WV Birth to Three

WV Birth to Three is a system that provides services to infants or toddlers under the age of three who have a delay in one or more areas of development, or may be at risk of possibly having delays in the future due to a condition which is typically associated with a developmental delay such as Down Syndrome; or a combination of biological and other risk factors which may include family and/or environmental stressors.

The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley serves as the Regional Administrative Unit for an eight-county region serving Wood, Wirt, Pleasants, Ritchie, Calhoun, Gilmer, Doddridge and Harrison. To be eligible for West Virginia Birth to Three services, an infant or toddler under the age of three can either have a delay in one or more areas of their development, or be at risk of possibly having delays in the future. A child may have delays in one or more of the following areas:

What to expect:

A team of professionals works with the family based on each family’s concerns and priorities for their child. Teams include people who can provide the family knowledge about possible areas of concern with the child’s development. If a child is found to be eligible for WV Birth to Three, the family chooses whether they want to participate and receive services. (The Department of Health and Human Resources, through the Bureau for Public Health and the Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health, the lead agency for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), assures that family centered, community based services are available to all eligible children and families.) 

Important Beliefs of the WV Birth to Three System • Families are the “experts” about their child and family needs. WV Birth to Three is a support for families, assisting them to learn more about their child’s growth and development. • WV Birth to Three provides information so families can make decisions about what they need to support their child’s development. • Services support the child’s participation in learning opportunities within their home and community. • WV Birth to Three services identified on the IFSP are provided at no cost to the family. 

How to Make A Referral For more information or to make a referral: call 304-485-2000 or 1-866-321-4728. Click Here for a referral form.

Health & Wellness Program

A healthy lifestyle means a lot more than just “not” having an illness or disability. This comprehensive Wellness program offers instruction and activities that are developed and presented at a cognitive level those we serve can understand. Designed to be adapted on many levels, the program has three focus areas: Health & Nutrition, Primary & Preventative Care, and Fitness & Recreation.

Arts and the Underserved

Inclusive Summer Day

Elementary through Sr. High students who utilize special education services in the school system have the opportunity to attend a 4-week summer day program in an effort to provide social and recreation activities in inclusive settings to the consumers, as well as respite for caregivers and other family members. For a brochure about the 2024 Summer Day Program, CLICK HERE. If you are interested in a summer job working for the program, CLICK HERE. For more information, email: alexis.ullmann@thearcmov.org or call 304-422-3151 ext. 114.

Secret Christmas

Prevention

A key focus area of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is to educate the public on the causes of intellectual disability and reducing the prevalence through prevention. 

Downloads

FIEP Procedures
504 Resource
Policy 2419
Parent Advocacy Guide
Policy 4373
Special Education section 504 guidelines
Participation Guidelines

IDEA 2004 – 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Federal Statute and Regulations

U.S. Department of Education Website To Assist Users in Navigating IDEA
IDEA Law and Guidance

Assistive Technology

Increasing awareness and accessibility to assistive technology for people of all ages and types with disabilities is accomplished through programs of community education, family support, advocacy and services. Partially funded through a grant from West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems (WVATS) this tech team serves Roane, Ritchie, Wirt, Wood, Tyler, Pleasants, Doddridge, and Jackson counties. Assistive technology includes:

Emergency Preparedness

Ready.gov information:
https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

Public Health Emergency information from the US Department of Health and Human Resources:
http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/abc/Pages/afn-guidance.aspx

Guidance on Planning for Integration of Functional Needs Support Services in General Population Shelters from FEMA:
https://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/odic/fnss_guidance.pdf

Employers’ Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans :
http://askjan.org/media/EmployersGuideEmergencyEvacuation.pdf

Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home:
http://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/WheelchairFireSafety.pdf