By Dennis Myers
Contributing Writer
Peachtree – This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This was a landmark piece of legislation that was directed at establishing and preserving the rights of and advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of society, not just employment.
October is designated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the awards that were being presented on Aug. 25 are an early recognition of this special time. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Disability, Part of the Equity Equation.”
This marks the 31st year of the Disability Employment Awareness Awards being presented as a part of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner. These awards recognize people who refuse to be defined by a disability and also businesses who recognize that having a disability does not diminish the value or contribution these people can provide for their organizations.
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Our first award goes to a young man, who was served by Vocational Rehabilitation, referred to Industrial Opportunities Inc., hired as an employee by IOI and then, based on some personal goals of his own moved to Moog and is working there. He has faced many challenges, but did not back down from them.
His current supervisor, Scott, says of Chris, “He doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit.’ ” He maintained the Chris possesses what Navy Sea Bees call “a can-do spirit,” which is both a workplace and a spiritual benefit to those who work around him.
Chris is responsible for preparing and sizing rotor shafts for the next step in their manufacturing process. In addition to being a valued assembler, he has also distinguished himself as an exceptional instructor and cross trainer. Our Personal Achievement Award goes to Chris Nation.
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Our next award goes to an employer who is well known as being an excellent entry to employment for a lot of workers, particularly high school students. However, this business has gone a step further in being open to hiring employees that have barriers that may be off-putting to others.
They have stated that they are willing to give folks a chance, sometimes in the face of issues that might include obvious physical situations, need for extra training and even some problems with reputation. This willingness is rewarded by gaining a good employee, more often than in proving the preconceptions were correct and valid.
This type of situation is not just a one and done, but is ongoing and anticipated to be even more valued in the future. Our Employer of the Year Award goes to Ingles of Murphy. Accepting for Ingles is Brian Dyer.
Thanks to the selection committee, consisting of Jonathan Lovingood, IOI pre-employment transition specialist; Sheila Haigler with Vocational Rehabilitation; Emily Neuenfeld with Vocational Rehabilitation; Tracy Martin with NC Works; and myself.