WV Centers for Independent Living Legislative Agenda 2008

The WV Centers for Independent Living (WVCIL) are advocating for the WV Legislature to recognize that basic independent living services are critical to the lives of the over 400,000 individuals with disabilities in West Virginia.

The WVCIL is supporting the improvement package submitted by the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services for a continuing increase to bring the independent living services line item to at least $500,000 to address our ever growing waiting list for the Community Living Services Program.

• View theIL Funding Fact Sheet

The purpose of the Community Living Services Program (CLSP) is to "ensure that West Virginians with disabilities have equal access to the resources and supports they need to live self-determined, independent lives in their own homes and communities."

• Learn more about the Community Living Services Program (CLSP)
• View the map of the county assignments for the CLSP program
• View the Community Living Services Program Waiting List

Statistics of West Virginians with disabilities and their independent living service needs:

• Total number of people served in FY 2007: 393
• Approximately 400 people with disabilities across West Virginia are currently on a waiting list - with a wait time of at least 2 years
• Forty-three percent of the individuals on the waiting list are 60+ years of age
• Twelve individuals with disabilities died in FY 2007 waiting for independent living services - having waited for services for at least 2 years
• 27 individuals on the list are at risk of institutionalization if they do not receive services through the CLSP program, services which will allow them to stay in their own homes
• Third party resources leveraged in FY 2007: $100,960.11
  (Medicaid, Medicare, Lions Clubs, churches, WVATS, USDA Rural Housing Development Program, grants, family donations, etc.)

Services provided through the Community Living Services Program include:

• Home and bathroom modifications
• Ramps
• Assistive Technology (such as hearing aids or amplified telephones)
• Durable Medical Goods
• Vehicle Modifications

Waiting List Statistics:

• Approximately 400 people with disabilities across West Virginia are currently on a waiting list - with a current wait time of at least 2 years
• Forty-three percent of the individuals on the waiting list are 60+ years of age
• 27 individuals are at risk of institutionalization if they do not receive services through the CLSP program, services which will allow them to stay in their own homes
• Anticipated cost to serve the waiting list: $1.1 million dollars

www.mtstcil.org