WVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Summer 2004

Articles:   [WVATS]   [Resources]   [Tools]   [State]   [National]   [DBTAC]   [AgrAbility]   [PATHS 2005]  


sample Ticket To Work ticket

Ticket to Work - Have You Received Yours Yet?

The Ticket to Work Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who want to work. Ticket to Work went into effect in West Virginia in November of 2003.

SSI and SSDI beneficiary in the state between the ages of 18 and 65 will receive a ticket. Individuals whose social security numbers end in "1" were sent their tickets in November; those ending in "2" were sent out in December, and so on through September 2004 for those tickets ending in "9". Beneficiaries who want their ticket before their assigned date may call the Ticket Program manager at 866-968-7842, and ask for their ticket. This request is known as "Ticket on Demand".

How is Ticket to Work Different?
Several things make the Ticket to Work program different from earlier "employment" programs for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. The program

The Ticket to Work program is voluntary for recipients who would like to return to work or go to work for the first time. The "ticket" will come with a letter explaining Ticket to Work and a brochure with a list of Employment Networks participating in the program.

For more information about the Ticket to Work program in West Virginia, call 1-800-642-8207

What is an Employment Network?
An Employment Network is a qualified organization, agency, or business approved by the Social Security Administration to provide services to those who receive SSI and SSDI and want to participate in the Ticket to Work program. There is no cost; Social Security pays the Employment Network.

Employment Networks are responsible for making sure you receive the services and supports necessary to enter the workforce by breaking down barriers to employment as much as possible. Employment Network services and supports include job training, job placement, rehabilitation, assuring appropriate accommodations in the workplace, transportation, daycare for family members, and health care.

You and the Employment Network will work together to develop an Individualized Work Plan (IWP) to follow.

ADAPT Leaves D.C. After Scoring a Hearing and Collaboration on MiCASSA and MFPA

by Ken Ervin

Washington, D.C.---It may be an election year, but that hasn't deterred ADAPT from its commitment to make 2004 the year in which the institutional bias is removed from the Medicaid long-term care program. Toward that end, 500 ADAPT members from 30 states went to Washington hitting a variety of targets that can move MiCASSA (S.971, H.R. 2032) and the Money Follows the Person Act (MFPA, S.1394) toward passage. In the process they turned 129 arrests into an April 7 Senate Finance Committee hearing on MiCASSA and MFPA.

Starting with the President, ADAPT marched to the White House on Sunday, March 21, at sundown. As a vigil was held for all the people who have died in nursing homes and institutions, and those who are still waiting to be freed, institutional survivors told their stories. The crowd finished with messages to President George W. Bush demanding "No More Stolen Lives: End the Institutional Bias" and "No More Waiting for Home and Community Services."

Just before the march and vigil, ADAPT participated in the Public Policy Collaboration's Government Affairs Seminar, presenting information about MiCASSA and MFPA, and showing a nine minute video taken at last September's Free Our People March, which many of the organizations had supported financially.

On Monday, March 22, ADAPT hit a different part of the administration, staging a "lie-in" at the Health and Human Services building for six hours in freezing temperatures. Their efforts resulted in a meeting with Mark McClellan, the incoming Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the resumption of regular meetings between CMS and ADAPT, and a commitment from CMS to issue a letter to state Medicaid directors encouraging them to use the power they already have to move funding from nursing homes into community services so more people can be served in the community without having to wait for legislative changes. Monday was also the day presidential candidate John Kerry issued a strong statement of support for ADAPT and for removing the Medicaid institutional bias.

Tuesday, March 23 found ADAPT on the Hill distributing information about MiCASSA and MFPA to every member of Congress. Then, having already waited eight months for the Senate Finance Committee to hold a hearing on MiCASSA and move it to the Senate floor, more than 400 ADAPT members occupied the Finance Committee Hearing Room and hallway while they held "the Peoples' Hearing" on both MiCASSA and MFPA. Their refusal to vacate the hearing room when staff of Finance Committee Chair Sen. Chuck Grassley declined to put in writing their agreement to hold hearings specifically on MiCASSA and MFPA resulted in the arrests.

