Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU

08/08/2025

We want to send a huge thank you to everyone who has reached out to share their experiences with the WVU CED, helped spread the word on social media, and generally support us and other University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) as we face proposed funding elimination in the new federal budget.

Some good news: the Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced the new federal HHS budget with strong bipartisan support. Within this they have rejected the proposed funding elimination of UCEDDs! This is a great start!

What's next?: The House will draft their own version of the bill to vote on, and the Senate will move theirs to the floor for debate and voting.

We are still a long way from being in the clear, but this is a positive first step in this process.

What can you do?: If you so choose, you can use the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) tool to directly reach your representatives and continue to show support for UCEDDs throughout this process. Consider thanking Senators for proposing to put funding for UCEDDs BACK into the budget.

AUCD tool: https://aucd.quorum.us/campaign/135821/

Other ways to help include continuing to share our CED stories and items from our Protect Disability Network Digital Toolkit. We are so appreciative of all of the support we've seen come through from our community and media outlets. Thank you all so much!

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

08/08/2025

ATTN: College students in the fields of public health, nursing, occupational therapy, and/or medical residents.

The WVU CED's new online training course "Patient Care for Patients with Disabilities in Rural Primary Care" is free and available to help you improve care outcomes for people with disabilities!

Scan the code or follow here to get started: https://wvu.geniussis.com/PublicStudentSignUp.aspx

WVU School of Medicine
WVU School of Nursing
WVU School of Public Health
WVU Health Sciences
West Virginia University- Occupational Therapy

08/07/2025

There is still time to register for tomorrow's back-to-school event for students with disabilities happening at Maranatha Fellowship Church in Saint Albans, WV from 10 am - 12 pm!

A handful of backpacks remain for students with disabilities who register. This event is for students and families from Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Putnam, and Roane counties.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

We still have enough backpacks for at least 10 students with disabilities from any county in West Virginia — but you must register by 4:00 PM today to guarantee one for your child.

Registration guarantees a backpack! for up to 50 students.

🖊Everyone is welcome to attend the event to visit exhibitors and listen to the presentations.

If we have backpacks available after registration closes, you may still receive one — but it is not guaranteed without registration.

Don’t miss out!

08/07/2025

For the month of August, the folks at WVABLE will be contributing $25 to match the first $25 added to new accounts!

WVABLE helps West Virginians with disabilities achieve financial independence through specialized savings accounts.

Learn more and get started: https://connect.vestwell.com/registration/stable

Email from See how WVABLE is making a difference! A publication of the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office START SAVING UPCOMING EVENTS LEARN MORE Grow Your Money this Month with WVABLE! National

08/06/2025

A new semester means we are looking for new peer mentors for the Country Roads program!

Country Roads is a program designed for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Participants take academic courses, live in the dorms, attend social events on campus, and get a full college experience!

Peer mentors are currently enrolled WVU students who volunteer to support the Country Roads students and program.

What do Country Roads mentors do?:
- Help students navigate campus and learn how to use transportation like the PRT and buses.
- Support with understanding the social environment of being a college student.
- Encourage healthy eating and spending habits.
- Attend athletic and social events with students.
- Volunteer with students for on-campus and/or community events.

Peer mentors may be able to use time towards internship, practicum, or other training or service hours. Interested in becoming a Country Roads peer mentor? Send an email to countryroads@hsc.wvu.edu to get started!

08/05/2025

Have you made plans yet to attend the Mountain State Conference on Disabilities (MSCD)?

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.

While the main conference takes place September 18-19, 2025 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, WV, we also have some exciting pre-conference sessions taking place on Wednesday, September 17.

Reserve your tickets (including special pricing for students and scholarship opportunities for people with disabilities and their caregivers), learn about sponsorship and vending opportunities, browse session topics, and more: https://cedwvu.org/mscd/

Pre-conference Sessions:

Topic: Let’s Talk About Intimacy: Disability, Dating, Sexual Health, and the Role of Caregivers
Presenters: Jacob Greenfield, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS, ATRIC, CSOT; Taylor Grout, OTD, OTR/L, CSOT

At the end of this presentation, participants will understand the intersection of sexual health, sexuality, and dating for those with physical and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will be able to craft a conversation script to be used to more confidently support others when navigating the dating and relationship scene.

