The book On the Outside was first published by the WV Developmental Disabilities Council in 1998, the same year the state closed its last institution for people with developmental disabilities. The book offers first-hand accounts from people about their experiences living in institutions and shows how their lives have changed since returning to the community. The Council is commemorating the 25th
anniversary of On the Outside and the milestone it represents by publishing an e-book edition on Kindle. In addition, the Council has commissioned a mini-documentary and series of podcasts to air during 2023. The Council is grateful for support from the WV Humanities Council in the creation of On the Outside. https://wvhumanities.org/
About WV Developmental Disabilities Council
The WV Developmental Disabilities Council is a 31 member organization that was established by an Executive Order of the Governor on March 6, 1972. The Council is authorized and funded by the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (P.L. 106-402).
