Monthly News &Updates

January 2025

Disability Advocacy Days


Due to the election this year, next year’s Disability Advocacy Days will be held on February 25th &26th in Charleston, West Virginia. For those who have not attended this event, the first day consists of a training, then the next day we will go to the Capitol Building to talk to our Legislators! After the training, there will be a People First Advisory Board meeting, so all Officers will need to attend.


Registration is now available on the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council’s website at www.wvsilc.org ! If you have any questions concerning Disability Advocacy Day, please reach out to Paul Smith by calling (304) 766-4624! This is not an event held by People First so please reach out to them if any issues arise or need assistance filling out online registration.

T-Shirt Contest


The People First of West Virginia T-Shirt Design Contest is underway! Here are some guidelines:


  • You must be a self-advocate in West Virginia to enter.
  • Has to have the theme words in the design (We’re All in this Together)
  • The design can be hand drawn or done on a computer, but it must be your original artwork.
  • Maximum of three colors can be used in the design including black or white.
  • You are designing the front of the shirt; the back will have the People First logo.
  • The design must fit into 12×12 inch square.
  • The design must be simple, overly detailed designs will be lost on the shirt.
  • Each person can only submit one design.


Designs must be turned in by April 4th, 2025, by 4:00 pm. When you are ready to submit your design, you may do so by sending it to the People First of West Virginia Facebook page, you can fax us at (304) 865-2072, or by emailing Alexis Ullmann and Morgan Spicer. Alexis can be reached at alexis.ullmann@thearcmov.org and Morgan can be reached at morgan.spicer@thearcmov.org ! We look forward to seeing your designs!

Little Things Mental Health Awareness Month


January marks the Little Things Mental Health Awareness Month, a campaign dedicated to highlighting the small, everyday actions that can significantly improve mental well-being. For individuals with disabilities, these “little things” can be especially impactful, offering practical ways to manage stress and enhance overall mental health.


If you’re looking to prioritize your mental health, there are some simple yet effective things you can do. Make sure to take good care of yourself by getting enough sleep and staying active. Don’t forget to check in on your friends using social media—sometimes a quick phone call can really brighten someone’s day! With the colder weather, why not plan a cozy activity like a potluck dinner or a fun movie night? And I’d love to hear your story about managing mental health during the winter, as well as any tools you’ve found helpful! Let’s share and support each other!


For more information, we encourage you to click here and learn more!

Disability Matters

Join Morgan Spicer as he interviews David Walby. David is not only a self-advocate, but he is also a writer, digital creator, and an Office Assistant at The Arc of Bartholomew County in Indiana. This will be an episode you will not want to miss!


We had the honor of meeting David during our time at The Arc National Convention in Columbus Ohio as he took a class on how self-advocacy methods grew during the pandemic! During our interview he talked about how he is using his self-advocacy skills in his workplace but also in his personal life and draws from experiences when writing! For more information on David you can check out his LinkedIn by clicking here !You can watch this espisode by Clicking Here .


If you have a topic or you would like to consider for a future episode, please feel free to reach out to Morgan at morgan.spicer@thearcmov.org . You can also contact The Arc at (304) 422-3151, extension 129.


People First of WV Meetings and Events:

Meetings are held in person and on Zoom. Click Here for a list of meetings.

Check the People First Facebook page for last minute changes.

Webinars:

Each month, several organizations provide online webinars.

AAIDD: Click Here

Additude Mag: Click Here

AUCD: Click Here

PACER: Click Here

WVABLE: Click Here

WVU CED: Click Here

US Senators:
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R):

Senator Joe Manchin, III (D):

US House of Representatives:

Carol Miller (R) – District 1: 

Click Here


Alex Mooney (R) – District 2:

Click Here

To find your State Representatives:

Click Here  for members of the State Senate

Click Here  for members of the House of Delegates


For more information, log on to  www.peoplefirstwv.org

or use the contact information below:


Contact Information:

*********************

The Arc of West Virginia

People First of West Virginia

1917 Dudley Avenue

Parkersburg, WV 26101

Phone: 304-422-3151

Toll-Free: 877-334-6581

Fax: 304-865-2072


Email:   info@peoplefirstwv.org