LDHS is hosting an event as part of Disability Employment Awareness Month | News

Employing young people with disabilities to give them their first job experience and adults to give them the independence and sense of pride that comes with work was the theme of a National Disability Employment Awareness Month morning at Lawrence High School.

Students with special needs were honored guests of government and community leaders who expressed their admiration for their academic work and encouraged them to enter the world of work.

“This annual celebration in October is a time to recognize the resilience and talents of people with disabilities,” said event chair Amanda Munyan, president and chief executive officer of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured statements from Lawrence County and the municipalities of Lawrence County celebrating the partnership that puts people with disabilities in business, government and nonprofits. “This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together to see the many opportunities we have in Lawrence County for our students,” said LDHS Principal Lewis Compton in his welcome. “We value our partnership in the community and with both school districts.”

Lawrence County Councilwoman Shirley Clark presented the County Council Declaration that was passed and signed Monday evening. It specifically states: “Residents of Lawrence County with disabilities have the same aspirations to work competitively and contribute to their communities as everyone else; business and community leaders called for a diverse and capable workforce to further grow the Lawrence County economy; the support and cooperation of all people is needed to reduce the relational and physical barriers that prevent the full acceptance of people with disabilities and their rightful place at work; Employment First, the fact that employment in the general labor force is the first and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all citizens of working age with disabilities, regardless of the level of disability, is realized in all areas of service provision for people with disabilities; National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizes people with disabilities as capable contributors who are worthy of full access and inclusion in the Lawrence County workforce.”

Carolyn Beasley Short, District Transitions Coordinator, LCSD 55, introduced the words of intent, saying, “We want everyone to know that this is a very, very wonderful and purposeful event; October becomes a holiday and observation. Take a look around at some of our students and of course our teachers. We play an important role in supporting people with disabilities. Wherever we have children with disabilities and special needs, they should be employed, go to university, go to the army, whatever. We pay tribute to those men and women who have special needs. We tell everyone what they are interested in – that’s our mission.”

District 55 Superintendent Dr. Ameka Thomas tied the event’s message to the district’s 2023 theme, “Increase Your Impact on Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day.”

She emphasized “the importance of ensuring employment for people with disabilities and full community participation — we value our students, faculty, administration and community partners.”

Ernie Sigars, a former county administrator and former board chairman of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce who worked with the Lawrence County Disability and Special Needs Council, said many businesses and nonprofits hire people with disabilities. He told the assembled group that he was in a unique position, having a close family member with a disability.

Lawrence Mayor Nathan Sen told the students, “One of the things I want to make sure we get across is how proud we are of you. It really is all about you. If you hear nothing else today, hear that we are proud of you. We want you to be able to reach your full potential.”

Wanda Philip, Councilor for the Town of Gray Court, read a proclamation recognizing September and October as Disability Awareness Month and Disability Employment Awareness Month, respectively. It says more than 500,000 South Carolinians and families are affected by a lifelong disability and deserve jobs, opportunities and integration. The proclamation provides special recognition to guardians for their dedication to these individuals.

Proclamations also came from Barbara Smith, Mayor of Waterloo, Randy Randall, Mayor of Clinton, and David Coleman, Mayor of Cross Hill.

In closing remarks, Byron Smith, business development specialist for the SC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, said the event highlights “how people with and without disabilities come together to create lifelong partnerships for people with disabilities.”

In the program of the event, 19 thanks were issued to educational and government institutions, as well as mass media for spreading the message about inclusion and job opportunities. The message continues this month and next as the Lawrence County National Disability Employment Awareness Luncheon will be held Oct. 17 at The Ridge Recreation Complex in Lawrence.