West Virginia Advocates' RSS Feed

18th Annual Families Conference, April 20-22, 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:27:11 -0700

West Virginia Family Leadership First, a statewide group which supports and encourages families to speak for themselves and others, will hold their 18th annual Families Conference April 20–22, 2012 at Canaan Valley.

Some topics that will be offered at the conference will include:

prescription drug abuse
scream free parenting
positive behavior support for challenging children
bullying
cooking on a shoestring
first impressions
IEPs
Our Town
wills and trusts
Veterans issues
ABCs of a healthy lifestyle
home safety
money management
accessing local resources
voting
legislative 101
nature walk

For the teens they are planning:

say no to drugs
bullying
an art project
communicating with parents
teen leadership in the community
teen parent issues
IEPs
siblings with a disability
safe dating
first impressions
leadership in schools
leadership in the community

Families who attend the conference are accepted from the applications received from all across the state. All meals, lodging, child care and conference materials are paid for and participants receive a gas stipend at the close of the event. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2012.

More information and the application (RTF) are available at http://www.familyleadershipfirstwv.org or by contacting Vanessa VanGilder at VKVanGilder@yahoo.com or (304) 421–0915.

Free Training: Transition Planning from High School to Adulthood

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:54 -0700

Transition Planning from High School to Adulthood

Have you and your school system started transition planning for life after high school for your 16-year-old?
Does your student plan to further his or her education or enter the workforce?
Will your adult child need assistance to live independently after high school?

West Virginia Advocates (WVA), the protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in West Virginia, is pleased to offer a free training that will include:

Transition planning and the IEP
Information and discussion about adult services available

Resource information packets will be provided.

To Register:	Contact West Virginia Advocates at 1-800-950-5250.
When:	Thursday, February 9, 2012 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where:	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 300 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 Free parking at hotel

If you require alternate formats of materials, please notify WVA by February 1, 2011.

Free Special Education Training

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:05:32 -0700

Are you the parent or guardian of a school-aged child with a disability who has or may need an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)?
Does your employer require you to advocate for special education services within the school system?

West Virginia Advocates, the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in West Virginia, is pleased to offer a free training on West Virginia Department of Education Policy 2419. Policy 2419 is WV’s regulations for services available to children with disabilities in the school system.

A copy of Policy 2419 and an Education Packet will be provided.

To Register:	Call WVA at 1-800-950-5250
When:	Wednesday, February 8, 2011 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Lunch will be provided by West Virginia Advocates
Where:	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 300 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 Free parking at hotel

Wrightslaw Resources will be available for purchase at a discounted price.

If you need alternate formats of materials, please let WVA know by February 1, 2011.

WVA's Trainings for Fiscal Year 2012 - Updated

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:48:49 -0700

Save a date on your calendars for the following trainings that WVA is planning to present during our Fiscal Year 2012 (October 2011 - September 2012).

When	What	Where	County
Feb 08, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 300 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701	Cabell
Feb 09, 12 9:00 – 12:00	Transition Planning	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 300 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701	Cabell
Mar 14, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	Christ United Methodist Church 1232 National Road Wheeling WV 26003	Ohio
Mar 15, 12 9:00 – 12:00	IEP	Christ United Methodist Church 1232 National Road Wheeling WV 26003	Ohio
Mar 15, 12 12:30 – 3:00	Transition Planning	Christ United Methodist Church 1232 National Road Wheeling WV 26003	Ohio
Apr 17, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	Days Inn 2000 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601	Braxton
Apr 18, 12 9:00 – 12:00	IEP	Days Inn 2000 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601	Braxton
Apr 18, 12 12:30 – 3:00	Transition Planning	Days Inn 2000 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601	Braxton
May 16, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	To be announced	Raleigh
May 17, 12 9:00 – 12:00	IEP	To be announced	Raleigh

GAO Finds Enforcement Need for Testing Accommodations

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:05:33 -0700

Higher Education and Disability: Improved Federal Enforcement Needed to Better Protect Students' Rights to Testing Accommodations

TSA Cares is a Toll Free Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:30:10 -0700

TSA Announces Launch of TSA Cares Toll Free Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Needs

An Internet Parenting Education and Support Group for Mothers with Psychiatric Disabilities

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:59:58 -0700

The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion for Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities is seeking participants for a study. For details see the text below taken from their flyer:

Announcing - An Internet Parenting Education and Support Group for Mothers with Psychiatric Disabilities: A Research Study

The Temple University (TU) Collaborative has launched a new research study examining the effectiveness of an Internet parenting education and social support program for mothers with a psychiatric disability. The TU Collaborative on Community Inclusion is looking for women who are interested in participating in an online parental education course designed to enhance parental knowledge and skills in the following areas:

illness management,

child development,

stress reduction,

parent-child communication, and

promoting resiliency in your child.

This program also involves Internet social support through a Listserv, which will be co-moderated by a parent with a psychiatric disability and a mental health professional. This group can connect you 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to a community of supportive peers, in your own home or anywhere you can access the Internet!

We are looking for people who:

Are mothers (over the age of 18) diagnosed with a mental illness (Major Depression, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder or Mood Disorder)

Currently have primary/ shared custody and are serving as the caretaker for at least one child (natural, adopted, or stepchild) under the age of 18

Have access to a computer and the Internet

Would consider using the Internet for support and information

Are United States Residents

Are fluent in English

Participants will be compensated up to $100 for their participation in this study.

If you want to participate or would like more information, please email us at the following address: momsupport@temple.edu

The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities

New WV Driver's license requirements

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:16:42 -0700

Renewing or gettng a new West Virginia Driver’s licences will require additional documents starting in 2012. For more information see http://www.wvgazette.com/News/Business/201112090171

Save The Date! - March 27 — 28, 2012

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:02:45 -0700

Save The Date! - March 27 — 28, 2012

Sports Concussions: NOT Just a Bump on the Head!