Topic: Behavior Supports
Presented by: Positive Behavior Support program

This course will focus on a variety of topics for direct service workers for people with disabilities. Concepts will focus on the basics of behavior, maintaining dignity, and client rights. This session is sponsored by the Positive Behavior Support program at the WVU CED.

Topic: The Sensitive Sensory Profile
Presenters: Alisha Grogan, MOT, OTR/L; Sue Workman, BS, CCRP; Amy Burt, EdD, MOT, OTR/L

This session will focus on attendees learning about sensory differences and how this impacts people in their day to day lives. Participants will learn about completing the Sensory Triggers Checklist, creating a sensory kit (materials provided), along with developing a sensory safety plan.

Disability Rights of West Virginia
WV Developmental Disabilities Council
WVU Health Sciences
IMPACT WV
Positive Behavior Support - PBS Tips & Tools

08/05/2025

The Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Follow-Up Clinic is a collaboration between IMPACT WV and the WVU Medicine Children's that offers coordinated care for children ages 3-5 who were affected by substances in utero.

Make a referral: https://cedwvu.wufoo.com/forms/m166pmsx1rwkocr/

Or reach out to wvimpact@hsc.wvu.edu for more info.

Do you know a child who was diagnosed with NAS when they were born? The CED's new NAS Follow-up Clinic is a collaborative, family-focused clinic offering coordinated care for children ages 3–5 who were exposed to substances in utero and live in Harrison, Monongalia, Marion, Marshall, Ohio, Preston, Taylor, or Wetzel County.
This clinic brings together experts from the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities and WVU Medicine Children’s, working as a team to continue care after hospital discharge.

Our multidisciplinary care team offers assessments and guidance in key areas of early childhood development and provides support and resources to parents and caregivers.
For more information visit impact.cedwvu.org or email wvimpact@hsc.wvu.edu.

08/04/2025

Expectations Matter is bringing their Person-Directed Planning training to the WVU CED on Thursday, August 28!

Choose from two different session times (10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.) with in-person and virtual options available. This practical and interactive training teaches people with disabilities to take control, make decisions, and design a future that aligns with their dreams and goals.

These trainings are taught by West Virginians with disabilities, and are offered free of charge to other West Virginians with disabilities and their family members.

The WVU CED is located at 959 Hartman Run Rd. in Morgantown, WV. Limited funds are available to help support those who need transportation to these trainings. Reach out to mylifemychoice@sharedsupportmd.org to learn more.

Register for free: https://cedwvu.wufoo.com/forms/expectations-matter-training

Expectations Matter: My Life, My Choice, My Plan
WV Developmental Disabilities Council

08/04/2025

We are continuing to share stories that show the real impact of the WVU CED while the federal appropriations process is underway. University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) like the WVU CED, Protection & Advocacy orgs like Disability Rights WV, and more are at risk of funding elimination if the new federal budget remains unchanged.

Our Protect Disability Network Digital Toolkit has facts, shareable social media graphics, sample letters/phone scripts and more that you can use to show your support for UCEDDs and other vital disability services if you so choose.

View the toolkit: https://cedwvu.org/protect-disability-network-digital-toolkit/

You probably remember Carrie from our recent top story news coverage on WDTV. She spoke passionately about how services at the WVU CED helped her daughter Mandy over the years. Today, you'll hear more about Carrie and Mandy's powerful story.

"I have worked at the WVU CED sporadically for the last 30 years. My only biological child, Amanda Westbrook, aka Mandy, suffered a birth injury, and as a result was diagnosed with spastic, quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Mandy required total care 24/7 because she was unable to walk, communicate, or feed herself.

