In recognition of Wednesday as Mental Retardation/DevelopmentalDisabilities Awareness Day in Brookhaven, area advocates forindividuals with disabilities met at Boswell Industries to witnessa proclamation signing and to tour the facility’s differentprograms.

“I think it’s great for Boswell to help people live up to theirpotential,” said Mayor Bob Massengill, who signed a proclamation atthe facility on Manufacturer’s Boulevard.

Massengill’s proclamation follows a recent announcement by Gov.Haley Barbour, designating March as Mental Retardation andDevelopmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Mississippi.Massengill said the designations also honor those who work withindividuals with disabilities.

“People who work with the handicapped are special people,” themayor said.

One such person is Teresa Humphrey, vocational traininginstructor with Boswell’s Day Habilitation (Day Hab) program. TheDay Hab program is a sheltered workshop for individuals with mentalretardation and developmental disabilities.

“We teach them skills they need to work in outside employment,”Humphrey said.

Humphrey writes training objectives specifically tailored toeach person.

“That’s our main goal, to teach life. We teach them here so theycan do it out there,” she said.

Each individual works closely with a social worker whoreinforces learning objectives.

“Over 77 employees work here every day. Our goal is to get themprepared to go into the community and be productive,” said EddieConn, Boswell Industries Director of Vocational Services.

The goal is accomplished through contracts Boswell Industrieshas with industries throughout the region. Employees work jobsuniquely tailored to their developmental ability and gain a senseof accomplishment.

“Last year we sent out over six million products,” Connsaid.

Conn cited a number of benefits for individuals who work at thecenter.

“They enjoy making money,” he said. “The most gratifying thingfor us is to see them achieve something in life that helps thembecome more self supportive.”