Appalachian Center for Independent Living

02/21/2026

https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

Are you supporting a great cause with your Kroger rewards card? No extra cost to you to connect ACIL and help support our mission.

💙 Shop at Kroger & Support ACIL! 💙
Did you know you can help the Appalachian Center for Independent Living—at NO extra cost—just by shopping?
✨ Here’s how:
1️⃣ Log in to your Kroger account
2️⃣ Search Community Rewards
3️⃣ Select Appalachian Center for Independent Living
Every purchase helps fund:
✅ Wheelchair ramps & accessible home modifications
✅ Peer support activities for youth, adults, seniors & veterans
✅ Life skills, advocacy, employment training & transportation
Shop. Support. Empower.
Thank you for helping us make independence possible!
👉 Enroll Now- https://bit.ly/4qgfW1c

02/19/2026

How does the ADA apply to accessible parking for businesses or non-profit organizations at leased facilities? That’s a great question! You can double-check your knowledge by visiting our FAQ page here: https://adata.org/faq/if-i-am-leasing-space-building-owner-and-building-does-not-have-enough-parking-spaces-be

02/17/2026

Great Opportunity to grab some fresh produce!

Kanawha County Produce Market! 🥦🥕🍅

Date: February 20th

Time: 1 PM – 6 PM (or as long as supplies last)

Location: Dunbar Mountain Mission
605 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064

You're invited to come out and stock up on free, fresh fruits and veggies for your family. We can’t wait to see you there!

02/17/2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a complex law with multiple provisions. One of these provisions focuses on whether an individual can sue if they believe discrimination based on disability is about to occur. You can get more information on this topic here:
https://adata.org/faq/does-ada-permit-individual-disability-sue-business-when-individual-believes-discrimination-about

02/10/2026

Need help with your Part D costs? If you are enrolled in a Part D plan but cannot afford your prescription medications, several additional strategies may help lower your drug costs. Your SHIP can help answer questions about Part D coverage or cost assistance programs, such as Extra Help or State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs. SHIP counselors provide unbiased Medicare counseling and assistance. Visit www.shiphelp.org

02/10/2026

West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council Announces Congressional Directed Spending Grant for "WV Freedom and Independence Project"

St. Albans, WV – The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC) is proud to announce the award of a Congressional Directed Spending Grant totaling $1,980,000 to support the "WV Freedom and Independence Project." This significant funding will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities throughout the state, promoting their independence and integration into the community.

The "WV Freedom and Independence Project" aims to deliver essential services and resources that empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and actively participate in all aspects of life. The grant will help fund a variety of initiatives, including accessible housing, transportation services, transition programs, and outreach efforts designed to educate and support West Virginians with disabilities and their families.

This allocation is part of a comprehensive initiative to improve access to accessible housing and transportation throughout West Virginia. Through collaboration with local organizations, community leaders, and advocates, the "WV Freedom and Independence Project" will create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities across the state.

"We are incredibly grateful to Senator Capito and Senator Justice for their unwavering support, as well as to Congress for this generous funding," said Jerry Boyko, Executive Director of WVSILC. "This initiative empowers us to broaden our reach and enhance our programs, providing individuals with disabilities the tools they need to achieve their goals of independence and self-sufficiency. We are eager to work alongside partner organizations and communities across West Virginia to create lasting change for individuals with disabilities."

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/senator-justice-recognizes-wins-for-west-virginia-in-recent-appropriations-minibus/

https://www.justice.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-justice-highlights-west-virginia-wins-in-recent-appropriations-minibus/

02/06/2026

Please be safe and stay warm today! As a reminder there are warming centers open today!

Warming Centers extended through February 8th.
Open 7p-7a at the The Neighborhood SHOP—Showers + Healthcare Outreach Program in the GYM. Entrance on Jarrett Court.

The Centralized Assessment Team will be open 7a-7p daily until February 8th.

02/02/2026

This past Friday, January 30th, ACIL had the phenomenal opportunity to attend Independent Living Day at the West Virginia State Capitol!
We were grateful for the chance to connect with legislators, advocates, and community partners to highlight the importance of independent living for people with disabilities.
Independent Living Day is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. It brings us together to ensure that all West Virginians,regardless of disability have access to the resources, services, and supports needed to live meaningful, self-directed, and independent lives.
We’re proud to stand alongside others in the Independent Living community as we continue advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities across our state.

01/30/2026

A new research paper called "The Indispensable Role of the Sister Disability Agencies: Safeguarding Progress and Enhancing Outcomes through Collaboration" was recently published in the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal by leaders of the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Network.

Dr. Lesley Cottrell, director of the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities; Susan Given, executive director of Disability Rights of WV; and Christina "Tina" Wiseman, director of the WV Developmental Disabilities Council, co-authored the paper. The manuscript shows the importance of collaboration between the agencies that make up the state's DD Network: University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) like the WVU CED, State Councils on Developmental Disabilities like the WV DD Council, and Protection & Advocacy organizations like Disability Rights of WV.

All three agencies work together to find new solutions and support people with disabilities and their families in West Virginia. These efforts lead to improved results and saved costs during a time when the proposed federal budget would see their funding eliminated.

Read the full paper: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol5/iss2/6/

Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice
WV Developmental Disabilities Council
Disability Rights of West Virginia

01/28/2026

Warming Centers extended through February 8th.
Open 7p-7a at the The Neighborhood SHOP—Showers + Healthcare Outreach Program in the GYM. Entrance on Jarrett Court.

The Centralized Assessment Team will be open 7a-7p daily until February 8th.

01/27/2026

Info for Clay County WV in the current weather emergency