Letter to the Community

Susan Weinberger, MTSTCIL board chair

In my eight years as a member of the board, and now board chair, at Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, much has been accomplished on behalf of people with disabilities in our community.

My experience in the field of rehabilitation began in 1981 when I was working at a mental health institution coordinating student clinical experiences and internships. In my spare time I would assist the recreation department in activities and take patients on field trips. We had some great times and I learned these were "normal" people with problems, coping issues, addictions, and life circumstances that weren't uncommon in many ways from everyone else. Working there I learned what "people first" really meant.

Since 1984 I have worked for the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services in many capacities with different disability groups. My favorite job assignment was as the Homemaker and Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor. I visited clients in their homes and conducted assessments of their daily activities and helped them identify solutions or adaptive equipment to accommodate their needs. Then I would deliver and install the equipment, train them on use and evaluate their progress. I loved that hands-on approach to helping people gain independence.

The Mountain State Centers for Independent Living was a referral source and a resource for my job and my clients. We worked together for years identifying the needs of individuals with disabilities and the latest technology to accommodate those needs. Whether it was skills classes, adaptive equipment, advocacy or transportation, the staff was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone be more independent. Their philosophy was what I have been practicing all my life, "Leave the world a better place than you found it". Together we could do just that! That is the reason I chose to serve on the board for MTSTCIL.

MTSTCIL Staff

MTSTCIL is active in the community and, in my opinion, one of the best kept secrets in the community. Behind the scenes the staff can be found offering services, advocacy support, training, transportation, and individual counseling to people in the disability community. Staff members can also be found on committees locally and around the state that work to improve the lives of people with disabilities. As a board member I respect their dedication to MTSTCIL. They also help on fund raising projects and pitch in where needed in the daily activities of the Centers.

MTSTCIL Accomplishments

Some of the accomplishments of the Centers that I have witnessed while serving on the board have included the buying and paying off of our building loan; installation of a new elevator in the building; developing the annual "Walk for Independence"; participation and planning for the "Walk n' Roll" Disability Awareness Parade; Huntington city surveys on curb cuts and sidewalk repairs; disability awareness presentations for elementary students; and, establishing a Foundation for IL (independent living) as a resource development source for MTSTCIL.

Why volunteer at MTSTCIL?

As a volunteer at MTSTCIL you will help to improve the lives of people with disabilities, help them to become independent, productive, and often tax-paying members of the community. We are currently recruiting members who can bring their business, marketing, finance or human resources experience to the table. Volunteers are always welcome in a variety of other capacities from reading to the blind, providing administrative support in any MTSTCIL office, volunteering at events such as the annual Walk for Independence and many other opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a board member, please send me an email: email Susan Weinberger.

If you are interested in volunteering in the office or for events, email the Huntington office, or contact the center nearest you.

Through greater community awareness and by working together we can continue to make a difference in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.