RSA-227 for FY-2025: Submission #10

State name West Virginia

Report through date 09/30/2025

General Information

Designated Agency Identification

Name West Virginia Advocates, Inc dba Disability Rights of WV

Address 5088 Washington St West, Ste 300

Address Line 2

City Charleston

State WV

Zip Code 25313

E-mail Address Contact@drofwv.org

Website Address https://www.drofwv.org/

Phone 304-346-0847

TTY 304-346-0847

Toll-free Phone 800-950-5250

Toll-free TTY 800-950-5250

Fax 304-346-0867

Operating Agency (if different from Designated Agency)

Name

Address

Address Line 2

City

Zip Code

State

E-mail Address

Website Address

Phone

TTY

Toll-free Phone

Toll-free TTY

Fax

Additional Information

Name of CAP Director/Coordinator Taniua Hardy, Program Director

Person to contact regarding report Jodi Calissie

Contact Person Phone 304-346-0847

Contact Person E-mail Address Jcalissie@drofwv.org

Part I. Non-case Services

A. Information and Referral Services (I&R)

1. Information regarding the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program 52

2. Information regarding independent living programs 1

3. Information regarding American Indian VR Service projects 0

4. Information regarding Title I of the ADA 49

5. Other information provided 0

6. Information regarding CAP 4

7. Total I&R services provided (Lines A1 through A6) 106

B. Training Activities

1. Number of training sessions presented to community groups and public agencies. 0

2. Number of individuals who attended these training sessions. 0

3. Describe training presented by the staff. Include the following information: Although no CAP funded training was done, see below for multiple outreach presentations and displays.

C. Agency Outreach

Describe the agency's outreach efforts to previously un-served or underserved individuals including minority communities. Events and entities where DRWV staff provided CAP outreach displays and/or presentations in FY 2025 included:

o Potomac Highlands Reentry Council
o Freedom Car Show
o Mountwest Community and Technical College Resource Fair X2
o Mineral County Technical Education for Disability History Week
o Kanawha County Schools Exceptional Students’ Trunk or Treat Information Fair
o Inclusive Trunk or Treat at the University of Charleston
o Families Conference
o Mercer County Care Day
o Celebrate Restorative Justice Event-Upshur County
o Leading for Justice Conference
o Morgantown Rotary
o Fair Shake Initiative Legislative Training Day
o State Use Day at the Capitol
o Disability Advocacy Day at the Legislature
o Marion County School Transition Fair
o National Association of Social Workers (NASW) WV and Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) Coalition Advocacy Day at the Capitol
o WV State University Career and Employment Expo
o All for One Resource Fair, Marshall County Fairgrounds
o NASW Annual Conference
o Exceptional Spring Games, KCS at Laidley Field
o Boone County Schools Transition Fair
o National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Food Truck Festival and Resource Fair
o Transition Fair in Charleston by the WV Department of Education (WVDE) and WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS)
o Wood County Society Resource Fair for Autism Connections Program
o Charleston Dirty Birds Baseball Game
o Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Back to School event for students with disabilities and their families
o WV Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (WVARF) and WV Association for
Disability Employment (WVADE) events in Charleston and Fairmont
o WV Secretary of State Elections Conference
o People First Conference
o Westside Community Health Fair at Magic Mountain
o Mountain State Conference on Disabilities
o WV Schools for the Deaf and Blind Fall Conference

Throughout FY 2025, the CAP Advocate often travelled to counties where few if any CAP intakes were completed. She visited local entities such as libraries; WV Department of Human Services (WVDoHS) offices; health departments; WV State Police detachments; local police departments; county sheriff’s departments; county prosecuting attorney offices; WVDRS offices, and other local community resources.

The CAP Advocate collaborated with Advocates who conduct monitoring at four children’s residential facilities to conduct outreach to staff and residents.

The CAP Advocate continued to attend the REACH Initiative’s Reentry Council meetings throughout the state and offers to provide outreach. This initiative focuses on reentry from incarceration back into the community.

As reported in previous fiscal years, through our monitoring of facilities who serve children, we learned that students ages 14-18 in both private and state-run sites are not getting access to WVDRS or any other services to prepare for future employment. We have continued to communicate with the facilities and WVDRS to educate them on the requirement to offer services to these students.

Because we get few calls for CAP advocacy, we often distribute information to clients regardless of the initial request. When we complete an intake for a client of transition-age or one who is older and not employed and who is not Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) eligible, we send a packet of information about CAP, WVDRS, employment rights, and other agencies who provide employment-related services. Our hope is that some of the information will prompt the parent or client to call us back for additional information or assistance or perhaps pursue training and/or employment on their own. The number of individuals is reflected in our count of I&Rs in this report.

