Pathways To Funding For Children
Section 2: Other Funding Sources & Services




[A - C]   [D - F]   [G - L]   [M - O]   [P - S]   [T - Z]

[Additional AT Resources]

Other Funding Sources and Services


4Mission Cataract USA


The Volunteer Eye Surgeons Association sponsors this program to provide free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Surgeries are scheduled annually on one day, usually in May. For more information, call 800-391-EYES (800-391-3937).

AARP Foundation Benefits


State and federal benefits may be available to eligible children and caregivers, such as disability benefits, prescription drug coverage and support from other programs. To help connect grandfamilies with the programs that are right for them, the AARP Foundation Benefits Outreach Program offers Benefits QuickLINK, a free tool at www.aarp.org/quicklink.

Assistive Technology Clinics for children and youth (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


Comprehensive assistive technology assessments are available for children and youth through the Assistive Technology Assessment Clinic (AT Clinic) at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED). Assessment programs are overseen by a nationally certified Assistive Technology Practitioner and designed to help individuals identify and use assistive technology to support independence and enhance quality of life. For more information, call 800-841-8436 or visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/atclinic/ATclinicschildrenadults.shtml.

Association of Blind Citizens


This national funding source will cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. For more information, visit www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm or call 781-654-2000.

Adolescent Health Initiative


The Adolescent Health Initiative promotes optimal physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual well-being for children and youth in West Virginia. The Initiative is designed to introduce, develop, train and provide needed technical assistance to youth, parents, teachers and health care professionals with focused attention on improving adolescent health indicators while building asset rich communities. Call 304-558-5722 or visit www.wvdhhr.org/ahi to find a regional coordinator near you.

Autism Clinic (Center for Excellence in Disabilities


The Autism Clinic provides a wide range of assessment and treatment options for children with developmental disabilities that are necessary for improved growth and development. These may include behavioral assessments and strategies for improving children’s social, cognitive and communication skills. Referrals may come from parents, schools, agencies and physicians. For more information, call 877-724-8244 or visit www.cedwvu.org.

Behavioral Health Advocacy Project


Appalachian Legal Services contracts with the Department of Health and Human Resources Office to provide non-legal representation and assistance for consumers of behavioral healthcare services. The Behavioral Advocacy Project does not charge for services. For more information, call 800-834-0598 x 29 or visit www.lawv.net/Home/PublicWeb/Behavioral.

Building a System of Care for WV Children and Families


This is a comprehensive and integrated system of care where children with serious emotional disturbances and their families can choose and receive timely services within their communities that are strength based and culturally sensitive. For more information, call304-399-0126 or visit www.orgsites.com/wv/msfa.

Burial Assistance


The WV Department of Health and Human Resources provides help with the funeral costs of eligible low-income adults or children. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind


The Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind (CWAB) in Huntington provides free eye examinations and eyeglasses to children living in Cabell or Wayne counties who financially qualify. One examination and one pair of glasses may be purchased in a twelve-month period. CWAB accepts referrals for the Eyeglass Program from any agency seeing a need, or from the parents of the child needing the glasses or exam. Parents or guardians applying for the eyeglass program must provide the following: proof of income and a signed financial need survey form provided by the CWAB Services Division office. The equipment lending program is Cabell and Wayne county residents, and identifies individual needs for specially adapted equipment. These loans are long term. For more information, call 304-522-6991 or visit www.cabellwayne.org.

Catholic Charities of West Virginia


Catholic Community Services, Inc., (CCS), is a non-profit organization that provides social services throughout West Virginia to the less fortunate, regardless of, race, creed, color, gender, disability, or religious preference. CCS maintains programs for children and parents, community outreach, and the aged and disabled. CCS is comprised of seven regions. For more information, call 304-233-0880 or visit www.dwc.org. (See Appendix O for a list of Catholic Community programs in your area.)

Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE)


CORE is a not-for-profit agency that manages organ and tissue donation for Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and a small portion of New York. For additional information or to schedule a free educational program, please contact CORE at 800-DONORS-7 (800-366-6777) or visit www.core.org.

Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (formerly TEFRA)


The WV Children with Disabilities Community Service Program allows states to provide Medicaid to children with disabilities who live at home and are under 18 years of age. States that have this program must provide Medicaid coverage to all children who qualify. Services are not based on family income. For more information, call 304-558-1711.

Children's Vision Rehabilitation Project


The Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Project is designed to provide access to visual aids, training and support to West Virginia school-aged children with low vision. Diagnostic and rehabilitation services are provided free of charge at all outreach sites. The Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Project is sponsored by the West Virginia University Eye Center, The West Virginia School for the Blind and the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation. For more information, and the clinic schedule, call 304-598-6965 or visit http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/eye/childVisionRehab.asp.

Corporate Angel Network


The Corporate Angel Network is a nationwide public charity whose mission is to arrange passage for cancer patients to treatment centers using empty seats on corporate jets. Employees and volunteers work with patients and families to coordinate their travel needs with Corporate Angels - 500 major corporations who make empty seats on their aircraft available to patients. For more information call 866-328-1313 or visit http://www.CorpAngelNetwork.org.

Crisis Services Project


The Crisis Services Project provides technical assistance and training for people who provide support to individuals who have developmental disabilities and who are at risk of or are having behavioral crises. The goal of the project is to help service providers develop supports for individuals with coexisting conditions. This is a collaborative program with the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) at West Virginia University, the West Virginia Office of Behavioral Health Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, Department of Health and Human Resources. For more information, call the CED at 304-293-4692.
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Dental Care Clinic


The Dental Care Clinic, although located in the Monongalia County Health Department, serves people all over West Virginia. The clinic accepts all children to age 21. Both preventative and restorative care are available through a wide range of services including patient education, exams, cleaning, fluorides, sealants, fillings, pulp therapies, simple extractions, space maintenance and stainless steel crowns. Depending on family income, services can be obtained at no charge or at a reduced rate. A sliding fee scale based on income and family size determines rates. The clinic accepts both Medicaid and CHIP. For an appointment, call 304-598-5108.

Dental Services (Donated)


Dentists throughout WV have volunteered to provide comprehensive dental care at no charge to people of all ages who, because of a serious disability, lack adequate income to pay for needed dental care. There are no rigid financial eligibility requirements. For more information call 304-296-9005.

Disabled Children's Relief Fund


Disabled Children’s Relief Fund (DCRF) is a non-profit organization that provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy and surgery. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged. In some cases, DCRF may be the last resort. For more information, write to The Disabled Children's Relief Fund, PO Box 7420, Freeport, NY 11520 or visit www.dcrf.com/index.html.

Easter Seal Society


The Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center in Wheeling is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services to children including assistive technology clinics, orthotic and prosthetic clinics, audiological and cognitive evaluations, preschool development classes, medical consultations, early intervention, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pool therapy, psychological evaluations, social services and coordination, speech therapy, augmentative communication and hippotherapy. For more information, call 800-677-1390.

Emergency Assistance


Emergency Assistance gives short-term financial help to persons and families who face a financial crisis. The financial assistance can be used to pay for shelter, utilities, food, household goods, clothing, childcare, transportation or outpatient medical care. The Emergency Assistance Program is only available one time during any 12-month period. Persons and families must meet certain program guidelines and be within certain income levels and assets. Those applying for this program will also be referred to other community programs that may help. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).

Family Haven


The Tyler County Family Resource Network offers services at Family Haven, a child exchange, monitored visitation center. Family Haven provides free services as both a center for safe child exchanges and as a center for court ordered supervised visitation. For more information, call 304-758-5046.

Family Matters


Family Matters is an information and referral service that will direct you to resources on adolescent behavior and family situation, current teen issues, mental health services and supportive programs, professional advice and treatment plans, building a support system from family, friends, and self-help groups. For more information call888-WV-FAMILY (888-983-2645) or visit www.focusas.com/WestVirginia.html.

