Advocare
Fall 2007
A Publication of the West Virginia Advocates, Inc.
Table of Contents
- From the Executive Director
- Death Investigation
- WVA Investigates Lack of Food for Clients in Intensive Support Setting
- WVA Staff to Serve on National Disabilities Rights Network Board of Directors and Resource Advisory Committee
- WVA's Programs and Success Stories
- Board of Directors
- About WVA
- Mission Statement
- Statement of Purpose
- Disclaimer
WVA Programs
Client Assistance Program
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) has undergone changes with the assignment of Susanne Taylor, Assistant Director of Employment Programs. Ms. Taylor's duties include representing WVA on the State Rehabilitation Council, training new WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WV-DRS) counselors, and ensuring that clients in attendance at local vocational centers are aware of their rights.
Rehabilitation Center Closes
An area of focus in the Client Assistance Program was monitoring the closure of the WV Rehabilitation Center. WVA submitted a position paper supporting the closure by noting that WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WV-DRS) had been spending one-third of an almost $34,000,000 annual budget on antiquated facility based services. WVA felt this spending was neither rational nor prudent. WVA distributed the document to stakeholders, interested parties, legislators and the Governor. In addition to the fact that the Rehabilitation Center did not provide integrated or community based services, the financial drain on WV-DRS budget contributed to a waiting list that, in early July 2007, had over three-thousand people (3,000) waiting for assistance and services. The rehabilitation center closed as of July 1, 2007. The WV-DRS has re-opened the order of selection, and is working with clients, many of whom have waited over a year for assistance. WV-DRS has reported to WVA that as of September that the waiting list has been eliminated and there are no people waiting for services.
Susanne Taylor, Assistant Program Director- Employment Programs
Success Stories
A client requested assistance in getting the services identified in their approved vocational plan. WVA determined that the plan was not implemented due to WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WV-DRS) freeze on funding for services. WVA was successful in getting the WV-DRS to authorize the funding and implement the services identified in the client's vocational plan.