D. Information Disseminated To The Public By Your Agency

1. Agency Staff Interviewed or Featured on Radio and TV 0

2. Articles about CAP Featured in Newspaper/Magazine/Journals 0

3. PSAs/Videos Aired about the CAP Agency 2

4. Publications/Booklets/Brochures Disseminated by the Agency 3742

5. Number of Times CAP Exhibited at Conferences, Community Fairs, etc. 27

6. Other 18137

Please explain below According to DRWV’s latest Facebook page statistics, we had 3,549 followers at the end of FY 2025. People and agencies who follow our page are viewing and sharing things we post on a regular basis. Additionally, our Twitter feed has 611 followers. We shared numerous employment-related posts throughout the year. Our website is also used for sharing information and resources. We had approximately 37,912 hits on our website in FY 2025 reaching 10,684 individuals.

DRWV began a collaboration with Block by Block Creations in FY 2024 to develop two new videos that were added to our YouTube channel and posted on our social media in FY 2025. They are called What Does a CAP Do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_oBUgv7q6I&t=1s and How P&As Protect & Advocate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y8KiEmsOmo.

DRWV published an annual report for 2024 that included a CAP success story and outreach narrative and was sent out via our e-mail list as well as shared on our website and Facebook page in January 2025. Our e-mail subscriber list currently includes 1,354 people. The report can be found at https://www.drofwv.org/drwv2024annualreport.

In addition to the total publications in Part 1.D.4 of this report, DRWV distributed 12,623 other outreach items. DRWV also distributed brochures for the Centers for Independent Living through Information and Referral follow ups.

E. Information Disseminated About Your Agency By External Media Coverage

Describe the various sources and information disseminated about your agency by an external source. DRWV’s name and logo were used for the Mountain State Conference on Disabilities which we partially sponsored. https://cedwvu.org/mscd/

DRWV was highlighted on WV Nonprofit Association’s Facebook page in July 2025.
https://www.facebook.com/wvnpa?__cft__[0]=AZU8eBERiOp6-5ha-bPOvnM6p0D6yrG9qVBLTak_ugYvgqikxQbqduFQsHUayyBlyUD8QYoRQUKdya1hyvpr5Muxuo5YB_yvSQ1JtYCZn6G2r_nZUvKrDk_bu5DtcmUeGLMNUqQ_O3q66MNGfopKRAKUBQyfFoe20lfZeZ76auQ4YcitS2u2updF-xANKMQqSWHOX_zpuPypKDilK2ZVjDDh&__tn__=-]C%2CP-R

DRWV’s self-advocacy resources and online accessibility tools on our website were highlighted by the National I&R Support Center in an issue brief in February 2025. https://www.advancingstates.org/sites/default/files/IR%20Technology%20Issue%20Brief%202025%20FINAL.pdf

Part II. Individual Case Services

A. Individuals served

1. Individuals who are still being served as of October 1 (carryover from prior year) 6

2. Additional individuals who were served during the year 16

3. Total individuals served (Lines A1+A2) 22

4. Individuals (from Line A3) who had multiple case files opened/closed this year. 0

5. Individual still being served as of September 30 (Carryover to next year. This total may not exceed Line A3.) 3

B. Problem areas

1. Individual requests information 0

2. Communication problems between individual and VR counselor 8

3. Conflict about VR services to be provided 8

4. Related to VR application/eligibility process 2

5. Related to assignment to order of selection priority category 0

6. Related to IPE development/implementation 3

7. Related to independent living services 0

8. Other Rehabilitation Act-related problems 1

C. Intervention Strategies for closed cases

1. Short Term Technical Assistance 18

2. Investigation/Monitoring 0

3. Negotiation 1

4. Mediation and other methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution 0

5. Administrative / Informal Review 0

6. Formal appeal / Fair Hearing 0

7. Legal remedy / Litigation 0

8. Total 19

D. Reasons for closing individuals' case files

1. All issues resolved in individual's favor 15

2. Some issues resolved in individual's favor 0

3. CAP determines VR agency position/decision was appropriate for the individual 1

4. Individual's case lacks legal merit 0

5. Individual chose alternative representation 0

6. Individual withdrew complaint 2

7. Issue not resolved in clients favor 0

8. CAP services not needed due to individual's death, relocation, etc. 0

9. Individual not responsive/cooperative with CAP 1

10. CAP unable to take case due to lack of resources 0

11. Conflict of interest 0

12. Other 0

(Please explain below) NA

E. Results achieved for individuals

1. Controlling law/policy explained to individual 1

2. Application for services completed 0

3. Eligibility determination expedited 0

4. Individual participated in evaluation 0

5. IPE developed/implemented/Services Provided 1

6. Communication re-established between individual and other party 8

7. Individual assigned to new counselor/office 3

8. Alternative resources identified for individual 5

9. ADA/504/EEO/OCR complaint made 0

10. Other 1

(Please explain below) Due to lack of response, information mailed to client concerning WVDRS services.

