Fair Shake Initiative

05/28/2026

For many disabled people, including veterans and survivors of trauma, emotional support animals are vital to managing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities so they can safely remain in their communities.

And for nearly two decades, under the Fair Housing Act and through guidance and enforcement from the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), disabled tenants were protected from being denied housing or charged extra fees because of their Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

Now, HUD has abruptly reversed course and announced it will stop pursuing many ESA housing discrimination complaints.

The Fair Housing Act itself has not changed. Disabled people still have rights. But HUD has signaled it no longer intends to meaningfully enforce this law.

This policy shift could leave countless disabled renters more vulnerable to discrimination, housing instability, and displacement.

DREDF breaks down what changed, what protections still exist, and what tenants can do next.
Read more: https://dredf.org/huds-esa-policy-reversal/

05/28/2026

ATHENS, WV (WVNS) — West Virginia is facing a critical lack of licensed behavioral health workers.  That is according to Mountaineer Autism Project, a group dedicated to bringing the nec…

05/26/2026

Join us for our next training session, Legislative Advocacy 101.

This training will be presented by Delegate Kathie Hess-Crouse.

The training will be on July 7, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. This is a hybrid event and you may attend virtually.

However, Delegate Hess-Crouch will be speaking in person on location at the WVSILC office and we encourage everyone to attend in person at 6908 MacCorkle Avenue, St. Albans, WV 25177.

Please note: Individuals attending in person will be responsible for their own travel expenses, as reimbursements cannot be provided.

Kathie Hess Crouse is a West Virginia Delegate representing District 19 in Putnam County. She is a strong advocate for conservative values, focused on practical solutions that support families, strengthen communities, and grow West Virginia’s economy.

She serves on the Education Committee, Energy and Public Works Committee, and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability, and she chairs the House Education Choice Subcommittee.

Deeply connected to her district, Kathie also serves on the board of the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she supports tourism and local economic development. She has been a consistent voice for policies that reduce taxes, expand educational opportunities, and attract new business investment to the region.

Kathie is a wife and mother who remains committed to serving her constituents with transparency, accessibility, and a focus on results.

Register at this link below.
d8099148-9878-4452-8570-9e573bddfce6@e2e87991-13d6-4c43-859b-b54025d6ecee" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d8099148-9878-4452-8570-9e573bddfce6@e2e87991-13d6-4c43-859b-b54025d6ecee

05/26/2026

Independence Begins With Access 🏔️
Looking out over this valley, one thing is clear: West Virginia can only be “Stronger Together” when everyone can move freely.
Our state needs accessible transportation, adaptive vehicles, rural mobility programs, and real investment in independence.
Every ramp. Every ride. Every path forward.
This is how we build a West Virginia where opportunity reaches every hollow, hilltop, and hometown. 💚

05/26/2026

RYPAS and the WVSILC are saddened by the passing of Nancy Tyler of Charleston, WV, on May 12, 2026.

Nancy was a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, disability rights, and affordable health care. Throughout her life and career, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others through her work in social services, public health, law, and the West Virginia Legislature.

Nancy also served as a valued board member for the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Service (RYPAS) program and was deeply committed to supporting the disability community. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others.

She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.

https://barlowbonsall.com/obituaries/nancy-tyler/

05/19/2026

What does "Home" and "Community" mean me to you?

With home and community-based services being a topic of conversation, the WV DD Council would love to share how home and community-based services positively affect West Virginians.

What we are looking for:
-Your short story of how home and community- based services positively impacted your life or the life of your family member
-3-5 sentences we may share on social media
-A picture we may also share on social media

Email your story to [email protected].

05/19/2026

Meet NCIL’s 2026 Keynote Speakers!

NCIL is proud to announce a few exciting details about this year’s conference.

We’ve got an electrifying line up of speakers and a packed agenda.

Agenda: https://bit.ly/4wfmHDP

Our Keynote Speakers:

- Mia Ives-Rublee (Opening Plenary)
- Kelly Buckland (Awards Luncheon)
- Victor Pineda (Closing Plenary)

Read full speaker bios: https://bit.ly/4dDoUBr

We hope you will join us!

Register: https://bit.ly/4rLhUXj

Image: Three portrait photos appear across top against pale orchid backdrops. Left: Mia Ives-Rublee in a red blazer over a light shirt, seated with hands folded. Center: Kelly Buckland is wearing a white cowboy hat and black jacket, using a motorized wheelchair. Right: Victor Pineda seated in a power wheelchair, wearing a blazer and light shirt, with visible assistive breathing equipment. Text: Keynote Speakers. 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living. Protect. Persist. Prosper. National Council on Independent Living Logo features a multi-colored fingerprint.

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

The Trump administration will send millions more to states to support students with disabilities — in some cases allowing IDEA funds to assist children before they're even born.