Fair Shake Network
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. 
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." 

-- Margaret Mead
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About Us


The FAIR SHAKE NETWORK is an association of West Virginians dedicated to the belief that diversity makes our communities stronger.  People with disabilities have the right to live, work, and play in their own homes and communities.  The Fair Shake Network provides training and systems advocacy on issues affecting people with disabilities through statewide, grassroots, cross disability activities.

FSN will support people with disabilities and their families in participating in the legislative process.

We feel that people with disabilities have the right to make informed choices and control their own lives.

People with disabilities have the right to take risks and live with the outcome of those choices.


The Fair Shake Network (FSN) was founded in 1992 with support
from the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council. A majority of the board and executive committee members are people with disabilities.

Over the past two decades, the FSN has:
• Developed a statewide network concerned with all types of
disabilities and all age groups, providing opportunities for people
to learn from each other and take action together.
• Provided training to people with disabilities and family members
on a wide range of topics, including self-determination, public
education, independent living, employment services and supports,
and civil rights.
• Become a credible source of information for policymakers,
advocates and the public on policies and programs that impact
people with disabilities.
• Sponsored an annual Disability Advocacy Day at the legislature
and training for people with disabilities about the policymaking
process.
• Collaborated with numerous state and community organizations to advance its goals.
• Actively supported the participation, independence and growth of
its members through training and leadership development.

The FSN is incorporated as a non-profit and is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of 7 members and is elected from the membership of the association. The current membership structure of the FSN includes individual and organizational members.
Our 2016-2017 Board Members are:
Chairperson
Jeannie Elkins

Jeannie is one of the most recognized parent advocates in the State of WV. She is married to Bryan Elkins and is mother of a 29 year old young man with Autism.

Jannie was instrumental in the development of the Charleston Chapter of the Autism Society of WV and served as the President of the local chapter and the State organization for several years. Jeannie continues to be a mentor to others who have family members with Autism.

Jeannie is knowledgeable in the areas of independent living, family support,self-determination, and money follows the person.  She was instrumental in the development of the WV Self-Determination Initiative, a group promoting self-determination for people with disabilities and their families.  She is a 1998 graduate of Partners and Policymaking.  In 2005 she assisted the WV DD Council in planning self-determination conferences throughout the state. Jeannie served on the WV Developmental Disabilities Council for many years; and she is the immediate past Chair of the Council

Currently she participates on the  Medley Hartley Advocacy Advisory Council, The Olmstead Council, The QAI Waiver Council, serves as President of the Marshall University Autism Training Center Advisory Board, and has been an active member of WV FSN for twelve years.  Jeannie is a first time FSN Board Member and serves as the Chair of the Membership Committee.
Vice Chairperson

Bob Waybright


Bob was born in Elkins, WV.  He has lived most of his life in Webster County, WV.  When he was 18 he was involved in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.  After spending five months in Charleston General Hospital recovering from his accident he went to the rehabilitation  center located in Institute, WV where the P.T. and O.T. staff taught him how to take care of himself and move back into the community.  Bob was married for 5 years; he has now lived on his own in his home since 1992
Bob was a 4-H leader for ten years. He has run for county office two times and was on the Webster County Republican Executive Committee for over 10 years. He also worked for the Webster County Board of Education for over 18 years as a teacher’s aide and an Autism mentor.  He was also a co-founder of the Webster Co. and the Nicholas Co. Wheelchair Support Group.
In 2005 Bob graduated from Partners in Policymaking.

Bob has cut his hair for Locks of Love twice and has raised $250.00 for the organization. He has also played wheelchair sports where he has held state records.

Bob would like to see that every county in WV would have all the same benefits.

Treasurer

Nancy Tyler, M.S.W., J.D.


Ms. Tyler is a private healthcare consultant working in the Charleston area. Prior to July 1st of 2012, Nancy worked as Counsel for the House Health Committee for the West Virginia Legislature for five years and as Counsel for the House Finance Committee of the Legislature for seven years.


She was primarily responsible for all health related bills for the Legislature. She also participated on a variety of committees as a liaison to the legislature. Ms. Tyler’s background includes a variety of health related duties including the following: Director of the Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification in the Dept. of Health and Human Resources, Director of WV Operations for United Health Care, Deputy Attorney General, Executive Director of Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center, Health Policy Analyst for the Sunrise/Sunset Committee of the CO Legislature and other positions in the health arena.


She also has worked for United Cerebral Palsy, and Shawnee Hills Community Behavioral Health Center and has had a long term commitment to people with disabilities and enabling complete integration with the community. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Family Services from Auburn University, her Masters in Social Work from West Virginia University and her Law Degree from the University of Denver.

Secretary

Michelle Norweck


Michelle is currently a board member with the Fair Shake Network

and served as the past Director of the Fair Shake Network from 2014-2015.   She is an executive board member of the Statewide Independent Living Council and a WV Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society.  


She also serves as a Parent Representative on the West Virginia Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children.  Michelle is contracted by Marshall University School of Medicine to train Pediatric Residents in the delivery of chronic care to families living with special health care needs.

Prior to moving to West Virginia, Michelle worked as the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the mother of 3 children, one of whom has Down syndrome. 
Member at Large
Chris Marr
Bio to come
Member at Large
Jordan Dunn
Bio to come
Member at Large
Vickie Matheny
Bio to come

Paul Smith
Director


Paul was hired as the FSN Administrative Assistant in July 2008.  He has experience in the field of computer science, experience in planning special events, preparing reports, updating data bases, designing websites, publishing newsletters, and correspondence.

While working for Kay-Bee Toys at the Town Center Mall as an assistant manager, Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him a paraplegic. After his accident he started a Desktop Publishing business.  He and his wife Debbie has been married for 21 years. They have 2 children, Danielle and Richard and 3 Grandchildren.  Paul is a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School and attended WV State College.

  He enjoys fishing and camping. 



Our Vision

People with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to fully
participate in their communities and realize their dreams.



Our Mission
The Fair Shake Network is an association of West Virginians
dedicated to a “fair shake” for people with disabilities. Its mission is to educate policymakers and the public about disability issues and to empower people with disabilities to speak for themselves.



Our Values

1. All people should have equal opportunities and the support they
need to be full members of their communities, state and nation.
2. Everyone has value and something to contribute.
3. If people don’t speak up, things won’t change.
4. We have strength in numbers when we act together.