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Independent Living Funding - Background

The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council is requesting the restoration of the independent living services line item in the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services budget in the amount of $24,000. 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.

This line item was established and funded by the legislature for FY 04 at $24,000 (reduced to $23,304 by the Governor's 2.9 percent across the board cut) but was eliminated in the Governor's budget for FY 05. Uses of the funding for FY 04 include:

• $11,652 to the centers for independent living (CILs) to address the waiting list for:
• Home Modifications
• Assistive Devices and Equipment
• Communication Services
• And other IL services that enable individuals to live independently
• $11,652 for a pilot project to establish a community network of resources and supports necessary to transition individuals with disabilities out of nursing homes and other institutions into the community. This project is operating in cooperation with the federal Real Choice project "Transitioning to Inclusive Communities" (TIC). While the project is limited to the Eastern Panhandle, it is being developed as a model that may be replicated throughout the state.

These services enable West Virginians with disabilities to return to or remain in their own homes and communities. Such services 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.

According to the 2000 Census, 23 percent of West Virginians ages 5 and older have a disability, much higher than the national average of 17.5 percent. Of the over 400,000 West Virginians with disabilities, approximately 200,000 do not have access to the services of a CIL. The four CILs serve 20 West Virginia counties with federal funds to provide:

• Individual and Systems Advocacy
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Peer Support/Peer Counseling
• Information and Referral
• And other IL services and supports

The Council recognizes the serious budget constraints facing the state however, existing independent living programs are federally funded and are at the maximum amount provided under the federal funding formulas. An appropriation to restore the line item to the FY 04 level is requested with additional funding appropriated as the State's economy improves.

For more information, contact the WV Statewide Independent Living Council at 304-766-4624.

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

Updated: February 22, 2004