HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 7

(By Delegates Staton, Michael, Mezzatesta, Douglas, Amores, Pino, Varner, Kominar, G. White, Warner, Campbell, Marshall, Smirl, Webster, R. Thompson, Ashley, Swartzmiller, Perry, Givens, Fahey, Overington, Paxton, DeLong, Azinger, Manchin, Caputo and Browning)


Recognizing the West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and its members and programs for promoting gainful employment of citizens with disabilities.

Whereas, It is the policy and desire of the State of West Virginia to assist its citizens with severe disabilities to achieve maximum personal independence through meaningful, productive and gainful employment which enhances dignity while minimizing dependence on government support; and
Whereas, Unemployment among West Virginians with disabilities continues at a rate in excess of 65%; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (WVARF) acts as the central nonprofit agency for implementing our legislatively created State Use Program; and
Whereas, WVARF and its participating community rehabilitation programs involved in the State Use Program have provided jobs to thousands of West Virginians with disabilities over the past ten years; and
Whereas, WVARF through the State Use Program creates industries and expands business that contribute to the economic base and workforce of local communities throughout West Virginia; and
Whereas, WVARF is a leader among similar programs across the nation that help focus the energy and resources of our State on providing employment for persons with disabilities; therefore, be it
Resolved by the West Virginia House of Delegates:
That this legislative body recognizes WVARF, its member community rehabilitation programs, and the State Use Program in West Virginia as valuable and dynamic forces for carrying out the will and intent of the State to promote gainful employment for West Virginians with disabilities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of this resolution to the WVARF.