Current Grant Projects

FFY 2009

Grantee: The Arc of Mid-OhioValley
Project: Health & Wellth Program

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this project is to increase awareness and understanding of the health related needs of individuals with developmental disabilities; improve access and inclusion to health related activities; develop health promotion programs and education materials for individuals with developmental disabilities and professionals; and to affect disability policy related to these areas in Wood, Wirt, Jackson, Harrison, Marion, Kanawha and Putnam counties. The project will expand the program to Morgantown and Wheeling and will explore resources and interest in the future expansion of the project in Southern West Virginia.

Grantee: The Arc of Mid-OhioValley
Project: Inclusion for All

Purpose of Project: The project will collaborate with people with developmental disabilities and people without disabilities to seek inclusive recreational, leisure, and social activities that are consistent with the interests and abilities of each individual. Activities will be based on the results of a Personal Interest, Skills, and Hobbies Survey developed by the project. The project will also provide technical assistance, resources and supports to social and recreation organizations and programs on including person with developmental disabilities in their generic programs.

Grantee: Community Access, Inc.
Project: WV Partners in Policymaking, SRV/Social Role Valorization,
The Oral History Project, Communication/Events Coordination and Program Assistance

Project Purpose: To provide program services for support of the Council and for three initiatives. (1) Partners in Policymaking (PIP): A leadership training program for adults with developmental disabilities and for family members of young children with developmental disabilities; (2) Social Role Valorization (SRV) and Program Analysis of Service Systems’ Implementation of Normalization Goals (PASSING): Training individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates and professionals in the enhancement of the image and roles of people with disabilities and the assessment of those qualities of human services that support and those that undermine the social roles of devalued individuals; and (3) The Oral History Project (On the Outside): A training program on the history of deinstitutionalization and people with developmental disabilities moving into West Virginia’s communities.

Grantee: Fair Shake Network, Inc.
Project: Building a Coalition for People with Disabilities in West Virginia

Purpose of the Project: FSN will build and expand the Network as a grassroots, cross-disability advocacy organization that includes persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The FSN will provide training for Network members and the general public about the legislative process, self-advocacy and topics relevant to people with disabilities. The principle aims are to advocate for state and national legislation and policies that contribute to self-determination, independence, integration, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities.

FSN will produce its 2008 Disability Agenda and Legislative Priorities by January 31, 2008. FSN will coordinate and conduct Legislative Training on January 23, 2008. FSN will conduct the Disability Advocacy Day at the Legislature on January 24, 2008. FSN will coordinate and conduct Transportation Day at the Legislature on January 30, 2008. FSN will coordinate and conduct two (2) additional training events, including at least one on topics specific to developmental disabilities issues by September 30, 2008. FSN will develop a written financial and sustainability plan that will address how the project will continue its operations after Council funding decreases.

Grantee: Mountain State Centers for Independent Living
Project: Community Integration Project

Project Purpose: The purpose of this project is to aid individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members to become more empowered by providing leadership development opportunities through training and financial resources and to assist the Council in implementing Council activities.

Grantee: Community Access, Inc. 
Project: Community Access School Transition to Employment

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this project is to assist 25 students in transitioning from school to employment after graduation. Using teachers as supported employment specialists will be the strategy of this grant project.

Grantee:  Job Squad, Inc.                                                                                                                Project:  Active Employer Council

Purpose of Project:  The purpose of this project is to create and develop a local Active Employer Council and demonstrate strategies that are focused on developing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities through networking and collaboration with community businesses.

Grantee:  Job Squad, Inc.                                                                                                               Project:  Self - Employment Project

Purpose of Project: This purpose of this project is to provide people with developmental disabilities with the assistance and support they need to start a small business or micro-enterprise based on their career interests. The Self - Employment Project utilizes the values and tools of customized employment, including individualized discovery, job matching and analysis, and person-centered employment planning.

Grantee:  Jackson County Developmental Center, Inc.                                                                 Project:  Micro-enterprise Project

Purpose of Project:  The purpose of this project is to develop self-employment opportunities as a viable option for adults with developmental disabilities in Jackson, Calhoun, Roane, and Mason counties.  The project will focus on developing micro-enterprise services and supports in rural communities by building its capability to provide small loans, and by building a collaborative support system from various professional disciplines.

Grantee:  Arc WV                                                                                                                   Project:  People First

Purpose of Project:  The purpose of this project is to develop a statewide advocacy organization that is led by West Virginians who have developmental disabilities. It will provide people with developmental disabilities the support, education, and training they need to understand and act on their right to self-determination.  The Project will support and assist in the creation of local, self-governing coalitions that will develop plans for its' membership in the areas of leadership training, improving access and inclusion in their communities, and developing strategies for becoming a self-sustaining organization.

Grantee:  WVU Center For Excellence In Disabilities                                                               Project:  Direct Support Staff Study

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this project is provide an in-depth analysis of the quality,      quantity, stability, and availability of direct support workers who serve people with developmental   disabilities in West Virginia. The study will address gaps between supply and demand of qualified personnel, and make recommendations for long term, systemic improvements in the recruitment,   development, and retention of direct support workers in West Virginia.