(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Doug Hess, chief operating manager for The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley; Michelle Curtis, executive director at the Arc; and Alexis Ullmann, program and activities coordinator at the Arc appeared before the Wood County Commission on Monday to talk about their programs as the commission declared March 2025 as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Wood County.

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Commission is declaring March 2025 as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Wood County.

Representatives of the Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley appeared before the commission on Monday to have the proclamation approved and to tell commissioners about what they are doing.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability, the proclamation said.

“Whereas, in March we seek to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live…,” the proclamation said. “Whereas, the Wood County Commission has a commitment to the county being an inclusive place for all people with and without disabilities; and

“Whereas, people with a developmental disability are of all racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives.”

The commission is calling upon residents, employers, schools and community organizations across the county to observe this month with recognition of the abilities and value provided by people with disabilities in the community every day.

Doug Hess, chief operating manager for The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said their organization recently commemorated its 70th birthday.

There was a time when families who had someone with a developmental disability would have their family member committed to an institution to be with others like them.

“What this proclamation stands for is that people with disabilities should be able to live in the community, just like everyone else,” Hess said. “There is no `us and them.'”

Although people may need a little extra support or assistance, they are not less than anyone else, Hess said.

“We all have different needs,” he said. “The trend has been to bring more acceptance for people and whatever their thing happens to be.”

Hess referred to how people will label someone something related to their condition and how everyone wants to be what their name is, which is who they are.

Commission President Blair Couch said the new Wood County Resiliency Center was designed to allow better access for people with disabilities with wider hallways and doors.

“We did that building with that in mind,” he said.

The Arc moved into the building near Parkersburg High School along Dudley Avenue several years ago after the building was donated to them by the PM Company. The county has contributed money to the Arc to help get the building in shape. Hess said the building is working out and they recently got a new roof put on and the elevator works to allow people access to the whole building. Hess talked about receiving a grant from AT&T where anyone can come in and learn digital literacy, using computers and cellphones, internet safety and more. They also have a computer lab the community can use for things like applying online for a job and more.

Michelle Curtis, executive director at the Arc, talked about the Arc’s Summer Day program where they provide social and recreation activities for youth and teens who utilize the special education system in local schools. They go on field trips, do arts and crafts, swimming/bowling and more.

In 2024, the Arc provided 394 families with Early Intervention services, 225 adults trained on disability topics and 434 with developmental disabilities were impacted by direct service programs, Arc officials said.

The Arc will be doing its first fundraising golf scramble on May 19 at the Parkersburg Country Club, Curtis said.

“We appreciate all of the support you all give us,” Hess said.

The commission unanimously approved the proclamation.