WVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2007

Please note that phone numbers, addresses, websites and e-mail addresses were accurate at time of publication. This information may not be current.

Articles:   [Resources]   [ADAPT News]   [WVATS News]   [National News]  [State News]   [Powerful Tools]   [Employment News]   [AgrAbility]

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It was an honor and a privilege for me to attend and speak at Ken's funeral. His tireless efforts on behalf of the disabled community are to be commended and I applaud his selfless contributions. Ken was a man of remarkable character and an outstanding West Virginian! He will be sorely missed.

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Website Allows Electronic Textbook Sharing

Bookshare.org is an online community that enables scanned books to be shared. Bookshare.org takes advantage of a special exemption in the U.S. copyright law that permits reproducing publications into specialized formats for individuals with disabilities.

Bookshare.org serves individuals who are blind or have severe visual impairments that prevent them from reading ordinary newspaper print, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses, individuals with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, which interfere with the ability to read print material, and people with mobility limitations that interfere with holding or turning the pages of a book.

Bookshare.org also serves organizations such as the state, local and federal educational system, the rehabilitation system, libraries, specialized nonprofit agencies and various governmental units that provide accessible materials to people with disabilities.

As of October 1, 2007, there is no charge for schools and students to join Bookshare.org. Because of a federal grant Bookshare expects to add over 100,000 new educational titles in high quality DAISY and braille formats over the next five years, helping students get the quality textbooks they need for academic success.

Copyrighted digital books are available for download to people who submit proof of a disability that affects reading. Excellent quality books from the Bookshare.org collection can be ordered in embossed braille, to be mailed to anyone in the United States, without requiring membership. For more information, visit www.bookshare.org or e-mail info@bookshare.org

Assistive Technology Activities for Children

"EZ AT: Assistive Technology Activities for Children Ages 3-8 with Disabilities" is a compilation of activities submitted by parents and professionals across the nation. Many of the ideas are simple and inexpensive to use at home and school. All activities use best practices for children that use technology to promote learning and inclusion. This publication is available for $10. For more information, call 952-838-9000 or visit www.pacer.org

"A Parent's Guide to Universal Design for Learning"

This easy-to-read booklet introduces parents to the background and principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). It tells how UDL can help students with disabilities succeed in the classroom with an adaptable curriculum to meet their individual learning needs. The Guide is published by the Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers at PACER Center. Copies of the guide are available for $2. For more information, call 952-838-9000 or visit www.pacer.org

Computers for Learning

Through its Computers for Learning program, the federal government has placed hundreds of thousands of surplus computers in schools across the country on a needs-first basis.

Schools register and request equipment on the Computers for Learning web site, and federal agencies match their surplus equipment to schools with those needs. Most, but not all, of the available computers are Windows-based PCs. Computers and equipment are not refurbished by the government before being shipped to schools, nor are they covered by warranty. For more information, call 866-472-9161 or visit www.computersforlearning.gov

Resource Guide for Health Insurance

"Health Insurance Resources: A Guide for People with Chronic Disease and Disability," is a reference guide to understanding health care programs. The Guide provides information about chronic illness and the health care system and benefits that may be available to you. It is a tool to help you maximize your health insurance coverage, promote your rights as a patient and give you strategies and resources as you navigate the health insurance system. The Guide provides information and resources about many different insurance and prescription assistance plans in each state. For more information, go to www.demosmedpub.com or call 212-683-0072.

Braille Travel Files

TravelBraille.com has transcribed numerous travel-related publications for individuals who are visually impaired. The web site contains braille-ready files (BRF). Information is taken from guidebooks such as Lonely Planet and Fodor's, brochures, tourism authority web sites and newspaper travel sections. Blind users must register on the TravelBraille.com web site to download materials for free. For more information, visit www.TravelBraille.com or e-mail john@TravelBraille.com

Multiple Sclerosis DVD

"Talking With Your Children About Multiple Sclerosis: A Place to Begin," is a DVD about three families who have a parent living in the house with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The free DVD, was created as a practical way to approach the discussion of MS with kids. The interviews help answer questions parents and kids may have about MS.

