Wood County Commission recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month | News, Sports, Jobs

Doug Hess, chief operating officer of The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley, read a proclamation before the Wood County Commission on Thursday recognizing October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The commission unanimously accepted the declaration. (Photo: Brett Dunlap)

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

Representatives of the Mid-Ohio Valley Arc and Goodwill-SW Resources appeared before the commission on Thursday to discuss the services they provide and how many people in the community monitor differently-abled citizens, prompting the commission to approve the proclamation.

“…The Wood County Commission in West Virginia is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month to raise awareness of disability employment issues and celebrate the many and diverse contributions of people with disabilities.” stated in the statement. “Events throughout this month will reinforce the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities, reaffirming Parkersburg’s commitment to inclusion.”

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

“We believe in the importance of employing people with disabilities and developmental disabilities.” said Hess. “That’s what this month is about.”

The Wood County Commission on Thursday approved a proclamation recognizing October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Pictured, front from left, are Wood County Commission Chairman Blair Couch; Morgan Spicer, self-defense coordinator for People First of West Virginia, Wood County Commissioner Jimmy Colombo; Doug Hess, chief operating officer of The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley; and Wood County Commissioner Bob Tebay; Second row from left, Scott Brookover, Goodwill-SW Resources employee; Sarah Cordell, behavioral support specialist at Goodwill-SW Resources; and Alexis Ullmann, program activities coordinator for the Mid-Ohio Valley Belt. (Photo: Brett Dunlap)

In the Central Ohio Valley, Are operates a Thrift Store, a Thumbprint service and an Artistic Opportunity Center, providing outlets where people can sell artwork to supplement their income, the statement said.

“These spaces provide inclusive employment and job training opportunities for people with and without disabilities, encourage the full inclusion and participation of everyone, and enhance our community by recognizing the valuable contributions people with disabilities make every day.” stated in the statement. “We urge employers, schools, and other community organizations in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to celebrate this month with appropriate programs and events and spread the important message throughout the year that people with disabilities are equal in the role.”

Hess has been working at The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley for 13 years. During his time there, he saw more people become involved in the community.

“It used to be ‘us’ and ‘them’” said Hess. “We used to say ‘disabled people’ or ‘disabled people’.

“We have now seen great progress, we are included in society like everyone else, we live, work, worship and eliminate those labels.”

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

“They really are” he said.

Morgan Spicer, self-advocacy coordinator for People First of West Virginia, said hiring people with disabilities is crucial because she is disabled herself.

“They are people like us” he said “Their skills and contributions to the workforce are equally important.”

People have different abilities, Hess said.

Some people have developmental disabilities from birth, while others may become disabled due to accidents, medical conditions, or other factors.

“This is something that affects all of us at some point in our lives,” Hess said.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at [email protected].