WV Disability Employment changing lives for talented individuals

MABEN, WV (WVNS) – The workshop of the Integrated Care Resource Center was filled to the brim with crafts and restorations from some very amazing crafters right here in West Virginia.

This is all made possible by the West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, West Virginia Association of Disability Employers and others around the state!

The Community Rehabilitation Programs and Providers Community Open House is hosted to help make connections as well.

A fairly recent change in legislature may cause those with disabilities to lose their jobs, and this event is helping to bring awareness.

“So our legislature changed one word in the law, which went from shall to may. And what that has cost is now us to lose custodial contracts throughout the state that has taken jobs away from those with disabilities. So we want to bring awareness to our communities about that, to try to you know, we really need that lot of change back,” said CEO Dreama Padgett.

The workers in the workshop create and restore items! This includes everything from basket weaving to restoring antiques and furniture. Padgett wants the community to keep an open mind about those around them, who may just create a little differently.

“Understand the importance of what it is to give everybody that equal chance to have employment, you know, no matter what their situation may be in,” said Padgett.

Rehabilitation efforts of other CRPs who participate in the state use program in Southern WV were also at the event, these include Mercer County Opportunity Industries, Gateway Industries, Lillian James Learning Center, and Seneca Designs.

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