Family Voices


Family Voices is a national grassroots network of families and friends speaking on behalf of children with special health care needs who advocate for the inclusion of a set of basic principles in every health care reform proposal. For more information about Family Voices, call 888-835-5669 or visit www.familyvoices.org.

Feeding and Swallowing Clinic (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


The Clinic offers interdisciplinary assessments of infants, children and adolescents who have feeding problems. Assessments are completed by professionals in the areas of nutrition, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, behavioral psychology, social work and audiology. The team strives to improve eating skills and behaviors, physical growth and development and nutritional intake. Additionally, the team assists families in connecting with community resources and treatment programs. For more information, call 877-724-8244 or visit www.cedwvu.org.

Friday Clinic (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


The Friday Clinic is an integrated physical education program serving over 218 special education students in Monongalia County with same-age peers without disabilities. It provides developmentally appropriate healthrelated fitness and motor skill acquisition opportunities for children and adolescents with special needs through aquatics, movement education, sport, and fitness and wellness activities. The clinic is a joint program with West Virginia University’s School of Physical Education. For more information, call 877-724-8244 or visit www.cedwvu.org.
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Gibson Funding


Gibson Funding is a result of a Supreme Court decision that said if a child is abused or neglected because of an economic situation (for example, gas has been turned off so there is no heat or the parents have no money for food), then DHHR must pay for the necessities rather than remove the children and pay foster parents to care for them. Gibson Funding can also be used to return children in foster care to their homes. The funding is only available for children under 18 who are abused or neglected by their parents and Children’s Protective Services has an open case for the family. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).

Grandchildren / Grandparents, Inc.


A grassroots organization of West Virginia parents, grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren. The group has helped to establish support groups around the state and also works with state legislators and agency representatives to improve services for kinship care families. For more information, call Bill and Lola Bailey at 304-652-4587 or email webailey@rcvideo.com or LolaBaily@netscape.com.

Health Right


Health Right is a free clinic for people who have no health insurance and cannot pay for health care on their own. Doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and support staff care for patients by volunteering. Among the services offered by the clinic are wellness screenings, basic medical care, dental care services, screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and patient education for such chronic problems as diabetes. A strong emphasis is placed on prevention and health education. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their own health care. At the Charleston location 304-343-7003, Charleston Lens Crafters provides free eyeglasses to Health Right clinic patients. Other locations are in: You may also visit the website at www.wvhealthright.org.

HealthSouth


HealthSouth MountainView Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Morgantown offers many programs including the pediatric program, children’s rehabilitation services, aquatic rehabilitation and balance and vent programs. For more information about HealthSouth programs, call 800-388-2451.

INSITE


INSITE offers home based services for preschool children who have vision impairments. For more information, call the WV School for the Blind at 800-822-4880.

James “Tiger” Morton Catastrophic Illness Commission


You or a loved one may be eligible for financial assistance to help with the cost of medical needs through West Virginia’s James “Tiger” Morton Catastrophic Illness Commission. To be eligible for the funds, a patient must be a resident of West Virginia one year prior to the date of onset or diagnosis, have a condition that meets the definition of catastrophic illness and must have exhausted all other resources. Persons eligible for medical assistance through WV Medicaid are not eligible. Past due medical bills are not accepted and all services must be preauthorized. To apply call, 304-558-6073. Applications may be made over the phone and decisions may be made within approximately one week.

John Chafee Foster Care Independence Services, (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


The John Chafee Foster Care Independence Services Program supports youth in their efforts toward self-sufficiency. The program’s purpose is to ensure that when participants leave the foster care system, they have support systems, positive involvement in the community, a high school diploma or GED, funding for the cost of post secondary educational pursuits and employment skills. For more information, call 866-720-3605 or visit www.cedwvu.org.

Kinship Care


Children are often eligible for state and federal benefits even if their caregivers do not have legal guardianship or custody. These programs include: financial assistance, food stamps and health insurance. Grandparents and other relative caregivers may apply for free or low-cost health insurance on behalf of the children they are raising through West Virginia’s Medicaid and the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WV CHIP). In some cases, caregivers may also be eligible for free coverage under Medicaid. For more information, call 877-WVA-CHIP or visit www.wvchip.org.

