Disability Rights of West Virginia

09/02/2026

National Recovery Month in September provides a platform for services and professionals to educate the public about substance abuse treatments and mental health services. The entire month serves as a celebration of the steps taking to improve access, information, and treatment.

While substance abuse and mental health services are nothing new, the stigma attached to them remains. September provides not only an opportunity to help eliminate the stigma but to demonstrate the human face behind the disease.

Through seminars, documentaries, public service announcements, and awareness walks, communities will bring hope. These messages will include access to referrals, phone numbers, and tools. Every year, new resources, data, and treatments become available. Improving awareness and access, along with preventative education improve outcomes.

Along with education, the month celebrates those who succeed in recovery. Each success story seeks to improve understanding and provide answers to those who still have questions. Families, first responders, clergy, employers, and communities as a whole play a part in recovery and awareness. Success stories include barriers and obstacles. And the success stories aren't just for those living the struggle; they're for those who help tear down the barriers.

National Recovery Month in September provides a platform for services and professionals to educate the public about substance abuse treatments and mental health services. The entire month serves as a celebration of the steps taking to improve access, information, and treatment.

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year's theme is Americans Stand Ready. Follow Ready to learn how you can protect yourself and your family in emergencies, and how we all have a role to play in making our nation resilient.

More in our blog post: fema.gov/blog/americans-stand-ready-3-steps-you-can-take-national-preparedness-month

09/01/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month.
All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote su***de prevention awareness. We can all help prevent su***de. Follow the link to learn more.

Every year, the 988 Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. raise awareness of su***de prevention during September, National Su***de Prevention Month.

09/01/2026

The month of September is National Service Dog Month. This month-long observation honors the highly trained canines that have a profound impact on their handler's lives, but also educates the public about proper etiquette when encountering a service dog.

A service dog is a dog that is trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Unlike an emotional support or therapy animal that provide companionship, a service dog performs tasks directly related to the disability of the handler. This includes assisting people with physical disabilities, such as balance, blood sugar changes, mobility, and even seizures. However, a service dog also provides assistance for people with invisible disabilities, such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Follow the link to learn more.

The month of September is National Service Dog Month to shine the spotlight on the contributions of service dog. This month-long observation honors the highly trained canines that have a profound impact on their handler's lives, but also educates the public about proper etiquette when encounter...

08/31/2026

Read our latest article by Ed Carter which focuses on using creativity as a form of stress management!

How to use Simple Creative Activities to Manage Stress Every Day

08/21/2026

On August 21, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives.

Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much to the next generation. As technologies advance, these are the people who've experienced each step of change. Not only have they contributed to it, but they understand first hand the benefits and the drawbacks. They know life without the advancements that exist today.

Our senior citizens are pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights and so much more. Their valuable contributions to our communities create better places to live. They deserve the respect and dignity their achievements earn them. The day encourages supporting senior citizens to live their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible.

On August 21, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives.

08/18/2026

Researchers from WVU invite birth parents, foster parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, and other caregivers with experience caring for an infant or child exposed to or diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) to participate in a virtual conversation about improving care for families in West Virginia.

We want to learn from your experiences supporting a child through infant follow-up care, navigating healthcare systems, and accessing family support services. Your perspective will help identify what works well, what challenges caregivers face, and what questions future research should focus on to improve care for children and families.

Participant time commitment will be approximately 2 hours total via virtual meetings.

Check out the full details and find out how to participate in this and other studies: https://research.cedwvu.org/participate/

WVU Health Sciences

08/14/2026

I received an email from the Governor's office, yesterday and he signed the proclamation yesterday I sent in to him in April to proclaim September Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month in West Virginia! Another accomplishment made in the mountain state! To say that I am excited about this is an understatement! I am over the moon about this! I should receive the hard copy soon!
Ms. Wheelchair America Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia - America
WV Statewide Independent Living Council City of Moundsville, Moundsville WV The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley SPINALpedia The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register WTRF 7News WTOV NEWS9

08/13/2026

08/10/2026

It's a Monday Myth Buster from WVABLE!

❌ MYTH: An individual with a disability must receive SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to be eligible for an ABLE account.

✅ FACT: Individuals with a disability do NOT have to be receiving public benefits, including SSI or SSDI to be eligible for WVABLE. As long as they have a qualifying disability with an onset before age 46, they can enroll and start saving in a WVABLE STABLE Account. This way, they can save and invest tax free and benefit from the WV State income tax deductions for contributions made into the STABLE account.

CLICK HERE to learn more: https://wvable.com/how-it-works/eligibility