Advocare
Fall 2007
A Publication of the West Virginia Advocates, Inc.
Table of Contents
- From the Executive Director
- Death Investigation
- WVA Investigates Lack of Food for Clients in Intensive Support Setting
- WVA Staff to Serve on National Disabilities Rights Network Board of Directors and Resource Advisory Committee
- WVA's Programs and Success Stories
- Board of Directors
- About WVA
- Mission Statement
- Statement of Purpose
- Disclaimer
WVA Programs
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security
In the last year, the PABSS program has undergone significant changes. In May, 2006 Susanne Taylor became Assistant Program Director of Employment Programs (PABSS and CAP). In October, 2006 Todd Hawkins joined WVA as the PABSS Advocate. Together they have brought attention to the program through new contacts and outreach. Susanne and Todd pursue contacts with employers, service providers, and rehabilitation providers to share information about the PABSS program and employment issues for persons with disabilities. Ms. Taylor was invited to participate in the annual Social Work Conference and presented with Renee Reedy, Community Work Incentives Coordinator, WV University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED), about work related myths about people with disabilities. Both Ms. Taylor and Mr. Hawkins were involved with the Workforce WV annual conference serving, respectively on the Planning Committee and as a featured presenter.
In July, they both attended the Annual WORFORCE WV Conference in Chester, WV. The conference focused on vocational issues across the state. Mr. Hawkins presented information to participants on "Dispelling the Myths of Employing People with Disabilities," and addressed topics including People First Language, Disability Etiquette, and the Roles and Duties of WVA as the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy system. Participants included WORKFORCE WV staff across the state, employers, vocational service providers, and individuals with disabilities.
WVA's participation in the conference provided a variety of opportunities, including networking with numerous service agency representatives and people with disabilities. Since the conference, a number of these networking contacts have called WVA to request additional outreach presentations or to make referrals for advocacy services for their family members or clients.
Susanne Taylor, Assistant Program Director- Employment Programs
Advocate Recieves Award for PABSS Activities
Todd Hawkins, Advocate received the "Quarterly Barbara DeMary Partner Excellence Award," at the Annual All Partner Fairmont WORKFORCE West Virginia meeting.
The Partner Excellence Award was established by the Management Team of the Fairmont WORKFORCE West Virginia Center.
The goal was to recognize a partner who had been actively involved in the Fairmont one-stop and had demonstrated a commitment to fostering partnerships with colleagues from the various agencies.
The award has been presented quarterly based on nominations received from other partners.
The award was named the Barbara J. DeMary Partner Excellence Award in honor of Fairmont's first Site Supervisor (now the Executive Director of the Region VI WIB) in recognition of her commitment to building strong partnerships in the one-stop system.
Under Barbara's leadership, Fairmont became the first certified comprehensive one-stop in Region VI.
She understood that in order for the one-stop to succeed, strong and vibrant partnerships between the agencies must be cultivated. Her vision was to create partnerships amongst the various partner agencies that were truly "win, win."
Mr. Hawkins and WVA were also recognized for efforts with Fairmont WORKFORCE West Virginia, and received a framed Certificate of Appreciation for 2006-2007. The theme of the certificate stated, "You are an essential piece of the puzzle and together we can achieve greatness." It exemplifies our collaborative efforts with the WORKFORCE.
