SCVRD Conference Highlights Disability Employment in North Augusta

“National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize not only the talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities, but also the importance of the partnerships that help create opportunities for them,” said Commissioner Felicia W. Johnson of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department.

That recognition brought students, business leaders, workforce partners, and rehabilitation professionals together in North Augusta from October 14 through October 16 for the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Association’s annual conference, augustagoodnews.com reported. The three-day event highlighted disability inclusion, community partnerships, and employment opportunities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Activities throughout the week showcased the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department’s ongoing mission to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. One of the major focal points was the inaugural Roll & Stroll, held on Thursday, October 15, in partnership with Aiken County Public Schools.

The Roll & Stroll at SRP Park

Students from area middle and high schools joined Vocational Rehabilitation leaders for a spirited pep rally and walk around SRP Park, celebrating their abilities, potential, and future employment opportunities.

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The celebration featured performances by the Midland Valley High School drumline and North Augusta High School cheerleaders. Southern Soul recording artist Douglas Furtick, better known as 803 Fresh, served as the Grand Marshal.

Furtick is a former Vocational Rehabilitation consumer. During the event, he joined a featured conversation with SCVRD Commissioner Felicia W. Johnson to share his personal journey and discuss the vital role rehabilitation services played in his own life and career.

Strengthening the Workforce Through Employer Partnerships

Beyond student celebrations, the conference focused heavily on the practical side of hiring: forging direct employer partnerships to strengthen South Carolina’s workforce.

During a panel discussion titled The Workforce Playbook: Employer Partner Roundtable, Terra Carroll, President and CEO of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, moderated a conversation centered on employer engagement, local workforce needs, and methods for connecting individuals with disabilities to meaningful jobs.

Panel participants included:

Sara Wilson, Business Development Specialist with SCVRD’s Aiken Area Office
Amanda Atwell of Chartwells
Andre Anderson, Workforce Development Administrator with the Lower Savannah Council of Governments

“Whether we’re helping a student prepare for employment, working with a business to meet its workforce needs, or celebrating the success of someone who once received our services, it all comes back to our mission: helping people achieve greater independence through meaningful employment,” Commissioner Johnson stated.

Organizers noted that the conference demonstrated the practical value of collaboration among local educators, corporate employers, and community partners in building reliable pathways to employment and greater independence for South Carolinians with disabilities.