Disability Rights of West Virginia

07/23/2025

Curt Decker, former NDRN executive director, joins us to unpack the ADA’s origin story—its battles, victories, and what lies ahead in tech and enforcement. Tune in as Curt recounts the behind-the-scenes fight for the ADA!

https://ow.ly/Cvi650WsIcr

07/22/2025

The new federal budget calls to eliminate all University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), including the WVU CED.

UCEDDs are incorrectly lumped in with DEI programs in the budget. What UCEDDs like the WVU CED do is provide free services to people with disabilities, train professionals and families, and conduct important disability-related research.

Last year, the WVU CED provided over 430,000 free services to West Virginians with disabilities.

Learn more and get involved to show your support for UCEDDs and the WVU CED if you so choose: https://cedwvu.org/news/story?headline=wvu-ced-seeks-public-help-amidst-proposed-funding-elimination



Association of University Centers on Disabilities
National Disability Rights Network
Disability Rights of West Virginia
WV Developmental Disabilities Council
Administration for Community Living

07/22/2025

A limited number of scholarships for people with disabilities and their caregivers are available to help cover registration fees to attend the Mountain State Conference on Disabilities (MSCD) happening September 18-19, 2025 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, WV.

MSCD will explore strategies and services that support people with disabilities of all ages and their families by focusing on ways to improve care, communication and self-determination through best practices. It will also highlight the lived experiences of people with disabilities, their caregivers and families.

Learn more about the conference, apply for a scholarship, learn about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, and view sessions: https://cedwvu.org/mscd

Disability Rights of West Virginia
WV Developmental Disabilities Council
Association of University Centers on Disabilities

07/22/2025

Each year on July 22nd, National Fragile X Awareness Day celebrates those impacted by Fragile X syndrome. The day also raises support for research, education and awareness.

Fragile X syndrome is a mutation of the FMR1 gene and is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. It impacts men more than women, and while a person may have the gene mutation, sometimes they do not have any apparent signs. Those who do show signs may have mild or severe symptoms. Physical, intellectual and behavioral symptoms may appear, and they vary between males and females. Women tend to have similar but milder symptoms or none at all.

Testing and treatment are available, but because there is no cure, more research is needed. Through raising awareness, the day hopes to further the search for a cure.

NATIONAL FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY | JULY 22 Each year on July 22nd, National Fragile X Awareness Day celebrates those impacted by Fragile X syndrome. The day

07/21/2025

Registration is now open! Follow link below to learn more.

https://cedwvu.org/mscd

What is the Mountain State Conference on Disabilities?

The Mountain State Conference on Disabilities (MSCD) is hosted by disability partners across the state including the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council and Disability Rights of WV.

This conference will explore strategies and services that support people with disabilities of all ages and their families by focusing on ways to improve care, communication and self-determination through best practices. It will also highlight the lived experiences of people with disabilities, their caregivers and families.

Sessions will be geared towards the following audiences: self-advocates; people with lived experience; family, siblings, and caregivers; students; professionals including direct service providers, therapists, and medical providers; educators; policy makers; and researchers.

The MSCD takes place September 18-19, 2025 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, WV. Three pre-conference sessions on behavior, sensory and intimacy will be held at West Virginia University on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 starting at 1:00 p.m. Additional registration is required for these events (listed under "Add-on" when you are registering).

Professionals seeking CEUs, students, people with disabilities and their caregivers are all encouraged to attend by using the link above.

A limited number of scholarships are available to help people with disabilities and their caregivers attend the conference.

Interested organizations can sign up for sponsorship options and in-person vendor opportunities by using the same Eventbrite link and following the instructions below.

Instructions for sponsor/vendor registration through Eventbrite:
1. Click the button above to go to the MSCD Eventbrite page.
2. Select the box in the top right that says "Get tickets".
3. Under "Tickets", add one to the "Vendor or Sponsorship ONLY" ticket by using the "+". This is a free option that allows you to select a sponsor or vendor package as an add-on.
4. Under "Add-ons", select the sponsorship or vendor package that suits your needs by adding them using the "+".
5. Once you've selected your package(s), select "Check out".
6. Enter your contact and payment information. Credit, debit, PayPal, and Google Play are all accepted. There is also a separate option for checks.
7. Contact Amy Burt at alburt@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-293-4692 with any questions.

07/17/2025

07/15/2025

07/14/2025

🔹 Member Spotlight: Disability Rights of West Virginia 🔹

We’re excited to recognize Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) as a renewing member of WVNPA! 🎉
DRWV is dedicated to advocating for and protecting the legal rights of West Virginians with disabilities. Through legal representation, advocacy, and education, they work to ensure equal access, inclusion, and independence for individuals across the state.

Their commitment to justice and empowerment makes a lasting impact on countless lives. We’re grateful for their continued partnership and the vital work they do!

💙 Thank you, DRWV, for your unwavering dedication to disability rights in West Virginia!

Learn more about their mission: www.drofwv.org

07/14/2025

WVU's Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD) is hosting a showcase of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices on August 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Applied Human Sciences building!

The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) will be there with several devices for people to try out in person. This is a great opportunity to learn more about communication devices and get some hands-on learning!

West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS
WVU CSAD

07/14/2025

The Back-To-School event for Students with disabilities and their Families is designed to support students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. It will feature four engaging and informative presentations:

~West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council (WVDDC)

~Tips for Navigating IEP Meetings – Presented by the West Virginia Office of Special Education

~Intro to AT: Utilizing Devices in the Classroom & Beyond – Presented by WVATS Assistive Technology Specialist

~Inside WVSILC: Empowering Independence Across West Virginia – Presented by the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC)

We’re just one month away! If you have a child in PreK through 12th grade with a disability—whether they attend public school, private school, or homeschool—you won’t want to miss this.

07/11/2025

💙Did You Know?💛

Resources like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), WorkForce West Virginia, West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, and O*Net are some great places for employers and employees to handle how to go about workplace accommodations. We work closely with these sources to help each employee gain the best experiences at work! Below is a brief description of what each resource can help with:

⛰️Job Accommodation Network (JAN): a free consulting service that gives information and guidance on workplace accommodations for those who need them
⛰️WorkForce West Virginia: the state’s main resource for developing an all-inclusive workplace, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, and supporting businesses in creating stronger workforces
⛰️West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS): helps people who need services prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment and can also help with resume writing and job coaching
⛰️O*Net: online database and resource center that provides detailed information on jobs offered in the United States

07/08/2025

GET REGISTERED NOW!!! THE DEADLINE IS JULY 18TH!!!! DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!

You can now register for the 2025 People First of West Virginia Conference. Use the link below to register.

https://forms.gle/eBGuufHbpnJhwszi7