Part III. Program Data

A. Age

1. Up to 18 2

2. 19 - 24 5

3. 25 - 40 7

4. 41 - 64 7

5. 65 and over 1

6. Total (Sum of Lines A1 through A5. Total must equal Part II, Line A3.) 22

B. Gender

1. Females 10

2. Males 12

3. Nonbinary or Another Gender 0

4. Unknown 0

5. Total (Lines B1+B2+B3+B4. Total must equal Part II Line A3.) 22

C. Race/ethnicity of Individuals Served

1. Hispanic/Latino of any race 1

2. American Indian or Alaskan Native 0

3. Asian 0

4. Black or African American 2

5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0

6. White 18

7. Two or more races 1

8. Race/ethnicity unknown 0

D. Primary disabling condition of individuals served

1. Acquired Brain Injury 0

2. ADD/ADHD 1

3. AIDS/HIV 0

4. Amputations or Absence of Extremities 0

5. Arthritis or Rheumatism 1

6. Anxiety Disorder 2

7. Autism Spectrum Disorder 5

8. Autoimmune or Immune Deficiencies 0

10. Other visual impairments 1

11. Cancer 0

12. Cerebral Palsy 0

13. Deafness 1

14. Hard of Hearing/Hearing Impaired 1

16. Diabetes 0

17. Digestive disorders 0

18. Epilepsy 0

19. Heart and other circulatory conditions 0

20. Intellectual Disability 4

21. Mental illness 3

22. Multiple Sclerosis 0

23. Muscular Dystrophy 0

24. Muscular/Skeletal Impairment 0

25. Neurological Disorders/Impairment 0

26. Orthopedic impairments 1

27. Personality Disorders 0

28. Respiratory Disorders/Impairment 0

29. Skin Conditions 0

30. Specific learning disabilities (SLD) 1

31. Speech Impairments 0

32. Spina Bifida 0

33. Substance abuse 0

34. Other disability 1

35. Total (Sum of Lines D1through D34. Total must equal Part II, Line A3.) 22

E. Types of Individuals Served

1. Applicant of VR 3

2. Individual eligible for VR services currently on a wait list 0

3. Individual eligible for VR services not currently on a wait list 15

4. Applicant or individual eligible for Independent Living 0

5. Transition student/High school student 3

6. All other applicants or individuals eligible for other programs or projects funded unther Rehabilitation Act 1

Part IV. Systemic Activities and Litigation

A. Non-Litigation Systemic Activities

1. Number of non-litigation systemic activities not involving individual representation that resulted in the change of one or more policy or practice of an agency. 0

2. Describe the systemic activities conducted by CAP during the fiscal year and its impact on other agency's policies or practices. DRWV is a required member of the Employment First Task Force, which is the result of House Bill 2290. The Taskforce is charged with developing and implementing a statewide Employment First Plan which is in the process of being drafted. Our Executive Director participated in drafting the report for the Legislature. This report included DRWV’s history with an emphasis on employment related programs.

DRWV continued to be a member of the WV State Rehabilitation Council (SRC). The mission of the SRC is “to review, analyze and advise WVDRS regarding its program eligibility, performance and effectiveness in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals”. The CAP Advocate served as our representative on the SRC and attended all meetings. Through regular attendance and participation at SRC meetings, DRWV was able to stay informed about current issues and events related to vocational rehabilitation services, as well as to offer input about the services. More information can be found at http://www.wv-src.org/. The Advocate again participated on the committee to review essay submissions for the SRC’s annual Disability History Essay contest. In addition, DRWV attended the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC) 2025 Spring conferences.

The CAP Advocate continued to participate in the WV Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) meetings and attended all four quarterly meetings in FY 2025. The Advocate participated in the meetings to keep informed and updated on the status of independent living services in WV. This allows DRWV to maintain current information to provide to our Board, clients, and staff as needed when issues arise that are pertinent to these services. DRWV includes information about the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) with I&R follow ups. The CILs also refer many individuals to DRWV, often asking for our brochures to have on-hand. The Advocate also spoke to the Director of the SILC about issues affecting potential clients.

