SENATE RESOLUTION 46

(By Senators Jeffries, Stollings, Caputo, Hamilton, and Rucker)

[Introduced March 1, 2022]

Designating March 2, 2022,  as Disability Employment State Use Program Day.

Whereas, The State Use Program was established in 1984 to serve the State of West Virginia and our statewide disability community; and

Whereas, The WV Association for Rehabilitation Facilities in partnership with WV Association for Disability Employment, work toward our collective mission of giving every individual with a disability the opportunity to have gainful employment; and

Whereas, Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes individuals with disabilities to live independently, enjoy self-determination, contribute to society, and fully experience economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of society; and

Whereas, Family members, friends, and members of the community can play a central role in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, especially when provided with necessary support services, and public and private employers are aware of the capabilities of people with disabilities to be engaged in competitive work in inclusive settings; and

Whereas, The goal of the State Use Program is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunities and support to make informed decisions, pursue meaningful productive lives, contribute to their family, community, state, and nation; in addition to having interdependent relationships with others to achieve full inclusion in society; and

Whereas, The Senate hereby recognizes the contribution that workers with disabilities make to the safe and efficient operation of government for the State of West Virginia through the State Use Program; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 2, 2022, as Disability Employment State Use Program Day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Tara Martinez, CEO  of WV Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc.