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People with Disabilities Work - Supports to Work

'Supports to Work' flyer (PDF).

'Supports to Work' flyer (Large Print, PDF)

Painting of a cat in a window

'Amanda in the Window' by Greg Seigwart (2009, Oil Painting). WVU CED Fine Arts Program

Many people with disabilities want to work and believe that work is an important part of life. Some people with disabilities need help to be able to work. This help can come from devices, tools, aids or from another person.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology, also called AT, is a device, tool, or aid that helps you live or work. AT plays an important part in helping people with disabilities achieve their best and participate fully in the community. Some examples of AT are:

  • Braille note taking device for people with visual impairments
  • Three-wheeled motorized scooters for people with mobility impairments
  • Amplified telephone receivers, flashing lights on phones and alarms for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments
  • Medication reminders for people with cognitive or psychiatric disabilities.

Medicaid, Medicare or West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) may be able to help you with AT costs if you qualify for their services. If you get services from any other agency or organization, you should ask if they can help you with AT.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as ammended (ADA) your employer may be required to help with the cost of technology that allows you to be successful on the job. Read the "Knowing Your Rights" tip sheet to learn more about the ADA.

You can get additional information about assistive technology devices, services and funding from the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS). WVATS is the state program that provides services such as:

  • Device demonstrations for people who want to try items before buying
  • The WV AT Loan Library and Exchange System, which allows people to post or search for previously-owned devices available at no or low cost
  • Early Childhood library with books, AT, toys, videos, and training curricula
  • Low interest financial loans for the purchase of AT
  • Training and technical assistance
  • Individual information, assistance and referrals

For more information, contact WVATS at 877-724-8244 (voice), 800-518-1448 (TTY), or www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats.

Tip

Certain Assistive Technology, such as vehicle modifications, wheelchairs, lifts, and prosthetic devices may be exempt from state sales tax. Ask your AT supplier for more information.

Personal Assistance

Personal assistance provides help with daily living tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring, walking, toileting and other personal needs.

If you get Medicaid and need this kind of help, contact the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services at 1-304-558-3317 for information on applying for the West Virginia Aged and Disabled Program.

If you are not eligible or are on a waiting list for a Medicaid personal assistance program you can apply for services from the Ron Yost Personal Assistance program at 800-642-8207 or www.wvsilc.org.

If you are eligible for services through West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) and are in need of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), you may get help from WVDRS. This service can only be provided while you are participating in a plan of vocational rehabilitation services (i.e. job training services). For more information, contact WVDRS at (800)-642-8207, or visit www.wvdrs.org.

West Virginia has a State funded personal care program for people who are working. WVDRS adminsters this program. To apply contact WVDRS at 1-800-642-8207, or visit www.wvdrs.org.

Assistive Technology Resources

Personal Assistance Resources