reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WV Code § 18-10M-2 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10M. West Virginia Independent Living Act|§18-10M-2. Legislative Findings and Declarations

The Legislature hereby finds and declares the following:(1) The state recognizes the value of independent living services in maximizing the ability of people with disabilities to live more independently in their own homes and communities.(2) Persons with disabilities have the best capacity to design, develop, manage and implement the programs and services which are intended to assist them.(3) The federal Rehabilitation Act, as amended, requires this state to develop a state plan for independent living to describe and direct independent living services in West Virginia.(4) The federal Rehabilitation Act, as amended, further calls for the establishment and operation of a Statewide Independent Living Council to monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the state’s plan for independent living services.(5) Approximately twenty-three and one-half percent of West Virginia’s residents have one or more disabilities, many of whom could benefit directly or indirectly from the provision of independent living services by the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the state’s centers for independent living.(6) A need exists for a coordinated network of consumer-controlled centers for independent living that effectively reaches persons with disabilities in all fifty-five counties of the state.
WV Code § 18-10M-3 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10M. West Virginia Independent Living Act|§18-10M-3. Purpose

The purpose of this article is to authorize, facilitate or provide for services and activities that will enable individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities; to promote the philosophy of independent living, including consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access and individual and systems advocacy; to enhance and maximize the leadership abilities, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with significant disabilities; and to promote and maximize the integration and full inclusion of individuals with significant disabilities into the mainstream of our society. To this end, services provided pursuant to this article shall be offered in the most integrated settings to the maximum extent possible, within available resources.
WV Code § 18-10M-4 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10M. West Virginia Independent Living Act|§18-10M-4. Definitions

Terms used in this article have the same meanings as those provided in the federal Rehabilitation Act, as amended, as follows:(a) “Consumer control” means circumstances in which individuals with disabilities having decision-making authority.(b) “Council” means the Statewide Independent Living Council.(c) “Designated state entity” means the entity designated in the state plan for independent living to receive and administer federal funding as directed by the plan.(d) “Federal Rehabilitation Act” or “federal act” means the act codified at 29 U. S. C. §701, et. seq.(e) “Independent living services” means advocacy; independent living skills; training; information and referral; peer counseling; peer support; transition, including services that facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services; provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals may remain in the community; facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for individualized education programs pursuant to section 614(d) of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U. S. C. 1414(d)), and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to post-secondary life; and any other service directed by the state plan which may include, but is not limited to, the following:(1) Assistive devices and equipment;(2) Communication services;(3) Counseling and related services;(4) Community awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration into society of individuals with disabilities;(5) Environmental modifications;(6) Family services;(7) Housing advocacy;(8) Mobility training;(9) Personal assistance services;(10) Prostheses and other appliances and devices; and(11) Rehabilitation technology.(f) “Individual with a significant disability” means an individual with a severe physical or mental impairment whose ability to function independently in the family or community or whose ability to obtain, maintain or advance in employment is substantially limited and for whom the delivery of independent living services will improve the ability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently in the family or community or to continue in employment, respectively.(g) “State plan” means the state plan for independent living required by the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
WV Code § 18-10M-5 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10M. West Virginia Independent Living Act|§18-10M-5. Eligibility for Services

Any individual with a significant disability, as defined in the state plan, is eligible for services that may be made available pursuant to this article.
WV Code § 18-10M-7 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10M. West Virginia Independent Living Act|§18-10M-7. State Plan for Independent Living

(a) The state plan shall direct the use of federal funds provided to the state under the federal act and appropriated by the Legislature to the designated state entity in a line item for this purpose, in addition to any state funds that may be appropriated to the designated state entity for the provision of independent living services. The state plan, and each subsequent plan or amendment thereto, shall address the priorities set forth in the federal act for establishing a statewide program of independent living services, including a statewide network of centers for independent living. The council chairperson, as authorized by the voting members of the council, and a majority of the directors of the centers for independent living in the state will sign the state plan indicating agreement with the content. The director of the designated state entity will sign the state plan indicating agreement to serve as the designated state entity, to receive the funding, distribute the funding in accordance to the state plan and to fulfill all responsibilities of the designated state entity as provided in the federal Rehabilitation Act, as amended. The state plan may be amended at any time at the agreement of the council and the centers for independent living.(b) The state plan, and each subsequent plan and any amendments thereto shall be presented to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability, created pursuant to article twenty-nine-e, chapter sixteen of this code, for review and consultation.
WV Code § 18-10M-8 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10M. West Virginia Independent Living Act|§18-10M-8. Funding and Grants

