West Virginia Advocate elected
to National Disability Rights Network Board
West Virginia Advocates, Inc. is pleased to announce the election of Susan Given, Program Director to the National Disability Rights Network Board of Directors.
Since 1977, West Virginia Advocates, Inc. has been designated by the Governor as West Virginia's part of the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy System for individuals with disabilities. The National Disability Rights Network is the membership organization for this system. Collectively, the Protection and Advocacy network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
West Virginia Advocates, Inc. and the National Disability Rights Network advocate equality of opportunity, choice, self determination and full participation for individuals with disabilities - including, but not limited to, those with cognitive, mental, sensory, and physical disabilities - by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
National Disability Rights Network is a force for positive change in the national disability community, playing a major role in the expansion of Protection and Advocacy Services. Ms. Given is one of only 17 members of the National Board of Directors elected by the membership to govern the National Disability Rights Network.
A recognized advocate for children and adults with disabilities and their families for many years, Ms Given has been employed at West Virginia Advocates since 2000. During her career at West Virginia Advocates, she has represented the agency on various disability rights related councils, work groups and committees in West Virginia, as well as, serving on NDRN's Resource Advocacy Committee. Participation on the National Disability Rights Network Board of Directors will expand Ms. Given and the West Virginia Advocates, Inc. ongoing advocacy and commitment to equal rights for individuals with disabilities.
