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2001 Rehabilitant of the Year Ceremony
As Governor, I extend congratulations to the seven recipients of the Rehabilitant of the Year recognition. You have shown the true Mountaineer spirit of persevering, of overcoming obstacles, and of determining your own future. Technology is one of the major focuses of my administration. You, perhaps more than anyone else, realize the tremendous impact technology has had and can have on all aspects of our lives. Technology has enabled all of you to live independent lives in your communities and gives all of us the ability to "access the future." In my State-of-the-State message in February, I said we must keep the best and brightest here at home--the seven individuals honored here today are an excellent example of our best and brightest. Our citizens have demanded a government that is hard working and dedicated to its citizens. I am proud to say we have a superior rehabilitation program that includes one of only nine state-operated comprehensive rehabilitation centers in the nation. The caring people of this center provide the quality services that our fellow citizens with disabilities need. On behalf of all West Virginians, congratulations! I am proud of your achievements and wish you, your families, friends, and co-workers the very best.
Congratulations to the Rehabilitant of the Year honorees. President Ronald Reagan said, "You on the cutting edge of technology have already made yesterday's impossibilities the commonplace realities of today." The seven individuals honored today and the thousands of other individuals with disabilities in our state and in our country are certainly on this cutting edge. What you have accomplished would not have been possible a few short years ago. The combination of education, technology, and determination is the key to success, a key which all of you have found and employed. With that key you are opening doors and building futures. I wish you, your family, and friends the best as you go forward in your career and life. You are an inspiration to all West Virginians. Congratulations and best wishes.
As a result of technological innovation, we can identify opportunities to close service gaps by creating a shared awareness of trends, activities, resources, and skills while building a commitment toward action. The 2001 Rehabilitant of the Year Ceremony highlights the ways technology impacts the lives of the seven individuals honored today. Screen readers, lifts, communicators, and other assistive devices enable individuals with the most severe disabilities to work and to live in their communities. Those honored today represent the thousands of West Virginians with disabilities who have turned technological change into the opportunity for a richer life. The futurist, John Schaer said, "The future is not some place we are going but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination." On behalf of the Division and all of its employees, I extend to this year's recipients congratulations for your achievements. Through your rehabilitation you have the tools you need to make choices and access opportunities that allow you to take control of your destiny. You are building the paths which empower you, your family, friends, co-workers and all West Virginians with disabilities to be in control of a future that helps build stronger communities, families, and economies. Photos
Of the 2000Ceremony
This year's recipients of the Rehabilitant of the Year Award and their employers are as follows:
The
future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The
paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them
changes both the maker and the destination. John
Schaer, futurist The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services seeks to enable and empower individuals with disabilities to work and live independently. There are 31 district and branch offices located throughout the state. District offices are located in Charleston, Clarksburg, Beckley, Huntington, Wheeling, Martinsburg and Lewisburg. |
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Governor
of West Virginia
Cabinet
Secretary, West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts
Interim
Director, West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