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Clinic (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


An interdisciplinary team consisting of a behavioral psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, social worker, pediatric neurologist and other providers as needed, evaluate children from birth to age 21 who have developmental or behavior problems. The team provides recommendations for services, offers follow-up behavioral treatment when appropriate and gives specific advice as to further testing or consultations. LEND Clinic is part of the US Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s leadership training initiative. For more information, call 877-724-8244 or visit www.cedwvu.org.

Legislative Action Team on Children and Families


The Legislative Action Team is a network of two dozen statewide organizations that advocate for family-friendly public policies. The steering committee meets regularly to coordinate advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.capwiz.com/preventchildabusewv/state/main/?state=WV.

Link-up America


Link-up America is a program for low-income households offered by West Virginia telephone companies. The program offers a lower than usual cost for the connection of a telephone line in the household. Link-up America helps rural households have access to emergency and other community services. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).

Lions Club International


Provides financial assistance for eye care; service may vary depending on locality. Check your telephone directory for local listings or call the organization’s national office at 630-571-5466 ext. 383 or email lcif@lionsclubs.org.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)


LIEAP is a yearly winter home heating Federal program that helps pay a household’s winter heating bills. Households must meet income and program guidelines. Households facing the shutoff of their home heating services during the winter may get help through an emergency part of the program. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).
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March of Dimes


March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work to give all babies a fighting chance against threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects and low birth weight. Offers parent education regarding health care. For more information, call304-720-2229 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/westvirginia.

Miracle-Ear Children's Foundation


Miracle Ear Children’s Foundation provides hearing aids and follow-up care (for a period of two years) to children 16 years and younger whose families do not qualify for any federal, state or community assistance. The Children’s Foundation services are determined by medical diagnosis, problem severity and family income. For more information, call 800-234-5422 or visit www.miracle-ear.com/resources/children_request.asp.

Motor Development Center


The West Virginia Motor Development Center is a comprehensive statewide program devoted to improving the quality of life of West Virginians by promoting movement skills and physical activity for individuals of all ages and disabilities. The program is located at West Virginia University and offers activity programs for babies, toddlers, preschool and elementary age children. For more information, call 304-293-3295 ext. 5250.

MSPCAN Youth Network


MSPCAN Youth Network was formed for adolescents and young adults, 16 to 24 years of age, with mental health issues. Issues such as peer pressure, school, home, etc. are discussed in a safe environment. MSPCAN is the state organization of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and is a chapter of Mountain State Parents CAN. For more information, call 304-233-5399 or visit www.mspcan.org/index.htm.

National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia


The National Federation of the Blind of WV (NFBWV) is an organization of blind persons working together to change what it means to be blind. The NFB WV has created a special division for parents of blind children. This organization also has many other programs including braille literacy, student support and advocacy. For more information, call 304-622-0626 or visit www.nfbwv.org.

National Hearing Aid Bank


The National Hearing Aid Bank, also known as HEAR NOW, provides free reconditioned, behind-the-ear hearing aids to low income individuals. The organization recycles used hearing aids and welcomes their donation. For more information or for paperwork to apply for a hearing aid, call 800-648-HEAR (800-648-4327).

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)


The NLS produces books and magazines on cassettes and in braille, maintains a collection of many books on recorded disk, and loans them to eligible readers in the United States. You can borrow these materials through a national network of state and local libraries. The books are sent to you and returned to the library by postage free mail. For more information, call 888-657-7323 or visit www.loc.gov/nls.

National Organization on Rare Disease (NORD)


NORD administers medication assistance programs to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals in securing lifesaving or life sustaining medications. For a complete list of NORD's current Medical Assistance Programs visit www.rarediseases.org/programs/medication or call 203-744-0100, 800-999-6673 (voice mail only) or 203-797-9590 (TTY).