The Brain Injury Association of West Virginia is pleased to announce a sports concussion conference. It will be March 27–28, 2012 at the Charleston Civic Center.

Great speakers, vendors and information!

Brain Injury Association of West Virginia
P.O. Box 574
Institute, WV 25112–0574
Phone: 304–400–4506
Fax: 304–205–7915
Email: mdavis@barinman.com or bpeterso@access.k12.wv.us

US DOL Proposes Hiring Goals for People with Disabilities

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:29:47 -0700

US DOL Press Release: US Labor Department seeks to improve job opportunities for Americans with disabilities by setting historic hiring goal for federal contractors and subcontractors.

Full Test: 76 FR 77056 - Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors Regarding Individuals With Disabilities

American Sign Language Video Explaining Medicare

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:41:27 -0700

CMS has posted a video in American Sign Language explaining the Medicare Program.

Community Health Education Resource Person (CHERP) Training

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:07:03 -0700

A Community Health Education Resource Person (CHERP) is a trained community member who provides information, support, and basic health care services to those who need help. Training to become a CHERP is free.

Support Group for Teens with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Delay, Not Otherwise Specified

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:14:09 -0700

The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University in Morgantown is starting a support group for teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Delay, Not Otherwise Specified. This group will assist with the development of social skills and provide support for dealing with the demands of everyday life for teens on the autism spectrum. It is designed to support teens who can communicate verbally and who have normal intellectual functioning.

Topics such as meeting and getting to know other, dealing with bullies and other uncomfortable social situations and coping with the school environment will also be covered. Additionally, the group will address other life skills such as transitions, dating and interacting with social media and be based on the needs of the teens attending. For more information or to make a referral, contact Diane Williams, MSW, LCSW, at the CED, 304–293–4692, ext., 1131 or awilliams@hsc.wvu.edu.

Managed Enrollment for the Aged & Disabled Waiver Program

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:36:22 -0700

Important Information regarding the Aged & Disabled Waiver Program

This is a memorandum sent out by WVDDHR BMS regarding its decision to close off further enrollment into the Aged & Disabled Waiver program.

MEMORANDUM

Date: November 29, 2011

To: Aged & Disabled Waiver Stakeholders

From: Penney A. Hall, Program Manager, Aged & Disabled Waiver Program

Re: Managed Enrollment 

In order for the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) to 
maintain the current level of services for individuals in the Aged and 
Disabled Waiver program (ADW), ADW services will not be offered to any 
applicant whose application is received on or after Monday, 
December 5, 2011. Eligible individuals will be enrolled in the program and 
services will be provided only if additional funding becomes available. 

Individuals referred for medical eligibility determination after 
December 4, 2011, will continue to be evaluated by West Virginia Medical 
Institute (WVMI).  However, those applicants found medically eligible will 
receive notification they have been placed on the Managed Enrollment List.  
Applicants will be placed on the list based on the date/time their Medical 
Necessity Evaluation Request Form is successfully processed by WVMI.  At 
such time that the Waiver Program is able to accept new members, applicants 
will be provided with instructions on how to complete the remaining steps 
of the eligibility process.  

If you have any questions about Managed Enrollment, please contact me at 
(304) 356-4872 or at penney.a.hall@wv.gov.  

Cc: Marcus Canaday, Director, Home and Community Based Services, BMS   
    Julie McClanahan, Bureau of Senior Services  
    WVMI

Save the Date - 18th Annual Family Leadership First Conference

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:22:15 -0700

Save the Date

April 20 - 22, 2011

18th Annual Family Leadership Conference

Canaan Valley Resort

For more information contact Vanessa VanGilder at vkvangilder@yahoo.com or (304) 421-0915

http://www.familyleadershipfirstwv.org

WVA's Trainings for Fiscal Year 2012

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:59:17 -0600

Save a date on your calendars for the following trainings that WVA is planning to present during our Fiscal Year 2012 (October 2011 - September 2012).

When	What	Where	County
Nov 09, 11 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419 (Cancelled)	Moorefield Church of God 217 S. Elm Street Moorefield, WV 26836	Hardy
Nov 10, 11 9:00 – 12:00	Transition Planning (Cancelled)	Moorefield Church of God 217 S. Elm Street Moorefield, WV 26836	Hardy
Feb 08, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 300 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701	Cabell
Feb 09, 12 9:00 – 12:00	Transition Planning	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 300 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701	Cabell
Mar 14, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	To be announced	Ohio
Mar 15, 12 9:00 – 12:00	IEP	To be announced	Ohio
Mar 15, 12 12:30 – 3:00	Transition Planning	To be announced	Ohio
Apr 17, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	Days Inn 2000 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601	Braxton
Apr 18, 12 9:00 – 12:00	IEP	Days Inn 2000 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601	Braxton
Apr 18, 12 12:30 – 3:00	Transition Planning	Days Inn 2000 Sutton Lane Sutton, WV 26601	Braxton
May 16, 12 9:00 – 3:00	Policy 2419	To be announced	Raleigh
May 17, 12 9:00 – 12:00	IEP	To be announced	Raleigh

Wrightslaw Special Education Resources for SALE!

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:17:35 -0600

WVA has Wrightslaw products available for purchase at a reduced prices!

"Legal Requirements of IEPs" CD-ROM (1.25 hours) - $11.22
"Understanding Your Child's Test Scores" CD-ROM (1.5 hours) - $11.22
"Law and Advocacy" CD-ROM (6.5 hours) - $37.46
"Wrightslaw: All About IEPs" Book - $10.00

If you have questions about the products or would like to place an order over the phone, please call West Virginia Advocates at 1-800-950-5250 ext. 53.