2026 Stewart's Legislative Conference

He was a strong advocate who understood and lived the independent living philosophy. He was a role model and mentor to advocates and others in the disability community. 

He volunteered countless hours of his time to monitor the Legislature and was a key member of the grassroots disability movement in our state. He was an authority and resource on disability rights and issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities. He was an important part of the advocacy team at the Capitol and was respected and listened to. He was one of a handful of experts on the ADA and other disability rights laws and was a resource to the State ADA Coordinator, the legislature, the State Fire Marshall, the Human Rights Commission, and many other state agencies and public entities.

He was the person many of us turn to when we had a problem and was always ready with a solution. He was recognized on the state, regional, and national level as an advocate and as a resource. He was a leader, teacher, mentor, guide, and peer to many of us.  

She was one of the pioneers in the independent living movement in West Virginia and has been recognized nationally for her contributions to independent living and the rights of people with disabilities. She has been an advocate for people with disabilities all her life. She was one of the original staff members at the Huntington Center for Independent Living, the first CIL in West Virginia (now known as Mountain State Centers for Independent Living). She developed the peer-counseling program and coordinated the Transition Program for teenagers and young adults with disabilities.

She was one of the founders of the Fair Shake Network and served as the coordinator for several years.  She led the fight to close Colin Anderson Center, the last state institution for people with developmental disabilities in West Virginia. 

She developed and coordinated the Partners in Policymaking (PIP) program in West Virginia.

She helped author the legislation to close Colin Anderson Center, the Assistive Technology Revolving Loan Fund legislation, the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services Act, the Independent Living Act, and others too numerous to name..

She was the coordinator for West Virginia in the national effort to secure the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Barbara Evans Fleischauer

Former Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer is still a dynamic, creative advocate for women, veterans, children, families, the environment, people with disabilities and small businesses. One of the hardest working Delegates, she was a Legislator longer than any other women currently serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, 

Delegate Fleischauer has managed to pass policy and spending initiatives that have resulted in significant improvements in the lives of West Virginians. There is, an unusually long list of bills sponsored by Delegate Fleischauer have become state law.

Roxanne Clay-Executive Director, WVABLE Program 

Roxanne Clay is the Director of WVABLE – a savings & investment program administered by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office and is designed specifically for individuals with a disability. 

Roxanne has over 16 years of experience as a dedicated and passionate public servant managing and directing programs that serve West Virginians. 

Prior to joining the Treasurer’s office, Roxanne was the Executive Director for the WV Board of Examiners in Counseling. Before the Counseling Board, she worked as the Director of Psychometric Services for Process Strategies, Inc., Highland Behavioral Health. Roxanne earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in leadership studies with coursework emphasis in Professional Counseling from Marshall University. 

Roxanne currently resides in Putnam County with her husband, and enjoys spending time outdoors, with her family, and 6 beloved grandchildren.

Sean O’Leary – Senior Policy Analyst

Sean O’Leary is the senior policy analyst at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Since joining the Center in 2010, Sean has authored numerous reports on working family issues, economic development, and state and federal budget and tax policy, including annual reports on the state budget and the State of Working West Virginia. Sean also leads the WVCBP’s work contributing to the annual KIDS COUNT Data Book and serves on the board of directors for the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition. Sean holds a B.A. in political science and economics and a Master of Public Administration from West Virginia University.