News-2-You


News-2-You is a symbol-based newspaper that can be downloaded from the Internet every week. News-2-You is illustrated with black and white, line drawn pictures. All items in the weekly newspaper relate to the week’s lead story. To subscribe, call 800-697-6575 or 419-433-9800 or visit www.news-2-you.com.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)


Helps those who get Medicaid or Children with Special Health Care Needs with the costs of going to and from their doctors and medical service providers. Other costs during the travel such as meals, lodging and tolls may also be available for eligible patients. Private auto transportation providers are paid by the mile. Public transportation providers are reimbursed at rates decided by the Public Service Commission. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).

Office of Social Services' Child Care Division


The Office of Social Services’ Child Care Division provides an early childhood development grant to start childcare programs for children under age six. This start-up grant typically offers up to $10,000 to newly developing child care programs to assist with start-up costs including age appropriate toys, equipment and furniture; staff development and training; equipment to assist the center in including children with special needs; to meet health and safety requirements; or to cover up to three months of operating costs for a new program. Centers requesting funds must agree to accept children whose care is subsidized by the Department of Health and Human Resources and must agree to attend 15 hours of training during the period of the grant. For more information, call 304-285-3175.
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Parent Educator Resource Centers (PERCs)


The Parent Educator Resource Centers (PERCs) promote parent, educator and community awareness about the programs and services available to schools for children with disabilities and their families. They are a county wide resource and information center for services and agencies available to families throughout the state. They also have a lending library of books, videos and fact sheets. For more information, call your local office (See Appendix L) or visit wvde.state.wv.us/ose/percs/PERCUpdate.htm.

Parent Network (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


The Parent Network is a statewide system of Parent Network Specialists (PNS) who serve as advisors to parents of children with special needs. The PN Specialists are parents of children with disabilities and provide assistance in locating services and information that may benefit children with special needs. For more information, call 304-293-4692 or e-mail mzeppuhar@hsc.wvu.edu.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance


This website has a link to all of the free health care clinics in West Virginia along with instructions on how someone can get help with their prescription costs. For more information, visit www.pparx.org/Intro.php.

Pearle Vision Foundation


Pearle Vision Foundation awards grants to economically disadvantaged individuals for surgeries and low vision equipment and to non-profit organizations for research, education, training and projects related to preserving lifetime vision. Eligibility is based on individuals who demonstrate financial hardships and are in need of vision care. People who can be assisted are those who are presently unemployed, on a limited income, cannot obtain insurance or medical assistance. For more information, call 972-277-6191.

Perdidos, Inc.


Perdidos, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation committed to addressing transportation needs of West Virginians. Perdidos provides services for transport to: medical facilities, mental health and drug rehabilitation programs, welfare-to-work programs, after school programs, foster care, homeless shelters and general transportation for everyday needs in connection with many state agencies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, call 304-573-9760 or visit www.perdidosinc.org.

Positive Behavior Support (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


Positive Behavior Support activities offer assistance to people who have challenging behaviors (aggression, selfinjury, etc.) and a disability. Training and consultation are available to individuals, their families and support personnel to help prevent problem behaviors, to create effective community supports, and to encourage planning and life goals centered on the individual’s needs. Goals include increasing independence, productivity and inclusion in the home and community. This is a collaborative program with the West Virginia Office of Behavioral Health Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, Department of Health and Human Resources. For more information, call the CED at 304-293-4692, or visit www.cedwvu.org.

Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT)


PAAT is open to any individual who is or would be enabled by an assistive technology device or service. The goal of PAAT is to help individuals with disabilities, their family members, guardians, advocates or authorized representatives who have been denied access to assistive technology devices or services by Medicaid, Medicare, a school, an employer, an insurance company or any state or federally funded agency or entity. For more information, visit www.wvadvocates.org or call 800-950-5250.

Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP)


RAPP provides education and support to people caring for their relative’s children. The group provides information on legal issues, community resources, and coping skills. You’ll find the RAPP group to be a safe place where you can share your stories, feelings and concerns with people in similar situations and find solutions to common problems. For more information, call 304-599-5020.

