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 2017-2018 Board Members are:

Chairperson

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.
Vice Chairperson
Vickie Matheny
Bio to come

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. 
Treasurer
Chris Marr


Chris began his legislative career in the House of Delegates working for both the Committee on Government Organization and the Committee on Finance Chris spent the last 5 years of his employment in the House as the Assistant to the House Majority Leader, Rick Staton. Chris left state government in 2003 to begin working as a regional director of state government affairs for Lorillard Tobacco. Chris now oversees lobbyist in 20 states for LTC. Chris also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Community Connect Foundation, a WV-based 501c3 specializing in community-based technology issues. Chris' understanding of the West Virginia legislative process, as well as observing business and government trends from his regional work, plays a vital role in CRWMG's success.

 

His specialties include commercial/residential development issues, technology, budget/tax policy initiatives and licensing issues.
Member at Large
Jordan Dunn
Bio to come
Member at Large
Jan Lilly-Stewart
Bio to come
Member at Large
Delmar Davis

Clyde Delmar Davis born in Wayne County. He moved between Cleveland, Ohio to St. Albans, West Virginia throughout his youth and then as an adult settled in Charleston, WV in the late 1960’s. He has served as an honorary Deacon of his church for the past several years and prior to that he was a

magazine salesman and has volunteered with several disability organizations such as People First, the WV Developmental Disabilities Council, Ron Yost Personal Attendant Service and Consumer Affairs Councils. Delmar has been a long time member of the Fair Shake Network.

 

When Delmar isn’t advocating, volunteering or going to church you can probably find him in his home studio painting or writing music.

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.