On Wednesday, however, representatives of ADAPT and three other organizations, the National Council on Independent Living, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Advancing Independence Modernizing Medicare and Medicaid, had a positive meeting with Finance Committee ranking Democrat Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), who committed to add MiCASSA and MFPA to the April 7 hearing on the President's New Freedom Initiative. ADAPT testified at the hearing.

Also on Wednesday, hundreds of ADAPT members delivered a letter to AARP Headquarters for CEO William D. Novelli, calling for a meeting to work on ways AARP can actively support MiCASSA and continue to partner with ADAPT on issues of mutual concern. (That meeting will take place in June.) ADAPT scored additional meetings with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Thomas Daschle (D-S.D.), and left town having turned empty promises into a hearing and renewed commitments from others to partner with ADAPT to end the institutional bias in 2004.

For more information, visit ADAPT WV's website at www.labs.net/adapt/ , email ADAPT WV at adapt@labyrinth.net, or call 877-860-1995.

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What are Reasonable Employment Accommodations?

by Kara Zirkle

A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.

Examples of accommodations include:

An employee with a disability may request an accommodation at any time during the application process or period of employment. The individual needing an accommodation has the responsibility of informing the employer that an accommodation is needed.

Providing reasonable accommodations is often an inexpensive task. According to a survey conducted by the President's Committee on the employment of people with disabilities, 81% of employers were able to provide accommodations for less than $500.

Below are a few examples of low-cost modifications:

If you have asked for a reasonable accommodation, believe that you were wrongly fired, demoted or in some way treated unfairly because of your disability, immediately file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 800-669-4000.

WVATS Tech Team Projects for 2004

In February 2004, WVATS Tech Teams were given the opportunity to submit grant proposals for additional funding to support assistive technology-related initiatives in their regions. In March, three Tech Teams were awarded grant monies to pursue these projects.

Transition Workshop
Tech Link, the Parkersburg area Tech Team, was awarded funding to support a one-day conference, "Transitioning Your Child Into, Throughout and Beyond School Systems." Presentations will include: using assistive technology to enhance learning results with students with disabilities, incorporating assistive technology into transition, and transferring assistive technology devices from education to a work site, post-secondary school, or agency providing work-related services.

Tech Link collaborated with The Arc of Wood County, WV Birth to Three, county Boards of Education, Choices Childcare Resource and Referral, SW Resources, and other local service agencies who serve children and students with disabilities to present the conference on May 22, 2004.

The Technology Access Center (Elkins area Tech Team) and the Highland Tech Team in the Eastern Panhandle were awarded funding to support two project initiatives related to assistive technology.

ATA Grant Application
In partnership with WVATS, Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA), and West Virginia Birth to Three, the two Tech Teams intend to apply for an Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) grant. If awarded, this grant will enable individuals with disabilities throughout the state to have increased hands-on access to assistive technology devices including computer software and peripherals and increased training about assistive technology in their communities.

Fundamentals of AT
The Technology Access Center and the Highland Tech Team will offer in each of their areas three eight-hour trainings to in-home care providers about the basics of assistive technology, disability awareness, disability legislation, assistive technology resources for funding, and will include hands-on use of assistive technology. These trainings will be in collaboration with Family Resource Centers, home health agencies, senior centers, and local hospitals in each of the two Tech Team areas.

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The Resource Section

Employment Network Participants in West Virginia

AAA Take Charge
www.aaatakecharge.com

Avenues to Independence, Inc.
707 Idlewood Avenue
Carnegie, PA 15106
412-276-5140
800-837-0509
www.a2ipgh.org

Career Assessment Systems, Inc.
1728 Hearthside Drive
Salem, OH 44460
330-332-9577
877-899-9577
www.careersystem.org

Community Resources, Inc.
113 Ann Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-485-5525
866-585-5525
www.comresinc.org

Expediter Corporation
P.O. Box 6067
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-829-1993

Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Inc.
209 Virginia Street, West
Charleston, WV 25302
304-346-0811
www.goodwillkv.com

Goodwill Industries of Kyowva Area, Inc.
1005 Virginia Avenue
Huntington, WV 25704
304-523-7461
www.goodwillhunting.org

