The Transition Navigator Program assists people with disabilities and seniors who reside in institutional settings to live and be supported in their communities.  The Program targets people residing in nursing facilities (and other institutions) to "cut through the red tape" of the long term care system.  Two pilot programs through the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL) and Community Access, Inc. each employ a full-time Transition Navigator and cover 22 counties in West Virginia. 
NWVCIL covers 12 counties in north central West Virginia and Community Access, Inc. covers 10 counties in the southern part of West Virginia.   People who have significant disabilities and reside in the 33 counties not covered by the two Transition Navigators may apply for services through the West Virginia Olmstead Office in Charleston.  The Transition Navigator Program can be used to assist individuals residing in out-of-state nursing facilities who wish to return to West Virginia. 

People with significant disabilities who live in their own homes, but are at imminent risk of institutional placement may be provided with diversion funding and support through the Program.  Participants who are either transition or diversion consumers may be eligible for up to $2,500 in reasonable and necessary start-up funding. 

The following eligibility criteria must be met to participate in this program:
1.  The individual must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2.  The individual must require assistance to establish home and community-based services.
3.  The individual must reside in an institutional setting or be at imminent risk of institutionalization.

Allowable goods and services under this program are those that are reasonable and necessary to establish a household such as:
1.  Security deposit that is required to obtain a lease on an apartment or house;
2.  Essential and basic household furnishings required to occupy an apartment or house;
3.  Set-up fees or deposits for utility services required to occupy an apartment or house;
4.  Moving expenses needed to move from an institution to a home and community-based setting;  and
5.  Home accessibility modifications needed to support the individual's disability and increase independence.

Start-up funding is not intended to be annual or a repeated allocation for the same individual or family.  It is also not intended for costs associated with home improvements or repairs that are considered regular maintenance and upkeep. 

As examples of support other than funding, Transition Navigators may also provide:
*  direction transition support
*  outreach and education
*  information & referral
*  assessment & planning
*  advocacy

In you are interested in learning more about this program, contact the appropriate agency according to your county of residence:

Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL)
(304) 296-6091 or 800-834-6408
Covers  Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker and Upshur counties

Community Access, Inc.
(304) 766-2413
Covers  Boone, Clay, Fayette, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, Raleigh and Roane counties

West Virginia Olmstead Office:
(304) 558-3287 or 866-761-4628
Covers Berkeley, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Doddridge, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Jefferson, Logan, Marshall, Mercer, McDowell, Mineral, Mingo, Monroe, Morgan, Nichoals, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants. Pocahontas, Ritchie, Summers, Tyler, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming counties

"Confinement in an institution severely diminishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment."
- U.S. Supreme Court, Olmstead v. L.C. & E.W.