Disability Rights of West Virginia

05/16/2026

National Armed Forces Day in the US is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. This year, the day of national gratitude falls on May 16. Today we honor all active-duty military personnel across all six branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard).

05/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17muL9Xy2y/
His body carried challenges, but his spirit carried a generation. He leaves behind a world more just because he refused to be silent. Fly high Kevin.

05/12/2026

Check out our latest article by Ed Carter!

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.

Make Your West Virginia Small Business Welcoming for Every Customer

05/12/2026

POLLS ARE NOW OPEN! Election Day is officially underway and all polling places statewide are now open for voters to cast their 2026 Primary Election ballot.
Check your polling place and sample ballot at GoVoteWV.com before leaving your house. Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. tonight will be guaranteed the opportunity to vote.

🌐 Visit the WVSOS website to sign up for news updates.
https://sos.wv.gov/email-registration

05/10/2026

Advocate Alia Tanner at NAMI's food truck festival.

05/09/2026

Cornelia De Lange Syndrome is celebrated on the second Saturday of May every year and this year it will be marked on May 9.

Cornelia De Lange Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder commonly known as Bushy Syndrome or Amsterdam dwarfism. It is often apparent at birth or early childhood, with a range of medical challenges that may vary in severity from person to person.
Visit the link to learn more.

Today is Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Awareness Day. This day is set apart to raise awareness about this genetic defect syndrome. Read on to learn more about this rare illness.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

On May 7th each year, we are charged with breaking down obstacles on National Barrier Awareness Day.

We are responsible for dissolving stigmas keeping people with disabilities from advancing in education. It's an opportunity to tear down walls and build ramps that providing access. When we have misunderstandings, see the potential for the development of new technology to bridge the gap.

Eliminate antiquated policies preventing those with disabilities from accessing their full potential. If there was ever a time to speak up about the questionable treatment of a human being, National Barrier Awareness Day encourages us to do so now.

NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY 7 May Thursday May 7, 2026 Average Amy Monette 2 min read Share Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Email SizeText Size Text Size NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAYOn May 7th each year, we are charged with breaking down obstacles on National Barrier Awareness....

05/07/2026

National School Nurse Day on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week honors all school nurses who care for the children in the schools every day. School nurses promote learning through healthy children.

School nurses are often the first place a student thinks to go when they don't feel well or have been hurt. But they also provide a wealth of information that supports a successful education as well. The observance reminds us of all the reasons the nurse is available to your school. They provide more than bandaids for scrapes on the playground and check for fevers when a child shows the first sign of illness. School nurses are first responders for medical concerns and administer mid-day doses of medication.

They advocate for students, too. In a school setting, school nurses make referrals for pediatric care when necessary. As a team member, school nurses play a vital role in guiding students to healthy lifestyles. Thank a school nurse you know!

National School Nurse Day on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week honors all school nurses who care for the children in the schools every day.

05/05/2026

On May 5th, we recognize National Silence the Shame Day, fostering discussions on mental health and wellness, nurturing relationships with loved ones, and combating the stigma around mental illness.

Each year, we commemorate this special day with specialized themes that recognize the importance of mental well-being for all. Follow the link to learn more.

On May 5th, National Silence the Shame Day brings an opportunity to continue the conversation about mental health and wellness and erase the stigma associated with mental illness. Get Involved!

05/05/2026

National Foster Care Day on May 5th shines a badly needed light on the foster care system. There is a nationwide shortage of foster parents. In addition, stipends provided to foster care parents do no cover the essentials of a growing child.

Every 2 minutes, a new child is placed within the foster care system. Currently, there are over 400,000 children in the system at any given time. Many youth enter the foster care system with little to no belongings. Sadly, many of these kids have also suffered the effects of abuse, poverty, neglect, or even the death of their loved ones. The need for support services, essential items, and foster parents is high. Foster children have an uphill battle with startling statistics to overcome and need the support of our communities across the country.

Follow the link to learn more.

We are raising our voices on the first Tuesday in May to celebrate National Foster Care Day and encourage everyone to wear blue in support for foster youth in the U.S.