Wood County Society raising awareness
By PAMELA BRUST, pbrust@newsandsentinel.comArticle Photos
Editor's Note: This is the next story in a weekly series highlighting area agencies receiving support from the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
PARKERSBURG - The Wood County Society has served children and adults with disabilities in the community for more than 50 years.
"Over time the society has gone from offering only therapies to providing 15 programs and services for more than 3,000 people. Wood County Society's mission is to maximize abilities and raise disability awareness," said Jane Stephens, executive director with the society.
The society, a United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley supported agency, funds and supports therapies like adapted aquatics and summer speech; support groups like Mid-Ohio Valley Post Polio Support, Mid-Ohio Valley Autism Network and Camp ECHO; Buddy Camper; disabilities awareness; Everybody Counts!; sign language classes; Christmas bowling party and a scholarship. In addition to the United Way, the agency receives funding from the annual Celebration of Kids telethon, grants, camp, holiday and memorial contributions. All programs are offered free of charge.
Camp ECHO takes place every summer at Cedar Lakes in Ripley where 60 adult campers enjoy swimming, crafts, music, games, dancing, entertainment, fun and fellowship. Counselors are from area high schools and colleges, many of whom go on to pursue careers working with individuals with disabilities.
"We have seven residents here, and every one of them goes to Camp ECHO every summer. They return truly inspired. I go for the talent show every year, and really enjoy it. The camp is the best thing that could happen and they look forward to it every year," said Jackie Purkey, with the Horizons group home.
A summer speech program, offered in conjunction with Wood County Schools, provides each child with 2 1/2 hours of therapy weekly for six weeks. An apraxia clinic has been added for children with extreme speech delays. This clinic includes sensory integration methods, oral motor exercises and speech therapy.
"Speech therapists often say they spend the first part of the next school year reviewing skills the students had at the end of the previous year. Summer speech allows the students to continue their progression without the chance of forgetting any skills they have acquired during the regular school year. As the child's speech progresses they may have the self-esteem to face the new school year," Stephens said.
The agency offers beginner and advanced classes in American Sign Language in the fall and spring.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Autism Network support group, dedicated to support and increased understanding for those whose lives are affected by autism spectrum disorders, is hosting a series on Aspergers Syndrome on Oct. 16 and 23 at Stout Memorial Methodist Church.
For more information on any of the society's programs and services, visit the society's office on the second floor of the Dils Center, call (304) 422-7243, extension 109, or go online to www.woodcountysociety.com or e-mail: woodcosoc@juno.com.
