are committed to promoting the Independent Living Philosophy

Mission: The mission of the WVSILC is to promote the value, equality, full-inclusion, and freedom of choice of all West 

Virginians with disabilities.

Vision: WVSILC is a diverse cross-disability group united to ensure the respect, value, and equality of all West Virginians with disabilities.

Values: WVSILC practices and believes in:

• Equality – People with disabilities are entitled, as are all human beings, to respect, dignity, and impartial access to opportunities to advance. Civil and human rights apply to people with disabilities. All people are equal before the law. 
• Integration – People with disabilities belong in the community. They have a fundamental right to be fully included and to actively participate in all aspects of society.
• Value – People with disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value, not by their disability.
• Changing systems – We work with others to change systems to ensure people with disabilities have open access to participate fully and that they receive just, impartial treatment that is free from bias and discrimination.
• Advocacy – We share information about the realities experienced by people with disabilities. We work with others to increase understanding and to promote change that brings full integration in law, in practice and throughout society.

The Disability History Essay Contest is a partnership with the WV State Rehabilitation Council and the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services that coincides with WV Disability History Week and is open to all WV high school seniors.

This annual contest is designed to provide WV high school seniors with an opportunity to showcase their writing skills, share what they have learned about disability issues in their community, use their ability to form and express opinions, and perhaps to earn some money!