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Wood County Commission recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month

By Brett Dunlap 3 min read

PARKERSBURG -- The Wood County Commission has declared October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Representatives of the Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and Goodwill-SW Resources appeared before the commission Thursday to discuss the services they provide and how many in the community are viewing citizens with different disabilities as well as have the commission approve the proclamation.

"…the Wood County Commission, West Virginia recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities," the proclamation stated. "Activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities, affirming Parkersburg's commitment to inclusivity."

Doug Hess, chief operating manager for The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley, highlighted an upcoming training session, called Working With People with Disabilities, to be held on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Judge Black Annex.

"We believe in employing people with disabilities and developmental disabilities," Hess said. "That is what this month is all about."

The Are of the Mid-Ohio Valley operates a Thrift Shop, a Fingerprinting service, and an Artistic Opportunity Center, providing outlets for people to sell their artwork to supplement their income, the proclamation said.

"These venues offer inclusive employment and vocational training opportunities for people with and without disabilities, fostering full inclusion and participation for all, and enhancing our community by recognizing the valuable contributions people with disabilities make every day," the proclamation stated. "We call upon employers, schools, and other community organizations in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to advance the important message that people with disabilities are equal to the task throughout the year."

Hess has been with The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley for 13 years. In his time there he has seen more people included in the community.

"It used to be 'us' and 'them,'" Hess said. "It used to be 'those people with disabilities' or 'the handicapped.'

"Now, we have seen a great improvement, we are included in the community just like everyone else, living, working, worshiping and eliminating those labels."

Commissioner Jimmy Colombo said it was a good thing that many people with disabilities are able to participate in daily life.

"They really are," he said.

Morgan Spicer, self advocate coordinator for People First of West Virginia, said employing people with disabilities is very important as he himself has a disability.

"They are people just like us," he said "Their skills and contributions to the workforce are just as important."

People have different abilities, Hess said.

Some people have developmental disabilities they were born with while others can become disabled from accidents, medical conditions or other factors.

"It is something that impacts all of us at some point in our lives,'' Hess said.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com

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