JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Governor's Council on Disability (GCD) has selected the award winner and honorable mention of the 23rd Annual Inclusion Award and the winner of the 2nd Annual Youth Leadership Award.
The Inclusion Award and one Honorable Mention are presented annually to recognize private and public employers, individuals, and organizations that have successfully included people with disabilities in education, employment, housing, and leisure activities. Individuals are also encouraged to nominate state and local government divisions or employees they truly feel excel in inclusive practices. The Youth Leadership Award is a program to recognize an outstanding Missouri youth (age 18-30) with a disability that has demonstrated exemplary leadership by making a difference in their community.
The 2014 Inclusion Award winner is Wayne Crawford, Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation
As Executive Director of the non-profit Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation, Wayne’s mission is to bring awareness to communities and developers concerning the need for accessibility in housing. Wayne has been promoting livable environments for people with disabilities for many years, and his organization provides support to individuals with disabilities as they search for a home that meets specific needs. He has worked closely with the Department of Mental Health and the Missouri DD Council to build accessible homes throughout Missouri.
The Honorable Mention for 2014 goes to Mercy Hospital, Disability Inclusion Services
Mercy Hospital’s Disability Inclusion Services is an outstanding leader in promoting an inclusive work environment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through its Supported Employment Program, Mercy currently employs 60 people with developmental disabilities (with a goal of 100 by 2016) in a wide range of jobs. Supported Employment at Mercy offers individuals with disabilities competitive wages, comparable benefits, accessible transportation and career advancement opportunities.
2nd Annual Youth Leadership Award winner is Claire Solomon
The winner of the 2014 Youth Leadership Award is Claire Solomon, an alumna of the Missouri Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities. Claire takes her knowledge of leadership skills and applies them to everyday life. While still in high school, Claire provided presentations on invisible disabilities to her peers. She exemplifies the spirit of giving back to her community and demonstrates her willingness to take the initiative in being active in her community by taking part in the St. Louis Arc’s Neighborhood Experiences project, the Paraquad Youth Group and Variety’s Bike for Kids Program. Currently, she is an art student at Missouri State University.
For more information on the Inclusion Award, go here. For more information on the Youth Leadership Award, go here.
For additional information, please contact the GCD at 573-751-2600 or via e-mail at gcd@oa.mo.gov.