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Sketch description: Sketch of Ron Yost, the founder of RYPAS (Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services.) In this sketch Ron has shoulder length hair and a mustache.
Learn more about Personal Assistance Services
RYPAS, the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services Program, is a program to provide assistance to people with severe disabilities so that they may continue to live in their own home and not nursing homes.
In 1999 the West Virginia legislature passed the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services (RYPAS) Act, creating a consumer-controlled program to enable people with severe disabilities to live in their own homes and communities.
Learn more about Personal Assistance Services.
The RYPAS program provides resources for individuals with severe disabilities to hire a personal assistant to help them perform essential daily living tasks - including, but not limited to:
The RYPAS program is managed by a seven-member consumer-controlled board. Board members are people with disabilities, most of whom have their own personal assistants. The board makes all decisions about the program and the eligibility of applicants for services. Board members are not eligible for RYPAS services while serving on the board.
To qualify a person must have a severe disability that affects one or more major life activity and:
If you qualify for the RYPAS program, you will be able to hire a personal assistant of your choice. This will make you an employer.
As an employer, you will have various legal and financial responsibilities. If you can not take care of these responsibilities, you may designate someone you trust to take care of them for you.
Mountain State Centers for Independent Living can teach you how to:
If you would like to learn more about the RYPAS program, Personal Assistance Services or the skills required to hire a personal assistant, please contact the West Virginia Center For Independent Living nearest you.