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MENTAL HEALTH American Psychiatric Association The American Psychiatric Association is an organization of psychiatrists working together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental illness, including substance use disorders. It is the voice and conscience of modern psychiatry. Its vision is a society that has available, accessible quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Bazelon Center Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Bazelon Center Psychiatric Advance Directives Information Psychiatric advance directives can be used to plan for the possibility that someone may lose capacity to give or withhold informed consent to treatment during acute episodes of psychiatric illness. Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation The Center is a research, training, and service organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons who have psychiatric disabilities. Center for Workplace Mental Health A program of the American Psychiatric Foundation that advances effective employer approaches to mental health by combining the knowledge and experience of the American Psychiatric Association and their employer partners. This link goes to the employee resources page. Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance West Virginia The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The organization fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information written in language the general public can understand. DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments, and discover a cure. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Improving the lives of people living with mood disorders. Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights From the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 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. Mental Health America We are the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support, Education, Advocacy, and Research for persons with mental illness and their families. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Wheeling WV The families and members of NAMI Greater Wheeling are here to help! We offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives Psychiatric advance directives are relatively new legal instruments that may be used to document a competent person's specific instructions or preferences regarding future mental health treatment. 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. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight webpage about the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The Mental Health Provider's Role in a Client's Request for a Reasonable Accommodation at Work From the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities Users will be able to quickly identify the Collaborative?s past and current research activities, ongoing training and related knowledge development activities, and the growing number of journal articles, monographs, toolkits, and exemplary program descriptions that can be helpful to users seeking to expand their understanding and utilization of community integration principles and practices. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) homepage. West Virginia Behavioral Health Planning Council The primary purpose of the WVBHPC is to advocate for and evaluate the provision of community-based behavioral health services. West Virginia Behavioral Health Providers Association The Association's members are behavioral healthcare provider organizations serving recipients in each of the State's fifty-five counties. We are committed to creating and sustaining healthy and secure communities. Vital to this commitment is a network of organizations and advocates promoting services of unparalleled value. WV Behavioral Health Services Map To find available behavioral health services in any county in WV, see the comprehensive behavioral health centers' service areas on this map.

PAAT CASES Our PAAT (Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology) program helps people understand their rights to use medical devices or technology that can aid them in managing their disability. Collectively this is called Assistive Technology (AT). We help people navigate legal issues such as insurance denials of coverage for AT or related services, access to medical care that requires use of AT, housing accommodations, workplace accommodations, and accommodations in schools. The PAAT program was created in 1994. Below, we highlight a few of our PAAT cases and outcomes. 1 Our client had a documented medical need for a cubby bed. The Cubby Bed® (Sensory Medical Inc) is an enclosed, low height safety bed that features a sensory canopy, padded walls, and sensory equipment such as a camera, microphone and sensory light. Cubby Bed is a class 1 medical device: patient bed with canopy. The West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) would not approve the cubby bed and DRWV was advised by the vendor that BMS' below market pay rate was unacceptable. The Medicaid Act requires coverage of all medically necessary services that are included within the categories of mandatory and optional services listed in section 1905(a), regardless of whether such services are covered under the State Plan. If there are insufficient vendors to provide the service or product or the Medicaid payment is too low to attract sufficient vendors Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) states that "the state would need to develop a payment methodology for the service, supply or equipment, including the possibility that payment may need to be made using a single-service agreement with an in-state provider or an out-of-state provider who will accept Medicaid payment." DRWV was successful in representing the client to ensure BMS fulfilled its obligations under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program and the vendor promptly provided the medically necessary cubby bed to our client. 2 The client was in need of a vehicle lift for her motorized wheelchair. DRWV provided advocacy on client's behalf with the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) for her to be provided with a vehicle wheelchair lift to allow her improved access to her place of employment and retain her job. DRWV provided advocacy on client's behalf with the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) for her to be provided with a vehicle wheelchair lift to allow her improved access to her place of employment and retain her job. 3 The client requested assistance with getting his scooter replaced with one that better meets his needs. DRWV appealed the Workers' Compensation Claim Administrator's decision denying authorization for a heavy duty, zero turn wheelchair then represented the client before the WV Workers' Compensation Board of Review. The Claim Administrator's decision was overturned and the client now has the heavy duty, zero turn wheelchair. 4 The mother requested assistance with getting the school to implement the AT device and speech therapy per the client's IEP and provide the client with access necessary AT. DRWV filed a due process complaint and negotiated a settlement agreement. A favorable settlement agreement was completed with provisions for updated training and usage of clients AT Communication Device. 5 The client needed assistance with getting her dentures. DRWV advocated for client to be taken to obtain her dentures after she had experienced numerous delays in being transported for dental services. Client was transported to her dental appointments and received her dentures. 6 The grandmother requested assistance with getting the school to allow the client access to AT devices at home. DRWV reviewed information on the hearing technology listed in his IEP then attended an IEP meeting. DRWV reviewed information on the hearing technology listed in his IEP then attended an IEP meeting. During the meeting, we learned that the school was not having the client wear the AT due to it making a loud buzzing noises. DRWV requested that the AT be sent home in order to do homework. Due to advocacy provided by DRWV, arrangements were made for the AT to be repaired. DRWV successfully advocated for the equipment to be sent home. The grandmother will be trained in how to use the hearing device. 7 The client requested assistance with getting his hearing aids repaired while in federal prison. DRWV communicated with the client and the Health Services Administrator at the federal prison regarding the hearing aids. The client received his hearing aids. He said he had tears in his eyes because he could hear birds singing, which he had not heard in 18 months. He expressed gratitude for DRWV assistance.

