Appendix G: Advocacy Organizations
ADAPT WV
ADAPT (American with Disabilities for Attendant Programs Today) works for the civil rights of persons with disabilities. Through direct activism, ADAPT has played a vital role on the national level. ADAPT has an informal structure. To become involved, you must have an active interest in the issue of changing the long-term care system, getting individuals attendant services in the community and getting individuals out of nursing homes and other institutions. For more information, call 304-594-3644 or visit www.labs.net/adapt/.
West Virginia Advocates (WVA)
The Advocates protect the human and legal rights of West Virginians who have disabilities and work to ensure individuals enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of society. For more information, visit the web site at www.wvadvocates.org or call 800-950-5250.
Client Assistance Program WV Advocates
WVA administers the Client Assistance Program. CAP provides advocacy to individuals seeking services under the federal Rehabilitation Act (such as services from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, Centers for Independent Living, supported employment programs and sheltered workshops).
Protection and Advocacy Agency for Assistive Technology (PAAT) WV Advocates
WVA administers the PAAT program. The PAAT program protects and promotes the rights of persons with disabilities to access assistive technology devices and services.
Clarice Housh, Executive Director
Litton Building
1207 Quarrier Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-346-0847 (V/TTY)
Toll-Free: 800-950-5250 (in WV)
Web Site: www.wvadvocates.org
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Legal Aid of West Virginia provides free legal assistance and representation to lowincome people in civil matters only. There are no fee-generating cases. Legal Aid works to prevent homelessness, maintain family income and keep individuals safe from family violence. There is also an ombudsman program and advocacy for the residents of long-term care facilities and individuals with behavioral health problems. The advocacy project conducts abuse and neglect investigations and monitors seclusion, restraints, accidents and injuries occurring to patients in state-operated behavioral health facilities. Legal Aid advocates for persons with severe emotional disturbances, severe mental illness, substance addiction and co-existing conditions who are outside of the state facilities and not eligible for other advocacy services. The Ombudsman Program advocates for the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents of long-term care facilities. Monitors facilities. Identity of complainant or resident is not revealed unless authorized by that person. For more information, call 800-642-8279 or visit www.lawv.net/.
MSPCAN
MSPCAN program offers support, education and advocacy to parents or caregivers of mentally or behaviorally challenged children. It also offers information and referral, emotional support and advocacy training for parents who have children with emotional, psychiatric or behavioral support needs. For more information, call 800-244-5385 or visit www.mspcan.org/.
WV EMS Technical Support Network (Medley & Hartley Programs)
WV EMS TSN provides advocacy for Hartley and Medley class members.
1069 Garner Street
Suite 104
Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone: 304-366-3022
Other Important Resources
Medicaid Application Assistance
800-642-8589
Poison Control Center
800-642-3625
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213 (national hotline) 800-234-5772 (West Virginia)
West Virginia Human Right Commission
888-676-5546
West Virginia Insurance Commission Consumer Services Division
888-879-9842
TTY 800-435-7341
