 Days in Appalachia (Erin Beck) For This W.Va. family, legislative attention on ‘warehousing’ people with intellectual disabilities at state hospitals is too late https://www.100daysinappalachia.com/2023/02/for-this-w-va-family-legislative-attention-on-warehousing-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-at-hospitals-is-too-late/ 2/7/23 - The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Bill to study IDD in criminal justice system passed West Virginia Senate https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2023/02/bill-to-study-idd-in-criminal-justice-system-passes-west-virginia-senate/ 1/20/23 - The Register Herald Whistleblowers protection bill follows alleged mistreatment of disabled people in state care https://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/whistleblowers-protection-bill-follows-alleged-mistreatment-of-disabled-people-in-state-care/article_751d8090-986b-11ed-b81b-63e30846f0aa.html