Disability Rights of West Virginia

02/20/2026

Help Shape the Future of Caregiving in West Virginia!

Caregivers across West Virginia hold deep knowledge about what works, what doesn’t, and what support is truly needed. Whether you are caring for an aging family member, a person with a disability, a child with special health care needs, or working in the caregiving workforce—your experience matters.

We are developing a proposal for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Caregiver AI Prize Competition, a national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that explores how artificial intelligence can responsibly support caregivers while protecting safety, equity, and dignity.
To ensure this work reflects real community needs, we are asking West Virginians to complete a brief survey to share their experiences and perspectives.

About the survey:
• The survey is short and will take less than 5 minutes
• It is not a research study
• Responses will be used for planning purposes only to help guide our proposal development
• No technical or AI expertise is required—only your lived experience

Why participate
Your input will help inform ideas for tools that could:
• Reduce caregiver burden
• Support care at home and in the community
• Reflect the realities of rural caregiving and diverse family needs
• Ensure technology is used responsibly and respectfully

By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you can help shape a proposal grounded in the voices of West Virginia caregivers.

https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bfw3VNcRZvakn5A

02/20/2026

Today, National Caregivers Day, honors the healthcare professionals across the country who provide long-term and hospice care. This National Day celebration recognizes caregivers who provide quality, compassionate care every day.

Around the nation, dedicated healthcare professionals serve those who require long-term or hospice care. They provide vital services, reassuring patients and the families who care about them. Often loved ones require care that we are unable to provide due to our inability physically or not having the skills or means to provide the care. Expert caregivers are trained to provide round-the-clock services in safe environments. Their care enables the family to focus on their loved one's healing process. In hospice care, a caregiver allows the family to spend time with their loved one without worrying about medical responsibilities.

Caregivers deliver a variety of duties from personal care to medical services with compassion and professionalism. Their days may be long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most.

Founded in 2015 by National Day Calendar® and the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA).

02/19/2026

💕 Reminder: Sensory Sensitive & Safe Valentine’s Party – February 28 💕

We’re excited to host our rescheduled Sensory Sensitive & Safe Valentine’s Party on February 28 in partnership with the Ohio Valley Special Needs Parents Support Group.

Join us for a fun, welcoming afternoon with:
Pizza
Activities
Crafts
And plenty of Valentine’s fun

There are still open spaces available — we’d love to have you join us!

Call 304-845-3300 to RSVP.

02/19/2026

02/18/2026

Hello! It is time to submit your applications for the 2026 Luke Stone Illumination Award! The LSIF's goal is to shine a light on children with different abilities and the many ways they contribute to our families and communities. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.

Eligibility Criteria:
-Must be a resident of WV
-Must be under the age of 21
-Must be eligible to open or currently have a WVABLE account.

Please submit your child's application at our website:
www.lsilluminationfund.com

02/17/2026

Check out the great work being done by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU

The WVU CED 2025 Annual Report is here! Inside you will find numbers for our programs and overall reach, info on how we continue to strengthen West Virginia's disability workforce, a detailed look at the impact of our trainings, story highlights from the last fiscal year, and more.

Thank you for supporting the WVU CED as we continue to improve the lives of West Virginians with disabilities by providing evidence-based services and training opportunities, conducting research to continually pursue new and innovative approaches to care and support, and sharing information about supports and resources throughout the state and nation.

View report:https://ced-editor.hsc.wvu.edu/media/5688/annual-report-2025.pdf

Association of University Centers on Disabilities
West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS
Positive Behavior Support - PBS Tips & Tools
Regional Transition Navigator Services
Specialized Family Care Program
WV F2F and P4P Programs
WV TBI Services
IMPACT WV

02/16/2026

02/15/2026

Every year on February 15th, International Angelman Day spreads awareness for a rare neuro-genetic disorder called Angelman syndrome. The day also encourages us better to understand this condition and the necessity for more research.

This rare disease occurs when the UBE3A gene in the 15th chromosome loses function. This particular chromosome is derived from the mother. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 6 to 12 months.

Symptoms vary from child to child. Some children with Angelman syndrome have seizures, while others have decreased muscle tone or exaggerated reflex responses. Additionally, many babies experience feeding problems and swallowing difficulties. The symptoms are similar to cerebral palsy, autism, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Due to these similarities, many children with Angelman Syndrome often receive a misdiagnosis.

Follow the link to learn more.

INTERNATIONAL ANGELMAN DAY Every year on February 15th, International Angelman Day spreads awareness for a rare neuro-genetic disorder called Angelman