WVA's Newsletter "The Advocare, September 2010" is now available.

WVA's 2010 General Election Voting Guide is available.

This guide answers questions you may have regarding the voting process and the rights of people with disabilities in the voting process.

WVA's Fiscal Year 2011 Priorities and Objectives are now available.

Also the public comments submitted to WVA during the drafting of these Priorities and Objectives is available.

WVA is seeking individuals to serve on its PAIMI Advisory Council.

If you are interested in becoming a member of WVA's PAIMI Advisory Council, please fill out this application, and return it to WVA by:

• E-mail: wvainfo@wvadvocates.org
• Mail: 1207 Quarrier St Ste 400, Charleston, WV  25301
• Fax: (304) 346-0867

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.

Below is WVA's recent radio commercial advertising the CAP program.

MP3 of CAP radio commercial

Transcript to CAP commercial

The United States Census Bureau is conducting the 2010 Census. The Census is very important to West Virginia and especially to people with disabilities as many funding decision about how much funding our state qualifies for from the federal government for programs that are important to people in with disabilities will be made based on the information from the Census results. West Virginia Advocates is encouraging all West Virginians to participate in the Census. West Virginia Advocates would like to share information with you about protecting your safety and identity during the Census process because the process does contain some potential risks.

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

• The United States 2010 Census' home page.
• The United States 2010 Census's webpage on "Protecting Your Personal Informaiton" has information on how the Census Bureau protects your personal data.
• The United States 2010 Census's webpage on "More Security Topics" has some information and resources for identifying legitimate census workers.
• The United States 2010 Census's webpage on "Phishing, Email Scams & Bogus Census Web Sites" has information on the Census Bureau's use of e-mail and websites, and has information on how to report fraudulent attempts to get your personal information.
• The Better Business Bureau's article on the 2010 Census is also a good source of practical advice for you to protect yourself.

• Article from the Charleston Gazette
• Article from WV Public Broadcasting (with audio)

As people have learned about the Special Education Forum, they have started joining, and we expect more activity with the start of the school year. If you have questions regarding Special Education in West Virginia, please register for WVA's Special Education Forum at http://seforum.wvadvocates.org/

Consumer Affairs Committees support the mission of the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services by working to empower people with disabilities in making informed choices and achieving equality of opportunity, meaningful employment, independent living, and economic and social self-sufficiency.

The committees plan and carry out a broad range of activities in cooperation with community leaders in business, government, health care and education, along with other interested organizations and individuals.  The committees’ activities address shared goals, including public awareness and support for the rights, individual dignity, personal responsibility, full inclusion, equal access, self-determination and community involvement for all people with disabilities.

With local leadership, the Consumer Affairs Committees work independently as concerned citizens.  Membership is open to all persons desiring to participate, whether or not they are persons with disabilities.  All committee members are volunteers, and all committee meetings are open to the public. 

The Division recognizes and values the contributions made by Consumer Affairs Committees.  To maintain and strengthen this longstanding partnership, the Division provides guidance, information and other resources to committees statewide through its District Offices and the Consumer Affairs Office. 

To learn more about the committee nearest you or to volunteer as a member, telephone either the District Office serving your area or the Consumer Affairs Office at 1-800-642-8207 (V/TDD) or 304-766-4845.

The public is invited to attend a meeting of people in the Weirton and Wheeling areas who are interested in disability and family issues. The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23 at the Family of God Christian Center at 4215 Wells Street in Weirton. Food and networking will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

This meeting is to connect people in the area who are interested in disability and family issues. Our goal is to learn the needs of the community and to begin local groups who will meet regularly in the Weirton area to address the issues discussed at the forum.

This forum is sponsored by Brooke Hancock FRN (Family Resource Network), Hancock Autism Chapter, the Fair Shake Network, and Family Leadership First.

The 19th Annual Community Connections Conference

October 8-10, 2010

Charleston Town Center Marriott

Registration Deadline: September 1, 2010

Registration Form

Stipend Form

An opportunity to learn about strategies, programs and services designed to smooth the transition of children and youth with exceptionalities from birth to successful postsecondary life. Presentations will focus on various transition points as a student moves from pre-school services through the educational system to adulthood.

Sessions addressing different instructional levels will be provided as well as opportunities to network with other special educators and other individuals who serve students with exceptionalities.

Seamless Beginnings Brochure with registration information.

WVCEC's website