HEALTHCARE - MISCELLANEOUS American Board of Medical Specialties Assists 24 approved medical specialty boards in the development and use of standards in the ongoing evaluation and certification of physicians. American Cancer Society The nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. American Diabetes Association Leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. American Medical Association Their mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. You can find any disciplinary actions against a doctor. Caring Bridge Free, personalized websites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery. Epilepsy Foundation The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure. In addition to programs conducted at the national level, epilepsy clients throughout the United States are served by more than 50 Epilepsy Foundation affiliates around the country. Find a Doctor Online A team of doctors and programmers who created FindaDoc to make the daunting and sometimes frustrating process of finding the best doctor as simple as possible. Healthcare.gov HealthCare.gov allows consumers to search for both public and private health coverage options through an easy to use health insurance finder tool. Based on answers to a series of questions, the coverage finder produces a menu of potential coverage choices personalized for the user. Hill Burton Free and Reduced Cost Healthcare Free and reduced cost healthcare. Merck Manual of Medical Information Explains disorders, who is likely to get them, their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, how they might be prevented, and how they can be treated; also provides information about prognosis. 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. U.S. National Library of Medicine The world's largest medical library collects materials and provides information and research services in all areas of biomedicine and health care. West Virginia Board of Medicine Issues licenses to practice medicine and surgery, to practice podiatry, and to practice as a physician assistant for a medical doctor in the State of West Virginia, and is the regulatory and disciplinary body for the practice of medicine and surgery and the practice of podiatry and for physician assistants for M.D.'s in this State. West Virginia Catastrophic Illness Commission The Commission acts as a last resort for those in dire need of medical assistance once all other resources are exhausted. West Virginia Center for End-of-Life Care The West Virginia Center for End-of-Life Care provides assistance to West Virginians so that at the end of life they know what medical treatments they want and their wishes are respected. West Virginia Rural Health Association The West Virginia Rural Health Association is a nonprofit, grassroots, member-driven organization. Our membership is made up of a variety of people and organizations that are interested in the health of rural West Virginians throughout the state. Members work together to identify the health care concerns of rural West Virginians and find ways to improve services in our communities.

Accessing and Using our Accessibility Toolbar Since DRWV believes in accessibility for all, we’ve added an accessibility and language toolbar called Recite Me to our website to make it accessible and inclusive for as many people as possible. It helps one in four people in the US who have a disability, including those with common conditions like sight loss and dyslexia, access our website in the way that suits them best. It also meets the needs of the 67.8 million people in the US who speak a language other than English at home, by translating our web content into over 100 different languages. With a unique range of functions, the accessibility toolbar allows visitors to customize content based on personal preferences . How do I access the Accessibility Toolbar? You can open our Accessibility Toolbar by clicking on the “Accessibility Tools” button in the top right corner of the page. This button now appears in the top right corner on every page of our website. After you click on the “Accessibility Tools” button, the toolbar opens and displays a range of different options for customizing the way the website looks and ways you can interact with the content. How does the Accessibility Toolbar help me access this website? Recite Me helps people access our website and customize the content in a way that works best for them. The Recite Me toolbar has a unique range of functions. You can use it to: Read website text aloud (including PDFs) Download the text as an MP3 file to play it where and when it suits you Change font sizes and colors Customise background-colors Translate text into more than 100 different languages Access a fully integrated dictionary and thesaurus Overview of Tools Previous Play Next Decrease Font Size Select Font Incease Font Size Color Theme Ruler Screen Mask Dictionary Change Language Magnifying Glass Plain Text Mode Download Audio Settings Reset User Guide Accessibility Toolbar User Guide Play Audio Previous Rewind to the previous paragraph of text . Play Click the Play button to read the te xt aloud . Next Skip forward to the next paragraph of text . Text Options Decrease Font Size This will decrease the text size . Select Font You can change the font that displays on the page . Incease Font Size This will increase the text size . Color, Ruler and Mask Color Theme Ruler Screen Mask Change the background, text, and link colors . Click to enable the reading ruler . Will create a letterbox for focused viewing of a section of the pag e . Dictionary, Translation and Magnifier Dictionary Highlight and click on this to view the definition of the word. Change Language Translate text into a different language . Magnifying Glass Click and drag the magnifying glass to magnify text on the screen . Plain Text Mode and Download Audio Text Mode Remove images to view content in plain text mode . Download Audio Highlight the text then click the button to download the text as an audio file . Settings Settings Adjust your Recite Me toolbar settings Reset This will restore the default settings . User Guide This will give you an overview of the Toolbar Features