HR Resources
1716 North Road
Warren, OH 44484
330-399-1700
888-271-4842

Job Squad, Inc.
643 W. Street
Bridgeport, WV 26330
304-848-0850
866-894-1997
www.jobsquadinc.org

Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action, Inc. (KISRA)
124 Marshall Avenue
Dunbar, WV 25064
304-768-8924
www.kisra.org

Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board (NPWIB)
109 Mt. Wood Road, Suite 2
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-232-6280
866-956-2669

Occupational and Rehabilitation Counseling, Inc. (ORCI)
4017 Washington Road #308
McMurray, PA 15317
Occupational Rehab and Consulting
724-873-0661
866-400-6724

Pace Training and Evaluation Center, Inc. (PACE TEC, INC.)
420 Pleasant Hill Avenue
Star City, WV 26504
304-599-0513 106
800-379-0108

Prestera Center for Mental Health Services, Inc.
3375 U.S. Route 60 East
Huntington, WV 25705
304-341-0511 609
www.prestera.org

Region III Workforce Investment Board of Kanawha County
Suite 506, 405 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-344-5760

The Disability Management Group, A Corporation
3008 East Cumberland Road
Bluefield, WV 24701
304-325-8444
800-221-4739

The Seeing Hand Association, Inc.
750 Main Street
Wheeling, WV 26003 304-232-4810
www.seeinghandassociation.com

West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
Post Office Box 50890
Charleston, WV 25305
304-766-2520
800-642-8207
www.wvdrs.org

Working Solutions
P.O. Box 2267
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-243-7667
866-395-9675

Wyoming County Workshop, Inc.
PO Box 2
Maben, WV 25870
304-294-5610
800-640-9972

YTC Services, Inc.
www.ytcservices.com

The list is also available at www.yourtickettowork.com

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Center for Excellence in Disabilities Employment Resources

Building Inclusive One-Stop Systems (BIOSS)
The goal of the BIOSS project is to help people with disabilities access the West Virginia workforce investment system. The BIOSS project ends June 30th but will be replaced by a similar program - the WV WorkForce Investment Grant (WVWIG).

Medicaid - Work Incentive Network (M-WIN)
M-WIN provides resources, outreach and education services to persons with disabilities who need work incentive information. This program provides information and training on how to maintain medical benefits while working, how to apply for Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the workplace, and how to begin Medicaid Buy-In options for employed persons with disabilities to receive affordable medical coverage.

Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO)
BPAO is designed to help individuals with disabilities make informed choices regarding work. Information is provided to people with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits and want to work. BPAO staff members answer questions about work choices, Medicaid cards and benefits, and explain other benefits individuals may be able to use.

WV AgrAbility
The West Virginia AgrAbility Project is a self employment program for farmers, farm workers and farm family members. AgrAbility can help find funding support for assistive technology and farm equipment modifications for individuals to begin farming or to maintain an existing farm.

For more information on the above resources, please call 304-293-4692.

JAN

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free nationwide service designed to increase work opportunities for people with disabilities by:

JAN's mission is to make it easier to the employ and retain workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, self-employment, small business opportunities and related subjects. JAN was developed through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy, the International Center for Disability Information at West Virginia University, and private industry throughout North America.

JAN helps individuals with disabilities to learn about:

For more information, please call 800-526-7234 (V/TTY) or visit http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu

USAJOBS

USAJOBS is the official job site of the United States Federal Government. It's designed to be a one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.

Several links are available for individuals to search including a link to Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities.

Users can also search for jobs, create a resume, and view schedules of events. For more information visit www.usajobs.opm.gov

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Powerful Tools

Sci-Pod
The Sci-Pod is a large display calculator that allows people with low vision to perform scientific, statistical and trigonometric calculations.

Features include:

For more information call 519-221-0310 or visit www.sightenhancement.com

Voice Mate
Voice Mate organizer Voice mate is a voice-activated and -operated organizer. It was created to promote independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Features include:

For more information visit www.voice-assistant.com or call 888-305-3549.

DataHand Systems
DataHand keyboard DataHand Systems designs ergonomic/assistive technology keyboards that eliminate hand movement and reduce finger travel 88 percent. The DataHand keyboards are two hand pads that cradle the hand in a natural position. The fingertips rest on a set of keys that is virtually identical to standard keyboards. Each fingertip may push down like a standard keyboard for a letter, but may also push to the left, right, top and bottom for additional keys. This reduces fatigue caused by repetitive movement and hand travel.