Ronald McDonald House


The Ronald McDonald House is located across the parking lots from Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. It offers a sliding fee for individuals who need a low-cost place to stay while their child is a patient at the Children’s Hospital. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 304-598-0050.

Rosenbaum Family House


The Rosenbaum Family House is connected to Ruby Memorial Hospital. It offers low cost, overnight accommodations for individuals coming to Morgantown to receive medical services. A physician or hospital clergy must make the referral. For more information, call 304-598-6094.

School Clothing Allowance


The Department of Health and Human Resources provides an annual school clothing allowance for low-income school age children and children who are recipients of cash assistance. The benefit is issued in the form of vouchers, which may be redeemed at participating merchants. For more information, call your local DHHR office (See Appendix J).

Seeing Hand


The Seeing Hand Association is a private, nonprofit organization established to provide services to the blind, both adults and children in the Upper Ohio Valley. The organization assists individuals, families and professionals in accessing services and resources to meet their needs. For more information, call 304-232-4810 or visit www.seeinghandassociation.com.

Shriner Hospitals


Nineteen Shriners Hospitals across the nation provide free orthopedic care and rehabilitation to children with congenital orthopedic problems. Some of the most common orthopedic problems are: scoliosis and other spinal curvatures, clubfoot, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), Spina Bifida/Myelodysplasia, skeletal growth abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, hand discrepancies and metabolic bone disease. Interdisciplinary medical teams include physicians, nurses, physical, occupational and recreational therapists, specially trained orthotic and prosthetic technicians, nutritionists, gait lab specialists and other medical personnel. Any child may be eligible for care at the Shriners Hospital if the child is under the age of 18 and there is a reasonable possibility the child’s condition can be helped. Shriners Hospitals are open to all children without regard to race, religion, or relationship to a Shriner. There is never a charge to the patient or parents for any medical care or service provided at the Shriners Hospital. Applications for admission to Shriners Hospitals can be obtained from any Shrine Temple Club or by calling the Shriners’ toll free referral line at 800-237-5055.

SKI HI Institute


The SKI HI Institute is a group of dedicated individuals whose goal is to enhance the lives of young children with hearing impairments, their families, and care givers. Training and services focus on early intervention and early childhood programming for infants and young children aged birth to five. For more information, call the SKI HI Coordinator at the WV School for the Deaf at 304-822-4837 or 304-822-4843.

Starkey Hearing Foundation


The Starkey Hearing Foundation donates more than 10,000 hearing aids each year to people who cannot afford them. For more information, visit or call 800-328-8602.

Sunshine Foundation


The Sunshine Foundation grants wishes to children with developmental disabilities. For more information please call 800-477-1976.
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Telephone Relay Service


The WV Telephone Relay Service works to assist people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hearing, hard-of-hearing and speech disabled to communicate via phone. For more information call the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 866-461-3578 or visit www.wvdhhr.org/wvcdhh.

Title V Toolbox for Family Participation


Every state and the District of Columbia has a Title V Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) that provides health and support services to children with special needs and their families. Title V provides funds to states to develop and operate public health care programs for certain children with special health care needs as well as to establish other programs to promote the health of low income mothers and children. On the Title V Toolbox web site you can: (1) search for documents by topic (and state of origin) resources such as program mission statements and policies pertaining to family involvement, family advisory committee development tools, sample contracts, and more; (2) download or print documents; (3) submit documents over the Internet and (4) learn about Title V and Performance Measure 14 of the Block Grant. For more information, call 617-236-7210 and check out the Title V Toolbox for Family Participation at www.familyvoices.org/toolbox.

Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


The Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic provides neuropsychological screening and assessments for individuals of all ages who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. The clinic is conducted by a licensed neuropsychologist and technical staff. Referrals come from state agencies, service providers, family members and the Brain Injury Association of West Virginia. For more information, call 877-724-8244 or visit www.cedwvu.org.

