The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services proudly recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) – a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusion in the workplace! The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is West Virginia’s primary Vocational Rehabilitation resource for individuals with disabilities who want to work. DRS is committed to helping West Virginians with disabilities find and keep careers consistent with their interests, needs, and abilities. Also, DRS offers Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities who are between the ages of 14-21. Pre-ETS are designed to help students explore career interests, gain job skills and experience, and prepare for adult life. In partnership with local schools, businesses, and Community Rehabilitation Programs, DRS and Pre-ETS services help students find the best path from the familiar school environment to the world of gainful employment.
A Pre-ETS service that has been active in Summers County is Work Based Learning Experiences. Work Based Learning Experiences have been provided in conjunction with NUSkool Scholars in Summers County. NUSkool Scholars is a Community Rehabilitation Program that works to enable and empower individuals with disabilities to work and to live independently. The purpose of a Work Based Learning Experience is to provide an individual a real-world work experience to assist in developing an understanding of the demands of paid work, improvement of the soft skills needed to be successful in any employment setting, and assist in a better understanding of potential career choices. Individuals who participate in this program are placed at an integrated job site. Sprouting Farms is a four-season non-profit farm and an education and resource center located in Summers County, WV. Sprouting Farms presented an integrated job site within the community for students to apply work skill concepts learned through school or previous experiences and participation in career exploration activities. Sprouting Farms presented students the opportunity to learn about and perform work tasks related to planting, harvesting, cultivating, equipment, production, and customer service. Through the collaboration between DRS, NUSKool Scholars, and Sprouting Farms, several students with disabilities in Summers County have been able to advance their skills and become better prepared for the field of work.
If you would like more information, or if you are interested in applying for services, please contact the Beckley DRS office at 304-256-6900 or visit www.wvdrs.org.
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