Clearing up misconceptions

ADAPT WV is available to help people with disabilities

We of ADAPT WV are have coverage from the Daily Anthenaeum.  However, we would like to clear up a few misconceptions resulting from the Oct. 6 article concerning accessible housing.

    1. ADAPT WV is one of 27 chapters throughout the country fighting for the rights of persons with disabilities.

    2. We are a cross-disability organization, including all disabilities, although we do have members with learning disabilities.

    3.  Accessible housing is most commonly used by individuals with mobility and sensory impairments.  Accessibility Standards
         and the Fair Housing Act.  There is a severe shortage of such housing in the Morgatown area.

    4. It is never appropriate to use abbreviations when talking about individuals with disabilities (L. D. instead of learning
        disabled).

    5. When writing about a disability issue of which you have little understanding, it is always best to interview the persons
        involoved to get their perspective.

    6. When writing about people with disabilities, always ask them how they prefer to be referred to.

    ADAPT WV is an organization with contacts in four cities throughout the state: Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Parkersburg.  We currently have a 130-person mailing list.

    ADAPT WV has West Virginia University students among its members.   We are deeply concerened with equal access on the WVU campus.  Our activities have included:

•     Spearheading the President's Access Task Force during the 1997-1998 school year.
•     Taking action which resulted in stronger enforcement of accessible parking laws on the WVU campus.
•     Changing the WVU Up All Night! Nite Rider service to provide equal access to persons with disabilities.
•     Assisting students in fighting for necessary classroom accommodations.

    If you would like more information about ADAPT, contact Ken Ervin at (304) 296-6091, e-mail adapt@labyrinth.net   or visit http://www.labs.net/adapt/adaptwv.htm
    Ken Ervin
    Co-organizer, ADAPT WV