West Virginia Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in West Virginia. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in West Virginia and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in West Virginia, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The West Virginia state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is West Virginia Advocates (WVA). WVA is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in West Virginia to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. WVA is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- West Virginia Advocates
- West Virginia Behavioral Health Planning Council
- The Arc of West Virginia
- Mountain State Centers for Independent Living
- Center for Excellence in Disabilities
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in West Virginia.
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- West Virginia Suicide Hotlines
- West Virginia Hotline Numbers
- West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services
- West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services
- WVSeniorCare.com
- West Virginia Senior Legal Aid, Inc.
- Area Agencies on Aging
- West Virginia Senior Resources
- Central West Virginia Aging Services
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and West Virginia disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to West Virginia disability services.
- West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council
- Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities - West Virginia Advocates
- The Arc of West Virginia
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Bureau for Behavioral Health & Health Facilities
- Division of Adult Behavioral Health
- Mental Health - West Virginia Advocates
- West Virginia Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Office of the Ombudsman
- West Virginia Behavioral Health Planning Council
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost West Virginia disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
- West Virginia Assistive Technology System
- Center for Excellence in Disabilities
- West Virginia Advocates
- Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) Program
- West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- WV Traumatic Brain Injury Services
- Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Services
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - West Virginia Advocates
- West Virginia Brain Injury Association of America
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Division on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse - Bureau for Behavioral Health & Health Facilities
- First Choice Services
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- West Virginia Low Income Housing
- Rental Housing in West Virginia
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help
- West Virginia Housing Development Fund
- West Virginia Rental Apartment Listings
- West Virginia Affordable Housing Trust