Kelly A. Simpson - Community Resource Advocate, Huntington Office

As a Community Resource Advocate for more than ten years, I enjoy being a member of a community to help people to become independent.

One of my responsibilities at Mountain State is the Community Living Services Program (CLSP). The CLSP program assists individuals with disabilities to function more independently in their homes and communities. We offer CLSP services to families in Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler counties. The services include bathroom modifications such as a roll in shower or raised toilet seat, a ramp, portable ramp, wheelchair lift or carrier for their vehicle, hearing aids, high volume telephones, lift chairs, wheelchairs, and other assistive technology equipment to help the person to remain independent and be able to stay in their own home in their community. We also offer assistance in getting help with accessible housing in both Cabell and Wayne Counties and finding personal assistance services if needed.

I am also responsible for conducting public awareness activities including the KIDS ADA awareness presentations in local elementary and middle schools. We also visit other agencies and local high schools to providing disability awareness in the community.

My husband, Everette and I live in the Huntington area with our cat, Marty. I am the mother of three independent adult children, two of which are legally blind with an eye condition known as Leber's Congenital Amaurosis. I am step-mother to four more adult children and grandmother of three.

I have been an advocate for my children since they're birth. I'm very proud of all of our children. They are all successful and living independently. My experiences with my children have given me the opportunity to offer personal insight into the needs and abilities of people who are blind and the needs of young adults with ADHD. I also have hidden disabilities, chronic asthma and arthritis and diabetes and I understand the challenges of living with a disability on a daily basis myself.

I am a member of the Fair Shake Network (FSN) and currently serving as chairperson for the FSN. I am the safety committee chairperson for the center and am active with the FEMA Emergency Preparedness information group. I am an active member of the Faces of Medicaid advocacy group in West Virginia. I am a member of the Teubert Interagency Council for the Blind & Visually Impaired. I have been active with Cabell Wayne Association for the Blind for over 25 years and was co-founder of the parent's support group. I am a member of the National Association for Parent's of Visually Impaired Children, Leber's Congenital Amaurosis Association, and the Cabell County Democratic Women's Association. I was an active volunteer with Cabell County Schools for over 30 years. I attend the WV Legislature as an advocate for Mountain State and monitor and support legislation that affects people with disabilities. I was involved in the first youth disability caucus in West Virginia. I am a 2003 graduate of the Partners in Policy Making Program. I am an active church member with First Baptist Church of Ceredo and a member of the choir and Crafters for Christ.

If you are interested in receiving services from the Community Living Services Program, more information on disability awareness, or in scheduling a Kids ADA presentation for your school or group in the community, please give me a call.

You can reach me in the Huntington office at 304-525-3324 from 8:00 am to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, or send me an email (ksimpson@mtstcil.org).