Petition Statement:

We, the undersigned members and allies of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community in West Virginia, call for the removal of Erik Essington from his role as Executive Director of the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WVCDHH).

Our community depends on WVCDHH for leadership, advocacy, and support. Unfortunately, under Mr. Essington’s direction, the Commission has not met its responsibilities. Critical needs within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community have been neglected, and necessary improvements in accessibility, services, and representation have not been made.

This lack of effective leadership has left many without the advocacy and assistance they urgently require. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community of West Virginia deserves leadership that is strong, transparent, and responsive—leadership that will prioritize the voices, concerns, and well-being of those it serves.

Despite repeated concerns raised by the community, meaningful action has not been taken. We believe WVCDHH leadership should be proactive, innovative, and deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by our community. Unfortunately, Mr. Essington has not demonstrated these qualities during his time in the position.

This petition is a call for accountability and a demand for change. We need an Executive Director who listens to the community, responds to our needs, and acts effectively to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing West Virginians.

We respectfully urge immediate action to remove Erik Essington from his current position and to appoint leadership that will fulfill the mission of WVCDHH with integrity, accountability, and dedication.

Call to Action:
By signing this petition, you are standing with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community of West Virginia in calling for accountable leadership and a stronger, more inclusive future for our state.