Diagnosed at 17 with diabetes, Victor Wyatt has struggled for years with health issues; however, he’s never let it get in the way of a nearly 40-year career with PowerSouth.

It was for that very reason, Wyatt was honored Thursday as employee of the year for the county’s Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities.

“And I’m still hanging around,” Wyatt said of his position in the company’s marketing, development and fundraising programs.

During his college years, Wyatt received services through the state’s vocational rehabilitation program, which provided assistance for tuition and books at Auburn University.

According to Pat Daugherty, CCEPD chairperson, some 4,500 people received that type of service and more through the state voc rehab program. On Thursday, members of the business community, various rehabilitation programs and others joined for the CCEPD’s 20th annual recognition luncheon.

“We appreciate the consumer’s courage to overcome their challenges when seeking a future,” Jim Harris III, assistant commissioner for the state Department of Rehabilitation Services, said of the program. Harris served as the event’s guest speaker.

“Our department is a resource to you (the business community) to provide a pool of qualified applicants,” he said. “It’s a partnership that serves the community well. Consumers get valuable training and the opportunity for a job, while the business community – without out you opening those doors, all their work would be for naught,” he said. “And we thank you.”

 

Wyatt was only one of many honored at the day’s luncheon. Other awardees include:

• volunteers from Southside Baptist Church of Andalusia who assist in preparing for the CCEPD’s annual employment training conference;

• Terry Holley, retired Covington County Schools superintendent, as educator of the year;

• Justin Maddox, a Red Level graduate and LBWCC Community College student, as student of the year;

• David Montz of Cost Plus as employer of the year; and,

• Brenda Donaldson of South Central Alabama Mental Health as advocate of the year.

For more information on how to employee persons with disabilities or those wanting more information about available services, visit rehab.alabama.gov.