The keys also need 66 percent less force to activate and there is not more than a 1/10 inch reach between keys.

The mouse is also integrated into the keyboard and the keyboard can be mounted onto the armrests of a chair or wheelchair. For more information on DataHand Systems please visit www.datahand.com www.datahand.com or call 800-875-7171

Braille Business Card Embosser
APH Products Braille business card embosser will add up to four lines of Braille to any standard 3 x 2 business card. The Braille business card embosser has an easy-to-hold base for one-hand operation. For more information, call 800-223-1839 or visit www.aph.org/products/impresso.html

CapTel - The Captioned Telephone
The CapTel phone works like any other telephone with one important addition: it displays every word the caller says throughout the conversation. The CapTel phone's user can listen to the caller, and can also read the written captions in the CapTel phone's bright display window.

CapTel captioned telephone Who would use the CapTel phone? Benefits of the CapTel Phone

For additional information visit www.ultratec.com or call 800-482-2424.

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State News

WV Works offers Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE)

The WV WORKS Program offers Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-funded Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes for participants in Kanawha, Cabell, Harrison, Mercer, Mingo, Upshur, Wayne, Pocahontas, Gilmer, and Pleasants Counties. These ABE classes include job readiness and other life skills training as part of the curriculum.

In addition, eleven TANF Priority ABE classes operate statewide. These classes give a priority to enrolling WV WORKS clients and are also open to the public. WV WORKS participants may receive free GED testing. Tutors are available to work one-on-one with WV WORKS participants in Berkeley, Boone, and Mingo Counties.

WV WORKS is based on the goals of assisting economically dependent and at-risk families to become self supporting, enhancing the well-being of children, and on assisting families near the poverty level to remain self-sufficient.

For more information on WV WORKS and it's programs visit www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/family_assistance/wvworks.asp or call 304-558-0684.

A Foundation for the Future

The West Virginia Support Foundation represents a working relationship between the public and private sectors. 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 developmental disabilities at home. Funds raised by the Foundation go into an endowment. The interest earned by the endowment serves families who would not otherwise find funding through the program.

For more information call the WV Office of Behavioral Health Services at 304-558-1008.

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National News

EEOC Provides Answers About Interviews, Testing, Reasonable Accommodations, Medical Information

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a new fact sheet designed to educate job applicants on how Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects their rights throughout the hiring process. The fact sheet covers employer obligations such as the provision of "reasonable accommodation" for applicants with disabilities who need assistance during the hiring process. Accommodations may include providing or modifying equipment, or providing written materials in an accessible format. The fact sheet is available at www.eeoc.gov or call 800-669-4000.

Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) Offers New Web Site

The Federal government's Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) has created a new Website to help ensure that federal research efforts meet the needs of Americans who have disabilities. Individuals may offer their ideas about access to technology, education, employment, community life, health care, and other issues at: http://www.icdr.us/

New Medicare Drug Card

Medicare now provides prescription-drug discount cards to individuals who are enrolled in Medicare but do not have out-patient drug coverage. The annual enrollment fees cannot exceed $30 and companies that offer cards cannot charge extra fees. Card sponsors were permitted to begin enrolling individuals eligible for cards in May 2004. For more information about the Medicare prescription-drug discount card, call 800-633-4227 or visit the website at www.medicare.gov

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WV DBTAC News

WorkForce West Virginia Centers offer Accessible Options

The Building Inclusive One Stop Systems (BIOSS) grant has worked to expand the ability of the One-Stop Centers in West Virginia to deliver services to customers with disabilities seeking employment assistance. BIOSS worked with WVATS and WV/DBTAC staff in a joint effort to make the One-Stop centers accessible. WVATS staff provided on-site physical facility ADA assessments and made recommendations on how these sites can meet ADA standards. WVATS staff provided on-site physical facility ADA assessments and made recommendations on how these sites can meet ADA standards. WVATS staff provided assistance in developing fully accessible computer work stations in the One-Stops. WVATS staff developed specifications for the accessible hardware and software programs and aided BIOSS staff in installing and testing the accessible work stations. WVATS also conducted trainings and provided a train-the-trainer workshop for BIOSS staff on how to use the hardware and software.

