Four Jaks Inc. of Lewisburg has been recognized with a Distinguished Employer award from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). Café One Ten, located in Oak Hill, received recognition as the Beckley District Employer of the Year from the DRS. “The partnerships with businesses that are jointly developed and nurtured serve as the foundation for our ultimate success,” said Division of Rehabilitation Services Director Donna Ashworth. “The employers recognized are progressive in their attitudes and they empower people with disabilities by providing them with job opportunities.” The selected employers recognize the abilities and the positive contributions individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. Employers are nominated by DRS vocational rehabilitation professionals and selected for recognition based upon their consideration and contributions to the employment of DRS clients. Many of those selected demonstrate extraordinary consideration in providing accommodations that help an individual perform the tasks associated with his or her job, while other employers consistently provide employment opportunities to DRS clients. Distinguished Employer awards were presented to other businesses in the district: • Kroger (Beckley Crossing location), Beckley • West Virginia Division of Highways, Princeton • Jackson’s Meat Shop, Summersville DRS, a division of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, is the state agency responsible for the federal vocational rehabilitation program in West Virginia. DRS provides vocational rehabilitation assistance to people with physical or mental conditions that are interfering with their ability to get or keep a job. Employers play a critical role in the success of those participating in the vocational rehabilitation program. DRS offers individualized service to assist employers in retaining valued employees or in hiring qualified employees. DRS can provide consultation related to disability, as well as information about assistive technology, disability resources, potential tax credits, workplace accommodations and other benefits to employers. The Beckley District consists of Raleigh, Mercer, Summers, Monroe, Greenbrier, Fayette, Nicholas, Braxton, Webster and Pocahontas counties. For more information about DRS and its programs, call 1-800-642-8207 or visit the division’s website at wvdrs.org. In the Beckley District, call 304-256-6900.
