October 2026

"It Can Happen": Conference Keynote Inspires Advocates

This year's Self-Advocacy Conference welcomed keynote speaker Sean McElwee, an advocate and actor known for his role on the Emmy Award-winning TV show Born This Way. McElwee's keynote centered on a simple message: It can happen! He shared how self-advocacy has shaped his own life — from being on TV after his teacher said he would never make it, to owning and running his own business. In addition, with support from his family, he lives independently in his own home with his dog and has staff who encourage that independence. You can see more of his shirts by going here.

During our Conference, advocates took away lessons from a variety of handpicked classes; ranging from dental hygiene, social skills and conversation, and first aid. Advocates also learned more about WVABLE with a game show hosted by Roxanne Clay as well as Winning at Self-Advocacy hosted by Tina Wiseman and Katie Arbaugh from the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council. Leisure time activities included a paint party as well as cardio drumming.

During our Advisory Board Meeting, we discussed possible locations for next year's Conference if Jackson's Mill is not available as well as voted on the dates for the next four advisory board meetings for 2026-2027. Don't forget if you have any images of your time at Cedar Lakes, click here to be taken to the 2026 Self-Advocacy Conference Photos page! Uploaded photos will need approval before they appear on the page.

Driven by Lived Experience: Shaping WV’s Future

Every West Virginian deserves to live independently, make their own choices, and belong. Rooted in the landmark federal Developmental Disability Act of 1970, Developmental Disabilities Councils operate on a powerful mandate: at least 60% of members must be people with disabilities and their families. This guarantees that lived experience directly drives state policy.



In our state, the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council (WVDDC)—established in 1972—leads this charge. Rather than providing direct clinical care, the WVDDC drives systems change, protects civil rights, and empowers self-advocates to remove community barriers. Tina Wiseman is the Executive Director and Katie Arbaugh is the Program Operations Coordinator.

Guided by its 5-Year State Plan, the WVDDC focuses on system responsiveness, community inclusion, and self-advocacy. Key initiatives include promoting Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship, addressing direct support workforce shortages, and proudly funding groups like People First of WV. Together, we are building a state where inclusion is the standard and every voice is heard. We appreciate both Tina and Katie presenting on "Winning at Self-Advocacy" during our recent People First Conference.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a month to celebrate the contribution that individuals with disabilities make every day to their communities and encourage equal employment for all.

Here are some facts about employment:



• West Virginia has the lowest disability employment rate in the nation: just 36.4% of people with disabilities in West Virginia are employed, the lowest rate among all states, according to a 2026 workplace inclusion analysis. For comparison, South Dakota leads the country at 61.5%.
• West Virginia has the highest percentage of residents with a disability in the country, at 19.5%, ahead of Kentucky (18.1%) and Arkansas (18.0%).
• West Virginia also has the highest percentage of working-age residents receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in the country — 7.2%, at an average of $1,492 a month.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month exists precisely because gaps like West Virginia's don't close on their own. With the lowest disability employment rate in the country and the widest disparity between residents with and without disabilities, the state has real ground to make up — but also real opportunity. Employers who rethink hiring practices, accommodations, and outreach stand to tap into a workforce that's been overlooked for too long.

October Disability Matters

A brand-new episode of Disability Matters will air October 28th at 10:00 on the People First of West Virginia Facebook page and YouTube.

If you missed September's episode with Sheila Moran from First Choice Services, she talks about September being National Suicide Prevention Month and shares info about the free services they offer to advocates by calling 988. Just click here to check out the Disability Matters playlist on YouTube!

If you have a topic, you would like discussed on a future episode or want to be featured on a future episode, please reach out to Morgan by emailing him at morgan.spicer@thearcmov.org or call (304) 422-3151 ext:129.