Sample WorkForce West Virginia accessible workstation

Each WorkForce Center's accessible workstation is equipped with the following:

Each center also has a Uniphone and a Video Magnification Device. WVATS staff created quick start user guides on each device. These guides are available to the public in each One-Stop. BIOSS staff is working to train the centers' staff and their partners on how to use the accessible equipment.

Contact your local career center for additional information or visit www.workforcewv.org

WorkForce WV Career Centers

Beckley Workforce WV Center
304-253-1214

Charleston Workforce WV Center
304-558-0342

Clarksburg Workforce WV Center
304-627-2125

Elkins Workforce WV Center
304-637-0255

Fairmont Workforce WV Center
304-363-5550

Greenbrier Workforce WV Center
304-647-1360

Huntington Workforce WV Center
304-528-5525

Logan Workforce WV Center
304-792-7010

New Martinsville Workforce WV Center
304-455-6184

Martinsburg Workforce WV Center
304-267-0030

Mercer Workforce WV Center
304-425-5537

Morgantown Workforce WV Center
304-285-3120

Moorefield Workforce WV Center
304-538-7741

Parkersburg Workforce WV Center
304-420-4531

Summersville Workforce WV Center
304-872-0820

Wheeling Workforce WV Center
304-232-6280

Williamson Workforce WV Center
304-235-6012

Winfield Workforce WV Center
304-757-7270

Finding Gold: Hiring People with Disabilities

Corporate success depends on attracting the best minds out there, and that means focusing on ability. In a world where technology is a necessary aspect of almost every business, physical ability is seldom a limitation. Intellect and technical capability are what count. Assistive technology and other accommodations make it possible for people with disabilities to be competitive in today's labor market. People with disabilities represent an underutilized labor pool.

Many companies report their number one problem is locating talented workers. The information technology industry reports a shortage of about ten thousand workers annually. Many employers have found that one way to gain an edge in recruiting is to identify talented people before they graduate from college. At their companies, internship programs are used to develop pools of individuals from which they may ultimately hire. These programs give the company an opportunity to participate in a student's training and, for a student with a disability, allow both the student and the employer to test different worksite accommodations.

For a list of national resources that are rich with information about working with people with disabilities or for a copy of this Fact Sheet call 800-841-8436 or visit www.washington.edu/doit

Information derived from DO-IT Fact Sheet of the University of Washington.

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West Virginia AgrAbility

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 assist@sunnyelkins.com

County Farms Are Open for Visitors

In an effort to sustain their farms, farm families are developing new innovative practices and improving old ones. Farmers are offering fee-fishing, petting zoos, and other educational and recreational activities to the public to maintain the viability of West Virginia family farming. The following is a list of farms open for visitors in Preston County.

Mountain Diamond Longhorns
Tunnelton, W.Va.
Open all year
These farmers demonstrate the modern model of rural part-time agriculture in West Virginia on their Longhorn cattle farm. Please call or e-mail to arrange a weekend or evening visit. For more information, e-mail barbara.a.miller@att.net, or call 304-568-2322

Fulks Farm and Crafts
Aurora, W.Va.
Open all year
This farm features Romney sheep on rolling West Virginia hillsides. The wool is used to produce high quality rugs and other items. For more information or to arrange a visit (please call ahead), call 304-735-3604.

Reckart's Mill
Orr, W.Va.
Open May-September
Built in 1865, this mill spans Muddy Creek in Preston County where grain, buckwheat, and corn were milled into flour. Reckart's Mill is located on an operational farm were visitors may see cows, rabbits and chickens. There is also a general store selling local crafts. For more information, please call 888-478-2324.

Cole Mountain Trout Farm
Terra Alta, W.Va.
Open during the spring
Cole Mountain Trout Farm is located on top of Briery Mountain in Preston County. This farm features a fish-for-fee trout pond and a hatching facility. For more information, or to arrange a visit, please call 304-789-2881.