(a) Funds appropriated to the designated state entity for independent living services shall be administered by the designated state entity and may be used to fund any service or activity included in the state plan for independent living, including funding centers for independent living. In order to qualify for funding, a center for independent living shall meet the definition and comply with the standards and indicators therefor, as established in the federal act.(b) Subject to availability, the state plan may designate funds for purposes including, but not limited to, the following:(1) To provide independent living services to eligible individuals with significant disabilities;(2) To demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services;(3) To support the operation of centers for independent living;(4) To support activities to increase the capacities of centers for independent living to develop comprehensive approaches or systems for providing independent living services;(5) To conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model policies and procedures and present information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions and recommendations to policymakers in order to enhance independent living services for individuals with disabilities;(6) To train individuals with disabilities and individuals who provide services to them and other persons regarding the independent living philosophy; and(7) To provide outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this act, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.As provided in the state plan, funds appropriated for the purposes of this article shall be utilized directly by the designated state entity for the provision of independent living services or through grants or contracts, with the approval of the council, to agencies that meet the definition of and comply with the standards and indicators for centers for independent living set forth in the federal act.
WV Code § 18-10N-1 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10N. Information Technology Access for the Blind and Visually Impaired|§18-10N-1. Findings; Policy

The Legislature finds that the use of interactive display terminals by state agencies is becoming a widespread means of access for employees and the public to obtain information available electronically, but that presentation of electronic data solely in a visual format is a barrier to access by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired have the right to full participation in the life of the state, including the use of advanced technology which is purchased by the state for use by employees, program participants and members of the general public. The Legislature also recognizes that technological advances allow interactive control of computers and use of the information by visually impaired persons, but that nonvisual access is dependent on the purchase of hardware and software that is compatible with technology used for nonvisual access.
WV Code § 18-10N-2 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10N. Information Technology Access for the Blind and Visually Impaired|§18-10N-2. Definitions

The following words have the meanings indicated:(a) "Access" means the ability to receive, use and manipulate data and operate controls included in information technology.(b) "Blind or visually impaired individual" means an individual who:(1) Has a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses or has a limited field of vision so that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees;(2) Has a medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration; or(3) Has a medically diagnosed limitation in visual functioning that restricts the individual's ability to read and write standard print at levels expected of individuals of comparable ability.(c) "Information technology" means all electronic information processing hardware and software, including telecommunications.(d) "Nonvisual" means synthesized speech, Braille and other output methods not requiring sight.(e) "State agency" means the state or any of its departments, agencies or boards or commissions.(f) "Telecommunications" means the transmission of information, voice, or data by radio, video or other electronic or impulse means.
WV Code § 18-10N-3 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10N. Information Technology Access for the Blind and Visually Impaired|§18-10N-3. Purchasing to Develop Access Standards; Access Clause to Be Included in Contracts

(a) On or before September 1, 2001, the Purchasing Division of the Department of Administration shall develop nonvisual access standards for information technology systems employed by state agencies that:(1) Provide blind or visually impaired individuals with access to information stored electronically by state agencies by ensuring compatibility with adaptive technology systems so that blind and visually impaired individuals have full and equal access when needed; and(2) Are designed to present information, including prompts used for interactive communications, in formats intended for both visual and nonvisual use, such as the use of text-only options.(b) The Purchasing Division shall consult with state agencies and representatives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired in developing the nonvisual access standards described in subsection (a) of this section and the procurement criteria described in section four of this article.(c) The head of each state agency shall establish a written plan and develop any proposed budget requests for implementing the nonvisual access standards for its agency at facilities accessible by the public.
WV Code § 18-10N-4 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10N. Information Technology Access for the Blind and Visually Impaired|§18-10N-4. Procurements by the Purchasing Division

(a) On or before January 1, 2002, the division shall approve minimum standards and criteria to be used in approving or rejecting procurements by state agencies for adaptive technologies for nonvisual access uses.(b) Nothing in this article shall require the installation of software or peripheral devices used for nonvisual access when the information technology is being used by individuals who are not blind or visually impaired. Nothing in this article shall be construed to require the purchase of nonvisual adaptive equipment by a state agency.(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the applications, programs and underlying operating systems, including the format of the data, used for the manipulation and presentation of information shall permit the installation and effective use of and shall be compatible with nonvisual access software and peripheral devices.(d) Compliance with the procurement requirements of this section with regard to information technology purchased prior to July 1, 2001, shall be achieved at the time of procurement of an upgrade or replacement of existing information technology equipment or software.
WV Code § 18-10O-1 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10O. Disability History Week|§18-10O-1. Short Title

This article is known and may be cited as the "Disability History Week Act."
WV Code § 18-10O-2 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10O. Disability History Week|§18-10O-2. Legislative Findings

The Legislature finds that:(1) According to the two thousand United States Census over four hundred thousand West Virginians have disabilities, which is nearly twenty-four percent of the state's general population;(2) In order to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities into society, it is necessary to expand the public's knowledge, awareness and understanding of the history of disabilities and the disability rights movement;(3) The disability rights movement is a civil rights movement that is an important part of the history of this state and this country;(4) October is recognized nationally as Disability Awareness Month; and(5) By designating the third week of October as Disability History Week, students and the public will have the opportunity to learn about the history and contributions of people with disabilities.
WV Code § 18-10O-3 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10O. Disability History Week|§18-10O-3. Purpose

The purpose of this article is to increase the awareness and understanding of the history and contributions of people with disabilities in the state, nation and world by designating the annual observance of the third week of October as Disability History Week.
WV Code § 18-10O-4 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10O. Disability History Week|§18-10O-4. Definitions

