WV APSE

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, establishing comprehensive civil rights protections for people with disabilities.

For many people with disabilities today, the ADA has been part of their entire lives. It has helped open doors to education, employment, public spaces, transportation, and community participation.

But the work is not finished.

The ADA opened doors; the work of ensuring people with disabilities can meaningfully walk through them continues.

Today, WV APSE celebrates the progress made over the past 36 years and honors the advocates and people with disabilities who continue to advance accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion.

Happy ADA Anniversary!

07/24/2026

When you hear the words "job coach", what comes to mind? A person standing beside an employee and telling them how to do their job?

While job coaching can include hands-on support and instruction in the workplace, the role of an Employment Specialist is much broader.

Employment Specialists work with individuals to:
🔶 Discover their strengths, interests, and employment goals
🔶 Develop workplace and interpersonal skills
🔶 Explore different work environments and career possibilities
🔶 Identify the supports needed to succeed
🔶 Connect with employers and identify meaningful employment opportunities
🔶 Provide individualized instruction and support in the workplace
🔶 Help individuals build confidence and independence over time

Employment Specialists also work with employers to help create successful matches between an individual's strengths and the needs of a business.

The goal is not to do the job for someone. Rather, the goal is to provide the individualized support, instruction, and opportunities that help people succeed in employment and, whenever possible, to fade supports as the individual becomes more confident and independent.

Behind every successful employment outcome is a person with their own strengths, goals, and dreams. Employment Specialists help individuals discover what is possible and find a path toward meaningful work in their communities.

Over the coming months, WV APSE will be introducing Employment Specialists from across West Virginia and highlighting the people who make this work possible.



Photo description: Two silhouetted hikers are on a rocky mountaintop at sunset. One hiker reaches down to offer a hand to the other, who is climbing upward. The setting sun is visible in the background. Text overlaid over a dark blue background on the image reads: “Everyone deserves support on their journey.”

07/16/2026

At The Arc of Harrison County, every employment journey begins with understanding the individual.

When Evan began preparing for employment, the focus wasn't simply on finding a job - it was on discovering how he learned best, how he communicated most effectively, and what supports would help him succeed in the workplace.

Through Life Skills instruction, his employment team worked together to identify Evan’s learning preferences, communication strategies, and individualized supports. Those discoveries guided a Community-Based Assessment, where Evan ultimately identified a workplace that matched his interests and strengths.

Working collaboratively with the employer, his job coach helped customize a position that aligned with both the business's needs and Evan’s abilities. With the right supports in place, Evan has continued to thrive in competitive integrated employment for the past year and a half.

We're also proud to celebrate another exciting milestone: Evan was recently nominated by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services for a statewide employment award, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and success he's demonstrated throughout his employment journey.

Congratulations, Evan! Your determination and growth are an inspiration, and we're honored to have been part of your journey.



Photo description: An individual using a wheelchair is working at a retail counter, placing a pair of jeans into a shopping bag.

07/09/2026

Employment success isn't always about finding the first job - it's about finding the right job.

One individual supported by The Arc of Harrison County wanted to work but needed additional support to build the confidence and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate the transition from school to employment. Through individualized Life Skills instruction, they strengthened their communication skills, practiced workplace interactions, and gained the confidence to advocate for themselves.

As the individual explored different work environments through a Community-Based Assessment, they discovered the types of tasks they enjoyed most and where their strengths could shine. With continued support, they successfully interviewed independently and accepted a position in the community.

Like many people starting a new job, there were challenges along the way. The initial position moved at a pace that wasn't the best fit. Rather than giving up, the individual, employer, and employment team worked together to identify a role that better matched the person's strengths and preferred work style.

The result? A successful job match, an employee the business values, and an individual who has maintained employment independently with no ongoing support from our agency.

Sometimes, success isn't about changing the person—it's about finding the environment where they can thrive.



Photo description: A wooded trail splits into two paths at a fork in the road. A text box overlaid on the image reads: “The right path starts with opportunity.”

07/02/2026

As we celebrate Independence Day, we also recognize the many ways independence is experienced in our daily lives.

For individuals with disabilities, having the opportunity to choose where to work, earn competitive wages, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to their communities can be an important part of living an independent and self-directed life.

At WV APSE, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue competitive integrated employment and the supports they need to succeed. Together, we can continue building workplaces and communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Fourth of July!



Photo description: A close-up of an American flag waving in the background. A text box is overlaid in the center with the words: “Celebrating Independence. Advancing Opportunity.”

06/24/2026

One Support Can Make a Big Impact

Success at work often depends on more than learning job tasks. Communication is an essential workplace skill, and for some individuals, building confidence in workplace communication can make all the difference.

One individual supported by The Arc of Harrison County was successful in many aspects of their job but needed additional support learning how to communicate with supervisors about routine workplace matters such as schedule changes, requesting time off, and asking questions when needed.

Through individualized instruction and skill development, the individual practiced effective workplace communication and learned strategies for interacting with supervisors in a professional and confident way. Once employed, these skills were reinforced through modeling, coaching, and real-world practice.

Over time, the individual became increasingly independent and required minimal workplace support. More importantly, they developed skills that could carry from one job to the next, empowering them to self-advocate and navigate workplace expectations with confidence.

Sometimes, the most impactful supports are not physical accommodations or specialized equipment. Sometimes, they are the skills that help a person build confidence, communicate effectively, and thrive at work.



Photo description:
A blurred office background with an empty desk in the foreground. The image includes an overlaid text box that reads: “Supports build skills. Skills build opportunities.”

05/28/2026

In December 2025, Myriah Jenkins and Jess Williams from The Arc of Harrison County had the opportunity to participate in an interview with Disability Matters through People First of West Virginia to discuss Customized Employment and the meaningful impact it can have on the lives of individuals who receive these services.

It was a wonderful experience and an important conversation about creating opportunities, building community inclusion, and recognizing the strengths and potential of every individual.

We are grateful to have been part of this discussion and hope you enjoy watching the video as much as we enjoyed participating in it!

04/17/2026

West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Family to Family Program
Virtual Speaker Series:
All About Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

An Applied Behavior Therapist works with a child.

Join us for a laid-back, virtual speaker series designed specifically for families and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs. We know that life is busy, so we’ve made this series perfect for your lunch break—short, practical, and packed with info you can actually use. Every session will cover a topic that’s top-of-mind for families, featuring expert speakers and real-life tips from other caregivers. Whether you need advice, resources, or just a little support, these sessions are here to help make your life a little easier.



Register to Attend