By Beth Christian
Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – The City of Parsons received an award recently, recognizing them for helping enable and empower individuals with disabilities to work and live independently. The award, given by the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, Division of Rehabilitation Services, is awarded to Distinguished Employers.
The City of Parsons was nominated for this honor by three Division of Rehabilitation Services employees: Emily Grandusky, Donna Sines and John Shipman.
The application notes the City of Parsons has accepted several on the job contracts through the Division of Rehabilitation Services, and all contracts led to permanent employment for those folks. It further said the City is not only accommodating, but has served as a great advocate and spokesperson for the positive benefits of working with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
The application states, ‘The City of Parsons has modified work days and hours to fit the need of individual clients and accommodated needs including permitting a job coach to accompany individuals throughout their day. Mr. (Jason) Myers has referred numerous individuals who were struggling to maintain their employment throughout various departments and agencies with the City of Parsons including the 911 Communication Center and the Department of Highways. Myers assisted with connections with other agencies including the Tucker County Restructuring Committee as well as assisting West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services in becoming a participant in Tucker County Commission meetings. The City of Parsons has promoted successful employment for individuals with disabilities throughout the entire process, from the Parsons City Mayor Dorothy Judy, to the Parsons City Administration and the Tucker County Commission.’
Myers said Parsons has always had a great working relationship with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services and that they were very pleased to be named a 2015 Distinguished Employer.
Additional information about the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services is available by calling 304-637-0205 or online at www.wvdrs.org.