For over 2 decades the Fair Shake Network (FSN) has coordinated an effort to bring training and awareness of Disability Rights to the people with disabilities and the public. Wednesday, February 19, 2014 West Virginians with disabilities from all over the state will band together as a group to help bring their concerns to the forefront of public awareness to their legislators at the State Capitol.
There will be a Rally & Press Conference in the Lower Rotunda from 9:30am – 10:30am to release the 2014 Disability Agenda; Proclamations read in both the House and Senate floor sessions at 11:00am and exhibitors and personal visits with Legislators from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
This year, we’ll share stories of the common threads of disability that inspire and empower us. The FSN advocates for opportunities for health care, Independent Living Services, Equal Employment, Inclusion and Post-Secondary Education which are critical components in this movement toward social justice. These stories emphasize the fact that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and fully participate in their communities to realize their dreams. People with disabilities have the right to receive the supports they need to exercise self-determination, achieve independence, and become productive employees in the workplace.
The Fair Shake Network has developed a statewide network concerned with all types of disabilities and all age groups, providing opportunities for people to learn from each other and take action together.
This two-day event begins with a Public Policy Training Day on Tuesday, February 18th at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center featuring speakers Kevin Smith, Coordinator and member of People First WV followed by Perry Bryant, Executive Director of West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare. The training will further provide a briefing on the 2014 Fair Shake Network Disability Agenda featuring State Advocates from Disability Rights organizations such as the WV Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of WV, WV Statewide Independent Living Council, Home Care Association of WV, and AARP WV.