Arthurdale
Arthurdale, W.Va.
Open all year
Arthurdale, recognized as the nation's first New Deal homestead, was created in the 1930's. Arthurdale offers tours of the New Deal Museum, a blacksmith's shop, an old service station, the historic Center Hall and the homestead museum with its farm animals, garden and root cellar. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. For more information, please call 304-864-3959 or visit www.arthurdaleheritage.org

Hopping Acres
Bruceton Mills, W.Va.
Open May-December
Nestled in the mountains of Bruceton Mills, this farm is the home of Romney and Leicester Longwool sheep. Hopping Acres sheep wool is used to make wool sweaters and knit-ware available at the farm or on the website. For more information, visit www.frontiernet.net/~hoppingacres/, e-mail hoppingacres@frontiernet.net or call 304-379-2212.

The Grazing Herd Sheep & Wool Co.
Bruceton Mills, W.Va.
Open May 15 - December 15
Touted as West Virginia's only wool processing mill, the Grazing Herd Sheep & Wool Co. turns fine wool from sheep, llamas, rabbits and other critters into quality fleece, knitwear and felted items. For more information, e-mail grazingherd@frontiernet.net or call 304-379-9100.

Crimson Shamrock Alpacas
Eglon, W.Va.
Open all year
The Crimson Shamrock Alpacas farm is the home to Suri Alpacas, Angora rabbits and Wensleydale sheep. A tour of the farm gives visitors a chance to touch and groom these friendly creatures and to learn about Alpaca farming. For more information, please call 304-735-6413.

Allegheny Treenware
Thornton, W.Va.
Open all year
Treenware, handcrafted wood kitchenware, is crafted and sold on the 45-acre Preston County farm. Each piece is hand-shaped and sanded to a satiny finish. Open 7 days a week. For more information, visit www.spooners.com or call 304-892-3270.

AgrAbility Helps Farmers Keep Farming

The AgrAbility Project is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)- funded program established to help farmers and farm families who, because of occupational and personal accidents or illnesses, need to find accommodations to remain active in farming.

West Virginia AgrAbility Project staff will assist farmers and their families by making recommendations for safe, affordable modifications to their homes, land, vehicles and farming equipment. Staff members will make direct on-the-farm visits to help develop solutions to meet specific needs. Project staff will also help farm families locate peer support and funding sources. The West Virginia AgrAbility Project can develop and pursue resources, inform farmers of what is available and, in some cases, help them design and build assistive devices.

The program is designed to aid those who experience any number of chronic illnesses or physical limitations including amputation, arthritis, back pain, developmental disabilities, hearing problems, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, vision problems, respiratory problems, stroke, spinal cord injury, post-polio syndrome, chronic pain and other health or chronic conditions.

West Virginia AgrAbility Project serves agricultural families regardless of farm type and can develop solutions to meet specific needs through direct on-the-farm visits.

Inetta Fluharty, field operations manager, and Sonja Gollihue, assistant field operations manager, coordinate resources and services to farm families. If you know someone who farms with an injury or chronic health condition or has a family member with a disability, or if you would just like more information about West Virginia AgrAbility, please call 800-841-8436.

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Celebrating PATHS to Real Choice

PATHS: Partnerships in Assistive TechnologyWest Virginia Real Choice

February 22-23, 2005 - Charleston Civic Center

Call for more information:
800-841-8436

February 22 - Interactive panel and audience

February 23 - Full Day Sessions

- Fundamentals of Assistive Technology
- Transitioning to Life
- Accessible Computer Labs:The Role of Assistive Technology

2005 Artists Showcase/Reception

Featuring the work of artists and artisans with disabilities. If you are interested in exhibiting your work, call Regina Mayola at 800-841-8436
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WVATS Newsletter

Editors: Marie Smith and Jamie Hayhurst jhayhurst@hsc.wvu.edu

Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University Publications

Editorial Committee: Jeanne Grimm, Monica Andis, Laura Werner, Jeff Werner, Lori Risk

Design and Layout: Kim Palumbo

All printed materials produced by WVATS are available in Braille, electronic format, cassette tape and large print.

This publication was supported by funds from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education, grant number H224a20011. The lead agency is the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. Contents of the newsletter are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Web site address: www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/

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