DRWV is a member of the Fair Shake Initiative (FSI). The FSI is a program of the WV Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC) and was formed to carry on the work of the Fair Shake Network, of which DRWV has also been a member. The mission of the FSI is to educate policymakers and the public on issues that affect people with disabilities and to empower people with disabilities to speak for themselves. An Advocate represented DRWV on the Legislative Priorities Workgroup and attended the FSI’s annual ice cream social at the Capitol. During this event, she was able to speak with legislators and the WV State Treasurer.

DRWV staff continued to monitor National Disability Rights Network’s (NDRN) Employment discussion forum and shared pertinent information and resources with other agency staff. Staff also read the NDRN Training and Advocacy Support Center (TASC) newsletters, which often contained information, training opportunities, and resources related to CAP.

The Program Director and all of the Advocates assigned to provide advocacy to just under three hundred individuals with developmental disabilities through a state grant have been trained in CAP and recognize issues when they arise with the individuals they serve. Service Requests can be opened when issues arise.

During the summer of FY 2025, DRWV was again able to obtain two law student interns from the West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law. These interns learned about all Protection and Advocacy Programs, including CAP.

In March 2025, the CAP Advocate along with members of DRWV’s Management Team participated in a call with RSA in preparation for their review of WVDRS. We were given the opportunity to provide input about the monitoring and posed questions for RSA to consider asking WVDRS.

WVDRS implemented an Order of Selection in February 2025. During the implementation process DRWV increased communication with WVDRS leadership and counselors to keep up to date on changes in policy and services that facilitated cost saving measures for WVDRS. The CAP Advocate and Program Director virtually attended public meetings prior to implementation of the Order of Selection and gave recommendations and feedback on proposed changes. As mentioned above, the CAP Advocate also attended SRC meetings and shared concerns and recommendations with the SRC and shared feedback with DRWV management.

B. Litigation

a. Number of cases requiring litigation involving individual representation filed during fiscal year. 0

b. Number of on-going cases pending at start of fiscal year (carryover from prior fiscal year). 0

c. Number of cases resolved through litigation during fiscal year. 0

2. Describe the agency's on-going and completed systemic litigation activities involving individual representation. na

Part V. Agency Information

A. Designated Agency

1. Agency Type (select only one option): External-Protection and Advocacy agency

2. Name of designate agency: West Virginia Advocates, Inc dba Disability Rights of WV

3. Is the designated agency contracting CAP services? No

4. If yes, name of contracting agency: NA

B. Staff Employed

1. Provide a description of all CAP positions Full-time % of year
Type of Position equivalent position filled Person-years
Professional
Full-time 1.09 100% 10.00
Part-time 0.13 21% 3.42
Vacant N/A N/A N/A

Clerical
Full-time 0.07 100% 2.00
Part-time N/A N/A N/A
Vacant N/A N/A N/A

Part VI. Case Examples

Case Examples

Provide some examples of some interesting cases during the past fiscal year. A CAP eligible client requested assistance regarding ongoing accommodations conflicts with her employer. DRWV communicated with the employer and WVDRS concerning reasonable accommodation requests. As a result, the requested accommodations were provided, incorporating recommendations from WVDRS’ accessibility study. The client was able to make her workspace more accessible by moving furniture around, and chairs were also ordered.

Another CAP eligible client requested assistance regarding a change in funding for out of state visual training that WVDRS had previously agreed to provide. DRWV communicated with WVDRS to facilitate continued funding for visual training program. As a result, WVDRS agreed to continue funding the visual training at school in Louisiana.

A Legal Guardian requested DRWV to address complaints about the lack of services provided by WVDRS to a CAP eligible client. DRWV communicated with WVDRS to ensure that his transportation needs were being met and that he was receiving all services for which he was eligible. As a result, the client was assigned to a community rehabilitation program that provided transportation to and from school for work experiences.

Certification

Reports are to be submitted to RSA within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report. Please be reminded that you can enter data directly into the RSA website via the internet. Information on transmittal of the form is found on pages 19 and 20 of the reporting instructions.

Name and Title of Authorized Certifying Official

I agree to submit this form by electronic means. By signing this form electronically, I certify under penalty of perjury that my answers are correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal meaning and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature.

Full Legal Name of Signer: Jodi Calissie

Certifying Official Title Data Report Specialist

By checking this box and typing my full legal name above, I am electronically signing this form. Yes

Date Certified (mm/dd/yyyy) 2025-11-17

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