In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently joined the Howard County Commission on Disabilities to celebrate the winners of the Commission’s 2024 Employment Awards.

Held at the Maryland Innovation Center, this annual event honors employers and employment professionals who value disability inclusion and advance equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, as evidenced by hiring practices, staff development, advancement opportunities and accommodation practices, according to a county government news release.

“We recognize the value that an inclusive, diverse workforce brings to our business community and county,” Ball said in the release. “Employment is empowering, and it is through the removal of economic and other societal barriers that we can expand opportunity. This year’s winners have stepped up to the plate and taken the initiative to advance the employment of people with disabilities.”

This year’s award winners are:

First Place:

Chuck Chandler — A general manager for the Residence Inn Fulton, Chandler fosters a welcoming work culture and creates meaningful training opportunities to transition-age students with disabilities.

Giant at Hickory Ridge Store #111 — Through its inclusive hiring and accommodations practices, this Columbia grocery fosters a welcoming work culture and offers equal opportunities for workers with disabilities.

Second Place:

Michael Touchet — Owner of the Touche´ Touchet Louisiana Café in Elkridge, Touchet fosters a welcoming work culture. Through his inclusive hiring practices and individualized training opportunities offered to encourage the development of food service and soft skills, Touchet provides meaningful internship and employment opportunities for transitioning students.

Runner Up:

Hope Love Shine — Recognized for employing participants of the Autism Hiring Program, this online retail jewelry business embraces a welcoming work culture. Through its individualized approach, Hope Love Shine utilizes the strengths, skills and interests of its employees to meet business needs and maximize workplace success.

Lib’s Grill at Maple Lawn — As evidenced by its staff training and inclusion practices, Lib’s Grill creates a welcoming work culture and meaningful internship opportunities for transition-age students with disabilities.

Celebrated each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizes the contributions employees with disabilities make to America’s workplaces and economy, according to the release. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.”

Established in 1988, the Commission on Disabilities was formed to increase public awareness of disability-related issues, serve in an advisory capacity on county government programs, policies and budget, and assist county government to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.