Gov. Jack Markell was on hand as the Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the State Rehabilitation Council honored efforts at workplace inclusion.
“Each year we are proud to honor businesses in our state that have created workplaces that are inclusive of employees from diverse backgrounds as well as those with disabilities,” said Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director Andrea Guest. “We also recognize employees with disabilities who have persevered and overcome barriers to achieve success in the workplace.”
Workplace inclusion is about fostering a culture of diversity that includes hiring people with disabilities. Employers who create a culture of inclusion gain value by increasing creativity and knowledge including building a united strength to solve today’s complicated business challenges to attain success, a release stated.
The event was held at Dover Downs on Monday.
Last year, DVR placed more than 1,204 people with disabilities into careers and jobs throughout Delaware and the country; more than 300 of those placed were students transitioning from school to employment.
Honored were:
Outstanding businesses
- U.S. Security Associates, Inc., New Castle County
- Delaware Technical & Community College, Terry Campus, Dover
- Department of Administrative Services, Kent County
- Pizza King, Sussex County
Outstanding employees
- Tasia Moore, FEDCAP, New Castle County – Wilmington
- Keith MacFarland, Advance Auto Parts Kent County
- Jessica Hurtado, Chesapeake Utilities, New Castle County – Newark
- Travis Shockley, Home Depot, Sussex County
Outstanding Provider
- Jon Fletcher, Fletcher Consulting Services, Inc.
DVR Employee Recognition
- Phyllis Ritson, DVR Counselor II
- John Ludwig, Business Relations Specialist
- Heather Burleigh, Administrative Specialist
