Adapted Aquatics
Adapted Aquatics is open two evenings a week at Martin School with participants of all ages. This program is designed to help people with mild mental disabilities and physical limitations with activity in the water. The program is beneficial to those with osteoperosis, arthritis, cerebral palsy, just to mention a few. The program coordinators are certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors.
Bowling Party
A December Bowling Party is held at Emerson Lanes for Camp ECHO campers, counselors, staff, friends, family and WCS board members.
Camp ECHO
Camp ECHO is one of our oldest programs. The camp is held at Cedar Lakes, Ripley, WV. This year it took place June 10-15. Last year there were 42 campers, 36 counselors, and 3 staff. The camp provides activities such as swimming, crafts, music, kayaking, games and dances. All of the campers are physically and/or mentally handicapped. The WCS goal is to assist the disabled and maximize their abilities. The campers look forward to the camp and all the fun and fellowship it provides.
Everybody Counts!
Futhering one of our missions for public awareness, WCS funds materials for "Everybody Counts!" program with Wood County Schools. The weeklong program relates various disabilities to children so they may better understand the challenges. The program reaches as many as three schools yearly touching over 850 students, educators, and parents
Lending Library
The Parkersburg, Wood County Library serves the blind adults and children with hand held magnifiers, audio tapes, books, videocassettes, tape players, Braille and other items that were donated by the WCS for the Blind and Physically Handicapped area.
MOV Autism Network
The MOV Autism Network is a support group for parents of children with autism. The group provides support and offers current information about autism to members.
MOV Post Polio Support Group
The Post Polio Support Group meets quarterly to help polio survivors adapt to the late effects of the polio virus. The group has a lending library, videos, literature and they host or attend occasional seminars to aid the survivors.
Preschool Speech
The preschool speech program is for children ages 3 through 5. Children receive 12-15 hours of therapy in 2 to 5 days per week. The program is available in Wood County Schools and WCS helps with the funding.
Sign Language Classes
The WCS sponsors a fall and spring sign language class each year. The "Joy of Signing" is the text used. The sign language class gives adults and children an opportunity to communicate with family members, friends or reach out to a person in their job.
Special Assistance
WCS provides Special Assistance when there is an opportunity to network with other agencies to serve those with disabilities.
Summer Speech
Summer Speech is offered to children that attend therapy in the Wood County Schools. The program includes two 30-minute sessions a week for 6 weeks. The children range from 2 1/2 to 16. Summer Speech was developed by the WCS and Wood County Special Education. The program helps to prevent children with communication disorders from losing skills learned during the school year and strives to help them progress. There are 3 speech therapists that conduct the program.
The Rollers
The Rollers play basketball in their wheelchairs against people in wheelchairs that have no disability. The funds they receive at their yearly basketball game are managed by
WCS. The fund other wheelchair individuals with
ramps, batteries, or other wheelchair needs.
Very Special Arts Festival
WCS is a sponsor of the WSArts Festival. The event is organized by Artsbridge and is held at WVU-Parkersburg. There are over 900 participants from 28 different school systems in WV and OH. The children experience hands on activities and enjoy performances by singers, musicians, and dance groups.
Whitaker-Minard Scholarship
The Whitaker-Minard Scholarship was established to honor the memories of Dr. Charles Whitaker, Jr. and Tony Minard. The work and dedication of these two gentlemen brought the success of the Telethon and many programs still offered today. The non renewable scholarship is made available through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. The recipient must pursue an associate or bachelor level degree in any field specializing in services for individuals with disabilities.