Photo Provided Katie Fischerkeller, left, transition specialist for the Belmont and Harrison County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, fields questions from high school students at the 2024 Road Map for Transition Fair. This year’s event will be held 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 7 at the ECO Center in St. Clairsville. More than 60 businesses and agencies will be present to provide information and real-world job experiences.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — More than 60 businesses and industries across Belmont and Harrison counties will have booths at the Second Annual Belmont–Harrison Road Map for Transition Fair on Oct. 7.

The event is from 9 a.m. to noon at the ECO Center in St. Clairsville.

The event connects high school students with disabilities with potential employers and offers experiences to prepare them for life after graduation. Highlights include virtual reality job simulations, interactive workshops and practical sessions such as “What Not to Wear” by Goodwill Industries; “How to Bank” by WesBanco; and “It Pays to Work” presented by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.

The event is sponsored by the Belmont-Harrison Multi-Agency Planning Group, which includes the Belmont and Harrison County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, OOD, Ohio Employment First, Belmont County Juvenile Court, Belmont Career Center, Goodwill Industries,

Bridgeport schools, St. Clairsville schools, Union Local schools and East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.

Kevin Miller, director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, said events like this ensure that students are prepared for the future.

“Events like this transition fair are vital in empowering students with disabilities. They not only

connect our students with valuable job opportunities but also equip them with practical skills and

knowledge,” Miller said. “This initiative reflects the collaborative efforts of our dedicated partners, ensuring that students are prepared for the workforce and can navigate their futures with confidence.”

More than 500 students from public and private schools and the career centers across both

counties are expected to attend.

The ECO Center, located at 68332 Bannock Road, St. Clairsville, is a fully accessible venue. For more information, contact Sean Ragsdale at sean.ragsdale@ood.ohio.gov