As used in this article the following words and phrases have the following meanings:(a) "Disability history" means the people, events and timelines of the development and evolution of services to, and the civil rights of, people with disabilities. Disability history includes the contributions of specific people with disabilities; and(b) "Existing school curriculum" means all the courses and curricula currently in place at a public school.
WV Code § 18-10O-5 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10O. Disability History Week|§18-10O-5. Disability History Week Designated

(a) The third week of October annually is designated as Disability History Week for the State of West Virginia.(b) In recognition of and to further the purposes of Disability History Week, each public school shall provide instruction on disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement. The instruction shall be integrated into the existing school curriculum in a manner such as, but not limited to, supplementing existing lesson plans, holding school assemblies or providing other school activities. The instruction may be delivered by school personnel or by guest speakers.(c) State institutions of higher education are encouraged to conduct and promote activities that provide education, awareness and understanding of disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement.(d) The Legislature is encouraged to annually recognize Disability History Week by introducing a concurrent resolution to:(1) Recognize youth leaders in the disability rights movement;(2) Reaffirm a commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society; and(3) Recognize the disability rights movement as an important part of the history of this state and nation.(e) Recognized resources for information, materials and speakers regarding disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement include, but are not limited to:(1) Centers for Independent Living;(2) The Statewide Independent Living Council;(3) The Developmental Disabilities Council; and (4) The State Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator.(f) The provisions of this article are not intended to create a burden, financial or otherwise, for public schools, teachers or state institutions of higher education.
WV Code § 18-10Q-1 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10Q. Employment First Policy|§18-10Q-1. Legislative Findings

The Legislature finds a need to create a state initiative to promote competitive, integrated, and customized employment opportunities for disabled citizens using publicly funded services regardless of the individuals level of disability. The state Employment First Policy initiative is intended to promote the expectation that individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities are valued members of the workforce, and can often meet the same employment standards, responsibilities, and expectations as other working-age adults when provided the proper education, reasonable accommodations, and supports.
WV Code § 18-10Q-2 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10Q. Employment First Policy|§18-10Q-2. Definitions

Competitive Employment means work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment) for which an individual is compensated at a rate that is not less than the rates specified in 21-5C-2 of this code, and for which the employee is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees and which presents opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities who have similar positions."Customized Employment" means those employment supports and services for an individual that are designed in a way to personalize the employment relationship between the person with a disability and employer in a way that meets the needs of both."Integrated employment" means employment at a location where the percentage of employees with disabilities relative to the employees without disabilities is consistent with the norms of the general workforce, and where the employees with disabilities interact with other persons, to the same extent as employees in comparable positions without disabilities.
WV Code § 18-10Q-3 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10Q. Employment First Policy|§18-10Q-3. Creation of Employment First Taskforce; Membership; Meeting Requirements

(a) The Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health shall establish a taskforce for the purpose of developing and implementing a state Employment First Policy. (b) The commissioner shall appoint the membership of the taskforce, which shall include, at a minimum, the following members:(1) The Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health, or his or her representative, who shall chair the taskforce;(2) An individual with a developmental disability;(3) An individual with an intellectual disability;(4) A family member of a person with a disability;(5) A representative of the Department of Education;(6) A representative of Workforce West Virginia;(7) A representative of the Division of Rehabilitation Services;(8) A representative of the Bureau for Medical Services (State Medicaid Agency);(9) A representative of the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council;(10) A representative of a provider of integrated and competitive employment services who does not also provide sheltered or otherwise segregated services for individuals with disabilities;(11) A representative of West Virginia Center of Excellence in Disabilities; (12) A representative of Disability Rights of West Virginia (the Governor-designated state protection and advocacy agency);(13) A representative of the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council;(14) A representative of the West Virginia Community and Technical College Systems; (15) A representative of the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association;(16) A representative of the West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; and(17) The State of West Virginia Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator.(c) The taskforce shall hold meetings at the call of the chairperson or upon written request of a majority of the members. The taskforce shall meet at least four times a year. (d) The chairman of the taskforce shall appointment a member to act as secretary for the purposes of the taking of minutes. The minutes shall be approved by the taskforce at each meeting. The minutes and all other documentation shall be maintained by the chair.
WV Code § 18-10Q-5 (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 10Q. Employment First Policy|§18-10Q-5. Sunset Date

The taskforce established in 18-10Q-3 of this code shall terminate and cease to exist on December 31, 2025, unless continued by act of the Legislature.
WV Code § 18-11-1a (2021)
2021 West Virginia Code|Chapter 18. Education|Article 11. West Virginia University|§18-11-1a. Control of Property and Business Affairs Transferred to Board of Governors [Board of Regents]

The control of the financial, business and all other affairs of the West Virginia University and of Potomac State School is hereby transferred from the state board of control to the board of Governors. The board of Governors shall, in respect to the control, management and property of such institutions, have the same rights and powers and shall perform the same duties as were heretofore exercised or performed by the state board of control. The title to all property of such institutions is hereby transferred to and vested in the board of Governors.