TRICARE


Active duty military family members (ADFMs) who meet specific hearing loss requirements are eligible to receive hearing aids, including services and supplies, as a TRICARE benefit. Hearing aids are covered for ADFMs diagnosed with a “profound” hearing loss. TRICARE has established separate hearing level thresholds for adults and children. For more information, call TRICARE at 877-TRICARE (877-874-2273) or visit www.military.com/benefits/tricare.

United Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. (UCPA)


Through its 150 local affiliates, UCPA assists with worksite accommodations, environmental controls and computer access for preschoolers, schoolage youth and adults, adaptive toys and switches, augmentative communication and other assistive technology. For more information, call 800-872-5827.

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation


The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation provides grants to families who have children ages 16 or younger with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. Individuals who receive care via Medicaid, Medicare or other state or federally subsidized health insurance programs are not eligible. The amount awarded to an individual within a 12-month period is limited to either $5,000 or 85% of the fund balance, whichever amount is less. Awards to any one individual are limited to a lifetime maximum of $7,500. For more information,call 800-328-5979 ext. 24459 or apply on-line at www.uhccf.org.

West Virginia Advocates


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 www.wvadvocates.org or call 800-950-5250. (See Appendix G).

West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) (Center for Excellence in Disabilities)


WVATS is dedicated to increasing the access to and acquisition of assistive technology for West Virginians of all ages and types of disabilities. WVATS disseminates information about assistive technologies and services, provides demonstrations and trainings on assistive technologies and operates a lending library. WVATS also offers a Bulletin Board where individuals can post used and/or no longer needed assistive technology for giveaway, sale or trade. For more information, call 800-841-8436 or visit the Loan Library at www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/virtuallibrary.shtml.

West Virginia Association for the Deaf, Inc. (WVAD)


WVAD serves a wide array of individuals with hearing loss as an advocacy and information network. Members of the WVAD have donated various models of Closed Captioning devices (CC) to be distributed to individuals. Criteria for the donating of a CC device are: the person is deaf or hard of hearing and shows a financial burden of purchasing the device on their own. For more information, call 304-647-3131 or visit www.wvdhhr.org/wvcdhh/wvad.

West Virginia Bureau for Public Health


The Bureau for Public Health offers information on disease, injury, health care providers, and health services. For more information, call 304-558-2971 (See Appendix H for local health departments).

West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WVCDHH)


The WVCDHH is an agency that provides free and confidential services to individuals interested in services concerning individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Services include referral, access to advocacy, training and educational opportunities. The commission also has a TTY loan program. For more information, call 866-461-3578 or visit www.wvdhhr.org/wvcdhh.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Subsidized Guardianship Program


Provides an ongoing subsidy for eligible children in the West Virginia foster care system whose qualified adult caregivers become their legal guardians. To receive a subsidy on behalf of the child, the guardian must show that there is a strong emotional tie with the child and that the child is not likely to be adopted or otherwise placed without the subsidy. The State will determine the amount of the subsidy awarded as well as the frequency of payments. The subsidy can be in the form of funding for services or stipends. For more information, call 304-558-7980 or e-mail cbertelli@wvdhhr.org.

West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources


The WV Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources provide professional development opportunities for the WV early care and education community through information, training and technical assistance, resources and collaboration to achieve high quality services for young children and their families. For more information, visit www.wvearlychildhood.org.

WV Family Support Foundation


The WV Family Support Foundation helps families with members who have developmental disabilities. In partnership with the state of West Virginia and the West Virginia Family Support Program, the Foundation provides supplemental funding to families who care for members with disabilities at home. For more information, call 304-558-0627 or visit http://www.wvdhhr.org/bhhf/famsup1.asp.

West Virginia End of Life Care


The West Virginia Center for End of Life Care provides coordination, education and resources so that West Virginians will have their pain controlled and their treatment choices respected. For more information, call 877-209-8086 or visit www.hsc.wvu.edu/chel/wvi.