Read the Article As the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in West Virginia, Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) is requesting input for our fiscal year 2025 priorities and objectives. The purpose of this input is to learn what issues are important to people with disabilities in WV. Input will be collected from: May 1, 2025 - June 12, 2025 Help us to help you by taking a few minutes to complete our survey! Go to Survey

EMPLOYMENT - EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights From the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment This is a questions and answers document developed by the Social Security Administration, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the United States Department of Justice for people with disabilities who are looking for employment. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Disclosure Resources JAN provides free, confidential technical assistance about job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Job Accommodation Network’s (JAN) ‘How to Request an Accommodation’ Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provided an example of an accommodation request letter. Job Accommodations Network (JAN) This is the home page for the Job Accommodations Network (JAN), a program funded through the United States Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy providing a resource for workplace productivity enhancements and reasonable accommodations solutions. Job Accommodations Network ADA Resources The Job Accommodations Network (JAN) Americans with Disabilities Act Library. Small Employers and Reasonable Accommodation The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the agency of the United States Government that enforces the federal employment discrimination laws. This document covers information on reasonable accommodations for small businesses. The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook This handbook is a broad overview of rights and obligations under federal disability laws. Individual state laws may impose more stringent obligations. This handbook is intended to inform rather than to advise, and the information provided is of a general nature. You should consult an attorney for advice about your particular situation. The Americans with Disabilities Act And the Rights of Persons with HIV/AIDS To Obtain Occupational Training and State Licensing U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section questions and answers. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Public Law 103-3 Enacted February 5, 1993. An Act to grant family and temporary medical leave under certain circumstances. The Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 This fact sheet was prepared by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) Office of Legal Counsel. It is intended to provide technical assistance on some common questions that have arisen about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) when the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) also applies. The Mental Health Provider's Role in a Client's Request for a Reasonable Accommodation at Work From the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission U.S. Department of Justice Guide to Disability Rights Laws This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ADA Guide 'Your Employment Rights as an Individual with Disabilities An EEOC document outlining employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for people with disabilities. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ADA Publications This takes you to a publications request form and listing of EEOC publications. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Enforcement Guidelines This is a list of EEOC enforcement documents including enforcement related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Advisor The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Advisor helps Veterans understand employee eligibility and job entitlements, employer obligations, benefits and remedies under the Act. The law is intended to encourage non-career uniformed service so that America can enjoy the protection of those services, staffed by qualified people, while maintaining a balance with the needs of private and public employers who also depend on these same individuals. West Virginia Division of Labor Homepage for the West Virginia Division of Labor. West Virginia Human Rights Commission West Virginia Human Rights Commission whose mission is to eliminate discriminatory practices based upon sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, religion, blindness and familial status. Wheeling Human Rights Commission It is the mission of the Human Rights Commission to encourage mutual respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups within the City. Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace Why, When, What, and How A document of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment addressing disability disclosure issues and employment geared towards youth.

