Mountain State Centers for Independent Living: Advocacy for West Virginians

The goal of advocacy is to advance the rights of people with disabilities.

Mountain State Centers for Independent Living MTSTCIL believes you have the ability and responsibility to direct your own life. Through training and leadership development, MTSTCIL can assist you in learning how to become a self-advocate.

MTSTCIL training programs can teach you how to represent yourself and guide you through the confusing tangle of benefits, paperwork, and hearings, so you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. We can teach you how to solve your problems.

There has been landmark legislation over the years protecting the rights of people with disabilities, with the most important legislation being the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other legislation includes the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Developmental Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act.

Do you know how your rights are protected under the above laws?
Do you know how to access programs created under these laws?
Do you know your rights as a parent, in developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your child?
Are you having a problem understanding the Social Security Laws?
Are you aware of the many agencies and resources available in your community?
Do you know how to recognize and handle discrimination?

MTSTCIL staff can help you answer some of these difficult questions. In addition, MTSTCIL advocacy services can help you identify programs for which you or your family members are eligible.

MTSTCIL continually monitors the legislative process and strives to positively affect the lives of people with disabilities. As a citizen, you have that same responsibility.

One of the most important skills you may ever need to know is how to meet and work with state legislators. MTSTCIL can provide you with support, as well as train you in writing letters to Congress and testifying at public hearings. MTSTCIL staff can also guide you through the process of working with legislators and teach you how to enact legislation and file a complaint when you feel your rights have been violated.

Advocacy in Action

We encourage you to visit the Advocacy in Action section of this Web site to learn more about becoming a voice in your community.

Additional Resources

If you are interested in finding an advocacy group in your area, please search our Resource Database and select the category "Advocacy Groups".

Contact the West Virginia Center for Independent Living nearest to you for benefits assistance and advocacy support.