Notice of Public Forums
The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council, in cooperation with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, is conducting public meetings to receive comments regarding the State Plan for Independent Living for 2014-2016.
April 18, 2013, Thursday, 4 – 6 p.m. Morgantown, WV
Mountain Lion Transit Authority
420 Dupont Road (Intersection of Dupont Road and Route 119), Morgantown, WV
May 2, 2013, Thursday, 4 – 6 p.m. Nitro, WV
WV Division of Rehabilitation Services
10 McJunkin Road, Nitro WV
The meetings are open and accessible to the public. Requests for a sign language interpreter, materials in alternate formats, or other needed accommodations for participation in the meetings must be received one week prior to the meeting. Written or oral comments on the plan may be offered at the meetings. Written comments should include the commenter’s name, mailing address, organizational affiliation (if relevant), and telephone number. Comments submitted by mail should be addressed: Public Meeting Comments, WVSILC, PO Box 625, Institute, WV 25112-0625 or e-mailed to Kathi Young.
Written comments must be submitted by May 17, 2013.
Copies of the draft State Plan are available upon request, and may be downloaded here. Requests for the plan, for assistance preparing written comments, or for accommodations for participating in the meetings should be directed to: WVSILC, P.O. Box 625, Institute, WV 25112-0625 or call 1-855-855-9743.
For more information or assistance, send e-mail to Kathi Young or call her toll-free at 1-855-855-9743
SILC Officers Elected
The West Virginia SILC held elections at the December 5, 2012 board meeting and the following individuals were elected to serve on the Executive Committee:
- Chairperson – Vanessa VanGilder
- Vice-Chairperson – James Qualls
- Secretary – Beverley Jones
- Treasurer – Ron Brown
- At-Large Member – Brenda Lamkin
- At-Large Member – Sarah Mathis
Disability Policy Summit
Nov. 8-9, 2012, Marriott Charleston Town Center
The SILC and SRC will sponsor the second WV Disability Policy Summit November 8 & 9th at the Charleston Marriott. Leaders from agencies, organizations, and advocacy groups will convene to review the 2012 Consensus Agenda on Disability Policy and to develop “next steps” for effective collaboration efforts. The goal is to expand and strengthen our advocacy network.
Watch for the results of this important event!
Federal Benefit Payments Go All-Electronic
The U.S. Department of the Treasury now requires all federal benefit and nontax payments to be paid electronically. People applying for Social Security, Veterans benefits or other federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically starting with their first payment. People currently receiving federal benefit checks will need to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.
Those who do not choose an electronic payment option at the time they apply for federal benefits or those who do not switch by the deadline will receive their benefit payments via the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card, so they will not experience any interruption in payment. If you are receiving benefit payments electronically, you do not need to take action. you will continue to receive your payment as usual on the payment day.
With direct deposit, the Treasury Department sends an electronic message to your bank or credit union account on the usual payment day with the exact amount of your benefit payment from Social Security, VA or other federal agency. You don’t have to worry about your money being stolen out of your mailbox, and there’s no need to make a trip to cash or deposit a check. Plus, it’s better for the environment and saves taxpayer dollars.
West Virginia SPIL Approved
The West Virginia State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for federal fiscal years 2011-2013 (October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2013) has been approved by the Rehabilitation Services of Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, US Department of Education.
The SPIL may be viewed or downloaded here, or a printed copy may be requested by contacting the SILC office at 304-766-4624 or 1-855-855-9743 or via e-mail.
