Disability Rights of West Virginia

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

May 24 is World Schizophrenia Day. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting more than 21 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about this illness and eradicate the myths and superstitions around mental illnesses in general.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition where certain chemicals in certain areas of the brain are out of balance. If that happens there can be a lack of co-ordination between thoughts, actions, and emotions.

A common myth surrounding schizophrenia is that people suffering from it have a split personality. However, this is completely untrue. Schizophrenia patients have just one personality, just like everyone else. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include confused thinking, delusions and hallucinations.

WORLD SCHIZOPHRENIA DAY MAY 24 SUN Average Amy Monette 2 min read Share Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Email SizeText Size Text Size WORLD SCHIZOPHRENIA DAY May 24 is World Schizophrenia Day. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting more than 21 million people worldwide....

05/16/2026

National Armed Forces Day in the US is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. This year, the day of national gratitude falls on May 16. Today we honor all active-duty military personnel across all six branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard).

05/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17muL9Xy2y/
His body carried challenges, but his spirit carried a generation. He leaves behind a world more just because he refused to be silent. Fly high Kevin.

05/12/2026

Check out our latest article by Ed Carter!

West Virginia small business owners and the customers with disabilities they serve often run into the same frustrating gap: a shop can be friendly in intent yet still feel hard to use in practice.

Accessibility challenges show up in everyday moments, getting through the door, reading a menu, hearing a question, or finding a clear way to ask for help, and those friction points quietly send people elsewhere. Add uncertainty about legal expectations and what “inclusive customer service” really looks like, and many businesses stay stuck between wanting to do right and not knowing where to start.

The payoff is simple: a place more people can choose with confidence.

Make Your West Virginia Small Business Welcoming for Every Customer

05/12/2026

POLLS ARE NOW OPEN! Election Day is officially underway and all polling places statewide are now open for voters to cast their 2026 Primary Election ballot.
Check your polling place and sample ballot at GoVoteWV.com before leaving your house. Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. tonight will be guaranteed the opportunity to vote.

🌐 Visit the WVSOS website to sign up for news updates.
https://sos.wv.gov/email-registration

05/10/2026

Advocate Alia Tanner at NAMI's food truck festival.

05/09/2026

Cornelia De Lange Syndrome is celebrated on the second Saturday of May every year and this year it will be marked on May 9.

Cornelia De Lange Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder commonly known as Bushy Syndrome or Amsterdam dwarfism. It is often apparent at birth or early childhood, with a range of medical challenges that may vary in severity from person to person.
Visit the link to learn more.

Today is Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Awareness Day. This day is set apart to raise awareness about this genetic defect syndrome. Read on to learn more about this rare illness.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

On May 7th each year, we are charged with breaking down obstacles on National Barrier Awareness Day.

We are responsible for dissolving stigmas keeping people with disabilities from advancing in education. It's an opportunity to tear down walls and build ramps that providing access. When we have misunderstandings, see the potential for the development of new technology to bridge the gap.

Eliminate antiquated policies preventing those with disabilities from accessing their full potential. If there was ever a time to speak up about the questionable treatment of a human being, National Barrier Awareness Day encourages us to do so now.

NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY 7 May Thursday May 7, 2026 Average Amy Monette 2 min read Share Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Email SizeText Size Text Size NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAYOn May 7th each year, we are charged with breaking down obstacles on National Barrier Awareness....

05/07/2026

National School Nurse Day on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week honors all school nurses who care for the children in the schools every day. School nurses promote learning through healthy children.

School nurses are often the first place a student thinks to go when they don't feel well or have been hurt. But they also provide a wealth of information that supports a successful education as well. The observance reminds us of all the reasons the nurse is available to your school. They provide more than bandaids for scrapes on the playground and check for fevers when a child shows the first sign of illness. School nurses are first responders for medical concerns and administer mid-day doses of medication.

They advocate for students, too. In a school setting, school nurses make referrals for pediatric care when necessary. As a team member, school nurses play a vital role in guiding students to healthy lifestyles. Thank a school nurse you know!

National School Nurse Day on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week honors all school nurses who care for the children in the schools every day.