The "Advice from Parents" section highlights the many issues that may present themselves when parenting with MS. For more information, visit www.directhealthmedia.org or call 707-833-2727.

Deaf Professional Network

The Deaf Professional Network offers information on news, trends, technologies, laws, policies and other issues of interest to deaf professionals and business owners.

The Network's e-newsletter presents real world, peer-to-peer deaf professional issues and empowers deaf professionals with the tools to advance their careers. For more information, visit www.deafprofessional.net

To reach WVATS, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail us at wvats@hsc.wvu.edu

ADAPT News       adaptwv@hotmail.com

Ken's Final Newsletter Article

Over the last several months people with disabilities and families who are struggling with the waiting list and the lack of community based services, have asked several times "Where is the Rosa Parks for the West Virginia disability community?" Leadership is not an independent force which exists outside of our community. When you carefully consider history, it becomes painfully obvious that each and every one of us must play a role in fighting for our own freedoms.

Over the past nine years, ADAPT WV has worked on a variety of issues from school inclusion to employment discrimination issues and long-term care. We have worked collaboratively with the Mental Health Consumers Association, Aged and Disabled Waiver vendors and parents and families with disabilities. We have been willing and open to working with all individuals who are willing to put forward energy and commitment and to seek equal rights and justice.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott began on Dec. 5, 1955 and lasted for over one year. Rosa Parks never intended to be a civil rights leader or ignite a Civil Rights movement. She was just one person who was tired and refused to give up her seat on the bus. What happened in the following year was the result of thousands of people coming together around the common goal of integrating the buses and deciding they would no longer tolerate discrimination. They were willing to make the sacrifices necessary, walk to work and stick with their plan of action until the problems were resolved.

Over the last year, ADAPT WV was involved in several actions that have resulted in tangible systems change for people with disabilities. For instance, assisting to organize a grassroots movement around a class action lawsuit that resulted in 2,500 people being returned to the AD Waiver and taking action resulting in the Governor applying for the first round of the Money Follows the Person Grants. These did not come about because of the actions of one individual "Rosa Parks." Change happens when a large group of people make up their minds that they will not accept discrimination and second class citizenship.

Martin Luther King said "Freedom has always been an expensive thing."

Nobody will simply hand us our rights and the only rights we have are the ones we are willing to fight to maintain. Engaging in this struggle requires all of us to raise our voices against the discrimination faced by WV citizens with disabilities on a daily basis. We cannot look the other way while waiting lists grow, people languish in nursing homes and others are forced out of state. There is no Rosa Parks; it is up to all of us.

Ken Ervin: Disability Rights Activist

His life was short, way too short, but during his short life Ken Ervin had an incalculable effect on the lives of many, many individuals and not only those with disabilities. No one knows why some people can transcend circumstances that bend or break countless others. Ken's resiliency along with his brilliant intellect and dedication were recognized by all who knew and worked with him. But what drove Ken was his absolute passion for the cause of civil rights for individuals with disabilities. His vision of how things were supposed to be and his perseverance on getting there were legendary. It didn't matter if he was tired or didn't feel good, he really and truly could not rest, because as Ken often said, "It's all about the work." Ken said he "loved getting up every morning because I enjoy what I do. It's frustrating sometimes but worth it."

Ken was a voracious reader. He kept informed on what was happening in disability rights in other states and nationally and what was happening in his beloved Batman comic books. Ken frequently reread "Letter from Birmingham Jail,"(www.thekingcenter.org/prog/non/letter.pdf) written by Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1963 after he was jailed for engaging in a nonviolent direct action in support of civil rights for African Americans.

"He was like the Martin Luther King for people with disabilities in West Virginia."
- Jan Derry

Reading this eloquent defense of nonviolent direct action centered Ken in his beliefs and strategies for ensuring that the civil rights of persons with disabilities were recognized and respected.

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Ken participated in several national ADAPT actions, chaining himself to the White House fence, being arrested several times and always applying ADAPT tactics to situations within West Virginia. These tactics - demanding responses, giving deadlines for requested actions, organizing turnouts of individuals with disabilities to speak for themselves sometimes through posters and sometimes through personal stories, developing relationships with newspaper reporters, writing letters to the editor and op-ed pieces and always, always keeping the pressure on to meet the current goal.

Ken's successes and concerns can be read in his articles that appeared in the "WVATS Newsletter" over the past several years. Ken wrote in each and every single issue of the WVATS newsletter from Issue 1 to this issue Volume 16 #3, which features his last article on page 4.

Ken posted a quote from Bruce Wayne, Batman's alter ego, on his door. "I chose this life. I know what I am doing. On any given day, I could stop doing it. Today, however, isn't that day and tomorrow won't be either." Ken kept on working right through his very last day.

The following is a quote from his last written words on Friday, October 12, 2007 for an essay in honor of Disability History Week.

"Much can be done when we raise our voices and join together. We cannot simply stand by and wait for someone else to take action. We must make our own history."

"What an advocate for all 480,000 West Virginians with disabilities, farewell my friend and rest in peace."
- Cathy Reed

"It is a terrible loss for West Virginia - he was such a dynamic force in the community- and a friend and inspiration to so many."
- Kathy Knighton

"I was in Junior High and High School with Kenny! I am proud to have known him and the work he has done for us."
- Glen Judy

"Ken was a very good and faithful advocate. I first met him in the WVDDC's Partner's in Policy Making. He gave a wonderful, funny speech that inspired us all. Ken was always there when we needed help and always had suggestions to offer. Ken was the foremost advocate in WV; he fought for what he thought was right, and did not follow the practice of selling out those who needed him to become popular. Ken will be greatly missed."
- Nancy Kingery

"I am saddened to learn of his death. While I may not have always agreed with Ken, I respected his energy, skill, and passion for advocating the needs of disabled persons in our State."
- Peter Minter

"I first encountered Ken at a conference in 2000...it was clear that he was not going to settle for platitudes and bureaucratic double talk. He demanded answers. Fast forward two years and the same man was chained to a flagpole in front of the school Tucker should have been attending with his siblings. For eleven days and nights, he and several others stayed at the flagpole through some nasty weather. The community rallied around them. It was an amazing experience."
-Debi Lewis

"I will miss Ken's guidance. Of all the people I have worked with on disability issues, Ken had the most profound perspective and focus on whatever we were working on together. His shoes cannot come close to being filled. Ken is making heaven a better place by being there."
- Dwayne Scott

"I know what Ken meant to the community. His passing will leave an immeasurable hole in the world."
- Jesse Wright

"One of Ken's friends Cat McConnell posted something that is helping me to go on. It is a Mother Jones quote that says "Mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living." So, I know that we will all go on fighting, just as Ken expects us to do. So, if you want to participate in carrying on Ken's legacy of FIGHTING for what is right, please let me know."
- Scott Miller

"I never thought God made superheroes until I met Ken Ervin. He was many people's superman, even though he would disagree. He was a loving father, son, friend and advocate. He loved to read. In the last year you would usually see a comic book in his hand. That is how he would relax while fighting the injustices of the world. He loved Batman."
-Vicki L. Shaffer

"Ken's words are certainly a legacy that he will leave behind for all of us."
-Anne Weeks

"Ken was a hard person to please. He lived his life making sure that the voiceless were heard and their issues were made public."
-Helen Panzironi

"Ken Ervin, my friend, my colleague, my mentor. As I speak, heaven and a new formed angel shine on those that you committed your life to. Those you protected, those you served, and those that without your actions would not have had a more independent and meaningful life...there has never been a finer man and ADVOCATE. I shall continue your fight and we shall meet again."
- Todd Rundle

In-Home Services for Seniors

The Lighthouse Program, through the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (BOSS), allows seniors to receive a variety of services in the home to help remain in their communities and homes. The program provides support in four areas:

• Personal Care: grooming, bathing, dressing and toileting
• Mobility: transferring in/out of bed and walking
• Nutrition: meal preparation, eating and grocery/pharmacy shopping
• environment: light housecleaning, making/changing bed and laundry

Seniors must be sixty years of age or older, medically and financially eligible to enroll in the program. Eligible individuals can receive up to sixty hours of service per month. For more information, call BOSS at 877-987-3646.

Low Vision Clinic

The Seeing Hand's low vision clinics have resumed at the center in Wheeling. Low vision rehabilitation services are an extension of the vision services you receive from your own eye doctor. Low vision rehabilitation services are offered to maximize remaining sight, enhance safety and improve quality of life. An individual's vision must meet Seeing Hand's eligibility guidelines.

Low vision clinics are held the second and third Fridays of each month from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each exam requires about one and a half hours. For more information, call Seeing Hand at 304-232-4810.

Cooperative Agreement Award on Transition to Employment

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 to the Institute for Educational Leadership's Center for Workforce Development in Washington, D.C., to establish a National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities.

The purpose of the Center will be to build the capacity of workforce development, economic development and educational service delivery systems to ensure that youth with disabilities graduate from high school and either enter employment or continue their education. For more information, call 866-ODEP-DOL (633-7365) or visit www.dol.gov/odep

Jitterbug

Jitterbug is a simple to use cell phone. The sound on the phone is loud and clear. The screen is bright and easy to see, with large numbers in the display and big, backlit buttons. The Jitterbug has "Yes/No" buttons for features and a 24-hour operator who can be reached by dialing "0". The Jitterbug comes in two models: the Jitterbug Dial is used like a regular cell phone, while the Jitterbug One-Touch has only three main buttons: for the operator, tow service and 911. For more information, call 800-987-7333 or go to www.jitterbug.com

Large Handle Key Turner

The Large Handle Key Turner has a 5" handle, allowing users to grasp the holder with their full hand and provides added leverage for turning keys. People with limited hand dexterity can manipulate keys with ease. It can hold up to three keys and will accommodate keys with a hole 3/16" (4.5mm) in diameter or larger. The key turner is affordably priced at under $8. For more information, call 800-640-1999 or go to www.enablemart.com.

Talk-Aid

The Talk-Aid is a speech device designed to amplify the user's voice. The device is especially designed for "low talkers" - people who can speak but have trouble being heard.
It allows the user to make their voice louder without software or speech devices. The Talk-Aid is an over-the-ear, performer-type microphone that is very lightweight, battery-operated all-in-one amplifier. For more information, call 800-752-6673 or go to www.rjcooper.com

Adapted Vivitar Vivicam 10 Digital Camera

The Adapted Vivitar Vivicam is a digital camera adapted for use with a single switch. Its features include 640x480 resolution, focus free, 8MB internal flash memory, LCD status display and auto flash. This camera is compatible with Windows and can be connected by USB to your PC. For more information, go to www.orcca.com/Photo.htm.

UpLift Seat Assist

Uplift comes with comfortable, form-hugging memory foam and a black waterproof cover. The device allows you to ease gently into a chair and it is designed with a lifting mechanism to give you a gentle and stable lift when you sit forward to rise from the chair.
Uplift Seat Assist is portable, so you can move it from chair to chair, restaurant seats, theaters or take on vacation. The UpLift Seat Assist comes in four different models to accommodate different weights. For more information, call 800-689-0030 or go to www.scooterville.net.

Stretch Laces

These elastic laces enable the foot to slip into shoes with ease and allow for the expansion of feet in sport shoes. The laces are a great help to people who have limited finger dexterity, have trouble bending over or cognitive difficulties.
The pair of 27" long elastic laces come with two round counter locks and two gripping slide pieces that cannot loosen accidentally. The laces are available in black, brown or white and cost $11. For more information, go to www.allegromedical.com

M-WIN Enrollees Speak Out

The following are responses given by M-WIN enrollees in answer to the survey question, "Do you have any additional comments about M-WIN? We would appreciate any feedback about what we are doing right or what could be done to enhance the program."

"I personally think that M-WIN is a very wonderful program. I don't know what I would do without it. This program is the best investment I've ever made. It is a dream come true."

"I am so thankful for this program. I have many health issues and could not afford to see a doctor. So that in turn hurt me both physically and mentally. I feel so much better now and work and function better."

"I don't have to worry about getting my medication when I need it. Finally something for people who are trying to work, but cannot work full time."

"Thank You! Without M-WIN I could not get the care I need."

Over 600 Enrolled in Medicaid Buy-In

The Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) is West Virginia's Medicaid Buy-in program. The program now has over 604 participants enrolled, who are working in the community and purchasing health care benefits through Medicaid. M-WIN had participants enrolled in 44 counties as of September.

For more information or to enroll in M-WIN, call your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office at 800-642-8589.

M-WIN Statistics

• Premium payments ranged from $15.00 per month (the minimum) to $175.00 per month in September 2007.
• The average (mean) premium was $33.59 per month.
• One hundred and fifteen (115) participants paid the minimum ($15.00).
• Seventy-seven (77) participants paid more than $50.00 per month.
• Total payments received in enrollment fees + premiums in September 2007 was $20,290.85.

          Number of Enrollees         Monthly Premium

                    190                                   $15 - $20

                      79                                   $21 - $30

                    165                                   $31 - $40

                      93                                   $41 - $50

                      46                                   $51 - $60

                      31                                   $60 Plus

Program Reducing Employment Barriers

Gateways: West Virginia's Comprehensive Employment System (CES), a program under the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG), held its first Steering Committee meeting on October 4 in Flatwoods. The Gateways program promotes inclusion, increasing employment options and building new gateways to improve employment for individuals with disabilities.

The committee explored the program's priorities: employment services and support, transition activities, transportation, assistive technology, job accommodation and employer education and data collection.

"It was great to brainstorm and be able to take the information back to benefit others," said Barbara Stegman, Employment Services Systems Manager, REM.

Several West Virginia agencies from around the state were represented at the meeting in addition to guest, Barbara Otto, National Technical Assistance Partner, National Consortium for Health Systems Development. Otto guided the Steering Committee on strategic plan implementation, committee roles and work group establishment.

The Gateways Steering Committee will establish work groups to implement the program's priorities and will also advise and support Gateways staff on implementing activities. One work group is assigned to each program priority to accomplish activities.

"I would like to increase participation with outside programs to implement activities," said Angela Vaught, Gateways staff member and Program Development Specialist for MIG.
The next committee meeting will be held on Dec. 6, 2007 in Charleston, West Virginia. For more information, call Angela Vaught at 304-720-3200.

Assistive Technology Trainings For Employers

The Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Mid-Atlantic ADA Center held a training on September 20, 2007 at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Jamie Hayhurst-Marshall and Sarah Jacobin, West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) staff, attended the training.
Attendees of the event were provided with a curriculum module to train local employers on accommodations for individuals with disabilities and several assistive technology devices to use during training and demonstrations. Each state represented in the Mid-Atlantic region will be responsible for training at least 50 employers or managers on assistive technology in the workplace.
Trainings for employers can be provided in 30, 60 or 90 minute segments. For more information, call 800-841-8436.

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Serving West Virginia Farmers and Farm Families

Do you belong to an organization whose members might want to know more about West Virginia AgrAbility?

Please call to arrange an AgrAbility presentation.

We would like to share information with your organization about the AgrAbility Project and how it helps farmers and their families.

1-800-841-8436 or agrability@hsc.wvu.edu

On September 18th, Inetta Fluharty and Stacy Miller joined Morgantown's HealthSouth Mountain View Rehabilitation Hospital in a special celebration of National Rehabilitation Week. The event honored 'Rehab Champions' - former patients who have excelled and are invited back to receive an award. In addition, the Hospital's Spinal Cord Team focused its fundraising efforts on helping to establish the West Virginia Assistive Technology Fund for Farmers with Disabilities.

At a luncheon that celebrated September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, the team presented AgrAbility with a $400 check. Physical therapist, Bryanna Ordiway, who helped lead the fundraising effort, was one of the 15 therapists who attended the Rural Rehabilitation Training sponsored by WV AgrAbility in Spring 2007. "When I attended the training," she said, "it really opened my eyes to potential clients in need throughout the state. I proposed the idea of focusing our fundraising effort to assist farmers who might not be able to afford the devices they need to keep working. Everyone seemed to agree that it was a good idea".

The fund will be maintained by the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL). Inetta Fluharty, Field Operations Manager for West Virginia AgrAbility, said she was "overjoyed at the generosity" exhibited by the HealthSouth staff, and hopes to begin making eligible AgrAbility clients aware of the new potential funding source.

If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the West Virginia Assistive Technology Fund for Farmers with Disabilities, call the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living at 866-262-2875.

Green Thumbs Project Shares Successes

'Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints' projects around the state have been busy making gardening more accessible to seniors. Volunteers in Wheeling made rapid progress in their project at Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital. In the evenings, four to six residents come out to the garden with therapists on staff at the hospital to use the three tabletop beds, each eight feet in length. But the project is far from complete--volunteers are busy installing a deer fence around the area, and planning for the installation of a water feature next year.
Ohio County project leader, Fred Payne, said he was overwhelmed by the momentum that was sparked by the small grant from 'Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints'. He was able to leverage donations, volunteer time and discounts from community members and businesses, including $1,000 from an anonymous donor. The group successfully applied for a grant from the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, and was awarded $5,500. Mr. Payne, an Ohio County Master Gardener, felt encouraged by the many forms of assistance. "If you're doing something valuable in the community, it's amazing how people come out of the woodwork to support it."
This coming year, 'Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints' will offer another round of mini-grants to help support accessible gardening projects in West Virginia. To find out how you can become involved, or to request a brochure and application, call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu

'Taking Charge'

The Center for Excellence in Disabilities is partnering with the West Virginia University Extension Service and Community Living Initiatives Corporation (CLIC) on a new program, "Taking Charge of Your Health and Safety." The program, which started October 1st, is developing and delivering health promotion materials for rural seniors with the help of established senior networks like the Community Educational Outreach Service, county senior centers, and other community programs.
The project's goal is to help motivate rural seniors to take responsibility for their health and wellness so that they can remain independent as they age.
CLIC will be recruiting fifty low income seniors in Braxton, Greenbrier, Marion, Marshall, McDowell and Summers counties through their local senior centers. Trained home assessment teams will provide these eligible individuals with individualized safety recommendations, assistive technology and training in necessary environmental modifications.
Social Work graduate student, Mary Slabinski, will be working with Stacy Miller to develop health information materials for seniors and for senior educator volunteers.
If you would like to learn more about 'Taking Charge,' please call 304-293-4692 x1185 or e-mail takingcharge@hsc.wvu.edu

National AgrAbility Training in Sacramento

At the end of October, Inetta Fluharty, Stacy Miller and Jan Della-Giustina attended the National AgrAbility Training Workshop in Sacramento, California. Farmer and AgrAbility client Clay Rankin of Gilmer county also attended the conference thanks to a farmer scholarship. Workshops covered a wide variety of topics, including farm worker ergonomics, all-terrain wheelchairs, arthritis and equipment comparisons. You can learn more about the workshop topics and view some of the presentations at www.agrability.com/events/workshop2007/

Wheelchair Accessible Garden Bed

If you didn't already have a good reason to visit the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) in Morgantown, AgrAbility just added another one. A new wheelchair accessible garden bed is now available for demonstration. Otherwise known as a tabletop planter, the bed holds soil to a depth of 7 to 8 inches. The bed, made of rot-resistant cedar, is two feet wide and six feet long. To learn more about where you can order your own bed, or find plans to build your own, call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu

Center for Excellence in Disabilities
West Virginia University
959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: 304-293-4692
877-724-8244 or TTY: 800-518-1448
Email: contact@cedwvu.org