The WVU CED provided many opportunities for Mandy and our family including services through the Feeding and Swallowing clinic, the speech and language clinic, the WVATS assistive technology program, and information from professionals and other family members on how to navigate this new life. Mandy passed in 2016, but caring for her and, more importantly, learning from her, was the joy of my life and I could not have done it without the support and love I received from both professionals and other parents at the WVU CED."
- Carrie Cobun-Stark, TBI Services program, mother to Mandy

WV TBI Services
WV F2F and P4P Programs
Disability Rights of West Virginia
West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS
Association of University Centers on Disabilities

08/01/2025

Thank you to Ben Conley and The Dominion Post for their story about the proposed funding elimination for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) and other important disability services in the state!

"The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities has been the foundation for developing, testing and sustaining evidence-based trainings and services that help West Virginians with disabilities achieve independence and a better quality of life — building a support system that the community and state depend on, " WVU CED Director Lesley Cottrell said.

In addition to the services, loss of funding would eliminate 96 jobs and likely eliminate more than $11 million in additional funding leveraged through the federal allocation.

Read the full story: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/wvu-center-excellence-disabilities-facing-023400563.html

Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Disability Rights of West Virginia

07/31/2025

We are continuing to share stories that show the real impact of the WVU CED while the federal appropriations process is underway. University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) like the WVU CED, Protection & Advocacy orgs like Disability Rights WV, and more are at risk of funding elimination if the new federal budget remains unchanged.

Today we are hearing from occupational therapist and former LEND trainee, Meagan Seaton. The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program prepares students, self-advocates, community members and families to be leaders in disability education, research, advocacy, and policy.

Our Protect Disability Network Digital Toolkit has facts, shareable social media graphics, sample letters/phone scripts and more that you can use to show your support for UCEDDs and other vital disability services if you so choose.

View the toolkit: https://cedwvu.org/protect-disability-network-digital-toolkit/

"I am a proud alumna of a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, a training opportunity I received through a UCEDD. My time in LEND was transformative. It prepared me not only to be a more skilled clinician but also to be a leader and advocate within my community.

Now, working in a rural area where access to specialized care is often limited, I see every day how important it is to have providers who are well-prepared to meet complex needs. The UCEDDs create professionals like me, clinicians who are equipped to serve with expertise, compassion, and a deep commitment to the families in their communities.

Threatening the future of UCEDDs is more than a budget decision. It risks dismantling a network that strengthens families, empowers professionals, and improves care across the country. The investment in these programs pays dividends in healthier communities, stronger families, and a more inclusive society.

I am deeply grateful for the impact UCEDDs and the LEND program had on my life and career. I hope others will recognize their value and stand in support of their continued funding and work." – Meagan Seaton, occupational therapist, former LEND trainee

WVU School of Medicine
West Virginia University- Occupational Therapy
Disability Rights of West Virginia
Association of University Centers on Disabilities

07/30/2025

Swing by the Charleston Dirty Birds GoMart Ballpark in Charleston, WV this Sunday, August 3 for Sunday Family FUNday featuring our friends at WVABLE!

Team members from the Family to Family/Paths for Parents programs will be on site with information about these programs that help support families with children with special healthcare needs and/or disabilities. Plenty of other great statewide partners will also have tables available.

Children 12 and under get in free! We'll see you at the ballpark!

‼📢Calling all WVABLE page ! 📢‼

WVABLE wants YOU to join us for Princess Night at the Charleston Dirty Birds GoMart Ballpark!!

When: Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 3:04 pm
Where: Charleston Dirty Birds GoMart Ballpark

More FUN details:
👉Sunday Family FUNday, Children 12 and under get in FREE
👉Princess night 👑
👉 Toy donation for admission tickets
👉25% off kids' zone and merchandise items
👉$1 water and $1 mini golf
👉WVABLE and Partner Organizations will be on hand to share program information.
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
Down Syndrome Network of WV
Children's Therapy Clinic
Disability Rights of West Virginia
Laurance Jones, III Childhood Language Center
Appalachian Center for Independent Living
Night to Shine Charleston 2026
Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU
WV F2F and P4P Programs
WV Statewide Independent Living Council
Community Autism Resources & Education Systems- CARES
Tennis for Fun WV

📢‼ Partner Organizations - we welcome you to join us in setting up an exhibit table. Email WVABLE@wvsto.gov to sign up. Deadline is July 30th at noon.

Click link below for Event Details:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1435623694346216/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D