The West Virginia Independent Living Act (West Virginia Code §18–10M–8) provides that funds appropriated to DRS for the purpose of providing independent living services shall be utilized by DRS, either directly or through grants or contracts, with the approval of the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), to agencies that meet the definition of and comply with the standards and indicators for independent living centers set forth in the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
DRS receives an appropriation of general revenue from the West Virginia Legislature for the Community Living Services Program (CLSP), which is operated by West Virginia's Centers for Independent Living (CILs). The appropriation is granted to the CILs to provide independent living services to West Virginians with disabilities in accordance with provisions of the West Virginia State Plan for Independent Living.
The CILs are uniquely qualified and experienced in providing such services. Further, the CILs are known by DRS and the SILC to be the only public or private organizations operating within the State of West Virginia which currently meet the definition of and comply with the standards and indicators for independent living set forth in the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and related federal regulations. Therefore, the CILs are the only prospective recipients of such grants who are qualified under West Virginia Code §18–10M–8.
The overall purpose of CLSP is to assist individuals with disabilities to function more independently, thereby enabling them to leave nursing homes or other institutions or to avoid such placements and remain in their own homes and communities. CLSP provides independent living services to individuals with disabilities. The services include individualized assessment, rehabilitation engineering, environmental modification, assistive technology devices and services, information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy.