Free Support and Training for Parents of Students with Special Needs
WV Parent Training & Information (WVPTI)
A non-profit parent organization committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children through a special emphasis on children and youth with all disabilities and special healthcare needs.
WVPTI is the state's designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) and receives funding from the federal Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). They serve parents and families of a child or youth from birth to age twenty-six with special needs.
WVPTI, Inc. affirms the right of all individuals, from all backgrounds and cultures, with or without disabilities, to appropriate education and other needed services.
Brenda Lamkin, Executive Director
Phone: (304) 472-5697
Email: brendalwvpti@aol.com
WV Developmental Disabilities Council (WV DDC)
A state agency that provides resources, training, and advocacy for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Steve Wiseman, Executive Director
Phone: (304) 558-0416
Email: Steve.A.Wiseman@wv.gov
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED)
The mission of the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities is to improve the lives of West Virginians with disabilities by supporting more diverse, inclusive communities.
As a federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), we are part of a national network of similar centers across the country and serve as a resource to the community in the areas of education, research and service as it relates to the needs of people with disabilities.
Lori C. Heginbotham, Program Manager
Phone: (304) 293-4692
Email: lori.heginbotham@hsc.wvu.edu
WV Parent Teacher Association (WVPTA)
In addition to their vast parent resources, the WVPTA provides a free toolkit that helps make sense of an often confusing system and educates families of newly diagnosed children with special needs on how to get the best special education, services and resources available to them.
The WV PTA continues to campaign to include families of diversity including those with children who have special needs. Additional information is here.
Ginnie Molnar, Diversity Manager
Phone: (304) 420-9576
Email: diversity@westvirginiapta.org
WV Family Engagement Center (WVFEC)
The WVFEC provides training and resources for educators and families that build effective family-school relationships, encourage parents to participate in learning, and helps parents build their capacity to support learning at home.
Dr. Meaghan Cochran, Assistant Director
Phone: (304) 296-9021
Email: mcochrane@edvgroup.org