West Virginia Assistive Technology Revolving Loan Fund


The West Virginia Legislature set aside funds for a revolving loan fund for individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology. Loans may range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000. Persons may borrow up to 90% of the cost of the technology-related device or service. The interest rate is flexible and is calculated at the time the loan application is received. For more information, call 800-642-8207.

West Virginia Head Start Association


The WV Head Start Association, a nonprofit organization, was organized in WV to promote quality. Association members have an opportunity four times a year to bring staff, parents, and community supporters together to meet and exchange ideas, attend trainings, work as a group to foster the Head Start image in the state and gain knowledge of the state initiatives. To become a member or for information, 304-233-4450 or visit www.wvhsa.org.

West Virginia Parent Training and Information


WV Parent Training and Information (WVPTI) provides information to parents and other professionals who work with children with disabilities. Presentations are available for any interested group, organization, or agency. WVPTI offers fact sheets and other information. For more information, call 800-281-1436 or 304-624-1436 or visit www.wvpti.org.

West Virginia Relatives as Parents Program


A multi-service program for WV kinship caregivers raising children outside of the foster care system. The program offers support groups across the state, informational workshops, a listserv, annual training conference, social activities and referrals to community resources. Its objective is to create and expand supportive community-based services for kinship caregivers, improve community and state agency responses to kinship care families and raise community awareness. For more information, call 304-562-0723 or e-mail adaniels@missionwv.org.

Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)


WIC provides nutrition counseling and education, breast feeding support, monthly food packages and access to health care for eligible participants. For more information or for the WIC clinic nearest you, visit www.wvdhhr.org/ons/wic.asp.
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Additional Funding Sources for Assistive Technology

Compiled by Debbie Budash

A quick reference list of funding sources used by professionals to purchase equipment and services.

The most common sources for AT funding are public agencies. They include:

Private Agencies, Foundations, and Commercial Insurance include:

Potential contributors include:

Lending Libraries include:

Resources within the community can be sought and mini-grant proposals can be written and submitted to businesses and civic groups. They include:

The following list provides some examples of alternate funding sources. They include:

Coordinating efforts with technical classes in high schools, community colleges, clubs and universities which require specific projects (i.e., senior projects required in mechanical engineering course, boy scout projects, etc.)

Once activities and technology needs have been identified, consider people who have specific skills in carpentry, electronics, mechanical engineering, computers, and general "fix-it" skills to help with design and construction of adaptations.

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Traveling Resource and Information Library Service (TRAILS) Vans:

A mobile resource outreach program that uses vans equipped with resources of interest to early childhood providers. Resources include educational and developmentally appropriate toys for children ranging in ages from birth to thirteen years, children’s books, videos, computer software, music teaching curriculum and idea books, assistive technology, art supplies, and large equipment such as highchairs and cribs. Any WV licensed, registered, or certified provider within the listed counties can call for an appointment. Different areas of West Virginia are served by different TRAILS providers. Please locate your provider below:

MountainHeart North TRAILS Van

For TRAILS service in Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Hardy, Grant, Hampshire, Mineral, and Pendleton Counties, call the Martinsburg Office at 888-195-7653.

For TRAILS service in Barbour, Taylor, Upshur, Randolph, Tucker, Preston, and Lewis counties, call 877-811-5437.

MountainHeart South TRAILS Van

For TRAILS service in Wyoming, Mercer, McDowell, Nicholas, Webster or Braxton counties, call 800-834-7082.

For TRAILS service in Greenbrier, Fayette, Raleigh, Monroe, Summers and Pocahontas counties, call 866-223-7127.

LINK TRAILS Van

For TRAILS service in Boone, Lincoln, Mason, Mingo, Putnam, Wayne, Logan and Cabell Counties, call 800-894-9540.

Connect TRAILS Van

For TRAILS service in Kanawha, Jackson, Clay or Roane Counties, call 888-595-8290.

Choices TRAILS Van

For TRAILS service in Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Pleasants, Harrison, Doddridge, Calhoun or Gilmer Counties, call 866-966-2668.

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