Martinsville Bulletin, Inc.
P. O. Box 3711
204 Broad Street
Martinsville, Virginia 24115
276-638-8801
Toll Free: 800-234-6575
|
|
 |
|
|
| Former city resident heads Department of Rehabilitative Services |
Shown at the opening of Rothrock Hall are (front, from left) James A. Rothrock, for whom the building was named, with his grandson Henry Rothrock, (back, from left) nephew Cole Rothrock, sister-in-law Allyson Rothrock, daughter-in-law Rebecca Rothrock, son Sam Rothrock, brother Dru Rothrock, mother Ruth Rothrock, wife Jane Rothrock and aunt Margaret Hartman. (Contributed photo) |
Sunday, June 28, 2009
FISHERSVILLE — The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center’s new medical building has been named Rothrock Hall in honor of former Martinsville resident James A. Rothrock.
Rothrock is commissioner of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) and the son of Ruth Rothrock of Martinsville.
The building’s dedication on Wednesday was in recognition of Rothrock’s commitment and efforts on behalf of Virginians with disabilities, according to a release from the center.
Rothrock has been affiliated with the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center for more than 40 years. It began when he became a client after he sustained a spinal cord injury during a sledding accident at the age 16 while a resident of Martinsville.
After graduating from Martinsville High School, St. Andrews Presbyterian College in 1971 and Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979, he has built a career focused in disability advocacy and programming.
Rothrock has served in various positions including counselor, lobbyist, adjunct professor, deputy commissioner and commissioner of rehabilitative services. His leadership within and outside of state government has resulted in innovative programs and services that continue to give Virginians with disabilities greater access to competitive employment, independent living and economic independence, the release states.
The medical building, which was closed almost a decade ago due to structural problems with the foundation, re-opened as a modern residential facility for clients who need nursing and attendant care while enrolled in a vocational rehabilitation program. It is equipped with adaptive technology and devices to help clients with the most severe disabilities.
The day’s celebration featured letters from Gov. Tim Kaine presented by Secretary of Health and Human Services Marilyn Tavenner, formerly of Fieldale, as well as Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner, and comments by Dele. Steven Landes of Weyers Cave.
“I was fortunate to have met people who transformed my life while I was a student at WWRC more than 40 years ago, and I am confident that our current students will be exposed to transformational experiences today, especially with this new building to complement the exceptional array of professionals we have here at WWRC,” Rothrock said.
The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. It provides medical, assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities, and is a division of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services. |
| |
|
|
|
.jpg)
