DRS recognizes Home Depot in Ranson as an exemplary employer

10/28/21
From left: Ann Ramos, DRS Transition Counselor; Alyce Almond, DRS Employment Services Manager; Helga Mathis, Associate Support Department Supervisor; Lori Clark, Store Leader; Mike Reel, DRS District Manager
From left: Ann Ramos, DRS Transition Counselor; Alyce Almond, DRS Employment Services Manager; Helga Mathis, Associate Support Department Supervisor; Lori Clark, Store Leader; Mike Reel, DRS District Manager

Home Depot in Ranson is recognized by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) as an exemplary employer and partner as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October.

Home Depot has demonstrated excellence in its diverse hiring practices by creating an inclusive workplace, and DRS recognizes this organization for its positive contributions within our communities.

As a DRS vocational rehabilitation counselor who supports individuals with multiple types of disabilities, it is wonderful to know great employers like Home Depot exist! I have been fortunate to work with Home Depot and to have clients who have been employed at the store. Home Depot does a great job meeting the needs of their employees by observing and listening to them and by making departmental changes when necessary. They support their employees in beneficial ways, including through accommodations, if needed. I have seen the confidence in my clients grow exponentially because of the support they have received from their leaders and coworkers at Home Depot. I am truly grateful for employers like Home Depot, who take the time to understand that people with disabilities have the capability and right to work in order to reach personal goals and to support themselves.

Ann Ramos

DRS Transition Counselor

DRS, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, is responsible for the federal vocational rehabilitation program in West Virginia, which enables and empowers West Virginians with disabilities to work and to live independently. DRS helps adults, as well as high school and college students with disabilities set work goals and develop career plans to overcome employment-related barriers so they can go to work or maintain current employment. DRS assists West Virginia’s businesses and employers by being their primary employment resource to include or to retain people with disabilities in their workforce.

For more information about DRS and its programs, call 1-800-642-8207 or visit the division’s website at wvdrs.org.