Disability Rights of West Virginia

04/07/2026

Harold Rogers and Miranda Lacy met at West Virginia State University—they both still consider this campus home. They went on to graduate school at West Virginia University, where they say they've faced huge challenges as blind students.

Digital accessibility is a major concern for students with blindness and other disabilities — an ever-changing landscape that often isn't designed with disabilities in mind.

Now, that could change: An update to regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), set to take effect at the end of April, will require public institutions to meet new standards that dictate what accessibility should look like. Follow the link to learn more.

Higher education is especially reliant on computers and phones, but accessibility for people with disabilities has often been forgotten. A new federal rule could change that.

04/06/2026

The first Monday in April is National IEP Writing Day to honor all special education teachers and team members who write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.

What is an IEP? An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a compilation of legal documents that are the layout of special education instruction and services needed for student with disabilities to thrive while in school, at home, and in the community.

Special education teachers and their teams go to great lengths writing and providing IEPs. In fact, no two IEPs are alike because no two students are alike. The professionals that create these IEPs and implement them are managers of legal documents, medical documents, and educational documents. According to school districts across the country, the average time it takes to write an IEP is between 1 to 2.5 hours per student. However, special education teachers and teams say they actually spend nearly 4 hours writing one IEP. Can you imagine the time it takes to write an IEP for nearly 50 students?

On National IEP Writing Day, let's pay it forward by thanking the team of professionals that write and implement IEPs that lead to the success of every student they work with on a daily basis.

Founded in 2022 by The Intentional IEP organization.

04/02/2026

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), on April 2nd each year shines a bright light on a growing global health crisis.

According to the National Autism Association, Autism affects 1 in 59 children. The bio-neurological developmental disability usually presents itself by the age of three, and it is more prevalent in boys than girls.

However, resources are available for families and schools to help keep children safe and to support them lead happy and healthy lives. Follow the link to learn more.

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), on April 2nd each year shines a bright light on a growing global health crisis.

04/01/2026

Attn: First Responders in the Charleston, WV area.

Steven Slack, WVU Country Roads program instructor and Down syndrome ambassador with the National Down Syndrome Society, will be providing a free training titled "Successfully Communicating with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities" on April 3 and April 10 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 601 Brooks St. in Charleston, WV!

Learn communication skills, crisis control strategies, and tips for interacting that lead to safety for all involved.

Email info@kceaa.org or call 304-345-2312 ext. 1507 to register.

Thanks to Exceptional Possibilities of WV and the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority for partnering on these trainings!

Exceptional Possibilities WV
Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority

04/01/2026

National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger's syndrome during April.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others.

NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger's syndrome during April. Autism is a complex brain

04/01/2026

Every April, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to learn about the signs of child abuse and how to prevent it.

Communities around the nation come together to support families and children by reinforcing strategies that are working. Outreach programs, resources, and activities offer tools for identifying abuse and neglect. With each opportunity, we bring hope to families and come closer to an end to child abuse and neglect.

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH Every April, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to learn about the signs of child abuse and how to prevent

04/01/2026

National Parkinson's Awareness Month in April encourages us to participate in one or more events near you supporting further research bringing us closer to a cure.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder. Over time, this slowly progressing condition causes tremors, gait and balance issues, limb stiffness or rigidity, and a slow muscle movement. While each person responds differently to the disease, complications often become serious.

PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH National Parkinson's Awareness Month in April encourages us to participate in one or more events near you supporting further

04/01/2026

In April, National TAR Syndrome Awareness Month focuses on improving the support of those with this rare congenital disorder.
Follow the link to learn more.

Founded in 2021 by National Day Calendar® and Jylan Ross and the Uniquely Me Foundation/TAR Syndrome Association.

04/01/2026

Every Day in the United States, someone loses a limb. Did you know that more than half of amputations are caused by vascular disease? That's one of the reasons April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

According to the Amputee Coalition, 2.1 million people live with limb loss in the United States and more than half of the amputations that occur each year are preventable. Limb loss is a traumatic and life-long condition. It also comes with increased healthcare costs.

However, the observance is about more than statistics. It's also a celebration of the victories amputees experience. The month is an opportunity to share stories of amputees, their strengths, and their overwhelming ability to overcome obstacles.

LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH | April Every Day in the United States, someone loses a limb. Did you know that more than half of amputations are

03/30/2026

Save the date! This is one training you won't want to miss!
Advocacy isn’t something you’re born knowing — it’s something you learn.
Join us for Advocacy 101 and gain the tools to confidently speak up, push back, and get the support your child deserves. (Link will be in the Event Listing)

03/30/2026

🥳In the words of Mariah Carey: It's TIIIIIIIME!

👟Our Step Up for Down Syndrome registration is LIVE! We're excited for you to join us on May 16th at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Clarksburg for our first ever SUDS event. Festivities kick off at noon, and we are looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful family and friends.

Everyone is welcome, participants with Down syndrome attend FREE but registration helps establish your team and guarantee you get your free gift! We know this is new for a lot of our families, so take some time to browse the site and see what we're all about.

🔗https://charity.pledgeit.org/SUDSWV

Questions⁉ You can post them in the comments, message our page, email dsnwvinfo@gmail.com, or call (304)545-6613.

03/30/2026

What is World Bipolar Day?

The vision of World Bipolar Day (WBD) on March 30, 2026 is to bring world awareness to bipolar conditions and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration, the goal of WBD is to bring the world population information about bipolar conditions that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the condition.

The vision of World Bipolar Day (WBD) is to bring world awareness to bipolar conditions and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration,