Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU

06/19/2026

This weekend marks West Virginia's birthday and the first day of summer!

It's a great time to share the Guide to Accessible Recreation created by the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS). Use this guide to check out accessible recreation locations in each WV county, find links to directions, WV welcome center locations, and more.

West Virginia has so much to offer for outdoor activities. Don't forget to check out the WVATS virtual loan library if you need to borrow any assistive technology like adaptive fishing reels!

Guide:https://wvats.cedwvu.org/media/3757/accessible-rec-guide2019.pdf

Loan library: https://vll.cedwvu.org/

West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS

06/19/2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865.

The intersection of race and disability highlights the barriers created by racism and ableism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25% of Black Americans live with disabilities, which is higher than both White and Hispanic Americans (16% and 17%, respectively).

Thanks to the Arc of Minnesota for this article that shows that while things might be a lot better than they were in 1865, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure equal rights for all regardless of race or disability status.

On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth—a powerful day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was

06/18/2026

Don't forget about the WV Traumatic Brain Injury Public Meetings that begin next week!

In-person meetings in Morgantown and Charleston, with a virtual meeting date as well.

Full details: https://cedwvu.org/news/story?headline=the-west-virginia-traumatic-brain-injury-services-program-invites-you-to-public-meetings-discussing-

The WV Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Services program is once again holding public meetings to hear from West Virginians with TBI, their families, and the providers who serve them.

These open meetings help shape future assessments and supports for the state's TBI community. It's a great chance to share your experiences and have your voice be heard!

In-person meetings are scheduled in Morgantown and Charleston in addition to a virtual meeting option.

Meeting dates and locations (all meeting times are 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.):

6/22 - WVU CED
959 Hartman Run Rd.
Morgantown, WV

6/25 - Virtual meeting

6/29 - Equities House
900 Virginia Street East
Second floor
Charleston, WV

Full details and info: https://cedwvu.org/news/story?headline=the-west-virginia-traumatic-brain-injury-services-program-invites-you-to-public-meetings-discussing-

WV TBI Services

06/18/2026

Your story can help future healthcare providers better understand families like yours!

The WV Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F-HIC) is looking for parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs to join Project DOCC (Delivery of Chronic Care) as Parent Trainers.

Project DOCC is a training program that teaches healthcare students how chronic illness and disability affect children and their families in the hospital, at home, school, and in the community.

Parent Trainers work with WVU instructors and physicians to teach students from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and related fields. You will share your personal experiences with caring for your child and working with their care teams.

You will:
- Share your experience in 2-hour virtual sessions, usually once a month
- Participate when you are available
- Rotate with other Parent Trainers throughout the year
- Work with WVU faculty

Interested in becoming a Parent Trainer? Contact Melina Danko at [email protected] or 304-293-4692.

Learn more about Parent Trainers and Project DOCC: https://cedwvu.org/families/become-a-parent-trainer/

WVU School of Medicine
WVU Health Sciences
WVU School of Nursing
WVU School of Public Health
WVU School of Pharmacy
WV F2F and P4P Programs

06/17/2026

West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. is hosting a free virtual training all about executive function and behavior on Thursday, June 25 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Presented by Dr. Barry Linger, this workshop will teach practical approaches to enhance executive function skills and behavior in children and youth.

Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NH6M9F3
Questions? Call 1-800-281-1436.

Why do some children struggle with attention, organization, self-control, or managing emotions? Executive Function skills are the foundation for success at home, in school, and throughout life.

Join WV Parent Training and Information and special guest Dr. Barry Linger on June 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM for an informative session on Executive Function and Behavior.

Learn practical strategies and tools to help children and youth strengthen these essential skills and reach their full potential.

Registration is required: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NH6M9F3

06/17/2026

Yesterday was New Student Orientation for the incoming class of Country Roads students!

New students and their parents learned all about the Mountaineer life, connected with student services and supports, toured the dorms, heard from second-year Country Roads students, and participated in a scavenger hunt that took them to iconic WVU locations like Woodburn Hall (pictured).

We can't wait for you to join us in the fall. Let's Go!

Learn more about the Country Roads program: https://countryroads.cedwvu.org/

06/16/2026

Attn: West Virginians under the age of 21 who are on Medicaid.

Did you know that if you are under 21 and on Medicaid in West Virginia that you qualify for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit?

If you've been denied assistive technology (AT), durable medical equipment, or other services, our friends at Disability Rights of West Virginia want to hear from you!

Give them a call at 304-346-0847 or toll free at 800-950-5250 for an intake.

Disability Rights of West Virginia

Are you, your child, or someone in your care under the age of 21 and on Medicaid? If so, do you know that you or your child automatically qualifies for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit?

Have you been refused or denied assistive technology, durable medical equipment, or other needed services by EPSDT/Medicaid? If so, we want to hear from you! Please call us at 304-346-0847 or toll free at 800-950-5250 for an intake.

In WV, the name of the EPSDT program is HealthCheck.
For more information about HealthCheck, go to:
https://dhhr.wv.gov/healthcheck/Pages/default.aspx

For more information about EPSDT in general, go to:
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/early-and-periodic-screening-diagnostic-and-treatment

06/16/2026

Pace Enterprises, Inc. has just opened Pace Place in Morgantown, WV to offer affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities!

Pace Place contains 12 studio apartments in a secured building with a live-in manager on site. Life skills classes, employment training, and case management as needed are also available for residents.

Who can apply to live at Pace Place?
- Adults 18 and older with a qualifying physical, developmental, or intellectual disability.
- Must have a valid ID.
- Income restrictions apply.

Learn more: https://paceenterprises.org/pace-place/
View the application: https://forms.gle/4PsQu6FKgJt7Ygqh8

PACE Enterprises, Inc.

06/15/2026

The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC) is hosting their annual Back-to-School Event for Students with Disabilities and their Families on July 30 from 3-5 p.m. in St. Albans, WV!

Michele Blatt, West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools, will be the guest speaker alongside plenty of educational resources, activities, backpacks, and much more to help families and students prepare for a successful school year!

This event is free for students with disabilities in pre-K through 12th grade and their parents/caregivers.

Learn more and register to attend: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/btschoo20/event/backtoschool2026/

🎒📚 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Back-to-School Event for Students with Disabilities and Their Families in West Virginia.

📅 Thursday, July 30, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Maranatha Fellowship Church
James R. Wright, Jr. Family Life Center
2929 Kanawha Terrace
St. Albans, WV 25177

Join us for an afternoon of fun, learning, and resources designed to help students with disabilities and their families prepare for the upcoming school year!

✨ Event Highlights:

• Special Guest Speaker
• Three informative presentations for students and families
• Physical activities
• Coloring area
• Reading space for youth
• Exhibitors

Students who are registered to receive a backpack and gift card must have a ticket.

✅ One ticket is required for each student receiving a backpack and gift card.
✅ At least one parent or guardian must attend with the student.
✅ Parents and guardians do not need a ticket.
✅ Youth attending only to participate in the activities do not need a ticket.

We look forward to seeing you on July 30, 2026, for an afternoon of education, activities, and back-to-school preparation!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Tonya Barnett at [email protected] or call 304-766-4624

06/15/2026

Are you the parent or caregiver of a child age 7-13 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? If so, please consider participating in our new research study about the relationship of stress, puberty, and behavior in children with ASD.

With your help, we can shape future supports for healthy development!

Contact Dr. Lesley Cottrell to learn more and participate:
[email protected] or 304-293-2914.

WVU Health Sciences
WVU Medicine