Independent Living Funding

The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (the Council) is supporting the improvement package for a $500,000 continuing increase in funding for independent living services submitted by the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services. Independent Living (IL) services are critical to ensure West Virginians with disabilities have access to the resources and supports they need to live self-determined, independent lives in their own homes and communities.

Uses of the funding during FY 07:

Note: Pursuant to the WV Independent Living Act of 2001, funding for independent living services is governed by the State Plan for Independent Living and is monitored by the WV Statewide Independent Living Council.

95%, combined with federal funds, to the centers for independent living (CILs) for the Community Living Services Program to provide:
- Home Modifications
- Assistive Devices and Equipment
- Communication Services
- And other IL services that enable individuals to live independently
- 5% to the Council to support administrative costs and IL projects

2007 Statistics for the Community Living Services Program:

383 people with disabilities received independent living services
12 people (all over age 60) died while waiting for services
$204,226 in federal IL funding was utilized
$22,800 in state IL funding was utilized
$100,960 in resources from other sources were leveraged (44.5% of the total resources for the program)

Waiting List

Waiting lists maintained by the CILs totaled approximately 400 people as of January 8th and 43% of those on the list are over age 60. Of the individuals currently on the waiting list, 27 (all over age 60) are at risk of institutionalization. The current wait time is at least 2 years. West Virginia is not eligible for any additional federal funding for independent living and it is critical that the State begin to address this underfunding.

IL services enable West Virginians with disabilities to return to or remain in their own homes and communities and are critical to West Virginia's compliance with the most integrated setting provision set forth in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Olmstead Decision. IL services are also a critical component for the implementation of the West Virginia Olmstead Plan.

Contact

For more information contact Ann Watts McDaniel, WV Statewide Independent Living Council at 304-766-4624 (office) or 304-617-1417 (cell) or ann.meadows@wvsilc.org