Category: Outreach (page 5)
Beware of Those Trying to Take Advantage of WVa Disaster Survivors
Charleston, W.Va. – Disasters attract a few trying to help themselves rather than those who suffered losses. Precautions can help those affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides of July 28-29, 2017 avoid being victimized.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) never charges for any of its disaster recovery services, nor does it endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.
West Virginia has a price gouging law that forbids businesses and contractors from raising their prices more than 10 percent above pre-disaster levels. It is enforced by the state’s Attorney General.
State and FEMA officials offer these consumer tips:
When hiring a contractor, ask for proof that the contractor has current general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for references and check them before signing a contract.
Don’t pay in advance for more than half the repair costs. Don’t make the final payment until you are satisfied with the completed work.
Verify solicitations for disaster relief agencies by asking for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and web address. Phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or an authorized volunteer.
Request a receipt.
Also:
FEMA and the U. S. Small Business Administration deal only with the homeowner or renter, not with an intermediary.
State and federal workers do not solicit or accept money from applicants for disaster assistance.
FEMA inspectors present photo identification. They are assigned to specific properties and have the applicant’s nine-digit FEMA registration number. They make appointments
to meet the applicant at the property. A FEMA inspector’s job is to verify the extent of eligible disaster-related damage. They don’t seek banking or other personal information, nor do they recommend contractors.
If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are the victim of a home repair scam or price gouging, call the Office of the West Virginia Attorney
General at 800-368-8808.
FEMA News Release
West Virginia Residents Urged to Register with FEMA
Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia disaster survivors in Harrison, Marion, Marshall and Wetzel counties are urged to register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA.
Individuals and business owners in the designated counties who had severe storm or flood damage may register for assistance the following ways:
• Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• By calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
o People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585.
o For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
o These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residences, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.
Register for Disaster Assistance
Introducing Our Lives: Safe and Strong Program
Healthcare Vote Expected Next Week
Healthcare Vote Expected Next Week: The Fight Is Not Over! From the National Council on Independent Living The Senate released their updated version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act (PDF) yesterday, and all of our concerns remain the same. Read the Senate summary (PDF).…
American Wheelchair Mission in Appalachia
Three West Virginia Centers for Independent Living received 75 manual wheelchairs of various sizes for distribution to those in need. Brynn Hochman and her family from Los Angeles have been working with American Wheelchair Mission as part of a humanitarian…
Op-ed: Capito, most important lawmaker in America
Our U.S. senator, Shelley Moore Capito, is the most important lawmaker in the country right now, as our democracy faces two questions that will define our politics for a generation.
Question 1: Will our government rip medicine from the hands of 20-plus million of its citizens?
Question 2: Who leads the Republican party?
Sen. Capito is in a unique position to answer those questions in the coming days. Her answers will define her legacy.
Capito is West Virginia’s junior senator, but her influence is real. She is a leader on the powerful Appropriations Committee and a member of Sen. Mitch McConnell’s inner circle. She was vetted for the vice presidency and hails from the state where President Donald Trump is most popular. She has spent decades cultivating relationships on both sides of the aisle.
Take Action: Proposed Medicaid Cuts
Justin Dart urged us to get into politics as if our lives depended on it.” Today, his words were never more true – or important! The lives and liberty of disabled Americans are on the line as the US Senate considers massive cuts to Medicaid. Join NCIL in the fight to protect Medicaid and fight for the lives and liberty of disabled Americans across the country!
TAKE ACTION:
The US Senate needs to hear from the Disability Community about the dangers of cutting $800 billion from Medicaid. We need YOU to call Senator Capito. Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and asking the operator to connect you.
Message
Say: “My name is (your full name). I am a constituent of Senator (name). I am disabled and I rely on Medicaid to live independently in my community. I am calling to ask Senator (name) to vote NO on any legislation that will cap and cut Medicaid and put healthcare out of reach for millions of Americans, including the upcoming ACA repeal bill. Senator (name) has a responsibility to fight for their constituents, and that includes those of us with disabilities and pre-existing conditions. People (like me/in the disability community) rely on Medicaid for our health and independence, and converting Medicaid to a per capita cap system would be detrimental to people with disabilities in (state). If this bill is passed, I risk losing access to services that I rely on to live in my community. This is unacceptable. This is an extremely important issue to the disability community, and we are following the Senator’s actions closely. I hope we can count on the Senator to do what’s right for people with disabilities in (state) and around the country!”
It is imperative that you call now, and then do it again tomorrow, and every day after that while this legislation is still active! The entire Disability Community is depending on you to make these calls and stop this legislation from moving forward.
STEM Survey Accessibility Research Study
STUDY BASICS Do you have a physical disability? Were you in a science or engineering laboratory course after high school? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to gather information on the experiences of past/present students…