Appalachian Center for Independent Living

01/30/2026

A new research paper called "The Indispensable Role of the Sister Disability Agencies: Safeguarding Progress and Enhancing Outcomes through Collaboration" was recently published in the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal by leaders of the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Network.

Dr. Lesley Cottrell, director of the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities; Susan Given, executive director of Disability Rights of WV; and Christina "Tina" Wiseman, director of the WV Developmental Disabilities Council, co-authored the paper. The manuscript shows the importance of collaboration between the agencies that make up the state's DD Network: University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) like the WVU CED, State Councils on Developmental Disabilities like the WV DD Council, and Protection & Advocacy organizations like Disability Rights of WV.

All three agencies work together to find new solutions and support people with disabilities and their families in West Virginia. These efforts lead to improved results and saved costs during a time when the proposed federal budget would see their funding eliminated.

Read the full paper: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol5/iss2/6/

Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice
WV Developmental Disabilities Council
Disability Rights of West Virginia

01/28/2026

Warming Centers extended through February 3rd.
Open 7p-7a at the The Neighborhood SHOP—Showers + Healthcare Outreach Program in the GYM. Entrance on Jarrett Court.

The Centralized Assessment Team will be open 7a-7p daily until February 2nd.

01/27/2026

Info for Clay County WV in the current weather emergency

01/26/2026

Disability Advocacy Week is here! ♿️💙
Did you know 1 in 3 West Virginians has a disability? This week is about showing up, learning what’s at stake, and moving priorities forward.

Here’s what we’ll be highlighting:
✅ Top legislative priorities impacting West Virginians with disabilities
🏛️ Independent Living State Use Day at the Capitol – 1/30 (more info coming—watch for posts!)
🤝 Meet WV nonprofits creating and supporting employment opportunities for people with disabilities
🛍️ Learn about products and services provided by people with disabilities
💼 WV’s economy is stronger when everyone can participate—discover a ready and willing statewide workforce for your hiring needs this year
Follow along this week and share to help amplify disability voices across WV. 💙

01/26/2026

As we close out another year of service, growth, and unwavering commitment, I’m reminded of what truly defines our agency: the people. Every day, individuals with disabilities trust us to stand beside them, advocate for them, and help create opportunities for fuller, richer lives. That trust is an...

01/25/2026

Join us!
Virtual Speaker Series
Planning for the Future:
Legal and Financial Tips You Can't Miss

Register to Attend
https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/oxNNvQpLSKucMp5t-tHj1g

February 3, 2026 Speaker Series Info:
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Presenter: Anna Price, Attorney at Bowles Rice LLP

Topic: Planning for the Future: Legal and Financial Tips You Can't Miss
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially for families of children with special healthcare needs. This session will break down some of the basics, including guardianship, special needs trusts, and legal vehicles to assist with the future.

What you’ll learn:
• The steps to take and the resources that are available to help.
• What guardian and special needs trusts are and when to use them.
• How to plan for your child's future, no matter their age.

At the end of the discussion, we’ll have an open Q&A session where you can ask follow-up questions or just chat with the experts. You’ll leave feeling more connected, empowered, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

These sessions are designed to fit into your lunch break, so grab a bite, tune in, and join a community of families who understand what you’re going through. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other, one lunch break at a time!

01/24/2026

Have you read our fact sheet on ‘Wheelchairs and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices’ yet? You can visit our page below to review the regulations that provide definitions of wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices and what questions businesses and other entities may ask: https://adata.org/factsheet/wheelchairs

01/24/2026

Did you know this?

The disability rights movement grew stronger in the 1960s and 1970s, bringing attention to the need for accessible public spaces for people with disabilities. In 1973, the Rehabilitation Act, especially Section 504, was an important milestone for disability rights in the U.S. Accessible parking did not become a requirement until the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The ADA required accessible parking spaces in both public and private lots and introduced the international symbol of accessibility, the blue and white wheelchair symbol.



[ID: A graphic with a bright yellow background features abstract shapes and a prominent blue parking sign displaying the International Symbol of Access—a white icon of a person using a wheelchair. Beneath the icon, the sign reads “PARKING ONLY.” At the top of the graphic, a logo includes the words “INDEPENDENCE” and “DISABILITY RIGHTS.” Large bold text reads “DISABILITY RIGHTS FUN FACT.” Below, a caption states: “Accessible parking spaces were introduced in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s and became mandatory with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ensuring equal access for millions.”]

01/23/2026

Please check out the ACIL website for updated Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities - specific info on County Emergency Shelters and Warming Stations, creating a Safety Plan, Building an Emergency Kit and more. Be prepared and stay safe during the upcoming storm.

Empower individuals with disabilities through services & training. Join us to promote independence and community support.

01/22/2026

Let’s be prepared!

‼️⚠️❄️ Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
January 21, 2026

The National Weather Service expects a major winter storm to affect Kanawha County and most of West Virginia this weekend. There's a potential for significant amounts of snow. While there are still some unknowns, it's best to prepare now BEFORE the storm hits.

👇 Follow these preparedness tips: ✅
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your car AND in your home with water/food, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid, blankets, medications etc.
- Fill up your gas tank, check wiper fluid and oil in your car.
- Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house or a warming center.
- Ensure you have enough warm clothing, like hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
- Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
- Use proper safety with space heaters. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away. Unplug when not in use.
- Keep extra water and food for pets. Keep them warm and indoors.

01/21/2026

‼️⚠️❄️ Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
January 21, 2026

The National Weather Service expects a major winter storm to affect Kanawha County and most of West Virginia this weekend. There's a potential for significant amounts of snow. While there are still some unknowns, it's best to prepare now BEFORE the storm hits.

👇 Follow these preparedness tips: ✅
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your car AND in your home with water/food, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid, blankets, medications etc.
- Fill up your gas tank, check wiper fluid and oil in your car.
- Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house or a warming center.
- Ensure you have enough warm clothing, like hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
- Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
- Use proper safety with space heaters. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away. Unplug when not in use.
- Keep extra water and food for pets. Keep them warm and indoors.