Assistive Technology grants for individuals, apply by October 1

Do you or your family member need assistive technology and do not know where to turn? PATHS, the Partnerships in Assistive TecHnologieS, is a non-profit group dedicated to increasing awareness about and access to assistive technology (AT).

What is assistive technology (AT)? AT is anything that helps you or a family member do something. Eye glasses help us see. Velcro helps us tie our shoes instead of using laces. It is anything that makes life a little easier and helps independence.

PATHS is taking applications for those who need AT in the state of West Virginia. Many people need AT but affording devices can be difficult for some people. PATHS is offering awards of up to $550.00 worth of equipment/devices to qualified individuals. Please note: The total cost of the device(s), including any taxes and shipping and handling, cannot exceed $550.00. PATHS cannot “pool” the grant money with others. For example, PATHS cannot pay $550.00 towards a $700.00 purchase, and you or another source pay the difference. The total cost of the product(s) cannot exceed $550.00; this price must include all device extras, such as software.

How do I qualify? A person of any age and disability may apply. You (or a family member) must need AT to help foster independence at home, school or work. You must have no other funding sources to buy the devices. Proof you have no other funding sources will be required along with a completed application (i.e., denial letter from insurance provider, family support, etc.). If the individual is receiving services from the WV Department of Education (public school or the Birth to Three program) PATHS cannot fund assistive technology devices that should be covered in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).

When are applications due? Applications must be postmarked by October 1, 2016

For more information and application see http://pathswv.com/grants.html.

WV Flood victims: Disaster-SNAP benefits available, apply BY JULY 31

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) announced on July 20, 2016 that residents who lived or worked in Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers and Webster counties during the June 23, 2016, flooding may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (D-SNAP) benefits.

D-SNAP generally offers more benefits than regular SNAP including the maximum benefit amount per eligible household size (not just the benefit amount you normally get based on your income, which for many seniors is only the minimum of $16/mo).

D-SNAP might be available even to some individuals and families in the flooded counties who do not normally receive SNAP because of lost access to money or unexpected flood-related expenses, and assets such as home and car are not included in the eligibility assessment.

Residents of the 12 identified counties may apply for D-SNAP benefits at the following locations from July 25, 2016 through July 31, 2016.

County	Site Location	Site Address	Hours of Operation
Clay	Clay DHHR	94 Main Street Clay, WV 25043	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Fayette	Fayette DHHR	1400 Virginia Street Oak Hill, WV 25901	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Greenbrier	*Rainelle Medical Center	645 Kanawha Avenue Rainelle, WV 25962	M-F 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Greenbrier	Greenbrier DHHR	150 Maplewood Avenue Lewisburg, WV 24901	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Jackson	Jackson DHHR	4285 Cedar Lakes Road Ripley, WV 25271	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Kanawha	Kanawha DHHR	4190 W. Washington Street Charleston, WV 25313	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Kanawha	*Clendenin Health Center	Clendenin Health Center 107 Koontz Avenue Clendenin, WV 25045	M-F 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Lincoln	Lincoln DHHR	8209 Court Avenue Hamlin, WV 25523	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Monroe	Monroe DHHR	174 Route 3, East Union, WV 24983	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Nicholas	Nicholas DHHR	707 Professional Park Drive Summersville, WV 26651	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Pocahontas	Pocahontas DHHR	#2 Elray Business Park Marlinton, WV 24954	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Roane	Roane DHHR	677 Ripley Road, Suite 3 Spencer, WV 25276	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Summers	Summers DHHR	320 Summers Street, Suite A Hinton, WV 25951	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Webster	Webster DHHR	110 North Main Street Suite 201 Webster Springs, WV 26288	M-F 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 pm

WV flood victims: you may be able to get your June SNAP benefits replaced, extension granted

DHHR Announces Extended Reporting Period for SNAP Replacement

7/1/2016 The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted a waiver of the 10 day reporting requirement for households requesting replacement SNAP benefits lost in the mass flooding and mud slides that occurred on June 23, 2016. The waiver extends the reporting period until July 22, 2016, in 21 counties.

Counties approved under the waiver are Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, Monroe, McDowell, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, Wayne and Webster.

“Receiving this extension assists families who are facing devastating losses and challenging circumstances,” said Nancy Exline, Commissioner of the Bureau for Children and Families. “I am thankful for the USDA’s support during this difficult time.”

Households in the above-listed counties must request and complete a DFA-SNAP-36 form at a DHHR office by the close of business on July 22, 2016. The replacement benefit is for food that was purchased with June SNAP benefits received by the household. The replacement will not affect SNAP benefit allocations for July.

Replacement SNAP benefits for households affected by the June 23 flooding and mud slide that are not in one of the above-listed counties must request and complete the DFA-SNAP-36 form at a DHHR office by the close of business on July 5, 2016.