ACCESSIBILITY Accessible Home Checklist Home modifications help people with disabilities stay in their homes longer by making it easier for them to complete the tasks of daily life. A Guide to Accessible Recreation in West Virginia The guide includes an alphabetical site index, as well as both a county index and an activity index to help you find a recreation activity by name, location or type. A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People With Disabilities This guide provides information to assist planners, managers, operators and building owners in making temporary events accessible to people with disabilities. Bookshare – Books without Barriers Accessible Books and Periodicals for Readers with Print Disabilities. Bookshare is free for all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities. Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) For information on CAP and accommodation solutions for civilian employees with disabilities. CAP works closely with service members across the nation to ensure they receive appropriate assistive technology for their needs, including vision or hearing loss, dexterity impairments, and cognitive difficulties. Eastlake, Derry and Associates Accessibility Solutions A consulting firm that can assist businesses, associations, or programs with their accessibility needs and to help them achieve full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). iCanConnect If you have significant combined vision and hearing loss and meet federal income guidelines, iCanConnect can provide you with free communication technology and training to stay connected with family and friends. Learning Ally A national nonprofit, volunteer organization with an accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia. Microsoft Support Desk for Customers with Disabilities Microsoft support site for customers with disabilities or accessibility features. National Association of the Deaf – Information about Health Care Providers Provides information about laws and requesting accommodations related to access to medical care to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. National Association of the Deaf – Questions and Answers for Health Care Providers Provides questions and answers to health care providers about laws and requesting accommodations related to access to medical care by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. National Center for Accessible Media Dedicated to achieving media access equality for people with disabilities. Toolkit for Making Written Material Clear and Effective The Toolkit is an 11-part health literacy resource whose purpose is to help people create written material in printed formats that are easier for people to read, understand, and use. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance: Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Impairments A technical assistance publication for medical care providers. U.S. Department of Justice 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design The Department has assembled this official online version of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards) to bring together the information in one easy-to-access location. U.S. Department of Justice Title II and III ADA Complaints You can file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint alleging disability discrimination against a State or local government or a public accommodation (including, for example, a restaurant, doctor's office, retail store, hotel, etc.) online, by mail, or fax. United States Access Board The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design. United States Access Board Guide to the ADA Standards This guide explains requirements in the current editions of the ADA Standards issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Web Accessibility Initiative Strategies, guidelines, and resources for making the web accessible to people with disabilities. West Virginia Human Rights Commission West Virginia Human Rights Commission whose mission is to eliminate discriminatory practices based upon sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, religion, blindness and familial status. West Virginia Human Rights Commission Complaints This will take you to the page to download complaint forms for filing complaints about discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations with the West Virginia Human Rights Commission.

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Established by Congress under the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act of 1986. PAIMI was formed to help individuals with mental illness in both institutional and community settings and to investigate abuse, neglect and rights violations on their behalf. PAIMI Eligibility To be eligible for services under our PAIMI Program a person must have a significant mental illness, emotional impairment, and/or receives inpatient treatment in a State psychiatric hospital. PAIMI Funding Source U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. PAIMI Publications

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

Make Your West Virginia Small Business Welcoming for Every Customer Small Business Accessibility: Make Your West Virginia Small Business Welcoming for Every Customer By: Ed Carter May 2026 West Virginia small business owners and the customers with disabilities they serve often run into the same frustrating gap: a shop can be friendly in intent yet still feel hard to use in practice. Accessibility challenges show up in everyday moments, getting through the door, reading a menu, hearing a question, or finding a clear way to ask for help, and those friction points quietly send people elsewhere. Add uncertainty about legal expectations and what “inclusive customer service” really looks like, and many businesses stay stuck between wanting to do right and not knowing where to start. The payoff is simple: a place more people can choose with confidence. Quick Accessibility Takeaways Start by identifying your biggest accessibility barriers and prioritize fixes that improve day to day customer access. Improve physical access by checking entrances, paths, seating, and restrooms for practical usability. Strengthen communication access by offering clear information and flexible ways to ask for help. Build inclusion into service by training staff to respond respectfully and consistently to disability needs. Understanding Accessibility and Your Rights It helps to name the goal first. Accessibility means removing barriers so people with different bodies, senses, and minds can use your space, services, and website with dignity. Disability rights law sets a baseline for equal access, while everyday inclusion is how that baseline shows up in real customer moments. This matters because people with disabilities are not a tiny group. 16% of the global population live with a disability , and many need clear options and respectful support to shop confidently. When customers can self-advocate without conflict, businesses reduce risk and build lasting trust. Picture a customer asking for a quieter spot, help reading a form, or an easier way to order online. Following WCAG 2.0 for assessing web accessibility and practicing calm, flexible service turns a legal “must” into a welcoming “we can.” With the principles clear, you can pick upgrades that fit your space, budget, and customers. Make It Easier to Enter, Ask, and Buy: A Practical Checklist Small changes can remove big barriers. Think like a financial plan: pick a few high-impact fixes now, budget for the next round, and keep improving as customers tell you what they need. Clear the path from parking to checkout: Walk your customer route with fresh eyes, parking/curb, doorway, aisles, restroom, counter, and fix the simplest barriers first. Add a portable ramp if you have a single step, keep entry mats flat, and create at least one wider “main aisle” by moving a display table. Put the most-used items and a payment option within reach from a seated position. Make your entrance and counter easy to use: If your door is heavy, add a doorbell or call button so someone can help quickly, and keep the threshold clear of clutter or temporary signs. At the counter, designate a lower, clear space for signing and paying, even if it’s just one section kept empty. Good lighting and reduced background noise near the register help customers who lip-read or process speech more slowly. Use “plain language” communication in three steps: Greet the customer, offer help once, then wait, “Hi, let me know how I can help” beats hovering or speaking for a companion. When explaining options, give two or three choices at a time and confirm with a simple check-back: “Just to be sure I explained it clearly, do you want option A or B?” Keep a small notepad available for writing, drawing, or exchanging short messages when speech is hard to understand. Offer reasonable accommodations with a simple, consistent process: Decide ahead of time what you can usually do, read a menu aloud, bring items to the door, allow extra time at checkout, fill out a short form together, or offer a quieter spot to talk. Train staff to respond with “Yes, we can try that” instead of debating whether it’s “required.” The U.S. Department of Labor notes many accommodations for people with disabilities can be implemented at no cost to employers, which can help you prioritize solutions that fit tight budgets. Use low-cost assistive tech that helps everyone: Add large-print versions of key documents, price lists, and instructions, and put a QR code nearby that links to a screen-reader-friendly page. Offer multiple ways to communicate, phone, email, and text-based options, so customers can choose what works. If you take appointments, consider online scheduling with a notes field for accommodation requests. Train staff with short scripts and real-life practice: Do a 30-minute monthly “accessibility huddle” that covers one topic: guiding a blind customer, interacting with a Deaf customer, or supporting someone with anxiety. Practice respectful language, asking before helping, and what to do if a customer says a barrier is stopping them from shopping. Make it clear who can approve on-the-spot fixes (like moving a chair or opening a second register) so employees aren’t afraid to act. When you combine physical access, clear communication, and a reliable accommodation routine, you reduce frustration on both sides, and you’ll be ready if a customer raises a concern, asks for documentation, or needs support navigating their rights. Accessibility Questions, Answered Q: What are some simple ways to make my small store more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities? A: Start with the basics customers notice first: clear, stable walkways, easier door access, and uncluttered aisles. Add a simple “need help?” bell, provide a seat for waiting, and keep a notepad for written communication. Then ask, “What would make this easier today?” and follow through. Q: How can I reduce the stress and overwhelm of updating my store's accessibility features? A: Treat it like a budget plan: pick one low-cost fix this week, one policy update this month, and one bigger upgrade to price out for later. Keep a short log of barriers you observe and customer requests so decisions feel grounded, not emotional. Celebrate progress, not perfection. Q: What are effective communication tips to ensure every customer feels included and comfortable? A: Speak to the customer directly, use plain language, and offer choices one at a time. Ask before assisting and confirm understanding with a quick “Did I get that right?” If language differences add friction, an optional audio-translation helper like Adobe Firefly's AI audio translation tool can reduce miscommunication. Q: How do I prioritize changes when feeling stuck about where to begin improving accessibility? A: Start where a barrier stops a purchase: entry, checkout, and restrooms. Document what’s blocking access, then choose changes that improve safety and independence for the most people. When a customer requests a reasonable accommodation , respond with solutions you can try quickly. Q: What legal support options exist if I face challenges managing accessibility requirements for my small business? A: Keep written notes and photos of barriers, the steps you took, and any accommodation requests so you have a clear record. For guidance, reach out to West Virginia disability advocacy organizations or legal aid resources for practical direction, especially when questions involve the Americans with Disabilities Act . Early support can help you problem-solve before conflicts escalate. Turning Accessibility Into Repeat Customers in West Virginia Running a small business is hard enough without customers wondering whether they’ll be heard, helped, or able to get through the door. The steady path is treating accessibility as a practical mindset, notice barriers, respond with reasonable accommodations, and keep an advocacy lens with community engagement for businesses. When that becomes the norm, the benefits of accessible business show up quickly: clearer communication, fewer misunderstandings, and customer loyalty through inclusion that brings people back and brings friends. Accessibility isn’t extra, it’s how trust becomes loyalty. Choose your next two actions and put them on the calendar this week. That ongoing effort builds stability, resilience, and a stronger sense of connection across your West Virginia community.

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.