Independent Living Resources

Fair Shake Network - The FAIR SHAKE NETWORK is an association of West Virginians dedicated to the belief that diversity makes our communities stronger.  People with disabilities have the right to live, work, and play in their own homes and communities.  The Fair Shake Network provides training and systems advocacy on issues affecting people with disabilities through statewide, grassroots, cross disability activities.

Independent Living Research Utilization - The ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. It is a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann, a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.

Independent Living USA - This web site was developed and established by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, their families, providers, directors of not-for-profit organizations [particularly Independent Living Centers (ILCs)], their staffs, and others interested in independent living. Independent Living USA. Com is run and maintained by volunteers, and independent contractors. There are no multi-million dollar corporations or investors behind this web site. The aim of the site is to create a directory of resources for independent living, which will serve as a vehicle for helping individuals with disabilities to develop online business, and web related opportunities.

Mountain State Centers for Independent - The Mission of Mountain State Centers for Independent Living is to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

National Council on Independent Living - The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. Founded in 1982, NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals including: individuals with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources - The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is comprised of five bureaus: Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities; Bureau for Child Support Enforcement; Bureau for Children and Families; Bureau for Medical Services; and Bureau for Public Health. DHHR has a statewide presence and employs nearly 6,000 individuals.

West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services - The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities establish and reach their vocational goals. The primary goal for all DRS clients is to become productive working citizens.

West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council - The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council was established under the 1992 amendments of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Council members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from the Centers for Independent Living, the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS), and other state agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.

West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities - Established in 1978, the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) is located in Morgantown, West Virginia and has a satellite office in Big Chimney, West Virginia with staff located in offices across the state to better serve clients in their communities. The CED is a unit within West Virginia University (WVU), Health Sciences, and because of the placement within the University, has access and alignment within the Schools of Pharmacy, Public Health, Nursing, Medicine and Dentistry. Reporting authority with WVU tacitly supports the opportunity for collaboration, education and training needed to support and strengthen the state's capacity to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.